Organic Impurities in Aggregates Color Wheel Reference Chart

Organic Impurities in Aggregates: A Color Wheel Reference Chart You Can Trust

That reference chart you see there—the one with five permanent colors—is what construction professionals rely on to ensure fine aggregates meet ASTM and AASHTO requirements. The Organic Impurities Color Reference Chart is housed in a sturdy plastic case, and you can get it on its own or as part of the Organic Impurities Test Set.

When evaluating organic impurities in fine aggregates, you compare the color of the solution to those reference colors. This is the test method that ensures compliance with ASTM and AASHTO standards.

Some of the key features of this chart include:

• Meets both ASTM and AASHTO requirements

• Contains five permanent reference colors

Construction materials are the backbone of any building or infrastructure project. Their quality is what ensures the durability and safety of the structure. Fine aggregates—sand, for example—are critical components of construction materials. Their properties can make or break the final product. Organic impurities in fine aggregates can be detrimental to the quality and performance of concrete. That's why testing for their presence is essential.

The organic impurities test is a standard procedure in the construction industry. It detects injurious organic compounds in fine aggregates. Here's how it works: you mix a sample of fine aggregate with sodium hydroxide pellets to create a solution. That solution is then allowed to stand for a specified time. The color of the solution is compared to a standard reference color to determine the presence of organic impurities.

The organic impurities test set is the specialized equipment you need to perform this test. It includes sodium hydroxide pellets, a test sample container and a color reference disc. This test is an essential part of quality control in the construction industry. It helps identify potential problems with fine aggregates before they're used in concrete production. Further testing may be required to determine the extent of organic impurities and their impact on the concrete's strength and durability.

Using high-quality construction materials—including fine aggregates with minimal organic impurities—is critical for ensuring the long-term performance and safety of buildings and infrastructure. By performing the organic impurities test and following standard procedures, construction professionals can ensure their materials meet the necessary standards and contribute to the overall success of their projects.

Organic Impurities Test Accessories

You'll need these to conduct accurate tests on fine aggregates used in cement mortar and concrete:

• Sodium Hydroxide Pellets come in a 1lb container (available in standard or reagent grade) for testing to ASTM and AASHTO standards

• Organic Impurities Test Bottle with Lid is a colorless glass bottle with graduations in oz and mL and a volume capacity of 8oz (236.6mL)

• Organic Impurities Color Reference Disk comes with five permanent, fade-free solid-glass reference colors of 5, 8, 11, 14, and 16 on the Gardner color scale mounted in a protective plastic frame

• Gardner Liquid Color Standards are available in Gardner Nos. 5, 8, 11, 14, and 16 for an alternate way to reference and also meet ASTM/AASHTO requirements

These accessories are what you need to ensure accurate tests on fine aggregates.

Meets Test Methods: AASHTO T21, ASTM C 40/40M, Asphalt Permeability, ASTM C151