CONCRETE AGGREGATES

FINE AGGREGATES
1. SIEVE ANALYSIS TEST [AASHTO T 2-91 (2015) ; ASTM D75-03 ]
REDUCING FIELD SAMPLES to TESTING SIZE(AASHTO T-249-02; ASTM C-702-98)
2. SPECIFIC GRAVITY and ABSORPTION TEST (AASHTO T 84-13; ASTM C128-12)
3. UNIT WEIGHT TEST (AASHTO T 84-13)
4. ORGANIC IMPURITIES (AASHTO T 21MT 21-15; ASTM C40/C40M-11)
5. SOUNDNESS TEST (AASHTO T 104-99 (2011)

COARSE AGGREGATES
1. SIEVE ANALYSIS TEST [AASHTO T 2-91 (2015) ; ASTM D75-03 ]
2. SPECIFIC GRAVITY and ABSORPTION TEST (AASHTO T 85-14; ASTM C127-12)
3. UNIT WEIGHT TEST (AASHTO T 84-13)
4. ABRASION TEST [AASHTO T-96-(2015); ASTM C131-1]
5. SOUNDNESS TEST (AASHTO T 104-99 (2011)
• COARSE AGGREGATE

• Consists of crushed stone, gravel, blast furnace slag, or other approved

inert materials of similar characteristics, or combinations thereof, having
hard, strong, durable pieces and free from any adherent coatings.
• Contain not more than one (1) mass percent of material passing
the 0.075 mm ( No. 200 sieve ) by washing nor more than 0.25
mass percent of clay lumps, nor more than 3.5 mass percent of
soft fragments.
• If subjected to five (5) cycles of the sodium sulfate soundness test,
the weighted loss shall not exceed 12 mass percent.
• Shall have a mass percent of wear not exceeding 40 when tested to
by AASHTO T 96 (Los Angeles Abrasion Machine).
• If the slug is used , its density(unit weight) shall not be less than 1120
kg/cu.m. and only one gradating specification shall be used from any one
source.
Grading Requirements for Coarse Aggregate
ITEM (311)

Sieve Designation Mass percent Passing

Standard Alternate Grading Grading Grading
mm U.S. A B C
  Standard      
75 3" 100 - -
63 2-1/2" 90-100 100 100
50 2" - 90-100 95-100
37.5 1-1/2" 25-60 35-70 -
25 1" - 0-15 35-70
19 3/4" 0-10 - -
12.5 1/2" 0-5 0-5 10-30
4.75 No.4 - - 0-5
Grading Requirements for Coarse Aggregate

ITEM (405)

Sieve Designation Mass percent Passing

Standard Alternate Grading Grading Grading
mm U.S. A B C
  Standard      
75 2-1/2" - 100 -
63 2" 100 95-100 -
50 1-1/2" 95-100 - -
37.5 1" - 35-70 100
25 3/4" 35-70 - 100
19 1/2" - 10-30 90-100
12.5 3/8” 10-30 - 40-70
4.75 No.4 0-5 0-5 0-15
• FINE AGGREGATES

• Consists of natural sand, stone screenings or other inert materials

with similar characteristics, or combinations thereof, having hard,
strong and durable particles.
• Material passing the 0.075 mm ( No. 200 sieve ) shall not contain
more than (3) mass percent by washing nor morethan (1) mass
percent each of clay lumps or shale.
• When subjected to five (5) cycles of the sodium sulfate soundness
test, the weighted loss, shall not exceed 10 mass percent
• Shall be free from injurious amounts of organic impurities.
• If subjected to the colorimetric test for organic impurities and a
color darker than the standard is produced, it shall be rejected.
• When tested for the effect of organic impurities of strength of
mortar, the fine aggregate may be used if the relative strength at
7 and 28 days is not less than 95 mass percent
Grading Requirements for Fine Aggregate

ITEM 311 AND ITEM 405

Sieve Designation      
Standard Alternate Mass percent Passing
mm U.S.    
  Standard      
9.5 3/8"   100  
4.75 No.4   95-100  
2.36 No.8   -  
1.18 No.16   45-80  
0.600 No.30   -  
0.300 No.50   5-30  
0.150 No.100 0-10
0.075 No.200 0-3
   
