Aggregate Particle Size

Material Finer Than #200 Sieve by Washing

A representative portion of the sample is oven dried and then washed over a #200 wash sieve. Resulting material is then oven dried again, and the resulting mass is compared to the original to determine the percent of the sample that is finer than the #200 sieve.

Particle Size Distribution of Aggregate Using the Sieve Analysis

Soil is dried and sieved through the standard sieve stack (per ASTM C33) to provide a grain-size distribution curve. Aggregate may be compared to any specificaiton provided to determine if it conforms.

Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and Fine Aggregates

Soil is dispersed with a calcium chloride solution in a calibrated graduated cylinder using a special irrigation tube. The settling of the sample in the cylinder is observed. Observed levels are used to calculate the sand equivalent value for the material.

Particle Size Distribution of Soil Using the Sieve Analysis

Soil is dried and sieved through the standard sieve stack (per ASTM D6913) to provide a grain-size distribution curve. Soil may be compared to any specificaiton provided to determine if it conforms.

Particle Size Distribution of Fine-Grained Soil Using the Hydrometer Analysis

Soil is air dried, then the fine fraction is suspended in water with the aid of a dispersion agent. A standard soil hydrometer is used to determine the density of the resulting liquid over a period of 1 day. Hydrometer readings are used to generate a grain-size distribution curve for the silt and clay portions of soils that are too small for the typical sieve analysis.

Petrographic Examination of Aggregates Intended for Concrete

Performed by an expert in petrography and aggregates. Returns a wide variety of useful information regarding material properties, chemical composition, expected performance, etc.. This procedure focuses on the aggregate’s viability for use in concrete.