ICS 91.100.15; 91.100.

99

ROMANIAN STANDARD STAS 730-89

Classification index H 12
NATURAL AGGREGATES FOR RAILWAYS WORKS AND Replacing:
ROADS STAS 730-86
Sample methods Previous editions:
149, 1971, 1981, 1984
Agregate naturale pentru lucrări de căi ferate şi drumuri – Metode
de încercare
Validation date:
1989-09-01
Agrégats naturels pour travaux de chemins de fer et routiers –
Méthodes d΄essai

1 GENERAL

1.1 Object
- The present standard establishes the methods for determining the following characteristics:
I Characteristics depending especially on the nature of rocks:
- resistance to crushing by compression of the broken rock in a saturated state (RC);
- the index of resistance to crushing by compression of the broken rock in a saturated state (IRc);
- resistance to crushing by mechanical shock of the broken rock in a dried state (RŞ);
- the index of resistance to crushing by mechanical shock of the broken rock in a dried state (IRŞ);
- wearing with the Los Angeles type machine (LA), with the Deval type machine (Ud ) and the quality
coefficient (Cc);
- resistance to frost-thaw – coefficient of frostcleftness (µg) and sensitivity to frost (µgLA).

II Characteristics depending especially on the way of obtaining the natural aggregates:

a. content of impurities:
- the content of fractions under 0.09 mm of the chippings (P0.09);
- the content of fractions under 0.63 mm of the gravel (P0.63);
- equivalent of sand (EN);
- the coefficient of activity of crushing sand (CA);
b. geometrical characteristics:
- granularity;
- the coefficient of non-uniformity (Un);
- the condition of converse filter:
- the index of crushing (Ic);
- the coefficient of shape of the granules (CF);
- the coefficient of flattening (Ap);
- the grade of granule breaking (Gs);
- the medium volumetric coefficient (Cvm).

ASOCIAŢIA DE STANDARDIZARE DIN ROMÂNIA (ASRO),

Adresa poştală: str. Mendeleev 21-25, 70168, Bucureşti 1, Direcţia Generală: Tel.: +40 1 211.32.96; Fax: +40 1 210.08.33,
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Fax : +40 1 210.25.14, +40 1 212.76.20

© ASRO Entire or partial multiplication or use of this standard in any kind of publications and by any means (electronically, mechanically,
photocopy, micromedia etc.) is strictly forbidden without a prior written consent of ASRO
STAS 730-89 -2-

1.2 Scope

The methods established by this standard apply for the determination of the characteristics of the natural
aggregates intended for railways and roads works.

1.3 General indications

1.3.1 The sampling is performed according to the stipulations of STAS 667-84, STAS 662-89 and STAS 2246-89.

1.3.2 The weighing is performed by means of technical scales with the capacity and the precision class according to
STAS 3308-85, as follows:

- for a capacity of maximum 200 g, the precision class II;

- for a capacity of maximum 10 000 g, the precision class III.

1.3.3 The drying up to the constant mass is done by successive heating, preferably in a thermo-adjustable oven, at
temperatures of 105 ... 110°C, followed by weighing. It is considered to have reached a constant mass if the
difference between two consecutive weightings is less than 0.1%.

2 DETERMINATION OF RESISTANCE TO CRUSHING BY COMPRESSION

OF THE BROKEN ROCK IN A SATURATED STATE

2.1 The principle of the method

The percentage of the material that remains on the screen of perforated sheet 10 R STAS 1078-73 after having
subject the rock to a force of 400 kN.

2.2 Equipment

- Hydraulic press of minimum 600 kN.

- Cylinder and piston (fig. 1) made of 200 HB hardness steel.

Fig. 1

- Enamelled container of 5 dm3.

- Screens made of perforated sheet 50 R ; 31.5 R ; 10 R STAS 1078-73.

2.3 Working modality

Out of the sample to be analysed, the fraction having the dimensions of 31.5 ... 50 mm is separated, obtained
through screening by means of the screens made of perforated sheet 31.5 R and 50 R.
The material for the sample is dried until the constant weight.
The quantity of material, in kilograms, needed for a determination (m) is given by the empirical relation:
m = 1.05 ρa [kg]
where
ρa the apparent density of the broken rock, in kilograms per cube decimetre.
 -3- STAS 730-89

The sample is then introduced in the enamelled container where it saturates with water for 48 h, after which it
is taken out of the water and allowed the necessary time to drain the excess of water, but not longer than 10 minutes, on
a screen with the screen diameter smaller than 31.5 mm, after which it is introduced in the steel cylinder. The cylinder is
shook up a few times, so that the rock settles as well as possible, then the granules on the surface are arranged by hand,
as much as possible, in an horizontal plan.
The piston is set and the cylinder is placed on the press base, centred between the cups.
The pressure is gradually increased, so that in about 60 ... 90 seconds time, the compression force reaches
400 kN. As soon as this force is reached, the pressing is interrupted. The cylinder is taken out of the press and the piston
is removed. The material inside the cylinder is dried up to the constant weight, after which the quantity that remains on
the 10 R screen is determined.
The determination can also be done on broken rock in a dried state, making the specification in the trial
bulletin.

2.4 Calculation
The resistance to crushing by compression (RC) is calculated with the formula:
m
R c = 1 ⋅ 100 [%]
m
where
m the initial mass of the sample, in grams ;
m1 the mass of the material remained on the screen 10 R in grams.
The result is the average of two determinations that do not differ between themselves with more than 15%.

3 DETERMINATION OF HTE INDEX OF RESISTANCE TO CRUSHING

BY COMPRESSION OF THE BROKEN ROCK IN A SATURATED STATE
3.1 The principle of the method
The proportion is determined between a constant and the average module of crushing by compression, that
represents the average of the sum of the coefficients of passing through the screens of perforated sheet 31.5 R ; 25 R ;
16 R ; 10 R and 5 R, after having subject the fraction 31.5 ... 63 mm to compression in the piston cylinder.

