Laboratory Report Format

LABORATORY: 01 DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT DATE: ____________

DESCRIPTION: (DESCRIBE IMPORTANCE OF THE EXPERIMENT / PURPOSE OF DATA)

TOOL / APPARATUS:

PROCEDURE: (DESCRIBE FROM SAMPLING TO TESTING AND DATA RECORDING)

DATA: (PRESENTATION OF DATA AS DESCRIBED FROM THE PROCEDURE)

CALCULATIONS: (SHOW THE ANALYTICAL FLOW. INCLUDING GRAPHS, TABLES OR RESULTS)

Prelim - Laboratory
LABORATORY:
01 DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT OF SOIL
02 DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL
03 DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY & ABSORPTION OF FINE & COARSE AGGREGATES
DETERMINATION OF UNIT WEIGHT / MASS IN AGGREGATES
MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION &
TESTING
DISCUSSION ON:
SOIL AGGREGATES
AGGREGATES OF CONCRETE
WHAT IS SOIL?
Generally soil is an unconsolidated, or loose, combination
of organic & inorganic materials. The organic materials are
composed of debris from plants & from the decomposition
of many tiny life forms that inhabit or live in the soil, while
the inorganic components of soil are: rocks & minerals, that
have been gradually broken down by weather, chemical
action and other natural processes.
SOIL AGGREGATE STRUCTURE
SOIL IN CONSTRUCTION
Engineering properties of soil includes; shear strength,
stiffness and permeability. These properties are being
considered in order to determine and design the type of
foundations, earthworks, and/or pavements subgrade
required for the intended man-made structures to be
built.
SOIL IN CONSTRUCTION
SOIL IN CONSTRUCTION
Soils can make or break construction projects.
Engineers and soil scientists measure soil strength to
see how easily a soil changes shape or shifts, to see
whether it will bear the weight of structures.
SOIL IN CONSTRUCTION
Determine the suitability of the soil and assess whether it can
accommodate your construction project Identify the different
types of soil on your site and their location Test your soil for
strength, density, compaction, contamination, organics and
sand content, and assess their impact on your construction
project.

 Moisture content test

 Atterberg limits tests
 Specific gravity of soil
 Dry density of soil
 Compaction test (Proctor’s test)
SOIL IN CONSTRUCTION
Soil group according to size
 Granular Soil
 Fine-Grained Soil
 Organic Soil
Granular or coarse-grained – passing 75 mm (3”)
and retained on 0.075 mm (#200) sieves

1. Stone – may be crushed or natural angular particles

(formed by natural process) passing 75 mm and
retained on 2.0mm (#10)sieves
2. Gravel – rounded particles passing 75 mm and retained
on 2.0 mm sieves, mostly found in rivers
3. Sand - passing 2.0 mm and retained on 0.075 mm sieves
~ Coarse sand - (+) 2.0 mm (-) 0.425 mm (#40)
~ Fine sand - (+) 0.425 mm (-) 0.075 mm
Granular Soil
Granular soils (non-cohesive soils) e.g. sand
and gravel, have no shear strength.
Courser grained soils are more permeable to water and,
unless saturated, may have very little water in their voids.
If well consolidated and confined, they form a foundation
that is almost as stable as rock.
Granular Soil Characteristics
1. Good load bearing qualities.
2. Permeable, hence they drain easily.
3. Comparatively incompressible when subjected
to static loads.
4. Not subject to changes in strength or volume due to
variation in water content. However, loose granular
materials will undergo considerable reduction in
volume if subjected to vibratory loads.
Fine-grained Soil (Cohesive Soil)
1. Silt – passing 0.075 mm and larger than 0.002mm
(fine and barely visible grains)
2. Clay – passing 0.002 mm and larger than 0.001mm
(cohesive or plastic)

