This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: C88/C88M − 24

Standard Test Method for

Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or
Magnesium Sulfate1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C88/C88M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-

1.1 This test method covers the testing of aggregates to mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
estimate their soundness when subjected to weathering action 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
in concrete or other applications. This is accomplished by dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
repeated immersion in saturated solutions of sodium or mag- ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
nesium sulfate followed by oven drying to partially or com- Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
pletely dehydrate the salt precipitated in permeable pore mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
spaces. The internal expansive force, derived from the rehy- Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
dration of the salt upon re-immersion, simulates the expansion
2. Referenced Documents
of water on freezing. This test method furnishes information
helpful in judging the soundness of aggregates when adequate 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
information is not available from service records of the C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
material exposed to actual weathering conditions. C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
gregates
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
C136/C136M Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
Coarse Aggregates
values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equiva-
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
lents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
system shall be used independently of the other, and values
C702/C702M Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate
from the two systems shall not be combined.
to Testing Size
1.3 Some values have only SI units because the inch-pound D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates
equivalents are not used in practice. E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
1.4 If the results obtained from another standard are not Sieves
reported in the same system of units as used by this test E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
method, it is permitted to convert those results using the E323 Specification for Perforated-Plate Sieves for Testing
conversion factors found in the SI Quick Reference Guide.2 Purposes

NOTE 1—Sieve size is identified by its standard designation in Speci- 3. Terminology