       
• SIEVE ANALYSIS TEST
• DETERMINATION OF PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION IN SOILS BY SIEVE,
HYDROMETER, OR A COMBINED ANALYSIS.
• SPECIFIC GRAVITY and ABSORPTION
• BULK SPECIFIC GRAVITY IS THE CHARACTERISTIC GENERALLY USED FOR
CALCULATION OF THE VOLUME OCCUPIED BY THE AGGREGATE IN VARIOUS
MIXTURES CONTAINING AGGREGATE INCLUDING PORTLAND CEMENT
CONCRETE, BITUMINOUS CONCRETE AND OTHER MIXTURES.
• ABSORPTION VALUES ARE USED TO CALCULATE THE CHANGE IN THE
WEIGHT OF AN AGGREGATE DUE TO WATER ABSORBED IN THE PORE
SPACES WITHIN THE CONSTITUENT PARTICLES, COMPACTED TO THE DRY
CONDITION, WHEN IT IS DEEMED THAT THE AGGREGATE HAS BEEN IN
CONTACT WITH WATER LONG ENOUGH TO SATISFY MOST OF THE
ABSORPTION POTENTIAL.
• UNIT WEIGHT/MASS DETERMINATION
• VALUES OF UNIT WEIGHT/MASS ARE USED IN VOLUMETRIC-GRAVIMTERIC
CALCULATIONS. IN VOLUMETRIC BATCHING OF CONCRETE AGGREGATES,
THE UNIT WEIGHT/MASS SHOULD BE KNOWN TO CONVERT WEIGHT/MASS
INTO LOOSE VOLUME
• ABRASION TEST
• EVALUATES THE STRUCTURAL OF AN AGGREGATE. IT GIVES AN INDICATION
OF QUALITY AS DETERMINED BY RESISTANCE TO IMPACT AND WEAR.

• SOUNDNESS TEST
• DETERMINES THE RESISTANCE OF AGGREGATES TO DISINTEGRATION BY
SATURATED SOLUTIONS OF SODIUM SULFATE OR MAGNESIUM SULFATE. IT
ALSO FURNISHES INFORMATION HELPFUL IN EVALUATING SOUNDNESS OF
AGGREGATES SUBJECT TO WEATHERING ACTION.

• ORGANIC IMPURITIES
• DETERMINE THE PRESENCE OF INJURIOUS ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN
NATURAL SANDS WHICH ARE TO BE USED IN CEMENT MORTAR OR
CONCRETE.
• SIEVE ANALYSIS TEST [AASHTO T 2-91 (2015) ; ASTM D75-03 ]

Significance:
- It is used in the classification and identification of soils. It is
important criteria in the classification of highway sub grade
materials. It is also related to permeability and capillarity of
cohesion less soil.
- The test gives the particle size distribution of a given soil
which will be used in the classification and identification of soils.
Apparatus:
• Set of standard sieves
• Balanced and weights
• Wash sieve no. 200
• Oven with temperature control
• Pans
Apparatus:
•PROCEDURE

1. Reduce the sample using method A (mechanical splitter) or method B

(quartering)-obtain approximately 5kg(C.A), 1kg (F.A)
2. Record the mass of material taken from the reduced material
(Weight of Sample Original)
3. Oven dry to constant mass at a temperature of 110± 5 OC
4. Determine the mass after cooling and record (Weight
of Sample Oven Dry)
5. Place the test sample in the container and add water sufficient to cover
it, agitate the sample and pour in a nested sieve with Wash Sieve no.
200
6. Repeat the process/operation until wash water is clear
7. Return/collect all material retained on Wash Sieve no. 200
8. Oven dry to constant mass, determine the mass after cooling and record
(Weight of Wash Oven Dry Sample) then perform sieve analysis test
9. Pass the sample through the set of sieves
10. Record the mass of the specimen retained on each sieve
11. Computations
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Works and Highways
Cordillera Administrative Region
Engineer's Hill Baguio City

WORKSHEET FOR SIEVE ANALYSIS

Project :
(Name) (City / Province)

Kind of Material: Spec's Item No.

