Methods of Aggregate Sampling Due to the various sampling locations and the availability of equipment, there are several methods of taking aggregate samples. Uniformity of obtaining the sample cannot be emphasized enough, since it eliminates one variable in test results. The technician must remember that safety comes first. 1. PRODUCTION SAMPLING Bin Sample Sampling the … Read more
Packing and Marking of Aggregate Sample Before dispatching, each sample of aggregate is packed separately in such a way so as to prevent loss of any fine material. Use container or sample bag to pack coarse aggregate. Use tight container or closely woven bags to pack fine aggregate and all-in-aggregate; so that there is no … Read more
Sand Sample Reduction Using Sand Splitter Sand splitter is the accepted method for fine aggregate that is drier than the saturated-surface-dry condition. As a quick check to determine this condition, if the sand remains the shape that is molded in the hand, the sand is considered wetter than saturated-surface-dry. The sand splitter is a small … Read more
Miniature Stockpile Method The miniature stockpile method is used for reducing all samples of fine aggregates when the material is in damp or moist condition. If the sample to be split is dry, the material is required to be moistened before using this method. Procedure Place the original sample on a clean, dry plate or … Read more
Sample Reduction Using Mechanical Splitter Use of a mechanical splitter is considered to be the best method to reduce the gross sample of aggregate. The mechanical splitter splits the sample into two halves as the material passes through the spaces between the bars in the splitter. The same number of each particle size goes into … Read more
What is Quartering? The process of reducing a representative sample to a convenient size, or of dividing a sample into two or more smaller samples for testing, is called quartering. This is a non-mechanical method of reducing a sample. Steps or Procedure for Quartering Place the original sample in the center of a clean, dry, … Read more
The amount of aggregate sample to be collected is dependent on the maximum nominal size of aggregate. The quantity of aggregate sample should be of such amount, so that the required test can be performed to judge its quality. Sample of aggregate is collected using a sampling scoop. Collect a no of increments (at least … Read more
Sampling is of equal importance to testing and a man collecting samples should use every precaution to obtain samples that will show the true nature and condition of the materials which they represent. Aggregate Sampling from Stockpile Using a front end-loader, dig into the stockpile and set aside small pile of 10 to 15 ton … Read more