Standard Method ot Test tor

Soundness of Aggregate by Use of Sodium

Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate

AASHTO Designation: T 104-99 (2003)

1. SCOPE

1.1.
Tms metbod covers tbe procedure lo be followed in testing aggregates lo determine tbeir

resistance lo disintegration by saturated solutions of sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate. This is

accomplished by repeated immersion in saturated solutions of sodium or magnesium sulfate

followed by oyen drying lo partially or completely dehydrate tbe salt precipitated in permeable

pore spaces. The int.ernalexpansive force, derived from tbe rehydration of tbe salt upon re-
immersion, simulates tbe expansion of water on freezing. This test metbod furnjshes information
helpful in judging tbe soundness of aggregates subject lo weatbering action, particularly when
adequate information is not available from service records of tbe material exposed lo aetual
weatbering conditions. Attention is called lo tbe faet lbat test results by tbe use of tbe two salts
differ considerably and care must be exercised in fixing proper limits in any specifications tbat
may include requirements for tbese tests.

1.2. The values stated in SI units are lo be regarded as tbe standard.

1.3. This standard may involve /uzzardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does
not purpon to address all of the safety problems associated with irs use. It is the responsibility of
the user of this standard to consult and establish appropriate safety and health practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limirations prior to use.

2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

2.1. AASHTO StandartJs:

. M 92, Wire-Clotb Sieves for Testing ~ses

. M 231, WeighingDevicesUsed in tbeTestingofMaterials
. R16,RegulaloryInformation for Chemicals Used in AASHTO Tests
. T 27, SieveAnalysisof Fine and CoarseAggregates

2.2. ASTM Standards:

. C 670, Practice for Preparing Precision Statements for Test Metbods for Construction
Materials
. E 100,Specificationfor ASTMHydrometers

TS-1c T 104-1 AASHTO

3. APPARATUS

3.1. Sieves-With square openings ofthe following sizes conforming to M 92, for sieving the samples
in accordance with Seetions 5, 6, and 8:
4.75mm (No. 4) 63mm (2'/:zin.)
4.00nun (No. 5) 50mm (2i..)
2.36mm (No. 8) 37.5mm (ll/'lin.)
1.I8mm (No. 16) 31.5mm (tl.in.)
600"", (No. 30) 25.0mm (1 in.)
300"", (No. 50) 19.0mm (".in.)
150 ~m (No. 100) 16.0mm ('I,in.)
12.5mm ('zin.)
9.5mm <,,in.)
8.0mm ('/,in.)

3.2. Containers for Samples-Sieves 203.2 mm (8 in.) in diameter for each separate size fractions of
aggregate during test. Used, out-of-tolerance sieves according to M 92, in acceptable condition,
may be used as containers (Note 1).

3.2.1. Coarse Aggregate-2.36-rnm (No. 8) Size.

3.2.2. Fine Aggregate-25O-l1m (No. 60) Size.

Note 1-Sieves 203.2 rnm (8 in.) in diameter may be substituted with containers which permit
free access of solution to the sample and drainage of the solution from 1hesaniple without loss of
aggregate. Substitution with such containers may affeet results. Referee testing, comparison
testing, or testing of aggregate to be used in critical applications must be performed using sieves
203.2 rnm (8 in.) in diameter.

3.3. Apparatusfor lmmersing Samples in Solurion (optional)-When neeessary, apparatus for

holding the sieves containing the sample for irnmersing into the solution shall be constructed in
such a manner to permit free access of the solution 10the sample and drainage of the solution from
the sample.

3.4. Temperature Regulation-Suitable means for regulating the temperature ofthe samples during
irnmersion in the sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate solution shall be provided.

3.5. Thennometer-A thermometer covering the recornmended temperature range for solutions during
test and readable to O.loC (0.2"1').

3.6. Temperature Recorder-A unit capable of reeording solution temperature a mnimum of once
every 10 minutes for the duration ofthe test with an accuracy ofO.3C (0.5"1').