3.2 Equipment
- Cylinder and piston (fig. 1) made of steel with 200 HB hardness.
- Hydraulic press of minimum 600 kN.
- Screens of perforated sheet 63 R ; 50 R ; 40 R ; 31.5 R ; 25 R ; 16 R ; 10 R and 5 R STAS 1078-73.
- Enamelled container of 5 dm3.

3.3 Working modality

The material dried up to the constant mass is screened in order to obtain a sample of 3000 + 25 g made up of
equal parts + 25 g of the fractions of 31.5 ... 40 mm; 40 ... 50 mm and 50 ... 63 mm. The sample constituted this way is
saturated with water and subject to compression according to subclause 2.3
The material from the cylinder, after having been subject to compression, is taken out, dried up to the constant
mass and is screened through the screens 31.5 R ; 25 R ; 16 R ; 10 R and 5 R, weighing the quantities that remained on
each screen.
The determination is performed on two more samples constituted in the same way as the first, by separately
weighing the quantities that remained on each screen and calculating the shiftings.

3.4 Calculation
3.4.1 The coefficients of shifting (a, b, c) through the screen (n) are calculated with the formula :

m1 m2 m3
an = bn = cn =
m m m
where
an the shifting coefficient on the first determination through the screen n ;
bn the shifting coefficient on the second determination through the screen n ;
cn the shifting coefficient on the third determination through the screen n ;
m1 the mass of the material that shifted through the screen n , on the first determination, in grams ;
m2 the mass of the material that shifted through the screen n , on the second determination, in grams ;
m3 the mass of the material that shifted through the screen n , on the third determination, in grams ;
m the total mass of the material of each sample, in grams ;
n the diameter of the screen’s mesh (31.5 ; 25 ; 16 ; 10 or 5 mm).
STAS 730-89 -4-

3.4.2 The module of crushing through compression (Sc) is calculated with the formulas:
Sc1 = a31.5 + a25 + a16 + a10 + a5
Sc2 = b31.5 + b25 + b16 + b10 + b5
Sc3 = c31.5 + c25 + c16 + c10 + c5

where
Sc1 the module of crushing through compression on the first determination ;
Sc2 the module of crushing through compression on the second determination ;
Sc3 the module of crushing through compression on the third determination ;
an , bn , cn have the significance according to sub clause 3.4.1.

3.4.3 The average module of crushing through compression (Scm) is calculated with the formula :
S + S c2 + S c3
S cm = c1
3

where
Sc1 ; Sc2 ; Sc3 have the significance according to subclause 3.4.2.

3.4.4. The crushing through compression resistance index (IRc) is calculated with the empiric formula:

10
IRc =
Scm

where:

Scm has the same significance as in subclause 3.4.3.

4 DETERMINATION OF RESISTANCE TO CRUSHING BY

MECHANICAL SHOCK OF THE BROKEN ROCK IN A DRIED STATE
4.1 The principle of the method
The percentage of material that remains on the screen of perforated sheet 10 R STAS 1078-73 after having
subject the broken rock to the action of crushing with the ram of the hammer type Föppl is determined.

4.2 Equipment
- Hammer type Föppl (fig.2) made up of : the ram (1) with the weight of 50 + 0.5 kg made of steel with 200 HB
hardness, driven by an unlocking mechanism ; an anvil (2) made of a steel block with a weight of approximately 500 kg
and a 200 HB hardness, fixed on a concrete foundation or cubic shaped brickwork with a leg of approximately 1 m ; a
measuring rule graded every ten millimetres (3) with a length of 1500 mm, for measuring the dropping height of the
ram ; a measuring rule graded in millimetres for measuring the back stroke (4).
- A cylinder and a piston (fig. 3) made of steel with a 200 HB hardness.
 -5- STAS 730-89

Fig. 2 Fig. 3

- Screens of perforated sheet 50 R ; 31.5 R and 10 R STAS 1078-73.

4.3 Working modality

Preparing the sample and the quantity of dried material up to the constant weight subject to the trial are
according to subclause 2.3.
The sample is introduced inside the steel cylinder. The cylinder is shaken a few times in order to have the rock
settled as well as possible, then the granules on the surface are arranged by hand, as much as possible, in an horizontal plan.
The piston is introduced in the cylinder and then it is placed on the anvil, while the ram is lifted and blocked.
The ram is unblocked and lowered on the tip of the piston, fixing the measuring rule on zero.
The sample is then subject to 20 ram blows, by letting the ram drop freely from the constant height of 500 mm,
without hindering the back stroke. For this purpose, after each blow, the measuring rule will be brought to zero again,
so that the ram can have the constant height when dropping.
The material is taken out of the cylinder, and the crushed sample is screened through the 10 R screen and the
fraction that remained on the screen is weighed.

4.4 Calculation

The resistance to crushing by mechanical shock (RŞ) is calculated with the formula :
m
R s = 1 ⋅ 100 [%]
m
where
m the initial mass of the sample, in grams ;
m1 the mass of the material that remained on the 10 R screen, in grams.

The result is the average of two determinations that do not differ between themselves with more than 15 %.
STAS 730-89 -6-

5 DETERMINATION OF THE INDEX OF RESISTANCE TO CRUSHING

BY MECHANICAL SHOCK OF THE BROKEN ROCK IN A DRIED STATE

5.1 The principle of the method

The proportion between a constant and the average module of crushing through mechanical shock that
represents the average of the sum of the coefficients of shifting through the screens of perforated sheet 31.5 R ; 10 R ;
3.15 R and the screen 1 R STAS 1078-73 and the screen made of wire cloth 02 STAS 1077-67, after having subject the
fraction 40 ... 50 mm to repeated strokes of the ram of hammer type Föppl.