Cohesive soils have shear strength. It is possible to make

a vertical cut in silts and clays and it remain standing,
unsupported, for some time.
Clay consist of very fine microscopic particles which hold
water to increase their volume, and release moisture to
decrease their volume.
Fine-grained Soil (Cohesive Soil)

Silt

Clay
Fine-grained Soil Characteristics

1. Poor load sustaining qualities.

2. Highly impermeable.
3. Compressible under a sustained load
4. Subject to changes in volume and strength
due to variation in water content.
ORGANIC SOIL - passing 0.001mm
1. inferior than fine grained soils with respect to the
properties.
2. fibrous soil due to the presence of un-decomposed
plant matter.
3. unhealthy sewage-sludge odor.
4. found as deposits in swamps and peat bogs
UNSUITABLE SOIL
1. Soil containing quantities of organic material such as
grass, roots and sewage.
2. Highly organic soil such as peat and muck.
3. Soil with liquid limit exceeding 80 and/or plasticity
index exceeding 55.
4. Soil with a natural water content exceeding 100 %.
5. Soil with very low natural density, 800 kg./m3 or lower.
6. Soil that can not be properly compacted as
determined by the Engineer.
LABORATORY TESTS FOR GRANULAR SOIL SAMPLE:
 GRADING/SIEVE ANALYSIS
 ATTERBERG LIMIT TEST(Plasticity Test)
 MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION TEST
 COMPACTION TEST in preparation for
Field Density test)
 CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO (CBR)
Minimum Amount of Sample for Grading Test

Nominal Maximum Size Approximate

of Soil Aggregate Minimum Weight
Particle
(mm) (kgs.)
9.5 0.5
25.0 2.0
50.0 4.0
75.0 5.0
Preparation of Samples for Testing
(Laboratory Sampling)
Samples shall be dried thoroughly in air or in drying
apparatus at a temperature not to exceed 60 oC

Reduction of samples can be done by Quartering or with

the use of Mechanical Sample Splitter
 Sieve/Grading Test Procedure
 Pass the sample through a series of sieves
 Sieve the samples (Sieving operation shall be conducted
by means of lateral and vertical motion of the sieve
accompanied by jarring action to keep the sample moving
continuously on the surface of the sieve). Sieving shall be
continued until not more than 1% by weight of the residue
passes the sieve within 1 minute.
 Weigh and record the quantity retained on each sieve.
 Compute for the % passing for each sieve.
Sieve Analysis
WORKSHEET ON SIEVE ANALYSIS
Project:
Kind of material Granular material Spec's Item No. 201
Sampled at Jobsite
Original source Tagoloan river
Sampled by:
Tested by:
Lab. No. Weight of sample in grams:
Fraction passing #200 sieve = Original weight 5600
Fraction passing #40 sieve Oven-dry weight 5498
Moisture content Washed oven-dry weight 5243
Fineness modulus Wash loss 255

C U M U L A T I V E
Sieve size Mass Mass Percent Percent Specification REMARKS
mm - in. retained, g. passing, g. passing retained % Passing
75.0 - 3"
63.0 - 2 1/2"
50.0 - 2" 0 5496 100 100 Passed
37.5 - 1 1/2" 910 4586 83
25.0 - 1" 591 3995 73 60 - 85 Passed
19.0 - 3/4" 388 3607 66
12.5 - 1/2" 412 3195 58 35 - 65 Passed
9.5 - 3/8"
4.75 - #4 717 2478 45 20 - 50 Passed
2.36 - #8
2.00 #10 522 1956 36
1.18 - #16
0.600 - #30
0.425 - #40 1121 835 15 5 -20 Passed
0.300 -#60
0.250 - #60
0.150 - #100
0.075 - #200 570 265 5 0 - 12 Passed
Pan 10
Passing # 0.075 255
TOTAL 5496
AGGREGATES OF CONCRETE
Defined as inert, granular & inorganic materials that
normally consist of stone or stone-like solids
The mineral composition, shape, surface texture, and
grading of aggregates affect the concrete quality, thermal
coefficient, drying shrinkage, stiffness creep and strength of
concrete.
 AGGREGATES OF CONCRETE
The most popular use of aggregates is to form Portland
cement concrete . Approximately ¾ of the volume of
Portland cement concrete is occupied by aggregates.
They provide compressive strength and bulk to concrete
Aggregates are also used in asphalt cement concrete in
which they occupy 90% or more of the total volume.
For construction purposes, they are grouped into:
 Coarse Aggregates
 Fine Aggregates
Coarse Aggregates
Passing 75 mm, Retained 4.75 mm sieve which consist of:
 Crushed stone
 Gravel
 Blast Furnace Slag
 or other approved inert materials of similar characteristics
having hard strong, durable pieces and free from adherent coatings
Coarse Aggregates
Typical Applications for Different Size of Coarse Aggregates:

 ≥40mm For mass concreting works (dams, revetments, etc.)

For road construction
 20mm For general concreting (reinforced & pre-stressed
concrete structural members)
 10mm For screeds > 50mm thickness
 5mm For screeds ≤ 50mm thickness
Fine Aggregates
Passing 4.75mm, retained 0.075mm sieve which consist of:
 Natural sand
 Stone Screenings
 Or other inert materials with similar characteristics
 Or combination thereof, having hard, strong and durable
particles.
Classification of Aggregates in accordance
with Sources

 Natural Aggregates – extracted from larger rock formations

through an open excavation (quarry) and reduced to usable sizes
by mechanical crushing or grinding (sand, crushed limestone,
gravel)

 Manufactured (Synthetic) Aggregates–man-made aggregates

produced as a main product or an industrial by-product (blast
furnace slag, iron ore, crushed steel)
 Classification of Aggregates
in accordance with Unit Weight

 Light Weight Aggregates – has a unit weight of less than 1120 kg/m3
(cinder, blast furnace slag, volcanic pumice)

 Normal Weight Aggregates – has a unit weight of 1520 -1680 kgs/m3

 Heavy Weight Aggregates – has a unit weight greater than 2100 kgs/m3.
It is used in special structures, such as radiation shields (magnesite
limonite, heavy iron ore)
Preparation of Samples for Testing

Samples shall be dried thoroughly in air or in drying

apparatus at a temperature not to exceed 60 oC

Reduction of samples can be done by Quartering or with

the use of Mechanical Sample Splitter
Size of Samples for Testing
(Aggregate Size) (Field Sample Mass, kg)
Fine Aggregates
2.36mm (#8) 10 Kgs.
4.75mm (#4) 10 Kgs.
Coarse Aggregates
9.5mm (3/8”) 10 kgs.
12.5mm (1/2”) 15 kgs.
19.0mm (3/4”) 25 kgs.
25.0mm (1”) 50 kgs.
37.5mm (1 ½”) 75 kgs.
50.0mm (2”) 100 kgs.
63.0mm (2 ½”) 125 kgs.
75.0mm (3”) 150 kgs.
 LABORATORY TESTS
FOR COARSE & FINE AGGREGATES

 Grading/Sieve Analysis (AASHTO T27, ASTM C136)

 Specific Gravity & Absorption Tests (AASHTO T19, ASTM C29)
 Unit Weight Determination Tests (AASHTO T19, ASTM C29)
 Abrasion Test For Gravel (ASSHTO T96, ASTM C131 or C535)
 Organic Impurities For Fine Aggregates (ASSHTO T21, ASTM C40)
 Soundness Test (ASSHTO T104, ASTM C88)
 A. SIEVE ANALYSIS/GRADINGTEST