fication E11. The alternate designation given in parentheses is for
information only and does not represent a different standard sieve size. 3.1 For definitions of general terms used in this test method
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the see Terminology C125.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 This test method provides a procedure for making a
preliminary estimate of the soundness of aggregates for use in
1
concrete and other purposes. The values obtained may be
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
compared with specifications, for example Specification C33/
C09.20 on Aggregates.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2024. Published February 2024. Originally
3
approved in 1931. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as C88/C88M – 18. DOI: For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10.1520/C0088_C0088M-24. contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
Annex A in Form and Style for ASTM Standards, https://www.astm.org/media/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
pdf/bluebook_FormStyle.pdf the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 C88/C88M − 24
C33M, that are designed to indicate the suitability of aggregate containing 500 g of water at a temperature of 21 °C 6 2 °C
proposed for use. Since the precision of this test method is poor (70 °F 6 3 °F), placed at each corner and the center of each
(Section 13), it may not be suitable for outright rejection of shelf of the oven. The evaporation requirement is to apply to all
aggregates without confirmation from other tests more closely test locations when the oven is empty except for the beakers of
related to the specific service intended. water.
4.2 Values for the permitted-loss percentage by this test 5.7 Specific Gravity Measurement—Hydrometers conform-
method are usually different for fine and coarse aggregates, and ing to the requirements of Specification E100, or a suitable
attention is called to the fact that test results by use of the two combination of graduated glassware and balance, capable of
salts differ considerably and care must be exercised in fixing measuring the solution specific gravity within 60.001.
proper limits in any specifications that include requirements for 5.8 Temperature Measuring Device—Capable of measuring
these tests. The test is usually more severe when magnesium the temperature of water and materials in solution within the
sulfate is used; accordingly, limits for percent loss allowed specified range and be accurate and readable to 60.5 °C (1 °F)
when magnesium sulfate is used are normally higher than or better.
limits when sodium sulfate is used.
NOTE 2—Refer to the appropriate sections in Specification C33/C33M 6. Special Solutions Required
establishing conditions for acceptance of coarse and fine aggregates which 6.1 Prepare the solution for immersion of test samples from
fail to meet requirements based on this test.
either sodium or magnesium sulfate in accordance with 6.1.1 or
6.1.2 (Note 4). The volume of the solution shall be at least five
5. Apparatus
times the solid volume of all samples immersed at any one
5.1 Sieves—With square openings of the following sizes time.
conforming to Specifications E11 or E323, for sieving the
NOTE 4—Some aggregates containing carbonates of calcium or mag-
samples in accordance with Sections 7, 8, and 10: nesium are attacked chemically by fresh sulfate solution, resulting in
150 µm (No. 100) 8.0 mm (5⁄16 in.) erroneously high measured losses. If this condition is encountered or is
9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) suspected, repeat the test using a filtered solution that has been used
300 µm (No. 50) 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.) previously to test the same type of carbonate rock, provided that the
16.0 mm (5⁄8 in.)
solution meets the requirements of 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 for specific gravity.
600 µm (No. 30) 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.)
25.0 mm (1 in.) 6.1.1 Sodium Sulfate Solution—Prepare a saturated solution
1.18 mm (No. 16) 31.5 mm (11⁄4 in.)
2.36 mm (No. 8) 37.5 mm (11⁄2 in.)
of sodium sulfate by dissolving a USP or equal grade of the salt
50 mm (2 in.) in water at a temperature of 25 to 30 °C (77 to 86 °F). Add
4.00 mm (No. 5) 63 mm (21⁄2 in.) sufficient salt (Note 5), of either the anhydrous (Na2SO4) or the
larger sizes by
4.75 mm (No. 4) 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.)
crystalline (Na2 SO4·10H2O) form,4 to ensure not only satura-
spread tion but also the presence of excess crystals when the solution
5.2 Containers—Containers for immersing the samples of is ready for use in the tests. Thoroughly stir the mixture during
aggregate in the solution, in accordance with the procedure the addition of the salt and stir the solution at frequent intervals
described in this test method, shall be perforated in such a until used. To reduce evaporation and prevent contamination,
manner as to permit free access of the solution to the sample keep the solution covered at all times when access is not
and drainage of the solution from the sample without loss of needed. Allow the solution to cool to 21 °C 6 1 °C (70 °F 6
aggregate. 2 °F). Again stir, and allow the solution to remain at the
designated temperature for at least 48 h before use. Prior to
NOTE 3—Baskets made of suitable wire mesh or sieves with suitable each use, break up the salt cake, if any, in the container, stir the
openings are satisfactory containers for the samples.
solution thoroughly, and determine the specific gravity of the
5.3 Temperature Regulation—Suitable means for regulating solution. When used, the solution shall have a specific gravity
the temperature of the samples during immersion in the sodium not less than 1.151 nor more than 1.174. Discard a discolored
sulfate or magnesium sulfate solution shall be provided. solution, or filter it and check for specific gravity.
5.4 Temperature Recorder—With an accuracy of at least 0.5 NOTE 5—For the solution, 215 g of anhydrous salt or 700 g of the
°C (1 °F) and capable of recording the temperature of the decahydrate per litre of water are sufficient for saturation at 22 °C (71.6
solution at least once every 15 min for the duration of the test. °F). However, since these salts are not completely stable and since it is
desirable that an excess of crystals be present, the use of not less than 350
5.5 Balances—For fine aggregate, a balance or scale accu- g of the anhydrous salt or 750 g of the decahydrate salt per litre of water
rate within 0.1 g over the range required for this test; for coarse is recommended.
aggregate, a balance or scale accurate within 0.1 % or 1 g, 6.1.2 Magnesium Sulfate Solution—Prepare a saturated so-
whichever is greater, over the range required for this test. lution of magnesium sulfate by dissolving a USP or equal
5.6 Drying Oven—The oven shall be capable of being
heated continuously at 110 °C 6 5 °C (230 °F 6 9 °F) and the
4
rate of evaporation, at this range of temperature, shall be at Experience with the test method indicates that a grade of sodium sulfate
designated by the trade as dried powder, which may be considered as approximately
least 25 g/h for 4 h, during which period the doors of the oven
anhydrous, is the most practical for use. That grade is more economically available
shall be kept closed. This rate shall be determined by the loss than the anhydrous form. The decahydrate sodium sulfate presents difficulties in
of water from 1-L Griffin low-form beakers, each initially compounding the required solution on account of its cooling effect on the solution.