5.2 Equipment
- Föppl type hammer according to subclause 4.2 (fig. 2).
- Cylinder and piston according to subclause 4.2 (fig. 3).
- Screens made of perforated sheet 50 R ; 40 R ;31.5 R; 10 R ; 3.15 R and 1 R STAS 1078-73.
- Screen made of wire cloth 02 STAS 1077-67.

5.3 Working modality

The material subject to the sample is screened, after having been dried up to the constant mass, in order to
obtain a sample of 3000 + 25 g made up of the fraction 40 ... 50 mm. The sample constituted this way is subject to
shock according to clause 4.3.
The material in the cylinder, after having been subject to the shock, is taken out, screened through the 31.5 R;
10 R; 3.15 R screens and 1 R and 02 sieves and the quantities that remained on each screen and sieve are weighed and
the shiftings are calculated.

5.4 Calculation

5.4.1 The coefficients of shifting (a, b, c) through the screen or sieve (n) are calculated with the formulas:

m1 m2 m3
an = bn = cn =
m m m

where
an the shifting coefficient on the first determination through the screen n;
bn the shifting coefficient on the second determination through the screen n;
cn the shifting coefficient on the third determination through the screen n;
m1 the weight of the material that shifted through the screen n , on the first determination, in grams;
m2 the weight of the material that shifted through the screen n , on the second determination, in grams;
m3 the weight of the material that shifted through the screen n , on the third determination, in grams ;
m the total mass of the material of each sample, in grams;
n the diameter of the screen’s or sieve’s mesh (31.5 ; 10 ; 3.15 or 1 mm) or the interior leg of the screen’s or
sieve’s mesh (0.2 mm).

5.4.2 The modules of crushing through shock (SŞ) are calculated by the formulas :

SŞ1 = a31.5 + a10 + a3.15 + a1 + a0.2

SŞ2 = b31.5 + b10 + b3.15 + b1 + b0.2
SŞ3 = c31.5 + c10 + c3.15 + c1 + c0.2
where
SŞ1 the module of crushing through shock on the first determination ;
SŞ2 the module of crushing through shock on the second determination ;
SŞ3 the module of crushing through shock on the third determination ;
an , bn , cn have the significance according to clause 5.4.1.

5.4.3 The average module of crushing through shock (Sşm) is calculated with the formula :
S ş1 + S ş2 + S ş3
S şm =
3

where
Sş1 ; Sş2 ; Sş3 have the significance according to sub clause 5.4.2.
 -7- STAS 730-89

5.4.4 The index of resistance to crushing through mechanical shock (IRŞ) is calculated with the empirical formula:

10
I Rş =
S şm
where
Sşm has the significance according to clause 5.4.3.

6 DETERMINATION OF WEARING

6.1 Determination of wearing with the Los Angeles type machine

6.1.1 The principle of the method

The percentage of material that shifts through the perforated sheet screen 1.60 P STAS 1078-73, or through the
wire cloth screen 1.60 P STAS 1077-67 is determined, representing the wearing of the natural aggregates owed mainly
to the shocks produced by the falling of the metallic balls and, to a less extend, to the friction of the granules with each
other and with the metallic surfaces of the walls of the machine, at a prescribed number of rotations of the Los Angeles
type machine.

6.1.2 Equipment

- The Los Angeles type machine (fig. 4) made up of a steel cylinder (1) closed at both ends, which rotates
around an horizontal axes.

The cylinder has a needle port (2) on its whole length. During the sample, this needle port is provided with a cap
piece (3) that assures an air-proof closing.
On the inner surface of the cylinder, at about 400 mm measured from the opening in the rotation sense, a steel
joggle (4) is placed. Its position observes a diametric plan and is welded to the wall or fixed in bolts. The length of the
joggle is the length of the cylinder’s generatrix, the width of 90 + 0.5 mm and the depth of about 25 mm.
The abrasive charge is made up of 12 steel balls with a diameter of approximately 47.7 mm and a mass between
390 and 445 g (an average of 417 g).

Rotation direction

Fig. 4

- Screen made of perforated steel 1.60 P STAS 1078-73 or of wire cloth 1.60 STAS 1077-67.

6.1.3 Working modality

Out of the natural aggregates, according to STAS 667-84, STAS 2246-89 and STAS 662-89, the quantities
foreseen in table 1 are dried up to the constant mass and then they are weighed, the trial being done separately on each
sort.
STAS 730-89 -8-

Table 1

Sort Mass of the Number of abrasive Mass of the abrasive Number of

sample, g balls balls rotations
3-8 5000 + 10 7 2920 + 15 500
7-16 5000 + 10 9 3750 + 20 500
8-16
16-25 5000 + 10 11 4580 + 30 500
25-40 10000 + 30 12 5000 + 30 1000
31-63 10000 + 50 12 5000 + 30 1000
40-63
63-90 10000 + 75 12 5000 + 30 1000
0-71 ballast out of which a sample is
made, with the composition according 5000 + 17.5 12 5000 + 30 500
to table 2

Table 2
The size of the diameter of the screen’s mesh,
mm The mass of the fraction, g
shifts through remains on
40 31.5 1250 + 10
31.5 20 1250 + 10
20 16 1250 + 25
16 7.1 1250 + 25
Total weight of the sample 5000 + 17.5

The trial sample (m1) and the abrasive charge with the mass according to the sort, foreseen in table 1, are
introduced in the Los Angeles type machine. The lid is air-tight closed and the machine is being operated.

NOTES:
1 – In case of mixed sorts (8-25, 16-40 etc.) the elementary sorts are separated and analysed.
2 – For the STAS 2246-89 IInd quality aggregates, the determination is done on the sort 25-63, in the quantities stipulated
as for the sort 31-63.

