Civil Engineering Department

CE452L1/CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual

Experiment No. I
SAMPLING OF AGGREGATES
1. Objective(s):
The activity aims to introduce the basic principle, significance and procedures for the sampling of
aggregates (Coarse and Fine Aggregates).
2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):
The students shall be able to:
2.1 Familiarize the basic instruments and apparatus used in reducing the field sample of
aggregates to test sample.
2.2 Determine the two methods specified by ASTM (i.e. Quartering and Mechanical Splitter)
2.3 Conduct the actually the experiment with full knowledge.
3. Discussion:
Sampling is the most important step in assuring the good quality of the aggregates. It is also should
be the first thing must be learned in studying construction materials and testing. As specified in ASTM
C 702-98 “Standard Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size” the two methods
used in practice are Method A (Mechanical Splitter) and Method B (Quartering). Method A separates
the sample into halves as the material passes through the spaces between the bars in the splitter.
Same number of particle size goes in each half of the splitter. Method B is a non-mechanical method of
reducing a sample. The best method of reducing highly moistened compacted aggregate.
4. Resources:
1 unit Mechanical Splitter 2 Pans
1 Weighing Scale 1 Bag of Coarse Aggregates
1 Scoop or spoon 1 Bag of Coarse Aggregates
5. Procedure:
For Mechanical Splitter
1. Place the sample in the pan and uniformly distribute it from edge to edge so that approximately
equal amounts flow through each chute. The rate at which the sample is introduced shall be such
as to allow free flowing through the chutes into the pans below.
2. Split the sample from one of the two pans as many times as necessary to reduce the sample to the
size specified for the intended test. The portion of the material collected in the other pan may be
reserved for reduction in size for other tests.
3. As check for effective splitting, determine the mass of each part of the split. If the ratio of the two
masses differs by more than 5 percent, corrective action must be taken.
For Quartering
1. Place the sample on a hard, clean, leveled surface where there will be neither loss of material nor
the accidental addition of foreign material.
2. Mix the material thoroughly by turning the entire sample over a minimum of three times. With the
last turning, shovel the entire sample into a conical pile by depositing each shovelful on top of the
preceding one.
3. Flatten the conical pile to a uniform thickness and diameter by pressing down with a shovel. The
diameter should be four to eight times the thickness.
4. Divide the flattened pile into four approximately equal quarters with a shovel or trowel.
5. Remove two diagonally opposite quarters, including all fine materials, and brush the cleared
spaces clean.
6. Successively mix and quarter the remaining material until the sample is reduced to the desired
size. The final test sample consists of two diagonally opposite quarters

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 Civil Engineering Department
CE452L1/CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual
Course: Experiment No.:
Group No.: Section:
Group Members: Date Performed:
Date Submitted
Instructor:

6. Data and Results:

6.1 Mechanical Splitter

6.2 Quartering

7. Conclusion:

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 Civil Engineering Department
CE452L1/CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual
8. Assessment:
BEGINNER ACCEPTABLE PROFICIENT
CRITERIA SCORE
1 2 3
I. Laboratory Skills
Members do not Members occasionally
Manipulative Members always
demonstrate needed demonstrate needed
Skills demonstrate needed skills.
skills. skills
Members are unable Members are able to Members are able to set-up
Experimental
to set-up the set-up the materials the material with minimum
Set-up
materials. with supervision. supervision.
Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Process Skills demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted
process skills. process skills. process skills.
Members do not Members follow safety
Safety Members follow safety
follow safety precautions most of
Precautions precautions at all times.
precautions. the time.
II. Work Habits
Time
Members do not finish Members finish on Members finish ahead of
Management /
on time with time with incomplete time with complete data
Conduct of
incomplete data. data. and time to revise data.
Experiment
Members have
Members do not know
defined Members are on tasks and
their tasks and have
responsibilities most have defined
no defined
Cooperative and of the time. Group responsibilities at all times.
responsibilities.
Teamwork conflicts are Group conflicts are
Group conflicts have
cooperatively cooperatively managed at
to be settled by the
managed most of the all times.
teacher.
time.
Clean and orderly
Clean and orderly
Messy workplace workplace with
Neatness and workplace at all times
during and after the occasional mess
Orderliness during and after the
experiment. during and after the
experiment.
experiment.
Members require
Ability to do Members require
occasional Members do not need to be
independent supervision by the
supervision by the supervised by the teacher.
work teacher.
teacher.
Other Comments/Observations: Total Score
(Total Score)
Rating= ×100
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9. Reference(s):
ASTM C 702-98 “Standard Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size”