3.7. Balance-The balance shall have sufficient capacity, be readable to 0.1 percent of the sample
mass, or better, and conform to the requirements of M 231.

TS-1c T 104.2 AASHTO

3.8. Drying Oven-The oyen shall be capable ofbelng hcatcd continuously at 110":1:5C (230":1:9"F)
and the rate of evaporation, at this range of temperature, shall be at least 25 gIh for 4 hours, during
which period the donrs of the oyen shall be kept closcd. This rate shall be determincd by the loss
of water from I-liter Griffin low-form bcakers, cach lnitially containing 500 g of water at a
temperaturc of21:l: 2"C (70":1:3"F), placcd at cach comer and the center of cach shclf ofthe
oyen. The evaporation rcquirement is lo apply lo aIJ test locations when the oyen Is empty exccpt
for the bcakers of water.

3.9. SpeciJic Gravity Measurement-Hydrometcrs conforming to the requirements of ASTM E l00,or

a suitable combination of graduatcd glassware and balance, capable of mcasuring the solution
specific gravity within :1:0.001.

4. SPECIAL SOLUTlONS REQUIRED

4.1. Prepare the solution for immersion of test samples from either sodium or magnesium sulfate in
accordance with Section 4.1.1 or 4.1.2 (Note 2). The volume ofthe solution shall be at least five
times the solid volume of all samples immerscd at any one time.
Note 2-Some aggregates containing carbonates of calcium or magnesium are attackcd
chemically by frcsh sulfate solution, resulting in erroneously high-measured losses. lf this
condition is encountcred or is suspected, repcat the test using a filtered solution that has bcen used
previously lo test the same type of carbonate rock, providcd that the solution meets the
rcquircments of Sections 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 for specific gravity.

4.1.1. Sodium Sulfate Solution-Prcpare a saturatcd solution of sodium sulfate by dissolving a rcagent
grade of the salt in water (Note 5) at a temperature of 25C (77"F) minimum. Add sufficient salt
(Note 3) of the anhydrous (Na2SO.) form lo ensure not only saturation but also the prcsence of
excess crystals when the solution is ready for use in the tests. Thoroughly stir the mixturc during
the addition of the salt and stir the solution at frequent interVals until used. To reduce evaporation
and prevent contamination, keep the solution covcred at aIl times when access is not needed.
AIJow the soJution to conl lo 20.3 lo 21.9"C (68.5 to 71.S"F). Again stir, and aIlow the solution lo
remain at the designatcd temperaturc for at least 48 hours before use. Prior to each use, break up
the salt cake, if any, in the container, stir the solution thoroughly, and determine the specific
gravity of the solution. When uscd, the solution shall have a specific gravity not less than
1.154 nor more than 1.171. Discard a discolored solution, or filter it and check for specific gravity.
Note ~For the solution. 215 g of anhydrous salt per liter of water are sufficient for saturation at
22"C (71.6F). However, since this salt is not completcly stable and since it is desirable that an
excess of crystals be present, the use of not less than 225 g of!he anhydrous salt per Ilter of water
is recommended.

4.1.2. Magnesium Sulfate Solution-Prepare a saturated solution of magnesium sulfate by dissolving a

rcagent grade of the salt in water (Note 5) at a minimum temperature of 25C (77"F) (Note 4).
Add sufficlent salt (Note 4) of either the anhydrous (MgSO.) or the crystalline (MgSO,'7H20)
(Epsom salt) fono, to ensure saturation and the prcsence of excess crystals when the solution is
ready for use in the tests. Thoroughly stir the mixturc during the addition of the salt and stir the
solution at frequent interValsuntil used. To reduce evaporation and prevent contamination, keep
the solution covered at aIl times when access Is not needed. AIlow the solution 10conl lo 20.3 to
21.9"C (68.5 lo 71.SDF).Again stir, and allow the soJution to remain at the designatcd temperaturc
for at least 48 hours before use. Prior to cach use, break up the salt cake, if any, in the container,
stir the solution thoroughly, and determine the specific gravity ofthe solution. When used, the
solution shall have a specific gravity not less than 1.297 nor more than 1.306. Discard a discolored
solution, or filter it and check for specific gravity.