This test method is used primarily to determine the grading

of materials proposed for use as aggregates or being used as
aggregates. The results are used to determine compliance of
the particle size distribution with applicable specification
requirements and to provide necessary data for control of
the production of various aggregate products and mixtures
containing aggregates.
 Sieve/Grading Test Procedure
 Pass the sample through a series of sieves
 Sieve the samples (Sieving operation shall be conducted
by means of lateral and vertical motion of the sieve
accompanied by jarring action to keep the sample moving
continuously on the surface of the sieve). Sieving shall be
continued until not more than 1% by weight of the residue
passes the sieve within 1 minute.
 Weigh and record the quantity retained on each sieve.
 Compute for the % passing for each sieve.
Fine Aggregates (For Item 311 & 405)

Sieve Designation ( mm.) Mass Percent Passing

9.5 ( 3/8 in.) 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
Wash Passing No.200 3.0 Max.
Min. No. of Test Requirement
Grading Test 1 Sample/ 75 cu.m.
Quality Test 1 Sample/ 1500 cu.m.
 For Item 311- (Coarse Aggregate)

Sieve Sizes (mm.) Mass Percent Passing

Grading A Grading B Grading C
75 (3 in.) 100
83 (2 ½ in.) 90 - 100 100 100
50 (2 in.) - 90 - 100 95 – 100
37.5 (1 ½ in.) 25 - 80 35 - 70 -
25 (1 in) - 0 -15 35 - 70
19 (3/4 in.) 0 - 10 - -
12.5 (1/2 in.) 0-5 0-5 10 - 30
4.75 (No. 4) - 0-5

Wash Passing No. 200 1.0 Max.

% Abrasion Loss 40 Max.
Min. No. Test Requirement

Grading Test 1 Sample/ 75 cu.m.

 For Item 405 – Structural Concrete (Coarse Aggregate)
Sieve Designation, mm. Mass Percent Passing

Class A Class B Class C Class P Class Seal

63 ( 2 ½ in.) 100
50 ( 2 in.) 100 95 - 100
37.5 ( 1 ½ in) 95 - 100 - 100
25 ( 1 in.) - 35 - 70 100 95 - 100
19 ( 3/4 in.) 35 - 70 - 100 95 - 100 -
12.5 ( ½ in.) - 10 - 30 90 - 100 - 25 - 60
9.5 ( 3/8 in) 10 - 30 - 40 - 70 20 - 55 -
2.75 (No. 4) 0-5 0–5 0 - 15 0 - 10 0 - 10
Wash Passing No. 200 1.0 Max.
% Abrasion Loss 40 Max.

Min. No. of Test Required

Grading Test 1Sample /75 cu.m.
Quality Test 1 Sample / 1500 cu.m.
Grading Test
Fine Aggregate
Original Weight : ________________
Oven-dry Weight : _____1520_______
Moisture Content, % : _________________ Wash Oven-dry Weight : _____ 1497_______
Fineness Modulus : ______2.97_______ Wash Loss : ______23________
Sieve Size Mass CUMULATIVE SPEC’S Remarks
(mm.) Retained Percent
Mass Percent Percent Passing, %
(g) Passing, (g) Passing, % Retained, %

9.500 ( 3/8 in.) 1517 100 0 100 Passed

4.750 (No. 4) 62 1455 96 4 95 - 100 Passed
2.360 (No. 8) 213 1242 82 18 -
1.180 (No. 16) 328 914 60 40 45 - 80 Passed
0.600 (No. 30) 316 598 39 61 -
0.300 (No. 50) 292 306 20 80 5 - 30 Passed
0.150 (No. 100) 220 86 6 94 0 - 10 Passed
0.075 (No. 200) 62 24 2 3 Max. Passed
Pan 1
Wash Passing No. 200 23
TOTAL 1517 297
Fineness Modulus (FM) :
Characterized the overall coarseness or fineness of an aggregate.