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 C88/C88M − 24
grade of the salt in water at a temperature of 25 °C to 30 °C Larger sizes by nominal 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.) spread in sieve
(77 °F to 86 °F). Add sufficient salt (Note 6), of either the size, each fraction
Consisting of:
anhydrous (MgSO4) or the crystalline (MgSO4·7H2O) (Epsom 75 mm (3 in.) to 63 mm (2 1⁄2 in.) material 7000 ± 1000
salt) form, to ensure saturation and the presence of excess 90 mm (3 1⁄2 in.) to 75 mm (3 in.) material 7000 ± 1000
crystals when the solution is ready for use in the tests. 100 mm (4 in.) to 90 mm (3 1⁄2 in.) material 7000 ± 1000
Thoroughly stir the mixture during the addition of the salt and 7.4 When an aggregate to be tested contains appreciable
stir the solution at frequent intervals until used. To reduce amounts of both fine and coarse material, having a grading
evaporation and prevent contamination, keep the solution with more than 10 % by mass coarser than the 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.)
covered at all times when access is not needed. Allow the sieve and, also, more than 10 % by mass finer than the
solution to cool to 21 °C 6 1 °C (70 °F 6 2 °F). Again stir, and 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve, test separate samples of the minus
allow the solution to remain at the designated temperature for 4.75 mm (No. 4) fraction and the plus 4.75 mm (No. 4) fraction
at least 48 h before use. Prior to each use, break up the salt in accordance with the procedures for fine aggregate and coarse
cake, if any, in the container, stir the solution thoroughly, and aggregate, respectively. Report the results separately for the
determine the specific gravity of the solution. When used, the fine-aggregate fraction and the coarse-aggregate fraction, giv-
solution shall have a specific gravity not less than 1.295 nor ing the percentages of the coarse- and fine-size fractions in the
more than 1.308. Discard a discolored solution, or filter it and initial grading.
check for specific gravity.
8. Preparation of Test Sample
NOTE 6—For the solution, 350 g of anhydrous salt or 1230 g of the
heptahydrate per litre of water are sufficient for saturation at 23 °C (73.4 8.1 Fine Aggregate—Thoroughly wash the sample of fine
°F). However, since these salts are not completely stable, with the hydrous aggregate on a 300 µm (No. 50) sieve, dry to constant mass at
salt being the more stable of the two, and since it is desirable that an 110 °C 6 5 °C (230 °F 6 9 °F), and separate into the different
excess of crystals be present, it is recommended that the heptahydrate salt sizes by sieving, as follows: Make a rough separation of the
be used and in an amount of not less than 1400 g/litre of water.
graded sample by means of a nest of the standard sieves
6.1.3 Barium Chloride Solution—Prepare 100 mL of 5 % specified in 7.2. From the fractions obtained in this manner,
barium chloride solution by dissolving 5 g of BaCl2 in 100 mL select samples of sufficient size to yield 100 g after sieving to
of distilled water. refusal. (In general, a 110 g sample will be sufficient.) Do not
7. Samples use fine aggregate sticking in the meshes of the sieves in
preparing the samples. Weigh samples consisting of 100 g 6
7.1 The sample shall be obtained in general accordance with 0.1 g out of each of the separated fractions after final sieving
Practice D75/D75M and reduced to test portion size in accor- and place in separate containers for the test.
dance with Practice C702/C702M.
8.2 Coarse Aggregate—Thoroughly wash and dry the
7.2 Fine Aggregate—Fine aggregate for the test shall be sample of coarse aggregate to constant mass at 110 °C 6 5 °C
passed through a 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) sieve. The sample shall be of (230 °F 6 9 °F) and separate it into the different sizes shown
such size that it will yield not less than 100 g of each of the in 7.3 by sieving to refusal. Weigh out quantities of the
following sizes, which shall be available in amounts of 5 % or different sizes within the tolerances of 7.3 and, where the test
more, expressed in terms of the following sieves: portion consists of two sizes, combine them to the designated
Passing Sieve Retained on Sieve total mass. Record the mass of the test samples and their
600 µm (No. 30) 300 µm (No. 50)
fractional components. In the case of sizes larger than 19.0 mm
1.18 mm (No. 16) 600 µm (No. 30) (3⁄4 in.), record the number of particles in the test samples.
2.36 mm (No. 8) 1.18 mm (No. 16)
4.75 mm (No. 4) 2.36 mm (No. 8) 9. Procedure
9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) 4.75 mm (No. 4)
9.1 Storage of Samples in Solution—Immerse the samples in
7.3 Coarse Aggregate—Coarse aggregate for the test shall
the prepared solution of sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate
consist of material from which the sizes finer than the 4.75 mm
for not less than 16 h nor more than 18 h in such a manner that
(No. 4) sieve have been removed. The sample shall be of such
the solution covers them to a depth of at least 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.)
a size that it will yield the following amounts of the indicated
(Note 7). Cover the containers to reduce evaporation and
sizes that are available in amounts of 5 % or more:
prevent the accidental addition of extraneous substances.
Size (Square-Opening Sieves) Mass, g
Maintain the samples immersed in the solution at a temperature
9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) to 4.75 mm (No. 4) 300 ± 5 of 21 °C 6 1 °C (70 °F 6 2 °F) for the immersion period.
19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) to 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) 1000 ± 10
Consisting of: NOTE 7—Suitably weighted wire grids placed over the sample in the
12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.) to 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) material 330 ± 5 containers will permit this coverage to be achieved with very lightweight
19.0-mm (3⁄4 in.) to 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.) material 670 ± 10 aggregates.
37.5 mm (1 1⁄2 in.) to 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) 1500 ± 50
Consisting of: 9.2 Drying Samples After Immersion—After the immersion
25.0 mm (1 in.) to 19.0-mm (3⁄4 in.) material 500 ± 30 period, remove the aggregate sample from the solution, permit
37.5 mm (1 1⁄2 in.) to 25.0 mm (1 in.) material 1000 ± 50 it to drain for 15 min 6 5 min, and place in the drying oven.
63 mm (2 1⁄2 in.) to 37.5 mm (1 1⁄2 in.) 5000 ± 300
Consisting of: The temperature of the oven shall have been brought previ-
50 mm (2 in.) to 37.5 mm (1 1⁄2 in.) material 2000 ± 200 ously to 110 °C 6 5 °C (230 °F 6 9 °F). Dry the samples at the
63 mm (2 1⁄2 in.) to 50 mm (2 in.) material 3000 ± 300 specified temperature until constant mass has been achieved.