TS-1c T 104-3 AASHTO

 Note 4-For IheSolulion,3S0g of anhydroussallor 1230g of Iheheptahydraleperlilerof water
are sufficienl for saluralion al 23C (73.4F). However, since Ibese salts are nol complelely stable,
wilb Ibe hydrous sall being Ibe more stable of Ibe Iwo, and since il is desirable Ihal an excess of
crystals be presenl, il is recommended Ibal Ibe heptahydrate sall be used and in an amounl of nol
less Iban 1400 gIL of water.
When preparing Ibe saluraled solulion of magnesium sulfate, Ibe sall crystals will dissolve more
readily if Ibe crystals are added in small amounts and Ihe water lemperature is higher Iban 3SoC
(9SF) due lOIbe chemical cooling effecl during preparalion.
Note 5-Distilled water shall be used in referee or comparison tesling.

4.2. Barium Ch/oride So/ution-A 0.2 molar solution ofbarium chloride (41.6 g ofBaCh per liter of
solulion) 10delermine Ibe presence of sodium or magnesium sulfate in Ibe wash water.

5. SAMPLES

5.1. Fine Aggregate-Fine aggregale for Ibe test shall be passed through a 9.S-mm ('/,-in.) sieve. The
sample shall be of such size Ihat il will yield nOlless Ihan 100 g of each of Ibe following sizes,
expressed in terms of Ihe following sieves:
Passing Sieve Retained on Sieve
9.5 mm ('/, in.) 4.75mm (No.4)
4.75mm (No.4) 2.36mm (No.8)
2.36mm (No.8) 1.18mm (No. 16)
1.18mm(No. 16) 600 lIJIl(No.30)
600~m (No.30) 300 ~m (No.50)

5.1.1. Should Ibe sample contain less Iban five percenl of any ofthe sizes specified in Section S.I, Ibal
size shall nol be lesled.

5.2. Coarse Aggregate-Coarse aggregale for Ibe tesl shall consisl of malerial from which Ibe sizes
finer Ihan Ibe 4.7S-mm (No. 4) sieve have been removed. The sample shall be of such a size Ibal it
will yield Ibe amounts indicaled in Table 1.
Table 1-Coarse Aggregale Sample
Sieve Size Mass, g
63-nun ro37.5-nun (21/2 iD. 10 11/2 in.) 5000%300
Consistiog o:
SO-mm 10 31.S-mm (2~in. to t I'rin.) material 2000 % 200

63-mm 10 SO-rnm (Z'/rin. ID 2~in.) material 3000 % 300

37.S-rnm 10 19.O-nun (11/2 in. 10 'f..in.) 1500%50

Coosisting of:
2S.()..mmto19.o-mm(l.in. to 't..-in.) matenal 500 %30
37.5-mm to 2S.0-mm (11/2-in. 10 l-in.) material 1000%50

19.O-mm to 9.5-nun el.. in. to '1, in.) 1000%10

Consisting of:
12.S-mm to 9.S-nun (I/rin. 10 3/.-in.) material 330%5
19.o-mm lo 12.S-mm <,I..-in. 10 lIrio.) material 670% 10

9.5-nun 10 4.7S-nun ('/, in. to No. 4) 300%5

TS-1c T 104-4 AASHTO

 5.2.1. Should!be sample contain less Iban tive percent of any ofthe sizes specitied in Section 5.2, !bat
sire shall not be tested. When a combination of sires is specitied for !be test portion and one of!be
sizes specitied is less !ban tive percent of!be sample, reduce the test portion by the applicable
mass specitied in Section 5.2 for!be sire not available.