 Fineness Modulus (FM)= Sum of the Cumulative

Percent Retained of 3/8 in., No. 4, No. 8, No. 16,
No. 30, No. 50, and No. 100 sieves divided by 100

FM = (Cumulative % Retained of 3/8 in. + No. 4 + No. 8

+ No. 16 + No. 30 + No. 50 + No. 100) / 100

FM = (0 + 4 + 18 + 40 + 61 + 80 + 94)/100
= 297/100
= 2.97

The Fineness Modulus for Fine Aggregates should lie

between 2.3 and 3.1
Grading Test
Coarse Aggregate for Item 311
Original Weight : ________________
Oven-dry Weight : _____4632_______
Moisture Content, % : _________________ Wash Oven-dry Weight : _____ 4591_______
Fineness Modules : ______ _______ Wash Loss : _____ 41________

Sieve Size Mass CUMULATIVE SPEC’S Remarks

(mm.) Retained Pecent
Mass Passing, Percent Percent Passing, %
(g) (g) Passing, % Retained, %
75.0 ( 3.0 in.) “C”
63.0 (2 ½ in.) 4629 100 100 Passed
50.0 (2 in.) 214 4415 95 95 - 100 Passed
37.5 (1 ½ in.) 689 3726 80 -
25.0 (1 in.) 1227 2499 54 35 - 70 Passed
12..5 (1/2 in.) 1565 934 20 10 - 30 Passed
4.75 (No. 4) 845 89 2 0-5 Passed
0.075 (No. 200) 45 44 1 1 Max. Passed
Pan 3
Wash Passing No. 200 41
TOTAL 4629
 B. SPECIFIC GRAVITY & ABSORPTION
DETERMINATION OF AGGREGATES

This values are used in the design of concrete and

bituminous mixtures. A high value of absorption may
indicate a doubtful quality of the materials.

The Bulk Specific Gravity of most Rocks = 2.5 – 2.8

Minimum Weight of Test Sample

Nominal Maximum Minimum Weight of

Size, mm (in.) Sample, Kg (lb)
12.5(1/2) or less 2 (4.4)
19.0 (3/4) 3 (6.6)
25.0 (1) 4 (8.8)
37.5 (1 ½) 5 (11)
50.0 (2) 8 (18)
63.0 (2 ½) 12 (26)
75.0 (3) 18 (40)
For Fine Aggregate:
Apparatus:
 Pycnometer or calibrated volumetric flask
 Conical mold,
40 ± 3 mm. inside top dia,, 90 ± 3 mm. inside bottom
dia., 75 ± 3 mm.high.
 Tamping rod,
Weighing 340 ± 15 g. with flat circular tamping face
25 ± 3 mm. dia.
 Water bucket
 Balance & weights
 Oven
 Pans
Procedure:
1. Soak about 1 kg. of sample in water for
15 -19 hrs. Air dry the sample until surface-
dry condition Weigh 500 gms. of saturated
surface-dry sample, gms.
(Wt. of Sample (SSD) in air) =A

2. Place the 500 gms of SSD sample to the

pycnometer with water and roll in the flat
surface to remove air bubbles. Then place in
a water bath for about 1 hr.

3.Fill pycnometer to 500 ml. mark, and weigh,

(Wt. of pycnometer + water + Sample) = C

4.Remove sample from pycnometer, oven-dry

to constant weight & weigh, gms
(Wt. of oven-dry sample) = D
Surface-dry Condition
Determination:

Place the sample in the conical mold,

tamp surface 25 times and lift mold
vertically. Sample in the cone will retain
its shape in the presence of free
moisture. If this condition exists,
continue air drying and repeat the test
until the sample slumps upon removal
of the mold, this will indicate surface-
dry condition
Calibration of Pycnometer Bottle:

Weigh the pycnometer filled with water to

500 ml mark, in gms.

Air should be expelled by rolling on side.

