Aggregate Testing
Coursework 1: Aggregate testing
This report was an investigation into different standard testing methods used for aggregates; Sieve Analysis, Moisture Content Determination and Determination of Voids Content and Density. The experiments precisely verified that the aggregates complied with British Standards.
Contents page
Test 1: Sieve Analysis
“Large” coarse aggregate
“Small” coarse aggregate
Fine aggregates
Observation
Test 2: Moisture Content
“Small” coarse aggregate
Fine aggregate
MWW, MSSDW and MDW
Observation
Test 3: Voids content and density
“Large” coarse aggregate
Fine aggregate
Bulk density
Particle density
References
Appendices
Introduction
In this report, I shall be investigating a selection of techniques used to test aggregates to observe if they comply with British Standards. Both coarse and fine aggregates are vital components of cement, so to ensure our cement is to its utmost quality, it is critical that we test the aggregates to guarantee we gain the appropriate properties from our cement. Three tests shall be carried out; a sieve analysis test on coarse (“Small” + “Large”) and fine aggregate, “Speedy” moisture meter test on both aggregates (“Small” coarse fine) and finally a voidmeter test on “Large” coarse and fine aggregate. I am hoping to find that the aggregates comply with British Standards.
Test 1: Sieve Analysis
Sieve analysis helps to determine the particle size distribution of the coarse and fine aggregates (Civil Engineering Portal, 2007). For this analysis, three sieve tests will have to be carried out; “large” coarse aggregates, “small” coarse aggregates and fine aggregates. Before we begin sieving, although inaccurate, I assumed that the samples have been oven dried to a constant weight and that there no impurities in the samples (Tapp, T, (2012). How to carry out a sieve analysis on an aggregate sample). The following courses of action were necessary for the investigation:
This report was an investigation into different standard testing methods used for aggregates; Sieve Analysis, Moisture Content Determination and Determination of Voids Content and Density. The experiments precisely verified that the aggregates complied with British Standards.
Contents page
Test 1: Sieve Analysis
“Large” coarse aggregate
“Small” coarse aggregate
Fine aggregates
Observation
Test 2: Moisture Content
“Small” coarse aggregate
Fine aggregate
MWW, MSSDW and MDW
Observation
Test 3: Voids content and density
“Large” coarse aggregate
Fine aggregate
Bulk density
Particle density
References
Appendices
Introduction
In this report, I shall be investigating a selection of techniques used to test aggregates to observe if they comply with British Standards. Both coarse and fine aggregates are vital components of cement, so to ensure our cement is to its utmost quality, it is critical that we test the aggregates to guarantee we gain the appropriate properties from our cement. Three tests shall be carried out; a sieve analysis test on coarse (“Small” + “Large”) and fine aggregate, “Speedy” moisture meter test on both aggregates (“Small” coarse fine) and finally a voidmeter test on “Large” coarse and fine aggregate. I am hoping to find that the aggregates comply with British Standards.
Test 1: Sieve Analysis
Sieve analysis helps to determine the particle size distribution of the coarse and fine aggregates (Civil Engineering Portal, 2007). For this analysis, three sieve tests will have to be carried out; “large” coarse aggregates, “small” coarse aggregates and fine aggregates. Before we begin sieving, although inaccurate, I assumed that the samples have been oven dried to a constant weight and that there no impurities in the samples (Tapp, T, (2012). How to carry out a sieve analysis on an aggregate sample). The following courses of action were necessary for the investigation:
References: Civil Engineering Portal, 2007. Sieve Analysis of Aggregate. < http://www.engineeringcivil.com/sieve-analysis.html> [Accessed: 12 November 2012]. Tapp, T, (2012). How to carry out a sieve analysis on an aggregate sample [pdf] Available through: University of Plymouth Tulip site < https://tulip.plymouth.ac.uk/Module/MATS115/ Laboratory%20information%20201213/ Lab%201%20How%20to%20carry%20out%20a%20sieve%20analysis%20on%20an%20aggregate%20sample.pdf> [12 November 2012] British Standards Institution, 2012. EN 933-1:2012 Tests for geometrical properties of aggregates. Part 1: Determination of particle size distribution. Sieving method. British Standards Online [Online] Available through: University of Plymouth < http://primo.plymouth.ac.uk > [Accessed 12 November 2012]. British Standards Institution, 2009. PD 6682-1:2009 British Standards Institution, 2002. BS EN 12620:2002+A1 Aggregates. Part 1: Aggregates for concrete. Guidance on the use of BS EN 12620. British Standards Online [Online] Available through: University of Plymouth < http://primo.plymouth.ac.uk> [Accessed 12 November 2012]. CTQP Florida, 2009. Lesson 5. DETERMNATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT BY MEANS OF A CALCIUM CARBIDE GAS PRESSURE MOISTURE TESTER. FM5-507 [pdf] Available through: CTQP < http://www.ctqpflorida.com/books/pdf/ ECI%20Level%201 /05%20%202009%20Student%20Lesson%205%20Speedy.pdf> [Accessed 13 November 2012].