5.2.2. When testing large rock (broken stone, Jedge rock, cobbles, and boulders for use as riprap, channel
lining, etc.), obtain the test portion by crushing, sf.litting, or sawing !be larger sample pieces. Test
only !bose pieces in !be 37.5 to 19.0 rnm (1'" to '. in.) and 63 to 37.5 rnm (2", to 1'1, in.) size
fractions when sire reduction is by crushing or splitting. Test pieces in !be 63 to 37.5 rnm (2", to
1'" in.) size fraction when size reduction is by sawing.
Note 6-When !be rock contains bedding planes, crushing or splitting will usually cause !be rock
to break on !bose bedding planes. Sawing will usually leave !be bedding planes intact, and !bus
more likely to split the particIes due to growth of!be salt crystals in !be soundness test.

5.2.3. When testing large rock (to evaluate a polential source) which will be subsequently crushed 10
produce aggregate, obtain the test portion by crushing !be larger sample pieces. Test pieces only in
!bose sires !bat will be included in !be produced aggregate, but ignoring any material tiner !ban
4.7S-rnm (No. 4) sieve or coarser Iban 63-mm (2",-in.) sieve.

5.2.4. When!be tinished aggregate material will contain particles coarser !ban 63 mm (2", in.), such as
aggregate for use in mass concrete, crush !be material coarser than 63 rnm (2", in.) and distribute
!be material among that in !be range of 63-mm (2'1, in.) to 4.7S-rnm (No. 4) sieves. Discard
material tiner than 4.7S-mm (No. 4) sieve.

5.3. When an aggregate to be tested contains appreciable amounts of bo!b tine and coarse material,
having a grading wi!b more !ban 10 percent coarser !ban!be 9.S-mm ('" in.) sieve and, also, more
than 10 percent tiner than the 4.7S-rnm (No. 4) sieve, test separate samples of!be minus 4.7S mm
(No. 4) fraction and !be plus 4.7S rnm (No. 4) fraction in accordance with !be procedures for tine
aggregate and coarse aggregate, respectively. Report !be results separately for the tine aggregale
fraction and !be coarse aggregate fraction, giving !be percentages of the coarse and tine size
fractions in !be initial grading.

6. PREPARATION OF TEST SAMPLE

6.1. Fine Aggregate- Thoroughly wash the sample of tine aggregate on a 300-~m (No. 50) sieve, dry
to constan! mass at 110":t S.C (230":t 9"F), and separate into!be different sires by sieving, as
follows: Make a rough separation of!be graded sample by means of a nest of!be standard sieves
specitied in Section S.I. From !be fractions obtained in !bis manner, select samples of sufficient
size to yield 100 g after sieving to refusal. (In general, a 1l0-g sample will be sufticient.) Do not
use tine aggregate sticking in !be meshes of!be sieves in preparing the samples. Weigh samples
consisting of IOO:t 0.1 g out of each of!be separated fractions after tinal sieving, record !be
masses of !be test samples, and place in separate containers for !be test.

6.2. Coarse Aggregate-Thoroughly wash and dry the sample of coarse aggregale to constant mass at
110":t S.C (230":t 9"F) and separate it into!be different sizes shown in Section S.2 by sieving 10
refusal. Weigh out quantities of!be different sizes within the tolerances of Section S.2 and
combine them to the designated total mass (Note 7). Record !be masses of the test samples and
!beir fractional components. In the case of sires larger Iban 19.0 rnm (". in.), record !be number of
particIes in the test samples.
Note 7- The fractional components of each sample may be placed in separate containers if so
desired but is not required. lf separate containers are used, !be two sires must be combined for !be
calculations for 8.1.2 (Table 2).

TS-1c T 104-5 AASHTO

Table 2-Suggested Form for Recording Test Data (wi!b Illustrative Test Values)
Mass o Test Percentage Passing Weigbted
Orading of Original Fractions Before Designated Sieve Percentage
Sieve Size Sample. Percent Test. g AfterTest Los,
Sou.nd.ness Test al Fine Aggregatc
Minus ISOfUTl 5

300 pm lo ISO J.1ffi 12

600 pm 10 300 JUIt 26 100 4.2 1.1
1.IBmmto600pm 2S 100 4.8 1.2
2.36 nun (O1.18 mm 17 100 8.0 1.4
4,75 mm to 2.36 nun 11 100 11.2 1.2
9.5 mmto4.75 mm 4 11.2" 0.4