(Wt. of pycnometer + water) = B
Calculation:

 Bulk Sp.Gr.(Oven Dry Basis) = D/(A + B – C)

 Bulk Sp. Gr.(SSD Basis) = A/(A + B – C)
 Apparent Sp. Gr. = D/(D + B – C)
 % Absorption = (A – D)/D (100)

Where :
A = Wt. of sample (SSD) in air = 500 gms.
B = Wt. of pycnometer filled with water, gms.
C = Wt. of pycnometer, sample & water, gms.
D = Wt. of oven-dry sample in air, gms.
For Coarse Aggregate:
Apparatus:
 Balance & Weights
 Wire Basket No. 4 (9.45 mm) sieve
 Absorbent Cloth
 Oven
 Pans
Procedure:
1.Pass about 5 kgs. of the sample through No. 4
(9.45mm) sieve.

2.Wash the portion retained No.4 sieve to remove

dust & soak in water for 15-19 hrs.

3.Remove sample from water and wipe all visible

films of water with absorbent cloth. Sample is now
in surface-dry condition.
4.Weigh surface-dry sample in air, kgs.
(Wt. of sample (SSD) in air) = B
5.Place sample in wire basket and weigh the
sample under water, kgs.
(Wt. of sample in water) = C
6.Remove sample from water, oven dry to
constant weight & weigh, kgs.
(Wt. of Oven-dry Sample in air) = A
Calculation:

 Bulk Sp. Gr.(Oven Dry Basis) = A/(B – C)

 Bulk Sp. Gr. (SSD Basis) = B/(B – C)
 Apparent Sp. Gr. = A/(A – C)
 % Absorption = (B – A)/A (100)

Where:
A = Wt. of Oven-Dry sample in air, kgs.
B = Wt. of SSD sample in air, kgs.
C = Wt. of sample in water, kgs.
 C. UNIT WEIGHT/MASS DETERMINATION
OF AGGREGATES

Values of unit weight/mass are used in volumetric-

gravimetric calculation. In volumetric batching of concrete
aggregates, unit weight/mass should be known to convert
weight/mass into loose volume.
Apparatus:

 Metal Volumetric Measure Container

a) For FA = 2832 cu. cm. min. (0.002832 cu.m.)
b) For CA = 14160 cu. cm. min. (0.014160 cu.m.)
 Steel Tamping Rod
Size: 16 mm diameter & 610 mm.(61 cm.) long
 Balance & Weights
 Cylindrical Metal with handle
 Shovel or Scoop
Apparatus:
For Coarse & Fine
Aggregates
 Procedure:

Calibration of Metal Volumetric Measure Container:

1. Weigh empty volumetric measure container in kgs. (A)
2. Weigh volumetric measure container filled with water in
kgs, (B)
3. Consider Density of water =1000 kg/cu.m. (C)
4. Compute the volume of the container in cu.m. (D)
D = (B-A)/C
LOOSE WEIGHT/MASS DETERMINATION
1. The aggregate should be thoroughly mix and at a room-
dry condition.
2. Fill the aggregate to the container of an overflowing
condition by shovel or scoop at a height of about 50 mm
(5 cm.) from the top of the container.
3. Strike-off the excess aggregate in level of the container &
weigh in kgs. (E)
4. Compute the weight of aggregate to fill the container in
kgs.
F=E–A
5. Compute the Unit Weight/Mass of Aggregate in kg/cu.m.
G = F/D
RODDED WEIGHT/MASS DETERMINATION:
1. The aggregate should be thoroughly mix and at a room-dry
condition.
2. Fill the aggregate to a one-third level of the container and tamp 25
times by a tamping rod.
3. Repeat procedure (2) to the 2nd and the last third layer level of the
container. In tamping, the rod should penetrate only the aggregate of
every layer being added.
4. Strike-off the excess aggregate in level of the container & weigh in
kgs.
5. Compute the weight of aggregate to fill the container in kgs.
F =E – A
6. Compute the Unit Weight/Mass of Aggregate in kg/cu.m.
G = F/D
Project
Name CityProvince
Tested by:
Name & /Designation Office Date
Computed by:
Name & /Designation Office Date
COARSE AGGREGATES LABORATORY RESULT
1. Weight in air of Saturated Surface dry sample: g 7922.6
2. Weight in of Sample in water; g 4982.3
3. Weight of oven dried sample; g 7822.9
4. Absorption:(1) - (3) 1.27
X 100
(3)
5. Specific Gravity, bulk, SSD ; (1) 2.69
(1)-(2)

