AASHTO M80
Full Name
AASHTO M80 – Standard Specification for Coarse Aggregate for Hydraulic Cement Concrete
Scope
AASHTO M80 is a standard specification that outlines the requirements for coarse aggregate used in hydraulic cement concrete for various applications, including pavements, bridges, buildings, and other structures. Coarse aggregate, typically gravel or crushed stone, is a fundamental component of concrete, contributing to its strength, durability, and overall performance.
Key Aspects of AASHTO M80:
- Grading: the standard specifies the acceptable particle size distribution (gradation) of coarse aggregate. It defines the permissible percentages of material retained on a series of sieves with different opening sizes. The grading requirements ensure that the aggregate has a well-balanced distribution of particle sizes, promoting optimal packing and minimizing voids in the concrete.
- Composition: AASHTO M80 addresses the composition of coarse aggregate, including requirements for the types of rocks and minerals that can be used. It also sets limits on deleterious substances, such as clay lumps and soft fragments, which can negatively affect the concrete’s properties.
- Durability: the standard specifies requirements for the durability of coarse aggregate, which refers to its resistance to abrasion, freezing and thawing, and other environmental factors. Durability testing ensures that the aggregate will maintain its integrity and performance over the service life of the concrete structure.
- Soundness: AASHTO M80 also addresses the soundness of coarse aggregate, which is its resistance to weathering and disintegration. Soundness testing ensures that the aggregate will not break down or deteriorate over time, compromising the concrete’s structural integrity.
Significance of AASHTO M80:
- Quality control: by adhering to AASHTO M80, aggregate producers can ensure the quality and consistency of their coarse aggregate products. This is crucial for producing high-quality concrete that meets the desired performance specifications and durability standards.
- Performance optimization: the standard provides guidelines for selecting and blending different types of coarse aggregates to optimize the concrete’s properties for specific applications.
- Standardized testing: AASHTO M80 outlines standardized test methods for evaluating the properties of coarse aggregate, ensuring reliable and comparable results for quality control and performance assessment.
Note: specifications for fine aggregate are provided in AASHTO M6.
AASHTO M80 Accredited Laboratory
Applied Testing & Geosciences, LLC is accredited for performing tests using the AASHTO M80 standard.
Our laboratory offers comprehensive testing services for coarse aggregate based on AASHTO M80 and other relevant standards. Our experienced technicians conduct a variety of tests to assess the grading, composition, durability, soundness, and other properties of your coarse aggregate, ensuring that it meets the specified requirements and contributes to the success of your concrete projects.
Contact us for more information.
Resources
Keywords
coarse aggregate; concrete; grading; sieve analysis; maximum size; deleterious substances; soundness; durability; abrasion resistance; freeze-thaw resistance; alkali-silica reactivity; specific gravity; absorption