The cylinder is rotated at a constant speed of 30 ... 33 rot/min. After having performed the adequate number of
rotations for the sort, according to table 1, the machine is stopped and the material is taken out of the cylinder. The
material is shifted through the 1.60 screen by abundantly washing it with water.
After having removed the dust totally, the rest on the screen is dried up to the constant weight and weighed (m2).

6.1.4 Calculation

The Los Angeles coefficient (LA) is calculated with the formula :

m - m2
LA = 1 ⋅ 100 [%]
m1
where
m1 the initial mass of the sample, in grams ;
m2 the mass of the rest on the 1.60 screen after the washing and drying, in grams ;
The result is the average of two determinations that do not differ from each other by more than 15 %.

NOTE - In order to make the operations easier, the material resulted after the determination is separated on the
screens 7.1 R and 1.60 P after which it is washed separately. After the drying, the rests on the screens are weighed
together.

6.2 Determination of wearing with the Deval type machine

6.2.1 The principle of the method

The percentage of material that goes through the screen 2 R STAS 1078-73 is determined, representing the wearing of
the natural aggregates due, mainly, to the friction of granules with each other and, to a less extend, with the metallic
surfaces of the machine walls, at a precise number of rotations of the Deval type machine.

6.2.2 Equipment

- The Deval type machine (fig. 5) made up of two metallic cylinders with lid, tilted in an angle of 30° from the
horizontal axes and that rotate at a speed of 30 ... 34 rotations / minute.
 -9- STAS 730-89

Fig. 5

- Perforated sheet screens 50 R ; 31.5 R ; and 2 R STAS 1078-73.

- Wire brush.

6.2.3 Working method

The aggregates are sorted through the screens 31.5 R and 50 R.

From the granules left on the screen 31.5 R 100 pieces are chosen, with forms as regular as possible, without
borders and live corners, with a mass of approximately 100 g each. The granules chosen this way are washed, brushed
with the wire brush in order to detach the weak parts and the dust and are dried up to the constant weight.
50 pieces, with a mass of 5000 + 10 g are introduced inside each cylinder.
The cylinders are closed with their lids and the machine is started.
After 10000 rotations, the machine is stopped, the material is taken out of each cylinder and is screened
separately on the 2 R screen.
The material that remained on the screen is washed with water, after which it is dried up to the constant weight (m2).

6.2.4 Calculation

6.2.4.1 The wearing with the Deval (Ud) type machine is calculated with the formula:

m1 - m 2
Ud = ⋅ 100 [%]
m1
where
m1 the initial mass of the dried sample, in grams ;
m2 the mass of the rest on the 2 R screen after the washing and drying at a constant mass, in grams ;
The result is the average of two determinations that do not differ from each other by more than 15 %.

6.2.4.2 Depending on the wearing with the Deval type machine, the quality coefficient (Cc) is calculated with the
empirical formula :

40
Cc =
Ud
where
Ud has the significance according to the clause 6.2.4.1.

NOTE - Determination can be done with dried or saturated aggregates up to a constant mass, indicating this in the test
bulletin.

7 DETERMINATION OF RESISTANCE TO FROST – THAW

7.1 The principle of the method

The loss of mass and the increase of the wearing with the Los Angeles type machine of the aggregates are
determined, after having exposed them to 25 or 50 cycles of frosting – thawing, according to the valid technical
regulations.
STAS 730-89 - 10 -

7.2 Equipment
- A refrigerator for temperatures of – 17 + 2 °C
- Water bath for the temperature of 20 + 5 °C
- Perforated sheet containers, with 2 mm meshes.
- Perforated sheet screens 90 R; 71 R; 63 R; 40 R; 31.5 R; 25 R; 20 R; 16 R; 8 R; 7.1 R; 3.15 R STAS 1078-73.
- Wire brush.

7.3 Working method

The natural aggregates according to STAS 2246-89, STAS 667-84 and STAS 662-89, in the sorts stipulated in
sub clause 6.1.3 table 1, are cleaned with the wire brush of dust and small particles, and then the material is washed
with water and dried up to the constant mass.
The material sample, in quantity (m1) according to sub clause 6.1.3 table 1, is subject to saturation with water.
For this purpose, the sample is placed inside perforated sheet containers, so that the depth of the layer of natural
aggregates doesn’t go over the maximum dimension of the granules of that sort.
The perforated sheet container containing the samples is sunk in a water bath up to a level that exceedes with
at least 20 mm the surface of the granules, where it is kept for 48 h at a temperature of 20 + 5 °C.
The container with the saturated natural aggregates is taken out of the water, it is allowed the necessary time to
drain the excess amount of water, but no longer than 10 minutes, and then it is introduced in the refrigerator for 4 h at a
temperature of – 17 + 2 °C. It is taken out of the refrigerator and it is introduced for defrosting in the water bath at a
temperature of 20 + 5 °C, where it is kept for 4 h , without the approximate 10 minutes necessary for the elimination of
the excess water from the container, before introducing the container in the refrigerator.
The maintenance for 4 h at a low temperature and for 4 h in water represents a frosting – thaw cycle. The
sample is subject to the frosting – thawing cycles without any interruption.

NOTE - The determination can be done at another number of cycles of frosting – thawing, by mentioning this in the trial
bulletin.

After having performed 25 or 50 frosting – thawing cycles, the material is dried up to its constant mass (m2)
and is screened through the perforated sheet screen with the mesh diameter equal to the dmin of the sampleed sort of
natural aggregates.
The material that remained on the screen, as well as the shiftings are weighed separately, and then they are
reunited and introduced in the Los Angeles type machine, determining the wearing, according to the clause 6.1. In
parallel, the wearing with the Los Angeles type machine is determined, according to the clause 6.1 on a sample of the
same material, that was not subjected to frosting – thawing.