T..." 100 5

Soundness Test ofCoarse Aggregatc

63 nun lo SO mm 28158
SO aun 10 37.5 mrn 1958g } 63 lO37.S mm 20 4783 4.8 1.0

37.5 mm1025.0 nun 1012g M

2S.0 nun (O 19.0 mm 513 g } 37.51019.0 rm1 45 152S 8.0

19.0 mmlo 12.5 mm 615 g 1008 9.6 2.2

12.5 mm to 9.' mm 333. } 19.010 9.5 nw 23
298 11.2 1.3
9.5 mm(O4.75 mm 12

T..." 100 8

.'J'be pen:entage 1055 (11.2 peroent) oribe next smal)cr sile is used as the percentage 1055 101'OUs sile. sincc this size contains Jess iban fivc percent ofthc Cliginal
sa~1e as received. Sec Scction 10.1.3.4.

7. PROCEDURE

7.1. Storage 01Samp/es in So/ution-Immerse !be samples in !be prepared solution of sodium sulfate
or magnesium sulfate for not less than 16 hours nor more than 18 hours in such a manner that the
solution covers !bem to a dep!b of at least 12.5 mm (Ih in.) (Note 8). Cover the containers to
reduce evaporation and prevent !be accidental addition of extraneous substances. Maintain !be
samples immersed in !be solution at a temperature of20.3 to 21.9"C (68.5 1071.5F) for the
immersion periodo
Note 8-Suitably weighted wire grids placed over !be sample in the containers will permit !bis
coverage 10be achieved wi!b very light-weight aggregates.

7.2. Drying Samp/es After lmmersion-After !be immersion periodo remove the aggregate sample from
!be solution, permit it to drain for 15 :1:five minutes, and place in !be drying oyen. The temperature
of!he oyen shall have been brought previously to 110":1:5"C (230":1:9"F). Dry!be samples at the
specified temperature until constant mass has been achieved. Establish the time required to attain
constant mass as follows: wi!b the oyen containing !be maximum sample load expected. check the
mass losses oftest samples by removing and weighing them without cooling, at intervals of two to
four hours; make enough checks to establish required drying time for the least favorable oyen
location (Section 3.6) and sampIe condition (Note 9). Constant mass will be considered to have
been achieved when mass loss is less than 0.1 percent of sample mass in four hours of drying.
After constant mass has been achieved, allow the samples to cool to 20 to 25C (68 to 77F) (Note
10), when they shall again be immersed in the prepared solution as described in Section 7.1.
Cooling may be aided by the use of an air conditioner or fan. Temperature of!be material shall be
checked by thermometer or other acceptable means before placing !be material in !be soaking
solution.

TS-1c T 104-6 AASHTO

 Note 9--Drying time required to reach constant mass may vary considerably for several reasons.
Efficiency of drying will be reduced as cycles accumulate because of salt adhering to particles
and, in some cases. because of increase in surface area due to breakdown. The different size
fractions of aggregate will have differing drying rates. The smaller sizes will tend to dry more
slowly because of their larger surface area and restricted interparticle voids, but tbis tendency may
be allered by tbe effects of container size and shape.
Note 10-Experience has shown tbat sample temperatures significantly different tban tbe
solution temperature of 21.1"C (70.0"F) may change tbe temperature ofthe solution temporarily.
tbereby causing a change in sall saturation even though tbe solution returns to 21.1e (70.0"F) for
most of the soaking periodo This may cause erroneous results.

7.3. Number 01Cycles-Repeat tbe process of altemate immersion and drying until tbe required
number of cycles is obtained. Preferably. tbe test shall be performed continuously until tbe
specified number of cycles is obtained. However. if tbe test must be interrupted. leave tbe samples
in tbe oyen, at 110":t: 5e (230":t: 9"F) until tbe testing can be resumed.