Lab. No.

Weight of samples in grams:

Original . . . . . . . . .
Oven Dry . . . . . . . .
Wash Oven dry . . . . . ……

Fineness Modulus ..................

: Wt : C u m u l a t i v e Governing:
Sieve size
(in) :retained : Wt : % : % : Specs:
mm.
: g. : passing : passing : retained : % passing: Remarks
75.00 (3')
63.00 (2 1/2")
50.00 (2")
37.50 (1 1/2")
25.00 (1")
19.00 (3/4")
12.50 (1/2")
9.50 (3/8")
6.30 (1/4")
4.75 (No. 4)
2.36 (No. 8)
2.00 (No. 10)
1.18 (No. 16)
0.60 (No. 30)
0.425 (No. 40)
0.300 (No. 50)
0.150 (No. 100)
0.075 (No. 200)
Pan
Wash passing No. 0.075
Recommendation:
• SPECIFIC GRAVITY and ABSORPTION (COARSE AGGREGATES)
(AASHTO T 85-14; ASTM C127-12)
APPARATUS
1. BALANCE FOR SPECIFIC GRAVITY SAMPLE: RETAINED SIEVE NO. 4
2. PANS 5 KGS,
3. WIRE BASKETS WATER BUCKET
4. OVEN TEMPERATURE CONTROL
• PROCEDURE
1. OBTAINED SAMPLE APPROXIMATELY 5 kg RETAINED ON SIEVE 4.75mm
2. OVEN DRY TO CONSTANT MASS
3. ALLOW TO COOL, IMMERSE OR SOAK IN WATER FOR 15 – 19 HOURS
4. REMOVE THE TEST SAMPLE IN WATER AND ROLL IT IN A LARGE ABSORBENT CLOTH UNTIL ALL
VISIBLE FIRMS OF WATER ARE REMOVED (SATURATED SURFACE DRY CONDITION)
5. DETERMINE THE MASS OF THE TEST SAMPLE IN SATURATED SURFACE DRY CONDITION
6. IMMEDIATELY PLACE THE SATURATED SURFACE DRY SAMPLE IN THE CONTAINER (WIRE BASKET),
SHAKE THE CONTAINER WHILE IMMERSED IN WATER TO REMOVE ALL ENTRAPPED AIR BEFORE
DETERMINING THE MASS
7. PLACE IN A PAN/CONTAINER, OVEN DRY THE SAMPLE TO CONSTANT MASS
8. DETERMINE THE MASS AFTER COOLING AND RECORD
• SPECIFIC GRAVITY and ABSORPTION (FINE AGGREGATES)
(AASHTO T 84-13; ASTM C128-12)
APPARATUS
1. BALANCE FOR SPECIFIC GRAVITY SAMPLE: PASSING SIEVE NO. 4
2. PANS, PYCNOMETER, 1 KG
3. OVEN TEMPERATURE CONTROL
4. CONICAL AND TAMPNG ROD
• PROCEDURE
1. OBTAIN APPROXIMATELY 1kg OF THE FINE AGGREGATE PASSING SIEVE 4.75mm
2. OVEN DRY TO CONSTANT MASS AT OVEN TEMPEARATURE OF 110± 5 °C
3. ALLOW IT TO COOL TO COMFORTABLE HANDLING TEMPERATURE, COVER WITH WATER EITHER BY
IMMERSION AND STAND IT FOR 15 – 19 HOURS
4. DECANT EXCESS WATER, SPREAD THE SAMPLE ON A FLAT NON ABSORBENT SURFACED EXPOSED TO A
GENTLY MOVING CURRENT OF WARM AIR (AIR DRY THE SAMPLE AFTER SOAKING)
5. CONE TEST FOR SURFACE MOISTURE USING A TAMPER AND CONE
5.1 PLACE A PORTION OF THE AIR DRIED SAMPLE IN THE MOLD BY FILLING UNTIL OVERFLOW
5.2 LIGHTLY TAMP THE FINE AGGREGATE INTO THE MOLD WITH 25 LIGHT DROPS OF THE TAMPER
5.3 EACH DROP SHOULD START ABOUT 5mm (0.2”) ABOVE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE FINE
AGGREGATE
5.4 REMOVE LOOSE SAND FROM THE BASE AND LIFT THE MOLD VERTICALLY
• * SURFACE MOISTURE IS STILL PRESENT, IF THE FINE AGGREGATE WILL RETAIN THE MOLDED SHAPE,
• WHEN THE FINE AGGREGATE SLUMPS SLIGHTLY, IT INDICATES THAT IT HAS REACHED A SURFACE DRY
CONDITION
• TEST USING THE PYCNOMETER
PROCEDURE
1. FILL WITH WATER THE PYCNOMETER UP TO ITS CALIBRATION MARK,
DETERMINE THE MASS AND RECORD
2. PARTIALLY FILL THE PYCNOMETER WITH WATER
3. IMMEDIATELY INTRODUCE INTO THE PYCNOMETER (500 ± 10 g) OF
SATURATED SURFACE DRY FINE AGGREGATE
(50 % OF THE VOLUME OF THE PYCNOMETER USE)
4. MANUALLY ROLL, INVERT AND AGITATE OR USE A COMBINATION OF THESE
TO ELIMINATE ALL AIR BUBBLES
(IT NORMALLY TAKES ABOUT 15 – 20 minutes TO ELIMINATE AIR BUBBLES)
5. BRING THE WATER LEVEL IN THE PYCNOMETER TO ITS CALIBRATED CAPACITY
6. WEIGH AND RECORD
7. REMOVE THE FINE AGGREGATE IN THE PYCNOMETER, OVEN DRY TO
CONSTANT MASS
8. DETERMINE THE MASS AFTER COOLING AND RECORD
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Works and Highways
Cordillera Administrative Region
Engineers Hill, Baguio City
WORKSHEET FOR SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATES