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 C88/C88M − 24
Establish the time required to attain constant mass as follows: NOTE 9—Tap water containing sulfates when used for the wash water
with the oven containing the maximum sample load expected, will cloud when tested with the barium chloride solution. The cloudiness
of a solution of tap water and the barium chloride solution should be
check the mass losses of test samples by removing and judged so that tested wash water with the same degree of cloudiness can
weighing them, without cooling, at intervals of 2 h to 4 h; make be assumed to be free of sulfates from the test.
enough checks to establish required drying time for the least
favorable oven location (see 5.6) and sample condition (Note 10. Quantitative Examination
8). Constant mass will be considered to have been achieved
when loss is less than 0.1 % of sample mass in 4 h of drying. 10.1 Make the quantitative examination as follows:
After constant mass has been achieved, allow the samples to 10.1.1 After the sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate has
cool to room temperature, when they shall again be immersed been removed, dry each fraction of the sample to constant mass
in the prepared solution as described in 9.1. at 110 °C 6 5 °C (230 °F 6 10 °F). Sieve the fine aggregate
over the same sieve on which it was retained before the test,
NOTE 8—Drying time required to reach constant mass may vary and sieve the coarse aggregate over the sieve shown below for
considerably for several reasons. Efficiency of drying will be reduced as
cycles accumulate because of salt adhering to particles and, in some cases,
the appropriate size of particle. For fine aggregate, the method
because of increase in surface area due to breakdown. The different size and duration of sieving shall be the same as were used in
fractions of aggregate will have differing drying rates. The smaller sizes preparing the test samples. For coarse aggregate, sieving shall
will tend to dry more slowly because of their larger surface area and be by hand, with agitation sufficient only to assure that all
restricted interparticle voids, but this tendency may be altered by the undersize material passes the designated sieve. No extra
effects of container size and shape.
manipulation shall be employed to break up particles or cause
9.3 Number of Cycles—Repeat the process of alternate them to pass the sieves. Determine the mass of the material
immersion and drying until the required number of cycles is retained on each sieve and record each amount. The difference
obtained. between each of these amounts and the initial mass of the
9.4 After the completion of the final cycle and after the fraction of the sample tested is the loss in the test and is to be
sample has cooled, wash the sample free from the sodium expressed as a percentage of the initial mass for use in Table 1.
sulfate or magnesium sulfate as determined by the reaction of Sieve Used to
the wash water with barium chloride (BaCl2). Wash by Size of Aggregate Determine Loss