7.4 Calculation

7.4.1 The coefficient of frostcleftness (µg25 or µg50) is calculated with the formula:

m1 - m 2
µ g 25 or µg 50 = ⋅ 100 [%]
m1
where
m1 the initial mass of the dried sample on a constant mass, in grams ;
m2 the mass of the rest on the screen after drying at a constant mass, in grams ;

7.4.2 Sensitivity to frost (ηgLA25 or ηgLA50) is calculated with the formula :

LA g - LA
µ gLA 25 or µ gLA50 = ⋅ 100 [%]
LA
where
LAg = the Los Angeles coefficient of the material, after the frosting – thawing cycles, in percents;
LA = the Los Angeles coefficient of the material, before being subject to the frosting – thawing cycles, in
percents;
The results are the average of two determinations that do not differ from each other by more than 15 %.

8 DETERMINATION OF THE CONTENT OF IMPURITIES

8.1 Determination of the content of fractions under 0.09 mm of the chippings

8.1.1 The principle of the method

 - 11 - STAS 730-89

The difference between the initial mass of a sample of chipping and the one after having separated, through
washing on the sieve 009, particles with dimensions les than this, adhered to the surface of the granules.

8.1.2 Equipment

- Wire cloth sieve 009 STAS 1077-67 and perforated sheet screen 3.15 R or perforated sheet sieve 1 R STAS
1078-73, preferably all of them with a metallic rim, being part of the same set.
- Enamelled sheet containers, with a volume of about 3 dm3.
- Metal stick, baskets, soffits.

8.1.3 Working method

A sample is taken out of the material to be analysed, after being dried to the constant weight, depending on the
sort, of :
- 500 g for the chipping sort 3-8 ;
- 1000 g for the chipping sort 8-16 ;
- 2000 g for the chipping sort 16-25.
which is introduced in the sheet container and on which water is poured until it is fully covered. It is left in repose at
least 4 h, and then the content of the vessel is agitated. The agitation must be energical enough to produce the complete
separation from the stone granules of all particles that are smaller than 0.09 mm, and the fine material must be brought
to suspension, so that it can be removed together with the washing water. Care shall be taken as much as possible for
avoiding the decantation of the stone granules. After the agitation, the washing water is immediately poured on the
3.15 R screen or on the 1 R sieve placed above the 009 sieve, after having moistened in advance both of their faces with
water.
The washing – agitation operation is repeated until the washing waters become clean. All the material retained
on the screen 3.15 R or on the sieve 1 R and on the sieve 009 are reintroduced in the trial container, dried, cooled off
and weighed.

8.1.4 Calculation

The content of fractions under 0.09 mm (P0.09) is calculated by the formula:

m - m1
P0,09 = ⋅ 100 [%]
m
where
m the mass of the dried sample before washing, in grams ;
m1 the mass of the dried sample after washing, in grams.

The result is the average of three trials that do not differ from each other with more than 10 %.

8.2 Determination of the content of fractions under 0.63 of the gravel

8.2.1 The principle of the method

The difference between the initial mass of a gravel sample and the one after having separated, through washing
on the sieve 0.63, particles with dimensions less than this, adhered to the surface of the granules.

8.2.2 Equipment

- Wire cloth sieve 063 STAS 1077-67 and perforated sheet screen 3.15 R or perforated sheet sieve 1
R STAS 1078-73, preferably all of them with a metallic rim, being part of the same set.
- Enamelled sheet containers, with a volume of about 3 dm3.
- Metal stick, baskets, soffits.

8.2.3 Working method

A sample is taken out of the material to be analysed, after being dried to the constant mass, depending on the
sort, of :
- 1000 g for the gravel sort 7-16;
- 2000 g for the gravel sort 16-31 (40);
The particles under 0.63 mm are removed, according to the sub clause 8.1.3, the sieve 009 being replaced with the
063 sieve.

8.2.4 Calculation
STAS 730-89 - 12 -

The content of fractions under 0.63 mm (P0.63) is calculated by the formula :

m - m1
P0,63 = ⋅ 100 [%]
m
where
m the mass of the dried sample before washing, in grams ;
m1 the mass of the dried sample after washing, in grams.

The result is the average of three tests that do not differ from each other with more than 10 %.

8.3 Determination of the equivalent of sand

8.3.1 The principle of the method

The proportion between the fine aluminous parts of the sand is highlighted, by separating the siliceous parts
from the fine clay fraction, through an energic washing and the sedimentation of the material by means of a very active
solution.
8.3.2 Equipment

- An equipment (fig. 6) consisting of:

- cylindrical test piece (fig. 6 a) graded in millimetres, made of glass or plastic material, transparent, with a flat
bottom;
- washing tube (fig. 6 b) made of a metallic tube closed by a cone-shaped sharp end at one of the ends ; two
lateral wholes are made in the walls of the cone-shaped sharp end;
- a container for the washing solution, made of a glass vessel with a capacity of 5000 cm3, having a siphonage
system;
- a rubber tube with the interior diameter of 5 mm, having a Mohr clamp, that connects the washing tube and the
siphon of the container ;
- a metallic piston (fig. 6 c), having a 1 kg mass, made of a cone-shaped bearing head with three lateral marks
that serve for the reading of the piston level inside the cylindrical sample tube, a metallic pillar and a
cylindrical weight fixed at the other end of the pillar.

Fig. 6
 - 13 - STAS 730-89

- Support sample –tube stand for the cylindrical test pieces.

- Graded cylinder with a 100 cm3 capacity.
- Glass funnel.
- Chronometer clock.
- Perforated sheet screen 5 R STAS 1078-73.

8.3.3 Reactives

Washing solution : 111 + 1 g crystallised calcium chloride is weighed; out of which a saturated solution is
prepared, which is cooled off and filtered. Then, 480 + 5 g glycerine and 12 ... 13 g formaldehyde solution 40 % vol. is
added, then it is all mixed well and completed with distilled water up to 1000 cm3. Out of the concentrated solution,
125 cm3 are taken, diluted with water up to 5000 cm3 and then are strongly agitated.