Project :
(Name) (City / Province)
Sample Identification Spec's Item No.

Lab. No.

COARSE AGGREGATE
1. Weight in air of saturated surface-dry
sample, kg. - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2. Weight in air of oven-dried sample kg. - - - - -
3. Weight of sample in water, kg
4. Absorption, (1) - (2) x 100 - ----
'(2) Average
5. Specific gravity, bulk (1)
(SSD), -----
' (1) - (3)
Average
FINE AGGREGATE
1. Weight in air of saturated surface-dry
sample, kg. - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2. Weight in air of oven-dried sample kg. - - - - -
3. Weight of pycnometer bottle filled
with water, kg. - - - - - - - - - - - -
4. Pycnometer bottle + water + sample
in a bottle, kg. - - - - - - - - -
5. Absorption, ' (1) - (2) x 100
(2) Average
5. Specific gravity, bulk
(1) -----
(SSD), (1) + (3) - (4)
Average

Tested by: Computed by:

• UNIT WEIGHT/MASS DETERMINATION (FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATE )
(AASHTO T 84-13)

APPARATUS:
1. METAL CONTAINER/ CALIBRATION BUCKET
2. TAMPING ROD 5. BALANCE AND WEIGHTS
3. SHOVEL/SCOOP
4. STRAIGHT EDGE
• PROCEDURE
1. OBTAIN SAMPLE APPROXIMATELY 125 TO 150 % OF THE QUANTITY OF THE REQUIRED TO FILL
THE
MEASURE
2. OVEN DRY TO CONSTANT MASS AND ALLOW IT TO COOL TO COMFORTABLE HANDLING
TEMPERATURE
3. CALIBRATE THE CONTAINER TO BE USED TO DETERMINE ITS VOLUME
• SHOVELING / LOOSE PROCEDURE
1. FILL THE MEASURE TO OVERFLOWING BY MEANS OF A SHOVEL OR SCOOP, DISCHARGING THE
GGREGATE FROM A HEIGHT NOT TO EXCEED 50mm(2in.) ABOVE THE TOP OF THE MEASURE
2. LEVEL THE SURFACE OF THE AGGREGATE WITH THE FINGERS(coarse aggregates) OR A
STRAIGHT EDGE(fine aggregates) ON TOP OF THE MEASURE
3. DETERMINE THE MASS OF THE MEASURE PLUS THE CONTENT AND RECORD
• RODDING PROCEDURE

