Sand Equivalent Test Set

Sand Equivalent 30 Test Set

Sand Equivalent Test Sets are used to determine the proportion of clay-like material and fines in granular soils and fine aggregates. Sets include everything required in ASTM and AASHTO test methods to perform the test except the shaker.

Both Sand Equivalent Sets include four Clear Plastic Graduated Cylinders, Siphon Assembly, Irrigator Tube, Weighted Foot Assembly, Plastic Funnel, Solid Stopper, 8oz Stock Solution, and Measuring Tin. Each component is available individually.

Included Items:

• Sand Equivalent Test Set

• Four Clear Plastic Graduated Cylinders

• Siphon Assembly

• Irrigator Tube

• Weighted Foot

• Plastic Funnel

• Solid Stopper

• 8oz Stock Solution

• Measuring Tin

Meets Test Methods: AASHTO T176 AASHTO T210 ASTM D 2419 CALIFORNIA 217 CALIFORNIA 229

The sand equivalent test is a widely used laboratory test in the construction industry to determine the relative proportions of dust or clay-like materials in fines. This test is based on the principle that clay-like materials can coat aggregate particles, preventing proper bonding with asphalt binder. By identifying the amount of these generally undesirable fines, the sand equivalent test helps ensure that aggregates are clean and suitable for construction purposes. The test is a rapid field method that highlights the mixture of desirable coarse particles and generally undesirable flocculated clay or plastic fines and dust in most aggregates. This balance is crucial for the performance and longevity of construction materials.

The sand equivalent test is a lab test used to determine the proportion of fines and dust in aggregates. Clay-like materials can coat aggregate particles and prevent proper bonding of asphalt binder to the aggregate. By identifying and limiting the amount of flocculated clay material in the aggregate, the sand equivalent test ensures fine aggregate is clean and of good quality which is essential for construction materials to last and perform. Higher sand equivalent values indicate cleaner aggregates, which contain less undesirable fine dust or clay-like materials, ensuring better bonding with asphalt binder.

The sand equivalent test involves mixing a sample of fine aggregate with a flocculating solution in a graduated cylinder and agitating it to loosen any clayey fines present. This separates the clay particles from the coat aggregate particles. The test gives an indication of the proportion of clay-like plastic fines and dust in granular soils. The sand equivalent is the ratio of the height of the equivalent sand to the height of the flocculated clay expressed as a percentage. This helps to determine the cleanliness and suitability of the fine aggregate for construction.

Test Parameters

The sand equivalent test measures:

• Higher Sand Equivalent Value (SE): The ratio of the height of the equivalent sand to the height of the clay expressed as a percentage. Higher SE value means cleaner aggregate with less clay.

• Clay Content: The percentage of clay material in the aggregate fraction that is finer than 4.75 mm. High clay content can be detrimental to the aggregate.

• Fine Dust Content: The percentage of fine dust in the aggregate fraction that is finer than 0.075 mm. Excessive fine dust can affect the workability and strength of the aggregate.

Test Procedure

1. Get a sample of fine aggregate passing the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve.

2. Split the sample to get a little more than four 3 oz. (85 mL) tin measures of material.

3. Get the desired number of test samples by one of the following methods.

4. Siphon 4.0 inches (101.6 mm) of calcium chloride solution into a graduated plastic cylinder.

5. Pour a test sample from the measuring tin into the cylinder using a funnel.

6. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

7. Shake by one of the following methods.

8. Siphon.

9. Let it sit undisturbed for 20 minutes.

10. Record the level at the top of the clay suspension.

11. Put a weighted foot assembly into the cylinder until the foot touches the sand surface.

12. Read the indicator mark on the weighted foot assembly and subtract 254 mm from this level to get the sand level.

Calculating the Higher Sand Equivalent Value

The higher sand equivalent value is calculated by measuring the height of the sand particles and the height of the clay particles in the test cylinder. This value is expressed as a percentage and is calculated using the following equation:

[ SE = \left( \frac{\text{sand reading} - 254}{\text{clay reading}} \right) \times 100 ]

Where:

• sand reading: The height of the sand in the cylinder (mm).

• clay reading: The height of the clay in the cylinder (mm).

The sand equivalent value should be reported to the nearest higher whole number. This value provides a clear indication of the cleanliness of the fine aggregate, with higher values signifying cleaner aggregates with fewer clay particles.

The sand equivalent value is an indicator of the cleanliness of fine aggregate. Higher SE value means higher percentage of desirable coarse particles and less clay particles, means cleaner and better aggregate. For example concrete sands have high SE values (80s or 90s) because of low clay content and suitable for construction. Materials with high fine dust and clay content like lower SE values (40s or 50s) are generally not suitable for construction. This value helps to classify soils and aggregates based on their particle size distribution and cleanliness.

The following equipment and accessories are required for the test:

• Graduated Plastic Cylinder: To hold the sample and solution.

• Calcium Chloride Solution: Flocculating agent to separate clay particles from the aggregate.

• Weighted Foot Assembly: To measure the sand level.

• Measuring Tin: To measure the sample.

• Funnel: To pour the sample into the cylinder.

• Shaker: To mix the sample and solution.

• Siphon

• Stopwatch or Timer

With these and the above procedure you can perform the sand equivalent test. ActiveFormalities

The sand equivalent test has several critical applications and uses in the construction industry. It is primarily used to determine the suitability of aggregates for use in hot mix asphalt (HMA), ensuring that the aggregate meets the required specifications for quality and performance. Additionally, the test helps in determining the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in soils and aggregates, providing valuable information for various construction projects. By ensuring the quality and consistency of aggregates, the sand equivalent test plays a vital role in the successful execution of construction projects, contributing to the durability and reliability of the final structures.