8.3.4 Working method

8.3.4.1 Out of the material to be analysed, a quantity of 3000 g is taken.

If the material contains fractions bigger than 5 mm, they are eliminated by screening, granulating the possible
aluminous agglomerations.
If on the surface of big granules (over 5 mm) fine particles are glued that won’t separate during the screening,
these granules are dried and rubbed between the palms, and the resulting powder is added to the material under 5 mm.
The material under 5 mm is dried up to the constant mass.

8.3.4.2 The washing solution is introduced in the cylindrical test piece, up to the height of 100 mm from the base,
through siphonation from the container placed at the height of about 1 m above the working table.
A sample of 120 g of the dried material under 5 mm is introduced in the test piece. In order to eliminate the air
bubbles and to soak the material with the solution the test piece is hit several times on the face of the palm, then it is left
in repose for 10 minutes.

8.3.4.3 The test piece is covered with the rubber plug and is strongly agitated, from one side to the other, for 30 s,
holding it between the palms in a horizontal position, making 90 cycles (a cycle represents a complete movement go
and back), with a route of 200 mm.
The plug is removed and, the washing tube is used to wash the test piece, walls from up to bottom, by
introducing the tube down to the base of the cylinder test piece. The washing of the material is continued in order for
the clay elements to get up by keeping the cylinder test piece in a vertical position. The washing operation is performed
by giving a lent rotation movement between fingers of the washing tube and, in the same time, with the other hand, the
test piece is rotated in the other sense. Then the solution level is reaching 380 mm the washing is interrupted and the
content of the test piece is let in repose for 20min.

8.3.4.4 The superior level of the aluminous suspension (h1) is read on the graded scale of the sample tube. The piston
is slowly lowered inside the cylindrical test piece until its base is beared on sand. The pillar of the piston is slowly
spinned without agitating the material and the superior level of sand (h2) is read at a mark of the piston.

8.3.5 Calculation

The equivalent of sand (EN) is calculated by the formula :

h2
EN = ⋅ 100 [%]
h1
where
h1 the superior level of the clay suspension, in millimetres ;
h2 the superior level of the sand, in millimetres ;

The result is approximated to integers and represents the average of three determinations that do not differ by
more than + 2 % in an absolute value from the value of the average.

8.4 Determination of the coefficient of activity of crushing sand

8.4.1 The principle of the method

The proportion of fine unaltered parts of the crushing sand is highlighted by bringing the fine altered clay parts
in suspension in a solution of sodium silicate and determining the equivalent of sand from the material that lacks clay
fractions.
STAS 730-89 - 14 -

8.4.2 Equipment

According to clause 8.3.2

8.4.3 Reactives

- Sodium silicate solution : the sodium silicate type A STAS 2902-75 is diluted, until achieving the relative
density dr20 = 1.30.
- Washing solution prepared according to clause 8.3.3.

8.4.4 Working method

The sodium silicate solution is introduced in the cylindrical test piece of the equipment up to the height of 100
mm from the base, over which a sample of 120 g from the material under 5 mm, dried and prepared as described in the
clause 8.3.4.1 is introduced. The washing tube is introduced in the test piece up to its base, washing the walls of the test
piece with washing solution, from up downwards.
The washing is done by slowly rotating the washing tube between the fingers and, at the same time, by rotating
the sample tube in a counter sense until the level of the solution reaches 380 mm.
The sample tube is left in repose for 20 minutes. The superior level of the fine unaltered parts suspension (h1)
and the superior level of sand (h2) are read.

8.4.5 Calculation

The coefficient of activity (CA) is calculated with the formula :

ENM
CA =
EN
where
EN equivalent of sand determined according to clause 8.3
ENM equivalent of modified sand, calculated with the formula :
h '2
ENM = ⋅ 100 [%]
h '1
where
h’1 the superior level of the fine, unaltered parts suspension, in millimetres ;
h’2 the superior level of the sand, in millimetres ;

The result is rounded up to integers and represents the average of three determinations that do not differ by
more than + 2 % in an absolute value from the value of the average.

9 DETERMINATION OF THE GEOMETRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

9.1 Determination of the granularity and tracing the granulometric curve

According to STAS 4606-80 with the following stipulations :

9.1.1 Granularity is determined by screening the aggregates through the perforated sheet screens 125 R;100 R;
90 R; 71 R; 63 R; 50 R; 40 R; 31.5 R; 25 R; 16 R; 20 R; 8 R; 7.1 R; 5 R; 3.15 R; 2 R and through perforated sheet sieve
1 R STAS 1078-73 and wire cloth sieves 02 ; 063 and 009 STAS 1077-67, depending on the sort whose granularity is
checked.

9.1.2 The mass of the sample of aggregate to be screened, depending on the maximum size of the granules, is
indicated in table 3.
Table 3
The maximum size of the granule, The mass of the sample,
mm kg, min.
up to 3.15 1
up to 7.1 or 8 2
up to 16 5
up to 31.5 10
up to 40 15
up to 71 25
up to 125 50
 - 15 - STAS 730-89

9.2 Determination of the non-uniformity coefficient

The coefficient of non-uniformity (Un) is calculated with the formula:

d 60
Un =
d 10
where
d60 the diameter of the screen mesh or the leg of the sieve mesh through which 60% of the mass of the
sample analysed for checking the granularity, determined on the granulometric curve in millimetres;
d10 the diameter of the screen mesh or the leg of the sieve mesh through which shifts 10% of the mass of
the sample analysed for checking the granularity, determined on the granulometric curve in millimetres;
The result represents the average of the results of three determinations that do not differ from each other by
more than 15 %.