circulating water at 43 °C 6 6 °C (110 °F 6 10 °F) through the 100 mm (4 in.) to 90 mm (3 1⁄2 in.) 75 mm (3 in.)
samples in their containers. This may be done by placing them 90 mm (3 1⁄2 in.) to 75 mm (3 in.) 63 mm (2 1⁄2 in.)
in a tank into which the hot water can be introduced near the 75 mm (3 in.) to 63 mm (2 1⁄2 in.) 50 mm (2 in.)
63 mm (2 1⁄2 in.) to 37.5 mm (1 1⁄2 in.) 31.5 mm (1 1⁄4 in.)
bottom and allowed to overflow. In the washing operation, the 37.5 mm (1 1⁄2 in.) to 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) 16.0 mm (5⁄8 in.)
samples shall not be subjected to impact or abrasion that may 19 mm (3⁄4 in.) to 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) 8.0 mm (5⁄16 in.)
tend to break up particles. 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) to 4.75 mm (No. 4) 4.0 mm (No. 5)

TABLE 1 Suggested Form for Recording Test Data (with Illustrative Test Values)
Percentage Weighted
Grading of Mass of Test Passing Percentage of
Sieve SizeB
Original Sample, Fractions Designated Mass
% Before Test, g Sieve After Test Loss
Combined
Fractions
Soundness Test of Fine Aggregate
Minus 150 µm (No. 100) 6 ... ... ...
300 µm (No. 50) to No. 100 11 ... ... ...
600 µm (No. 30) to No. 50 26 100 4.2 1.1
1.18 mm (No. 16) to No. 30 25 100 4.8 1.2
2.36 mm (No. 8) to No. 16 17 100 8.0 1.4
4.75 mm (No. 4) to No. 8 11 100 11.2 1.2
9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) to No. 4 4 ... 11.2A 0.4
Totals 100.0 ... ... 5
Soundness Test of Coarse Aggregate
63 mm (2 1⁄2 in.) to 50 mm (2 in.) 63 to 37.5 mm
50 mm (2 in.) to 37.5 mm (1 1⁄2 in.)
2825g
1958g J [2 1⁄2 to 1 1⁄2 in.]
20 4783 4.8 1.0

37.5 mm (1 1⁄2 in.) to 25.0 mm (1 in.) 37.5 to 19 mm

25 mm (1 in.) to 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.)
1012g
513g J [1 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 in.]
45 1525 8.0 3.6

19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) to 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.) 19.0 to 9.5 mm

12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.) to 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.)
675g
333g J [3⁄4 to 3⁄8 in.]
23 1008 9.6 2.2

9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) to 4.75 mm (No. 4) 298 g 12 298 11.2 1.3

Totals 100 ... ... 8
A
The percentage loss (11.2 %) of the next smaller size is used as the percentage loss for this size, since this size contains less than 5 % of the original sample as received.
See 12.1.3.4.
B
Sieve sizes are in accordance with Specification E11.

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 C88/C88M − 24
TABLE 2 Suggested Form for Qualitative Examination (with Illustrative Test Values)
Qualitative Examination of Coarse Sizes
Particles Exhibiting Distress
Total No. of
Splitting Crumbling Cracking Flaking
Sieve Size Particles
Before
No. % No. % No. % No. %
Test
63 mm (2 1⁄2 in.) to 37.5 2 7 ... ... 2 7 ... ... 29
mm (1 1⁄2 in.)
37.5 mm (1 1⁄2 in.) to 5 10 1 2 4 8 ... ... 50
19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.)

