I.

Title: REDUCING FIELD SAMPLES TO TESTING SIZES

II. Objective: The correct method of obtaining sample for laboratory use and for mechanical
analysis is an important aspect of Material Testing. The purpose of this exercise is to obtain a
representative sample for testing
III. Materials
a. Fine Aggregates
- consist of natural sand or crushed stone with most particles passing through a 3/8-inch
sieve
b. Coarse Aggregates
- any particles greater than 0.19 inch, but generally range between 3/8 and 1.5 inches in
diameter
IV. Apparatus and Method of Testing
a. Apparatus (with definition or use)
1. Spade
- a tool with a blade for digging, esp. one with a long handle
2. Trowel
- A small hand tool with a short handle and a flat, usually pointed blade used for
spreading, shaping, and smoothing plaster, cement, mortar or dirt
3. Galvanized Iron Pan
- have tapered sides and designed for sample handling, storage, and processing
tasks in the laboratory
4. 1”- standard sieve
- devices used to separate particles of 1” size of aggregates
b. Step by Step procedure
1. From a stock pile of aggregates, take a representative sample of sand and gravel. Place
the materials in the containers separately.
2. Wash it thoroughly with water so that it will be free from silt and clay.
3. Set the samples to air dry condition.
4. Pass the sample in the 1 in. sieve and disregard the sample which is more than 1 in. in
diameter.
5. Make a conical mound, flatten it with trowel, and divide into four parts. Take the
opposite division for mechanical analysis of aggregates.
6. In case a sample divider is available, pour the sample into the divider and retain the
sample poured on the one side. The sample will be used then for sieve analysis,
colorimetric test, and for the preparation of concrete specimen.

V. Data and Results

a. Final Weight of Fine Aggregate (after washing and drying):
Weight = 10.1kg

Final Weight of Coarse Aggregate (after washing and drying):

 Weight =10kg
b. Observation/s
- Each aggregate has its own physical properties which partially depends on
how, where and when was the aggregate is stored or keep before it is used. In
the laboratory experiment, sample contains some silt and clay that have been
observed during the washing of the aggregates, which we can conclude that the
before the bagging of aggregates it is stored in an open area.

VI. Discussion (Report)

1. Illustrate the “method of quartering” as a method of reducing field samples to testing
sizes.
 2. Significance of these two methods.

Samples from the field need to be reduced to appropriate sizes for testing. It is
necessary to reduce while minimizing the chance of variability during handling or
transporting. In some cases, a few particles on a given sieve or mesh might affect a
gradation which is enough to alter an interpretation of the field sample and
subsequently the entire material's compliance with specifications. The appropriate
field sample reduction method is mainly dependent on the nominal maximum size of
the aggregate, the amount of free moisture in the sample, and the equipment
available.

VII. Review of Related Literature

VIII. Appendices:
1. References
 Portland Cement Association (n.d). Aggregates. Retrieved from
https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete-applications/concrete-materials/aggregates
 Trowel (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?
term=Trowel
 Spade (n.d). Retrieved from
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/spade
 Galvanized Pans – Tapered Sides (n.d). Retrieved from
https://myerstest.com/product/galvanized-pans-tapered/
 Gatenby. A., (2018) Sieve Testing
. Retrieved from https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/75757/file-15588822-
pdf/docs/sieve_std_cert_cal.pdf
 Reducing Field Samples of Soil and Aggregate to Testing Size
(2018). Retrieved from https://www.codot.gov/business/designsupport/materials-
and-geotechnical/manuals/2019-fmm/cps/CP-30s/%2810%29%20CP%2032-19
2. Journal (review of related literature)
The splitting or quartering method is used at the procedures for reducing samples so that
the reduced sample meets the minimum sample size for testing, has minimum segregation,
and is representative of the original sample. The said method is mainly used in both
construction field and in the laboratory for the sake of knowing whether the field samples
have some impurities that can greatly affect the finished project of the construction.
3. Printed ASTM/AASHTO Manual
a. ASTM D 702
b. AASHTO Designation T 2-74

4. Photographs