Sand Equivalent Test Set

Sand Equivalent 30 Test Set

Sand Equivalent Test Sets are used to determine the amount of clay-like material and fines in granular soils and fine aggregates. For those interested in similar tests for drilling operations, consider the Sand Content Test Kit for Drilling Mud. 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

• Sand Sieve Set, Brass 8in

• Four Clear Plastic Graduated Cylinders

• Siphon Assembly

• Irrigator Tube

• Weighted Foot

• Plastic Funnel

• Solid Stopper

• 8oz Stock Solution

• Measuring Tin

• Sand Cone Density Apparatus

Meets Test Methods: AASHTO T176 AASHTO T210 ASTM D 2419 CALIFORNIA 217 CALIFORNIA 229. For accurate testing of asphalt materials, consider using flash point tester equipment designed for this purpose.

Overview and Background

The sand equivalent test is a widely used laboratory test in the construction industry to determine the relative proportions of fine dust or clay-like materials in fine aggregates. 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 clay or plastic fines and dust in most fine aggregates. This balance is crucial for the performance and longevity of construction materials. For high-quality sand equivalent test equipment, explore our tools designed for laboratory and field applications.

The sand equivalent test measures:

• Sand Equivalent Value (SE): The ratio of the height of the 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. Consider using specialized equipment for coarse aggregate testing for best results with larger aggregates.

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 specific gravity level.

Sand Equivalent Calculation

The 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 in the cylinder (mm).

• clay reading: The height 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.

Equipment

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 level. Shop Soil Augers for precise soil sampling.

• 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

• Sample

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