TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

938 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Civil Engineering Department

____________________________________________________________________
CE 405
Construction Materials and Testing
EXPERIMENT 1
Sampling of Aggregates
SUBMITTED BY:
SECTION:
GROUP NUMBER:
I.

SUBMITTED TO: Engr. Fatima Jade C. Ang

EXPERIMENT PERFORMED:
REPORT SUBMITTED:

OBJECTIVE(S):
1. The activity aims to introduce the basic principle, significance and procedures for the sampling of
aggregates (coarse and fine).

II.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The students shall be able to:
1. Familiarize the basic instruments and apparatus used in reducing the field sample of aggregates to test
sample(s).
2. Determine the two methods of sampling specified by ASTM (i.e. Quartering and Mechanical Splitter).
3. Conduct the experiment with full knowledge.

III.

DISCUSSION:
Sampling of aggregates is the first step done to reduce the size of a material taken from the field or laboratory
to be used for a number of tests. The sample taken serves as a representative of the total supply.
Specifications and (or) descriptions of the sample can be described from the series of testing done. This
experiment (methods or procedures to be used and done) is based on ASTM Designation C 702 98 Standard
Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Sample Size.
The methods to be performed in this experiment are using a mechanical splitter (Method A) and by quartering
(Method B). In practice, care in performing this experiment is needed to prevent a non-representative sample to
be used in subsequent testing which is or are based with the initial representative specimen.
There are circumstances that sampling is not recommended. In such case, the total or entire sample will be
used for testing.
There is another method called miniature stockpile (Method C) but is not permitted to be performed using
coarse aggregates, or mixture of coarse and fine aggregates.

IV.

RESOURCES:
1 unit mechanical splitter
1 unit weighing scale
1 scoop or spoon
2 pans
1 bag of coarse aggregates
1 bag of fine aggregates
1 Sieve #4
1 Sieve #16

V.

PROCEDURE:
Preparation:
1. Using Method A, make sure that the aggregate samples to be used are drier the saturated surface dry
(SSD), all pores of the sample are filled with water but the exposed surface has no moisture or water). If the
sample has moisture on the surface, dry the entire sample to at least SSD condition.
2. Using Method B, the sample must have free moisture on the surface. If the sample is dry, moisten it to
obtain free moisture.
3. Be careful in conducting the sampling so as not to have loss of material or addition unto it.
Mechanical Splitter (Method A):
1. The splitter has equal number of openings that divide the total sample into two because the openings are
directed opposite to each other. Two containers are placed at the opening of the splitter which serve as
catch basin of the sample split into two. Perform this method separate for coarse and fine aggregates.
2. For coarse aggregates (or mixed) only: Prepare a sample in which the largest width is 50% smaller width
than the chutes opening of the splitter. Use Sieve #16 to do it. The sample that pass through Sieve #16 will
be used as the entire or original sample.
For fine aggregates: Prepare an entire or original sample to be used that all particles must pass Sieve #4.
3. Weigh the sample.
4. Distribute the sample evenly in a pan from edge to edge.
5. Introduce the sample (pour it) to the opening of the splitter in a controlled rate that allow free flowing of the
sample to the splitters openings. Do this by feeding the longest side of the pan to the splitter, the pans
length should be lesser than the splitters opening.
6. Repeat first to fifth steps until the desired sample is achieved.
7. Check if the divided samples are close to 50% of each other with approximately 5% error. Compare the
sample in each two containers past the splitting.
8. Record all data.
Quartering (Method B):
1. Collect a sample (use the one or close to same amount used in Method A). Perform this method separate
for coarse and fine aggregates.
2. Mix the sample three times after which form a conical pile then flatten the entire sample.
3. Distribute the sample evenly in a pan from edge to edge.
4. Divide the flattened mass into four equal quarters.
5. Remove two diagonally opposite quarters.
6. Repeat first to fifth steps until the desired sample is achieved.

7. Check if the divided samples are close to 50% of each other with approximately 5% error. Compare the
diagonal opposite quarters to the other half remaining in the pan.
8. Record all data.
VI.

DATA AND RESULTS:

Mechanical Splitter (Method A):

Quartering (Method B):

Documentation:

VII.

OBSERVATION(S):

VIII.

CONCLUSION(S):

IX.

RECOMMENDATION(S):

X.

ASSESSMENT:

BEGINNER
1

ACCEPTABLE
2

Members do not
demonstrate needed
skills.
Members are unable
to set-up the
materials.
Members do not
demonstrate targeted
process skills.
Members do not
follow safety
precautions.

Members occasionally
demonstrate needed
skills
Members are able to
set-up the materials
with supervision.
Members occasionally
demonstrate targeted
process skills.
Members follow safety
precautions most of
the time.

CRITERIA

PROFICIENT
3

SCORE

I. Laboratory Skills
Manipulative
Skills
Experimental
Set-up
Process Skills
Safety
Precautions
II. Work Habits
Time
Management /
Conduct of
Experiment

Members do not finish Members finish on

on time with
time with incomplete
incomplete data.
data.

Cooperative and
Teamwork

Members do not know

their tasks and have
no defined
responsibilities.
Group conflicts have
to be settled by the
teacher.

Neatness and
Orderliness

Messy workplace
during and after the
experiment.

Ability to do
independent
work

Members require
supervision by the
teacher.

Other Comments/Observations:

XI.

Members always
demonstrate needed skills.
Members are able to set-up
the material with minimum
supervision.
Members always
demonstrate targeted
process skills.
Members follow safety
precautions at all times.
Members finish ahead of
time with complete data
and time to revise data.

Members have
defined
Members are on tasks and
responsibilities most
have defined
of the time. Group
responsibilities at all times.
conflicts are
Group conflicts are
cooperatively
cooperatively managed at
managed most of the all times.
time.
Clean and orderly
Clean and orderly
workplace with
workplace at all times
occasional mess
during and after the
during and after the
experiment.
experiment.
Members require
occasional
Members do not need to be
supervision by the
supervised by the teacher.
teacher.
Total Score

REFERENCE(S):
ASTM Designation C 702 98 Standard Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Sample Size