9.3 Determination of the condition of converse filter

The condition of converse filter is checked with the formula :

d15 < 5 d85

where
d15 the diameter of the screen mesh or the leg of the sieve mesh through which 15% of the mass of the
sample analysed for checking the granularity, determined on the granulometric curve in millimetres,
d85 the diameter of the screen mesh or the leg of the sieve mesh through which shifts 85% of the mass of
the sample analysed for checking the granularity, determined on the granulometric curve in millimetres,
The result represents the average of the results of three determinations that do not differ from each other by
more than 15 %.

9.4 Determination of the index of crushing

9.4.1 The principle of the method

The content of granules with sizes exceeding dmax of the material that is to be subject to crushing in order to
obtain the 0 - dmax sort is determined.

9.4.2 Working method

The granularity of natural aggregates is determined, according to the sub clause 9.1.1, before the operation of
crushing.

9.4.3 Calculation

The index of crushing (Ic) is calculated by the formula :

m1
Ic = ⋅ 100 [%]
m2
where
m1 the content of granules from the sample with sizes bigger than dmax of that sort, in percents ;
m2 the content of granules from the sample with sizes equal or smaller than dmax of that sort, in percents ;

The result represents the average of the results of three determinations that do no differ from each other by more than 10 %.

9.5 Determination of the coefficient of shape of the granules

9.5.1 The principle of the method

The granules with an adequate shape are separated from the ones with a flat and acicular shape, by means of
the device for establishing the shape, and their content is determined.
STAS 730-89 - 16 -

9.5.2 Equipment

- Device for establishing the shape of the granule according to fig. 7, with the angles :

α = 41°20’ + 20’
β = 19°15’ + 20’

b c
corresponding to the proportions = 0,66 and = 0,33
a a

Measured
granule

Fig. 7

9.5.3 Working modality

Out of the material to be analysed, after having it dried to the constant mass, a sample having the mass (m),
depending on the elementary sort, according to table 4, is screened and weighed.

Table 4
The elementary sort The mass m of the sample, g, min.
3–8 100
7 – 16 ; 8 – 16 500
16 – 25 2500
16 – 31 (40) 2500
31 (40) – 63 5000

Each granule of the sample is measured in the following way: the granule is introduce between the A nozzles
on the direction of the length and the cursor of the device is blocked by means of a blocking screw. The granules are
then passed through the openings of the supplemental nozzles as follows:
- with the intermediary dimension (width) through the opening of the B nozzles pair ;
- with the minimum dimension (thickness) through the C nozzles pair.
Depending on the way of the granules pass through the nozzles of the device, the granules are grouped in:
- flat granules that do not shifts through the openings of the B nozzles, but pass through the opening of the
C nozzles;
- acicular granules, that shifts both through the openings of the B nozzles as well as through the openings of
the C nozzles.
The weight of all flat granules (mp) and of all acicular granules (ma) from the sample is determined by weighing.
 - 17 - STAS 730-89

9.5.4 Calculation

The coefficient of shape (CF) of the granules is calculated by the formula :

CF = GP + GA [%]
where
GP the percentual content of the granules with a flat shape, calculated by the relation :

mp
GP = ⋅ 100 [%]
m
GA the percentual content of granules with a acicular shape, calculated by the relation :

ma
GP = ⋅ 100 [%]
m
where
mp the weight of the flat granules from the sample, in grams ;
ma the weight of the acicular granules from the sample, in grams ;
m the weight of the sample, in grams.
The result is the average of three determinations that do not differ from each other by more than 10 %.

9.6 Determination of the coefficient of flattening

9.6.1 The principle of the method

The percentage of flat granules is determined, in which the proportion thickness / width is less or equal to 0.64,
by means of screening on wire cloth screens with square meshes, for determining the width of the granules, and on bars
screens, for determining the depth of the granules. The method is applied to those aggregates whose granules have
dimensions between 4 ... 40 mm.

9.6.2 Equipment

- Wire cloth screens 40; 31.5; 25; 20; 16; 12.5; 10; 8; 6.3; 5; 4 STAS 1077-67.
- Bar screens with the distance between the bars of 20; 16; 12.5; 10; 8; 6.3; 5.0; 4.0; 3.15 and 2.5 mm.

NOTE - The bar screen is made up of a frame in which parallel steel bars are placed, in the form of a grill, with
either a circular or rectangular section, having the distance between the bars uniform and constant.

9.6.3 Working method

An average sample of 5 kg is prepared out of the natural aggregate subject to checking and dried up to the
constant mass.
The sample is screened on the square meshes screens set by noting the rest on each screen (m1). The rests on
each screen with square meshes (granular fraction) are screened separately on the bar screen, with the adequate distance
between the bars, according to table 5.

Table 5
Granular fraction, mm Distance between the bars, mm
31.5 ... 40 20
25 ... 31.5 16
20 ... 25 12.5
16 ... 20 10
12.5 ... 16 8
10 ... 12.5 6.3
8 ... 10 5
6.3 ... 8 4
5 ... 6.3 3.15
4 ... 5 2.5

The shiftings through the bar screens (mg), according to each granular fraction, are weighed separately.
STAS 730-89 - 18 -

9.6.4 Calculation

The coefficient of flattening (Ap) is calculated for each granular fraction separately or / and for that sort by the
formula:

∑m
1
g
Ap = n
⋅ 100 [%]
∑m
1
1

where
mg the mass of the granules of each granular fraction that shifted through the bar screen corresponding to
that fraction, according to table 5, in grams ;
m1 the mass of the granular fraction, obtained by screening on the square meshes screens, in grams ;
n the number of granular fractions in the sample.

NOTE - The proportion between the distance between the bars and the leg of the square mesh of the
corresponding screens, out of which mg and m1 are reported, shall observe the following conditions:

the distance between the bars, in mm ≤ 0,64

the leg of the square mesh, in mm

An example of calculation is given in the annex.