1. FILL THE MEASURE ONE-THIRD FULL AND LEVEL

2. ROD THE LAYER WITH 25 STROKES OF THE TAMPING ROD EVENLY
DISTRIBUTED OVER THE SURFACE.
3. FILL THE MEASURE TO TWO-THIRDS FULL AND LEVEL AND ROD AS ABOVE.
4. FILL TO OVERFLOWING AND ROD AGAIN
5. LEVEL THE SURFACE WITH THE FINGER(coarse aggregates) OR STRAIGHT
EDGE (fine aggregates) ON TOP
OF THE MEASURE
6. DETERMINE THE MASS OF THE MEASURE PLUS THE CONTENT AND RECORD
(3 LAYERS……….25 BLOWS OR TAMP per LAYER)

WEIGHT OF SAMPLE (kg)

UNIT WEIGHT(kg/cu. m)= ---------------------------------------------
VOLUME OF CONTAINER(cu. m)
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Works and Highways
Cordillera Administrative Region
Engineer's Hill, Baguio City
UNIT WEIGHT/MASS DETERMINATION

COARSE AGGREGATE & FINE AGGREGATE

Project :
(Name) (City / Province)

Sample Identification:

Lab. No.

Fine Aggregates Loose Rodded

1. Container + sample, kg.
2. Container, kg.
3. Sample, kg. (1) - (2)
4. Vol. of Container, cu.m.
5. Unit weight/mass, kg/m 3 (3)/(4)

Coarse Aggregates Loose Rodded

1. Container + sample, kg.
2. Container, kg.
3. Sample, kg. (1) - (2)
4. Vol. of Container, cu.m.
5. Unit weight/mass, kg/m 3 (3)/(4)

Tested by: Computed by:

Date Tested : Checked by:
4.) ABRASION TEST [AASHTO T-96-(2015); ASTM C131-1]

Significance:
This test evaluates the structural strength of coarse aggregates. It gives an indication
of quality as determined by resistance to impact and wear. The results do not automatically
permit valid comparisons to be made between sources distinctly in origin , composition or
structure.

APPARATUS:
1. Los Angeles Machine
2. Standard Sieves
3. Abrasive charges
4. Pans
5. Balance and Weights
6. Oven with temperature control
• FOR CONCRETE AGGREGATES, USE CORRESPONDING WEIGHTS PER SIEVE
DESIGNATION
* The abrasive charges shall consist of cast-iron spheres or steel spheres approximately
46.8 mm in diameter and each weighing between 390 and 455 grams. The charge
depending upon grading test sample shall be as follows.
Los Angeles Machine
500 revolutions ( 30 rev./min. - 33 rev./min )

Wash sieve No. 12

cast-iron spheres or steel spheres 46.8

mm in diameter and each weighing
between 390 and 455 grams.
• PROCEDURE
1. Obtain samples according to classification taken
2. Wash the samples, then oven dry to constant mass ,oven temperature to 110 ± 5°C
3. Take the required amount of materials needed for each size of sieves after cooling (refer to
the worksheet)
4. Place test sample and abrasive charges in the Los Angeles machine rotated at a speed of (30
to 33 rpm, 500 revolutions)
5. Collect all materials in the abrasion machine
6. Make a preliminary separation of the samples using sieve coarser than 1.70 mm
7. Wash all materials coarser than 1.70 mm, dry to constant mass and determine the mass of the
sample after cooling