FINE AGGREGATES LABORATORY RESULT

1. Weight in air of Saturated Surface dry sample: g 500
2. Weight of pynometer bottle filled with water; g 727.54
3. Weight of pynometer bottle + water + sample in bottle; g 1038.89
4. Weight of oven dried sample; g 488.79
5. Absorption:(1) - (4) 2.29
X 100
(4)
6. Specific Gravity, bulk, SSD ; (1) 2.65
(1)+(2) - (3)

Organic Impurities: Negative for Org. Imp.

UNIT WEIGHT DETERMINATION
COARSE AGGREGATES LOOSE RODDED
1. Container + sample, kg. 19386 21154
2. Container, Kg. 3864 3864
3. Sample, (1) - (2), Kg. 15522 17290
3
4. Volume of Container, m 0.010309
5. Unit Weight/Mass (Kg/m3) 1506 1677
(3) / (4)

FINE AGGREGATES LOOSE RODDED

1. Container + sample, kg. 5271 5573
2. Container, Kg. 1772 1772
3. Sample, (1) - (2), Kg. 3499 3801
4. Volume of Container, m3 0.002079
5. Unit Weight/Mass (Kg/m3) 1683 1828
(3) / (4)

Checked by:
 D. ABRASION TEST
This test evaluates the structural strength of coarse
aggregate. It gives an indication of quality as determined by
resistance to impact and wear.
The abrasive charge- consist of cast-iron spheres or steel
spheres approximately 46.8 mm in diameter & each
weighing between 390-455 grams.
Grading No. of Spheres Weight of Charge, g
A 12 5000 + 25
B 11 4584 + 25
C 8 3330 + 20
D 6 2500 + 15
AGGREGATES SIZES for ABRASION TEST

SIEVE SIZE (mm) GRADING & WEIGHT OF TEST SAMPLE, g

Passing Retained A B C D
37.5 25 1250 + 25 - - -
25 19 1250 + 25 - - -
19 12.5 1250 + 10 2500 + 10 - -
12.5 9.5 1250 + 10 2500 + 10 - -
9.5 6.3 - - 2500 + 10 -
6.3 4.75 - - 2500 + 10 -
4.75 2.36 - - - 5000 + 10
TOTAL 5000 5000 5000 5000
 PROCEDURE:
1. Place test sample and abrasive charge in the
Los Angeles Test Machine rotated at a speed
of 30-33 rpm, 500 revolutions.

2. At completion of test, discharge material

from the machine. Sieve finer portion on the
1.7mm sieve, using the standard procedure
of sieving aggregates.

3. Wash all materials coarser than 1.7mm, dry

to constant weight in the oven (105ºC -
110ºC) and weigh to nearest 1 gram.
 WORKSHEET ON LOS ANGELES ABRASION TEST
(AASHTO T-96)
A
Grading of Test Sample:__________ No. of Revolution: 500 No. of Spheres: 12
Sieve
Sieve Weight Weight Final Difference Percentage
Retained Specification Remarks
Passing (g) Original (g) (g) (g) Loss
(g)
37.5 25.0 1,250
25.0 19.0 1,250
19.0 12.5 1,250 3850 1150 23% 40% max. Passed

12.5 9.50 1,250

TOTAL

Lab. No. : Spec's No. : I - 311 Source :

Contractor Tested by : Date tested :

Certified Correct :

Computation

Abrasion Loss :