7.4. Review tbe temperature record from tbe recording unit. Verify solution temperature limits were
not exceeded.

8. QUANTITATIVE EXAMINATION

8.1. Make tbe quantitative examination as follows:

8.1.1. After tbe completion of tbe final cycle and after tbe sample has cooled. wash the sample free from
tbe sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate. Wash by circulating water at 43:t: 6e (l10":t: IO"F)
through the samples in tbeir containers by introducing hot water near the bottom and allowing tbe
water to pass through the samples and overflow. The tboroughness of washing shall be checked by
obtaining a sample of rinse water after it has passed through tbe samples and checked with
0.2 molar barium chloride. Further washing is required if sample becomes cIoudy upon addition of
the barium chloride solution. In areas where the water gives a reaction witb barium chloride otber
analytical means shall be used to assure thoroughness of washing. In tbe washing operation. tbe
samples shall not be subjected to impact or abrasion tbat may tend to break up particles.

8.1.2. After tbe sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate has been removed. dry each fraction of the sample
to constant mass at 110":t: 5e (230":t: 9"F). Sieve tbe fine aggregate over tbe same sieve on which
it was retained before tbe test, and sieve the coarse aggregate over tbe sieve shown below for tbe
appropriate size of particle. For fine aggregate. tbe method and duration of sieving shall be tbe
same as were used in preparing tbe test samples. For coarse aggregate, sieving shall be by hand,
witb agitation sufficient only to assure tbat aIl undersize material passes tbe designated sieve. No
extra manipulation shall be employed lo break up particles or cause tbem to pass tbe sieves.
Determine tbe mass of tbe material retained on each sieve and record each amount. The difference
between each of tbese amounts and tbe initial mass of tbe fraction of the sample tested is the loss
in tbe test and is to be expressed as a percentage of tbe initial mass for use in Table 2.

TS-1c T 104-7 AASHTO

 Sieve Used to
Size of Aggregate Detennine Loss
63 rnmto 37.5rnm 31.5rnm(1'/, in.)
(2'/,10 ('/,in.)
37.5rnmlo (9.0 rnm 16.0 rnm ('1, in.)
(lJ/z to'.in.)
(9.0rnmlo9.5rnm 8.0 rmn ('/16 in.)
('l. to 'l. in.)
9.5 rnmlo 4.75 rnm 4.0 rnm (No. 5)
e" in. lo No. 4)

9. QUALlTATIVEEXAMINATION

9.1. Malee a qualitative examination oftest samples coarser than 19.0 mm el. in.) as follows (Note 11):

9.1.1. Separate Ihe particles of each test sample into groups according to the action produced by the test
(Note 11).

9.1.2. Record Ihe number of particles showing each type of distress.

Note 11-Many types of action may be expected. In general, Ihey may be classified as
disinlegration, splilting, crumbling, cracking, flaking, elc. While only particles larger Ihan
19.0 mm el. in.) in size are required to be examined qualitatively, it is recommended Ihat
examination of Ihe smaller sizes be rnade in order to determine whelher Ihere is any evidence
of excessive splilling.

10. REPORT

10.1. The report shall include Ihe following data (Note 12):

10.1.1. Mass of each fraclion of each sample before test.

10.1.2. Malerial from each fraction of Ihe sample finer Ihan Ihe sieve designaled in Section 8.1.2 for
sieving after lesl, expressed as a percentage of Ihe original mass of Ihe fraction.

10.1.3. Weighled average calculated from the percentage of loss for each fraction, based on Ihe grading of
Ihe sample as received for examination determined by using T 27 or, preferably, on the average
grading of Ihe malerial from Ihal portion of Ihe supply of which Ihe sample is representalive
excepl Ihat:

10.1.3.1. For fine aggregales wilh less Ihan 10 percent coarser Ihan Ihe 9.5-mm el.-in.) sieve, assume
sizes finer Ihan Ihe 300-j!m (No. 50) sieve lOhave zero percenlloss and sizes coarser Ihan Ihe
9.5-mm el.-in.) sieve lo have the same loss as Ihe nexl srnaller size for which test data are
available.