The result is the average of two determinations that do not differ from each other by more than 15%.

9.7 Determination of the grade of granule breaking

9.7.1 The principle of the method

The granules that do not have over 80% surface resulted from breaking are visually separated and their content
in the sample is calculated.

9.7.2 Working method

Out of the material to be analysed, after having dried it to the constant weight, a sample (m) is taken of :
- 200 g for sorts 7 – 16 ; 7 – 20 and 7 – 31 ;
- 2000 g for sorts 16 – 31 and 16 – 40.

Each gravel granule from the sample is visually evaluated and the granules with a totally rounded surface, that do
not show any flat surface obtained by breaking, or the granules that show at the most one flat surface obtained by
breaking are separated. The mass of the rounded granules (mr), separated as above, is weighed.

9.7.3 Calculation

The degree of breaking (Gs) is calculated with the formula :

m - mr
Gs = ⋅ 100 [%]
m
where
m the mass of the sample, in grams ;
mr the mass of all granules with a rounded surface separated from the sample, in grams.

The result is the average of three determinations that do no differ from each other by more than 15%.

10 THE MEDIUM VOLUMETRIC COEFFICIENT

10.1 The principle of the method

The proportion between the real measured volume of the granules and the calculated sum of the circumscribed
volumes afferent to the granules.
 - 19 - STAS 730-89

10.2 Equipment

- Perforated sheet screens 7.1 R; 31.5 R and 71 R STAS 1078-73;

- Caliper.
- Graded cylinder of 1 dm3.
- Graded gauge (fig. 8), made of sheet-metal that must be flat and rigid.

Fig. 8

10.3 Working method

Out of the sample subject to verification, sorts 7 – 31 and 31 – 71 are separated, by screening. Out of each sort,
30 granules are taken, randomly.
The volume of the circumscribed sphere is determined for each granule, by means of the gauge, by successive
tests. The tests start with the dimension of the opening that is visibly superior to the largest dimension of the granule.
The void that holds the granule is found, introduced with the largest dimension between its lateral edges. The volume of
the circumscribed sphere noted on the gauge, corresponding to that void, is read.
For granules bigger than 48 mm the largest dimension is measured with the caliper and the corresponding
volume of the circumscribed sphere is calculated.
All granules, after having been measured, are introduced in. After 4 hours, the granules are taken out, dried out
with a wet cloth and are introduce in water by saturation (V1). After all granules have been introduced, the graded
cylinder is covered and the content is agitated so that the air bubbles adherent to the aggregate are removed. After
having removed the air bubbles, the new water volume (V2) in the graded cylinder is read.
STAS 730-89 - 20 -

10.4 Calculation

The medium volumetric coefficient (Cvm) is calculated with the formula :

V 1.91 V
C vm = m
= m
π
∑
6 i
D3 ∑D
i
3

where
m
π
6 ∑D
i
3
the sum of volumes of the spheres circumscribed afferent to the granules, in cube centimetres;

D the maximum dimension of the granule, in centimetres;

V the real volume of granules, in cube centimetres, calculated with the formula:

V = V2 – V1 [cm3]
where
V1 the initial volume of the water in the graded cylinder, in cube centimetres ;
V2 the final volume of the water, with the aggregate granules, in the graded cylinder, in cube
centimetres.

12 THE TEST BULLETIN

In the test bulletin, at least the following must be written:
− data for samples identification ;
− method of determination ;
− results (the average and individual values).
− STAS 730-89
 - 21 - STAS 730-89

EXAMPLE OF CALCULATION OF THE COEFFICIENT OF FLATTENING (Ap)

The granular Screening on square meshes Screening on bars screens Coefficient of Distance between
fraction screens flattening (A) on the bars, mm
granular fractions
Leg of the mesh Rest on Distance Shiftings mg Leg of the square
of the square the screen between through the A= x 100 (%) mesh, mm
meshes screen, (m1), g bars, mm screen (mg), g m1
mm
over 31.5 mm 31.5 - 20 - - 20/31.5=0.63
31.5 ... 25 mm 25 - 16 - - 16/25=0.64
25 ... 20 mm 20 - 12.5 - - 12.5/20=0.63
20 ...16 mm 16 - 10 - - 10/16=0.63
16 ... 12.5 mm 12.5 1935 8 35 (35/1935)x100=1.8 8/12.5=0.64
12.5 ... 10 mm 10 2045 6.3 235 (235/2045)x100=11.5 6.3/10=0.63
10 ... 8 mm 8 1020 5 200 (200/1020)x100=19.5 5/8=0.63
8 ... 6.3 mm 6.3 - 4 - 4/6.3=0.64
6.3 ...5 mm 5 - 3.15 - - 3.15/5=0.63
5 ... 4 mm 4 - 2.5 - - 2.5/5=0.63
TOTAL - 5000 - 470 - -

Coefficient of flattening (Ap) of the sort 8 – 16 NOTE - Those screens were selected that
respect the condition :
mg 470
Ap = x 100 = x 100 = 9.4 %
m1 5000
the distance between the bars, in mm ≤ 0.64
the leg of the square mesh, in mm

________________________

The person in charge of the project: Contributors:

MTTc – The Central General Company of - The Ministry of Transports and Telecommunications – The
Constructions and Railways Roads Direction
Engineer Mircea Popa - The Ministry of Transports and Telecommunications – The
- The Institute of Technological Transports Lines and Installations Direction
Research and Projecting - The Institute of Research in Constructions and the Economy of
Dr. eng. Georgeta Fodor Constructions
Final editing: The Romanian Institute of - The Institute of Hydrothermical Research
Standardization - The Enterprise Company, Roads and Bridges - Bucharest
Engineer Paraschiva Mavromatis
STAS 730-89 - 22 -