Original Weight of Sample (g) - Weight of sample retained at 1.7mm sieve (g)
x 100
Original Weight of Sample (g)
 E. DETERMINATION OF ORGANIC IMPURITIES IN
SAND
The test determines the presence of injurious organic
compounds in natural sand (to be used in cement mortar or
concrete)

Reagents & Standard Color Solution:

1. Sodium Hydroxide Solution (3%)
2. Reference Color Standard Solution, Potassium Dichromate (K2CrO7)
3. Reference Color Standard Tester
Procedure:
1. Fill the graduated glass bottle
with sand to approximately 130ml
level

2. Add 3% NaOH Solution to the

sand until to approximately 200 ml
mark, (after vigorously shaking),
Stand for 24 hrs.

3. Compare with standard Color

Solution/Standard Color Tester
Interpretation of Results:
 If the color of the solution with sample is darker than the
reference standard color solution/tester, the sand under test shall
be considered to possibly contain the injurious organic
compounds. Aggregates shall be rejected.
 Aggregate failing in the test may be used provided that the
discoloration is due principally to the presence of small quantities
of coal, lignite or similar discrete particles.
Interpretation of Results:

Aggregate failing in the test may be used provided that, when

tested for the effect of organic impurities on strength of
mortar by AASHTO T 71 (Standard Specification For Effect of
Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregate on Strength Of Mortar)
the relative strength at seven days is not less than 95%.

Strength of Untreated Sand

≥ 95 %
Strength of Treated Sand
 F. SOUNDNESS TEST OF AGGREGATES

Aggregates must be resistant to breakdown &

disintegration from weathering (wetting/drying &
freezing/thawing)
This involves repeatedly submerging aggregate sample
(24 hrs.) in a saturated solution of Sodium or Magnesium
Sulfate. It simulates the weathering of aggregates that occur
in nature
Procedure:
1. Separate samples into specific sieve
sizes
2. Immerse the sample in NaSO4/Mg2SO4
(24hrs)
3. Remove sample from the solution & dry
to constant weight
4. Repeat the cycle 5 times
5. Wash the sample to remove the salt,
then oven dry
6. Determine the loss in in weight for each
specific sieve size
7. Compute the weighted average % loss
for the entire sample.
Samples for Soundness Test
Fine Aggregates (Passing 9.5mm)
Passing Sieve Retained Sieve Weight/mass of test
Fraction, g
9.5 mm 4.75 mm 100
4.75mm 2.36 mm 100
2.36mm 1.18mm 100
1.18mm 0.600 mm 100
0.600 mm 0.300 mm 100
Coarse Aggregates (Retained on 4.75 mm Sieve)
63.0 mm 37.5 mm 3000
37.5 mm 19.0 mm 1500
18.0 mm 9.5 mm 1000
9.5 mm 4.75 mm 300
Soundness Test: Fine Aggregates
Sieve Size,mm 1 2 3 4 5 6
Passing Retained Grading of Mass of Mass of Loss in % Passing Mass
Original test test mass, sieve after average
sample Fraction Fraction gms. test (actual (corrected
%Retained Before test After % loss) % loss)
,gms test, gms
0.150 -
0.300 0.150
0.600 0.300
1.18 0.600
2.36 1.18
4.75 2.36
9.5 4.75
Total
Weighted Ave. % Loss = % Passing after test (Actual % loss) X % Retained
(Original sample) X 100

The weighted loss shall not exceed 10 mass %

Soundness Test: Coarse Aggregates
Sieve Size,mm 1 2 3 4 5 6
Passing Retained Grading of Mass of Mass of Loss in % Passing Mass
Original test test mass, sieve after average
sample Fraction Fraction gms. test (corrected
%Retained Before test After (actual % % loss)
,gms test, gms loss)
63.0 37.5
37.5 19.0
19.0 9.5
9.5 4.75

Total

Weighted Ave. % Loss = % Passing after test (Actual % loss) X % Retained

(Original sample) X 100

The weighted loss shall not exceed 12 mass %

END OF PRESENTATION