10.1.3.2. For coarse aggregale with less Ihan 10 percenl finer Ihan Ihe 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve, assume sizes
finer Ihan Ihe 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve lo have Ihe same loss as Ihe next larger size for which lesl
data are available.

TS-1c T 104-8 AASHTO

10.1.3.3. For an aggregate containing appreciable amounts of botb fine and coarse material tested as two
separate samples as required in Section 5.3, compute the weighted average losses separately for
tbe minus 4.75-rnm (No. 4) and plus 4.75-rnm (No. 4) fractions based on recomputed gradings
considering tbe fine fraction as 100 percent and tbe coarse fraction as 100 percent. Report tbe
results separately giving the percentage ofthe minus 4.75-rnm (No. 4) and plus 4.75-rnm (No. 4)
material in the initial grading.

10.1.3.4. For tbe purpose of calculating tbe weighted average, consider any size in Section 5.1 or 5.2 tbat
contain less than five percent of tbe sample to have tbe same loss as tbe average of tbe next
smaJler and tbe next larger size, or if one of tbese sizes is absent, to have tbe same loss as the next
larger or next smaJler size, whichever is present.

10.1.3.5. For large rock tested according to Section 5.2.2 tbe weighted average (if more than one size
fraction is tested) shaJl be tbe aritbmetic mean of the loss on tbe fractions tested.

10.1.3.6. For large rock tested according to Sections 5.2.3 or 5.2.4, tbe weighted average shaJl be based on a
sample grading conforming to tbe middle of the specification to which tbe aggregate will be
produced, or tbe actual grading as produced. If tbe specification grading incJudes fractions larger
tban 63-mm (2'hin.) sieve, assume such sizes have tbe same percentage loss as the 63 to 37.5 rnm
(21/2"10 I'/,-in.) fraction.

10.1.4. Report the weighted percentage loss to tbe nearest whole number.

10.1.5. In tbe case ofparticJes coarser than 19.0 rnm el, in.) before test: (1) tbe number of particJes in
each fraction before test, and (2) the number of particJes affected, cJassified as to number
disintegrating, splitting, crumbling, cracking, flaking, ete., as shown in Table 3.
Table ~uggested Form for Qualitative Examination (witb IlIustrative Test Values)
Qualitative Examinatioo of Coarse Sizes
Particles ExlUbiting Distre5s Total No. of
Splitbng Crumbling Cracking Flaking Partic1es
SieveSize No. Pcrcent No. Percent No. Perceot No. Pereent Before Test
63 mm lo 37.S nun 2 7 2 7 29
31.S JmI 10 19.0 mm S 2 so

10.1.6. Kind of solution (sodium or magnesium sulfate) and whether tbe solution was freshly prepared or
previously used.

10.1.7. Method of producing particJes for test, when reduced from large pieces as described in
Sections 5.2.2, 5.2.3, or 5.2.4.

Note 12- Table 2, shown with test values inserted for purpose of illustration, is a suggested form
for recording test data. The test values shown might be appropriate for either salt, depending on
tbe quality of the aggregate.

TS-1c T 104-9 AASHTO

11. PRECISION

11.1. For coarse aggregale wilh weighted average sulfale soundness losses in Ihe ranges of 6 lo 16
percenl for sodium and 9 1020 percenl for magnesium, Ihe precision indexes are as indicaled, in
Table 4 (Note 13).
Table 4-Precision Indexes
Difference
Coefficienl of Belween Two
Varialion (15%), Tests (D25%),
percenl" percenl of average"
Multilaboratory:
Sodium sulfate 41 116
Magnesium sulfate 25 71

Single-Operator:
Sodiumsulfate 24 68
Magnesiumsulfate 11 31
.These numbers represent, respectively, the (lSe.) and (D2SIJJ) limitS as described in ASlM e 670.

Note 13-- The va1uesin Ibe precision slalemenl are based on tesling according to Ibis
melhod prior to revision in 1991. The revisions in 1991 are believed to improve Ibe precision
of Ibe method.

TS-1c T 104-10 AASHTO