furnishes information helpful in evaluating soundness of aggregates subject to weathering action. Specifications limit soundness loss to 18% for coarse aggregate end 12% for fine aggregate when magnesium sulfate is used; if sodium sulfate is used the lirriting percentages are 15% and 10% respectively. Exceptions may be made if aggregates have extibited satisfactory service in ‘existing structures. Organic Matter The test determines the presence and approximate amount of organic matter. A small quantity of send is mixed with a certain amount of 3% solution of sodium hydroxide. After 24 hours, the color of the liquid is compared to a standard color. If darker than the standard, injurious amnounts of orgenic matter ae present. This is an indication that the mortar strength or other tests should be performed and the fine aggregate should pass these tests prior te acceptance oF use. Mortar Strenath Mortar with the fine aggregate being tested is prepared under specifi conditions. The compressive strength of the mortar at 7 days is compared to the strength of standard specimens. A fine aggregate with a minimum strength ratio of 90% is considered acceptable by present Specifications. Like the compressive strength test on cement, the mortar strength test on fine aggregate is considered a decisive test in evaluating overall quality. Abrasion (Los Angeles Machine) This test evaluates the structural strength of coarse aggregate. It gives an indication of quality 2s determined by resistance to impact and Waar. with an abrasion less of 40% or less is considered suitable for bituminous surfaces, for concrete work the madmum loss allowed is 45%. Purpose To deterring the acceptability of aggregates by performance of standard methods of tests. Apparatus AL Unit Weight L.Matd volumetric measure, 1/10 and ¥2.c..ft., that can stand rough aranging tod, steel, 5/8 in. dia., 24 in, long. 3. Balance and weights. B. Specific Gravity and Absorption 1. Pycnometer or calibrated volumetric flask 2. Conical mold, 1-1/2 in. top dia. 3-1/2 in. bottom dia. 2-7/8 in. high oi -e3. Tarping red, weighing 12 om, with a flat croular temping face 1 da. 4. Wire basket of No. | mesh 5. Waler bucket 6. Balance and weights C. Wash on No. 200 siave . Sieves No. 10 ars 200 D. Sieve Andysis . Set of standard sieves, Pans Oven with k . Bdance and wei pen and cover ure contrel auye E. Soundhess Set of standard sieves with pan end cover Balance axl weights Pens Overs with temperature contro! Sodium or magnesium sulfate saturated solution vag F. Organic Test . Graduated glass bottle, 12 oz. Reference color standard Sodiuns hydrox . Tarvic aid puny G Mortar Strength 1. Row table, flow r r (same as in Cement Tests) 2. Tamper of nor-absorptive materia, Ya x 1 in, cross-section, about Gin. long. 3. Trowel 4. Two.inch aubical molds 5. Mata rod, 3/8in. cha 6. Moist cabinet and water-siviage 7. Testing machine H. Abrasion Test 1, Los Angeles Machine Standard sieves with pan and cover 3. Abwasive charges4. Pans 5. Balance and weights Procedure A. Unit Weight Determination ‘The volumetric measure shall be calibrated by determining the weight of water required to fill it. Volume of container equals weight of water divided by the unit weight of water at the temperature of calibration. Sample of aggregate for test shall be toom-dry and thoroughly mixed. _ Compact Unit Weight Determination 1. Fill one-third of the measure, level, and tamp 25 times (no. of blows) evenly distributed over the surface. 2. Fill two-thirds of the measure, then to over-flowing. Each time the same procedure as in Step (1) is repeated, In tamping, the rod should penetrated only the layer being tamped and Should not be forced into the bottom of measure or last layer placed. 3. Strike-off the excess aggregate with the tamping rod. 4. Get net weight of aggregate in measure. Compute unit weight by dividing the net weight by the volume of measure. nit Weight ation i + Fill volumetric measure to overflowing by means of a shovel or Scoop. Discharge the aggregate from a height of about 2 in. from top of Measure. Exercise care to prevent segregation of particles sizes, . Level-off carefully surface of aggregate. . Get net weight of aggregate and compute unit weight by dividing net ‘weight by volume of measure. WN B. Specific Gravity and Absorption Fine Aggregate Prior to test, the weight of pycnometer filled with water should be obtained. Air should be expelled by rolling on side or boiling. 1. Soak about 1000 g, of the sample in water for 24 hours. 2. Spread sample on a fiat surface and stir frequently until it approaches a free-flowing condition. 3. Place sample in the conical mold, tamp surface 25 times and lift mold vertically. Sample in the cone wili retain its shape in the presence of free Moisture. If this condition exists,-continue drying and repeat the test ‘until the sample slumps upon removal of the mold. This will indicate a surface-dry condition. 4. Weigh 500 g. of the surface-dry sample and place in the pycnometer. “40-