_ _Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual _

LABORATORY TEST NO.2

STANDARD PRACTICE FOR REDUCING SAMPLES OF AGGREGATE TO TESTING SIZE

AND STANDARD PRACTICE FOR SAMPLING AGGREGATES

INTRODUCTION
These methods cover the reduction of field samples to the appropriate size for testing
employing techniques that are intended to minimize variations in measured characteristics
between the test samples so selected and the field sample.

STANDARD REFERENCE:
ASTM C702 / C702M : Standard Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
ASTM D75 / D75M : Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates

METHOD A: QUARTERING
APPARATUS:
1. Shovel
2. Scoop
3. Hand Gloves

A. QUARTERING ON A HARD, CLEAN, LEVEL SURFACE

1. Obtain a sample of aggregate from three places in the stockpile: from the top third, at the
midpoint, and from the bottom third of the volume of the pile.
2. Place the field sample on a hard clean, level surface where there will be neither loss of
material nor the accidental addition of foreign material.
3. Mix the material thoroughly by turning the entire sample three times.
4. Shovel the entire sample into a conical pile.
5. Carefully flatten the conical to a uniform thickness and diameter by pressing down the apex
with a shovel. (The diameter should be approximately four to eight times the thickness).
6. Divide the flattened mass into four equal quarters with a shovel.
7. Remove two diagonally opposite quarters. Brush the cleared spaces clean.
8. Mix and quarter the remaining materials until the sample is reduced to the desired size.

METHOD B: MECHANICAL SPLITTER

APPARATUS:
1. Mechanical Splitter

B. MECHANICAL SPLITTER
1. Place the original sample, or portion thereof, in the hopper or pan and uniformly distribute it
from edge to edge being sure the sample appears homogenous (well-blended).
2. Carefully introduce the sample into the chutes in a manner to allow the aggregate to flow freely
through the openings and into the catch pans.
3. Continue this procedure until the entire sample has been halved, being careful that catch pans
do not overflow.
4. Remove the catch pans and set aside. Continue splitting one half of the material.
5. Follow this procedure, being sure to split entire increments, until the desired test sample size
is obtained.
6. Retain the unused material until all desired tests are performed in case a retest is needed.

Engr. Vera Karla S. Caingles | Engr. Roxanne C. Galdo | Engr. Roxette C. Galdo | Engr. Reyca Joice Obsioma
CE Faculty
 _ _Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual _

Cone Sample on Hard Clean Surface Mix by Forming New Cone

Quarter after Flattening Cone Sample Divide into Quarters

Retain Opposite Quarters

Reject the Other Two Quarters

Figure 1: Quartering on a Hard, Clean, Level Surface

Engr. Vera Karla S. Caingles | Engr. Roxanne C. Galdo | Engr. Roxette C. Galdo | Engr. Reyca Joice Obsioma
CE Faculty
 _ _Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual _

Standard Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size

and Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates
Laboratory Data Sheet

Soil Sample Number: ____________________________________________________

Classified by: __________________________________________________________
Date: __________________

METHOD A: QUARTERING

1. Provide photo/s in every step:

2. Observations:

METHOD B: MECHANICAL SPLITTER

1. Provide photo/s in every step:

Engr. Vera Karla S. Caingles | Engr. Roxanne C. Galdo | Engr. Roxette C. Galdo | Engr. Reyca Joice Obsioma
CE Faculty
 _ _Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual _

2. Observations:

Engr. Vera Karla S. Caingles | Engr. Roxanne C. Galdo | Engr. Roxette C. Galdo | Engr. Reyca Joice Obsioma
CE Faculty