Orig. mass of sample , g – Sample retained on sieve No. 12

% Wear = x 100
Orig. mass of sample , g

%wear loss
Coarse Aggregates = 40 % max
Subbase and Base Course = 50 % max
• ORGANIC IMPURITIES(AASHTO T 21-05)
Significance: The test determine the presence of injurious organic compounds in
natural sands which are to be used in cement mortar or concrete.
- The purpose of the test is to furnish a warning that further tests of the sand are
necessary before they are approved for use.
APPARATUS:
- GLASS BOTTLE – approximately 240-470 ml graduate clear glass bottle with
stopper
- GLASS COLOR SRANDARDS
SAMPLE = obtain a sample of sand weighing about 450 g in accordance with
standard procedure in reducing field sample of aggregates to testing size.
*REAGENT AND REFERENCE COLOR SOLUTION;
SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION (3%)- dissolve 3 parts by weight of
sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in 97 parts of Water
REFERENCE COLOR STANDARD SOLUTION – dissolve reagent grade potassium
dichromate (K2Cr2O7) in concentrated sulfuric acid (Sp. Gr. = 1.84) at the rate
of 0.250 g per 100 ml of acid. The solution must be freshly made for the color
comparison using gentle heat if necessary
Procedures:
1. Fill a glass bottle to the approximately 130 ml level with the sample of the sand to be
tested
2. Add a 3 % of NaOH solution in water until the volume of the sand and liquid, indicated
after shaking, is approximately 200 ml.
3. Stopper the bottle, shake vigorously and then allow to stand for 24 hours.
Determination of Color Value
At the end of 24 hrs. standing period, fill a glass bottle to the 75 ml level with the fresh
reference standard color solution, prepared not longer than 2 hrs. previously as
prescribed in Reference Color Standard Solution. Then compare the color of the
supernatant liquid above the test sample with that of the Color Guide and record whether
it is lighter or darker or of equal color to that of the reference standard. Make the color
comparison by holding the two bottles close together and looking through them.
Glass Color Standards Procedure
Gardener Color Standard No. Organic Plate No.
5 1
8 2
11 3(Standard)
14 4
16 5
• Interpretation of Results
 If the color of the supernatant liquid is darker than that of the
reference standard color solution, the sand under test shall be
considered to possibly contain injurious organic compounds, it is
advisable to perform the effect of organic impurities on the strength
of mortar.
The color of supernatant liquid must be equal or lighter
(1-3 in the color guide) = Report Satisfactory
Report Unsatisfactory if the color fall on 4 – 5 in the color guide.
( FAIL )
If the color fall to 1- 3 perform Mortar Strength Test (Treated
and Untreated)
• MORTAR STRENGTH; EFFECT OF ORGANIC IMPURITIES IN FINE
AGGREGATES(AASHTO T71-08: ASTM C87-04)
• This test method is of significance in making a final determination of the acceptability
of fine aggregates with respect to the requirements of AASHTO M 6 (Standard
Specification for Fine Aggregate for Portland Cement Concrete) concerning organic
impurities
• This test method is only applicable to those samples which, when tested in accordance
with Standard Method of Test for Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregates for Concrete,
have produced a supernatant liquid with a color darker than that of the reference
standard color solution.
• Basis for Comparison
1. The fine aggregate shall be compared in mortar, as described in this test method, with
a sample of the same aggregate that has been washed in a 3% solution of sodium
hydroxide followed by thorough rinsing in water. The washing shall be repeated in
sufficient number of times until the supernatant liquid obtained in accordance with
Standard Method of Test for Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregates for Concrete has a
color lighter than standard (Note 1). The washing shall be performed in such a way as
to minimize the loss of fines and so that the washed aggregate has a fineness modulus
within 0.10 of that of the unwashed aggregate. The washed and rinsed aggregate shall
be checked with a suitable indicator such as phenolphthalein or litmus to assure that
sodium hydroxide has been removed effectively prior to preparation of the mortar.
2. Unless otherwise specified or permitted, strength comparison shall be made at 7 days in
accordance with the following conditions:
2.1  Mix three batches of mortar with the aggregate washed in sodium hydroxide and three
batches with the unwashed aggregate on the same day. All batches shall have the same
quantity of fine aggregate. Mix the batches for the two conditions alternately.
2.2 Mold three 2-in or 50- mm cubes from each batch.
2.3 Test the three cubes from each batch at the age specified.
• Note 1 - Standard Method of Test for Organic Impurities in Fine aggregates forconcrete
describes a standard procedure and an alternative procedure for the determination of color
value. In the standard procedure there is a single reference standard color. In the alternative
procedure five colored glass standards are used. The reference standard color is equivalent to
color Plate No. 3.
• Sampling
- Sample portions of fine aggregate for this test sample be obtained from the sample used for
Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregates for Concrete. Needed reduction of samples to obtain test
portions shall be in accordance with Test Method of Reducing Field Samples of Aggregates to
Testing Size.
-Secure an additional field sample if needed from the aggregate supply in accordance with
Sampling Aggregates.
Reagents and Materials
• Portland cement shall be Type I or Type II
• Sodium Hydroxide Solution (3%) – Dissolve 3 parts by weight of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in
97 parts water.
APPARATUS:
Flow Table Cube Molds Testing Machine
Flow Mold Tamper Bowl
Caliper Mixer Testing Machine(UTM)
Paddle Balance and weights
Preparation Of Mortar
1. In the event that the fine aggregate being used includes particles so large that the
adjustment bracket cannot provide adequate clearance, the oversized particles shall be
removed by sieving on the 4.75 mm (No. 4) or 2.36 mm (No. 8) sieve. If this procedure is
employed, the report shall so state and shall indicate the percentage of material so removed.
2. Use water and cement in quantities that will yield a water-cement ratio of 0.6 by mass. It
has been found that 600 g of cement and 360 mL of water will usually be adequate for a 6-
cube batch.
3. Using fine aggregate that has been bought to a saturated surface dry condition prepare a
quantity of aggregate estimated to provide slightly more than needed to produce a batch of
the desired consistency.
3.1 The mortar shall be proportioned to produce a consistency of 110 ± 5 in 25 drops.
4. Prepare the mortar in a mechanical mixer.
4.1 During the period from 30 to 60 s from the start of mixing, and while still mixing at slow
speed, slowly add a measured quantity of aggregate estimated to provide the proper
consistency.
4.2 During the final 1 min. of mixing at medium speed, if the flow appears to be too high additional
aggregate may be added after the first 30 s of this mixing period. To do so, stop the mixer briefly, add
the aggregate, and then complete the additional 30 s of mixing.
Procedure
1. Make a determination of the flow as described in Mortar Strength Test.
1.1 Should the flow be too great, return the mortar to the mixing bowl, add additional aggregate, mix for
30 s at medium speed, and make another determination of the flow. If more than two trials must be
made to obtain a flow of 110 ± 5, consider the mortar as a trial mortar, and prepare test specimens from
a new batch.
1.2 If the mortar is too dry, discard the batch.
1.3 Determine the quantity of aggregate used by subtracting the mass of the portion remaining after
mixing from the mass of the initial sample. Use this quantity of aggregate in all subsequent batches for
the aggregate under test.
2. Molding Test Specimens – immediately following completion of a flow test indicating acceptable
consistency, return the mortar from the flow table to the mixing bowl, scrape down the bowl, and then
remix the entire batch 15 s at medium speed. Upon completion of mixing, shake the excess mortar from
the paddle into the bowl. Place the mortar in cube molds in two layers in accordance with the procedures
described in Mortar Strength Test.
3. For subsequent batches, use washed and unwashed aggregate alternately and the quantity of
aggregate determined in 1.3. Follows the procedure for mixing mortars described in Mortar Strength Test.
Following the final 1 min. mixing in Mortar Strength Test, do not perform a flow test but instead allow the
mortar to stand in the mixing bowl 90s without covering. During the last 15’s of this interval, quickly