11. Qualitative Examination 12.1.3.4 For the purpose of calculating the weighted
11.1 Make a qualitative examination of test samples coarser average, consider any sizes in 7.2 or 7.3 that contain less than
than 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) as follows (Note 10): 5 % of the sample to have the same loss as the average of the
11.1.1 Separate the particles of each test sample into groups next smaller and the next larger size, or if one of these sizes is
according to the action produced by the test (Note 10). absent, to have the same loss as the next larger or next smaller
11.1.2 Record the number of particles showing each type of size, whichever is present.
distress. 12.1.4 Report the weighted percentage loss to the nearest
whole number,
NOTE 10—Many types of action may be expected. In general, they may
be classified as disintegration, splitting, crumbling, cracking, flaking, etc. 12.1.5 In the case of particles coarser than 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.)
While only particles larger than 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) in size are required to be before test: (1) The number of particles in each fraction before
examined qualitatively, it is recommended that examination of the smaller test, and (2) the number of particles affected, classified as to
sizes be made in order to determine whether there is any evidence of
excessive splitting. number disintegrating, splitting, crumbling, cracking, flaking,
etc., as shown in Table 2, and
12. Report 12.1.6 Kind of solution (sodium or magnesium sulfate) and
12.1 Report the following data (Note 11): whether the solution was freshly prepared or previously used.
12.1.1 Record the mass of each fraction of each sample
NOTE 11—Table 1, shown with test values inserted for purpose of
before test, illustration, is a suggested form for recording test data. The test values
12.1.2 Material from each fraction of the sample finer than shown might be appropriate for either salt, depending on the quality of the
the sieve designated in 10.1.1 for sieving after test, expressed aggregate.
as a percentage of the original mass of the fraction,
12.1.3 Weighted average calculated in accordance with Test 13. Precision
Method C136/C136M from the percentage of loss for each
fraction, based on the grading of the sample as received for 13.1 Precision—For coarse aggregate with weighted aver-
examination or, preferably, on the average grading of the age sulfate soundness losses in the ranges of 6 % to 16 % for
material from that portion of the supply of which the sample is sodium and 9 to 20 % for magnesium, the precision indexes are
representative except that: as follows:
12.1.3.1 For fine aggregates (with less than 10 % coarser Coefficient of Difference Between
Variation Two Tests (D2S %),
than the 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) sieve), assume sizes finer than the (1S %), %A % of AverageA
300 µm (No. 50) sieve to have 0 % loss and sizes coarser than
the 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) sieve to have the same loss as the next Multilaboratory:
Sodium sulfate 41 116
smaller size for which test data are available. Magnesium sulfate 25 71
12.1.3.2 For coarse aggregate (with less than 10 % finer Single-Operator:
than the 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve), assume sizes finer than the Sodium sulfate 24 68
Magnesium sulfate 11 31
4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve to have the same loss as the next larger
size for which test data are available. A
These numbers represent, respectively, the (1S %) and (D2S %) limits as
12.1.3.3 For an aggregate containing appreciable amounts described in Practice C670.
of both fine and coarse material tested as two separate samples
13.2 Bias—Since there is no accepted reference material
as required in 7.4, compute the weighted average losses
suitable for determining the bias for this procedure, no state-
separately for the minus 4.75 mm (No. 4) and plus 4.75 mm
ment on bias is being made.
(No. 4) fractions based on recomputed gradings considering
the fine fraction as 100 % and the coarse fraction as 100 %.
Report the results separately giving the percentage of the minus 14. Keywords
4.75 mm (No. 4) and plus 4.75 mm (No. 4) material in the 14.1 aggregates; magnesium sulfate; sodium sulfate; sound-
initial grading. ness; weathering

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 C88/C88M − 24
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(C88/C88M–18) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Jan. 1, 2024.)

(1) Added 5.8.

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