SAMPLING OF AGGREGATES – BY MECHANICAL SPLITTER AND BY QUARTERING METHOD,

PROCEDURES AND QUANTITY REQUIRED

Sampling of aggregates in construction refers to the process of collecting a representative portion or

Key steps involved in the sampling process include:

1. Selection of Sampling Location: The sample must be taken from various locations in the bulk
material to ensure it is representative of the entire batch. This may involve dividing the stockpile
into sections and taking samples from different parts.

2. Sample Size: The size of the sample should be sufficient to perform the necessary tests (e.g.,
gradation, moisture content, specific gravity). Generally, larger samples are needed for more reliable
testing.

3. Sampling Equipment: Appropriate tools and equipment, such as a sampling shovel or scoop, are
used to collect the sample. In some cases, mechanical sampling equipment is used for consistency.

4. Procedure: The aggregates are typically taken from the middle of the pile or from different layers
if the material is in a stockpile. Care must be taken to avoid contamination or segregation during
sampling.

5. Transporting the Sample: After collection, the sample should be properly labeled and transported
to a laboratory for testing as soon as possible to maintain its integrity.

6. Testing: Common tests on aggregate samples include gradation analysis (sieve analysis), moisture
content, specific gravity, and hardness. The results help ensure the aggregates meet the design
requirements for the construction mix.

Proper sampling is crucial because it influences the quality and performance of the final concrete or
asphalt mix, affecting the durability, strength, and longevity of the constructed structure.
Sampling of Fine and Coarse Aggregates using a Mechanical Splitter is a crucial procedure in
ensuring the representative quality and consistency of aggregates in construction projects. Below is
an overview of the procedure and quantity required for the sampling of fine and coarse aggregates
by mechanical splitter.

A mechanical splitter used in aggregates, such as for breaking or splitting large pieces of rock,
typically consists of several key components. These components are designed to efficiently and
safely divide the material into smaller sizes.

Procedure for Sampling Fine and Coarse Aggregates Using a Mechanical Splitter

1. Preparation

- Ensure that the mechanical splitter is clean and free from any contamination that could affect the
sample.

- Verify that the mechanical splitter is calibrated and functioning correctly.

- Prepare a clean surface or container to collect the sample.

- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety glasses.

2. Initial Sampling

- Obtain a bulk sample of the aggregate from the stockpile or delivery truck. The bulk sample
should be large enough to ensure representativeness of the whole batch. Typically, the minimum
weight for the bulk sample should be around 30 to 40 kg (66 to 88 lbs) for coarse aggregates and 10
to 20 kg (22 to 44 lbs) for fine aggregates, but this may vary depending on standards and testing
requirements.

3. Loading the Aggregate into the Mechanical Splitter

- Place the bulk sample into the hopper of the mechanical splitter.

- Ensure that the aggregate is evenly distributed and not packed to avoid any bias during the
splitting process.

4. Splitting Process
 - Activate the mechanical splitter to divide the bulk sample into two portions (or more, depending
on the required quantity). The splitter typically uses a set of chutes and gates to divide the material.

- Collect the split portion in a clean container or bag. This portion represents a smaller sample that
is more manageable for further testing.

- Repeat the splitting process until the desired sample quantity is achieved.

5. Final Sample Quantity

- The final sample size for testing should be approximately 5-10 kg for fine aggregates and 10-20 kg
for coarse aggregates.

- If additional subsamples are needed for different tests, the process may need to be repeated
accordingly.

6. Homogenization (Optional but Recommended)

- After splitting, mix the sample thoroughly to ensure homogeneity. This is important for
maintaining consistency in the results when the sample is tested.

7. Storage

- Store the sample in clean, labeled containers to prevent contamination.

- If testing is to be delayed, ensure that the sample is kept in a dry, cool place, and avoid exposure
to weather conditions that might alter its properties.

8. Documentation

- Record all relevant details about the sample, including the source of the material, the date of
sampling, and any other pertinent information.

Quantity of Material to Be Sampled

Coarse aggregates: A typical bulk sample weighs about 30–40 kg(66–88 lbs), with the final split
sample being around 10–20 kg (22–44 lbs).

Fine aggregates: A typical bulk sample weighs about 10–20 kg (22–44 lbs), with the final split sample
being around 5–10 kg (11–22 lbs).

Key Points to Ensure Accuracy:

- Properly calibrate the mechanical splitter to ensure an even and accurate division.

- Take multiple splits if needed to achieve a representative sample.

- Always follow the applicable standards (e.g., ASTM C702 for coarse aggregates, AASHTO) to ensure
compliance with testing requirements.

This method of sampling ensures that the aggregates are representative of the whole lot, providing
accurate and reliable results for further analysis.
The Quartering Method is commonly used for sampling aggregates (both fine and coarse) to obtain
a representative sample from a large batch. This method is particularly useful for obtaining uniform
samples for testing purposes, ensuring that the material being tested is an accurate representation
of the whole batch. Below is the procedure and required quantities for sampling aggregates by the
quartering method:

Procedure for Quartering Method

1. Preparation of Sample:

- Start with a clean, flat, and non-absorptive surface such as a plastic sheet or a clean concrete
floor to prevent contamination of the sample.

- Collect a bulk sample of the aggregate from the stockpile, ensuring that the sample is large
enough to represent the whole batch (typically 20-30 kg for smaller batches or larger quantities for
larger aggregate volumes).

2. Coning and Quartering:

- Pour the bulk sample onto the clean surface and spread it out in a cone shape, ensuring the
material is spread evenly.

- Flatten the cone into a circular pile and then mix it thoroughly by turning it over and over (this
helps ensure uniformity and random distribution of particles).

- After mixing, form the material back into a cone and divide it into four equal parts by making two
perpendicular cuts (like a cross) through the pile.

3. Quartering Process:

- Discard two opposite quarters of the pile. These discarded portions are not needed for testing.

- Combine the remaining two opposite quarters into a smaller sample. This is now your sample for
testing.

- If a smaller sample is required, repeat the quartering process until the desired quantity is
obtained. The quartering method allows for progressively smaller samples, ensuring that the sample
size remains manageable.

4. Repeat Process for Consistency:

- If the aggregate batch is large or contains many variations in particle size, you may need to
repeat the quartering process several times, ensuring that each sample taken is representative of
the entire batch.
5. Storage of Sample:

- Place the final sample into clean containers for testing. Make sure the sample is properly labeled
and stored in a manner that prevents contamination or moisture absorption before testing.

Quantity of Sample Required:

Fine Aggregate (Sand):

- For fine aggregates, the typical quantity for testing should be around 5 to 10 kg for routine tests
such as sieve analysis, moisture content, etc.

-Coarse Aggregate:

- For coarse aggregates, a typical sample size would range from 20 to 30 kg, depending on the size
of the batch and the specific tests to be conducted.

General Guidelines:

- The final sample should be large enough to provide a sufficient quantity for all required tests (e.g.,
sieve analysis, moisture content, specific gravity, etc.).

- Care must be taken to ensure that the sample remains representative of the whole batch,
especially for materials with a wide variation in particle sizes or types.

By following these steps, you ensure that the aggregate sample is representative of the entire
stockpile, providing accurate and reliable test results.
SOURCES:

ASTM C702 - "Standard Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size.

ASTM C33 – "Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates" – Defines the properties of aggregates
used in concrete, which might include sampling methods.

ASTM D75 – "Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates" – Applies to the sampling of coarse and
fine aggregates for a variety of applications.