scrape down into the batch any mortar that may have collected on the side of the bowl. Then remix for
15 s at medium speed. Upon completion of mixing, shake the excess mortar from the paddle into the
mixing bowl. Place the mortar in the cube molds in two layers. Store the test specimens and determine
compressive strength.
• Calculation and Report
1. Calculate the compressive strength of each specimen by dividing the maximum
load it carried during the test by the cross-sectional area. Average the strengths
of the three specimens from each batch. Calculate three strength ratios by
dividing the average strength for a batch containing unwashed aggregate by the
average strength for the corresponding (in respective order of mixing) batch
containing washed aggregate.
2. Report the average of the three ratios, expressed as a percentage, as the
relative strength for the aggregate under test.
3. If oversized material was removed from the sample, report the quantity and the
sieve size on which it was retained.
• SOUNDNESS TEST OF AGGREGATES (AASHTO T104-990;2011: ASTM C88)
Significance: The test determines the resistance of aggregates to disintegration by saturated solutions of
sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate. It also furnishes information helpful in evaluating soundness of aggregates
subject to weathering action. Exceptions may be made if aggregates have exhibited satisfactory service in
existing structures.
Apparatus:
1.) Set of sieves with pan and cover
2.) Balance and weights
3.) Pans ( for soaking aggregates)
4.) Temperature – controlled oven
5.) Saturated solution of Sodium /Magnesium Sulfate
6.) Hydrometer
Preparation of Solution;
Sodium Sulfate Solution = prepare a standard solution by dissolving the salt (Na 2SO4) in water at a temperature of
25- 30 °C
Note 1 - For the solution, 215 g of anhydrous salt or 700 g of the decahydrate per liter of water are sufficient for
saturation at 22oC. However, since there salts are not completely stable and since it is desirable than an excess
of crystals be present, the use of not less than 225 g of the anhydrous salt or 750 g of the decahydrate salt per
liter of water is recommended
Magnesium Sulfate Solution- prepare a saturated solution of magnesium sulfate by dissolving a USP or equal
grade of the salt in water at a temperature of 25 to 30 oC.
Note 2 – For the solution, 350 g of anhydrous salt or 1230 g of the heptahydrate per liter of water are sufficient
for saturation at 23oC. However, since these salts are not completely stable, with the hydrous salt being the more
stable of the two, and since it is desirable that an excess of crystals be present, it is recommended that the
heptahydrate salt be used and in an amount of not less than 1400 g per liter of water.
• Procedure
Soundness Test (Use of Sodium or Magnesium Sulfate)
1. Wash through the sample and dry to constant weight/mass. Separate sample
as follows :
• Fine Aggregate (Passing 9.5 mm)
Weight/Mass of Test
Passing Sieve Retained on Sieve
Fraction, g
9.5 mm 4.75 mm 100
4.75 mm 2.36 mm 100
2.36 mm 1.18 mm 100
1.18 mm 0.600 mm 100
0.600 mm 0.300 mm 100
• Coarse Aggregate (Retained on 4.75 mm)
Weight/Mass of Test
Passing Sieve Retained on Sieve Fraction, g

63.0 mm 37.5 mm 5000±300

37.5 mm 19.0 mm 1500±50
19.0 mm 9.5 mm 1000±10
9.5 mm 4.75 mm 300±5
Larger sizes by 25.4 mm spread in sieve size, each test fraction 3000 g.
2. Cover the samples to a depth of at least 12.70 mm by a saturated solution of
sodium or magnesium sulfate for 16 to 18 hours at 20.3-21.9oC.
3. After immersion period remove samples from the solution, drain for 15±5 min.
and dry to constant weight/mass. Allow sample to cool and immerse again in the
sulfate solution.
4. Repeat process of alternate immersion and drying for 5 cycles.
Note: Preferably the test shall be performed continuously until the specified
number of cycles is obtained. However, if the test must be interrupted, leave the
samples in the oven at 110±5 OC until the testing can be resumed.
. After completion of the required cycles and sample was cooled, wash the
samples free from sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate and dry to constant
weight/mass
5. Weigh the dry, washed samples and pass over the same sieve on which each
was originally retained.
6. Weigh the particles retained.

Calculation/Worksheet
Determination of % soundness loss is shown in the Worksheet.