ASTM C123-98

Standard Test Method for Lightweight Particles in Aggregate

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the percentage of lightweight pieces in aggregate by means of sink-float separation in a heavy liquid of suitable specific gravity.  
1.2 The values given in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific hazard statement, see 6.1.4.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-May-1998
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.20 - Aggregates

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM C123-03 - Standard Test Method for Lightweight Particles in Aggregate
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2003

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: C 123 – 98 American Association State
Highway and Transportation Standard
AASHTO No.: T 113
Standard Test Method for
Lightweight Particles in Aggregate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 123; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the per- 3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to
centage of lightweight particles in aggregate by means of Terminology C 125.
sink-float separation in a heavy liquid of suitable specific
4. Significance and Use
gravity.
1.2 The values given in SI units are to be regarded as the 4.1 This test method is used to determine conformance with
provisions of Specification C 33 pertaining to the amount of
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
lightweight material in fine and coarse aggregates. A heavy
only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the liquid with a specific gravity of 2.0 is used to separate particles
which may be classified as coal or lignite. Heavier liquids may
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- be used to check the percentages of other lightweight particles
such as chert and shale having a specific gravity less than 2.40.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific 4.2 The test method may be useful in identifying porous
aggregate particles in research activities or in petrographic
hazard statement, see 6.1.4.
analyses.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C 33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates 5.1 Balances—For determining the mass of fine aggregates,
a balance having a capacity of not less than 500 g, sensitive to
C 125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete
Aggregates at least 0.1 g: for determining the mass of coarse aggregate, a
balance having a capacity of not less than 5000 g, sensitive to
C 127 Test Method for Specific Gravity and Absorption of
Coarse Aggregate at least 1 g. Both balances shall conform to the accuracy
criterion of the applicable sections of Specification C 1005.
C 128 Test Method for Specific Gravity and Absorption of
Fine Aggregate 5.2 Containers suitable for drying the aggregate sample,
and containers suitable for holding the heavy liquid during the
C 702 Practice for Reducing Field Samples of Aggregate to
Testing Size sink-float separation.
5.3 Skimmer—A piece of 300-μm (No. 50) sieve cloth,
C 1005 Specification for Weights and Weighing Devices for
conforming to Specification E 11, of suitable size and shape for
Use in the Physical Testing of Hydraulic Cements
D 75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates separating the floating particles from the heavy liquid.
5.4 Hot Plate or Oven.
D 3665 Practice for Random Sampling of Construction
Materials 5.5 Sieves, 300-μm (No. 50) and 4.75-mm (No. 4) conform-
ing to Specification E 11.
E 11 Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing
Purposes 5.6 Specific Gravity Measurement—A hydrometer conform-
ing to the physical requirement sections for individual hydrom-
E 100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
eters of Specification E 100, or a suitable combination of
graduated glassware and balance capable of measuring the
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-9 on Concrete liquid specific gravity within 60.01.
and Concrete Aggregatesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.20on
Normal Weight Aggregates.
6. Heavy Liquid
Current edition approved May 10, 1998. Published December 1998. Originally
e1
6.1 The heavy liquid shall consist of one of the following
published as C 123 – 36. Last previous edition C 123 – 94 (1996 ).
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. (see 6.1.4):
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.01.
6.1.1 A solution of zinc chloride in water (for a specific
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.03.
gravity up to about 2.0).
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
C 123
6.1.2 A mixture of kerosene with 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoethane, for the zinc-chloride and zinc-bromide solutions. After the
proportioned to produce desired specific gravities. (1,1,2,2- decanted particles have been washed, allow them to dry (see
tetrabromoethane has a specific gravity of about 2.95) (see 8.1.2). Brush the dry decanted particles from the skimmer onto
Note 1). the balance pan and determine the mass to the nearest 0.1 g. If
6.1.3 A solution of zinc bromide in water (for a specific more precise determination is required, the decanted particles
gravity up to about 2.4). shall be dried to constant mass at 110 6 5°C to determine the
6.1.4 Warning—The chemicals listed in 6.1.2 are toxic, value of W used for the calculation in 9.1 (see 8.1.3).
both by absorption through the skin and by inhalation. They 8.1.1 If the absorption as determined in accordance with
shall be used only in a hood (preferably of the down-draft type) Test Method C 128 is known, the fine aggregate may be
or out-of-doors, and care shall be taken to avoid inhalation or prepared for test by adding to a known weight of dry sand the
contact with the eyes or skin. There is no particular hazard amount of water it will absorb, mixing thoroughly, and
from the fumes of zinc-chloride solution (6.1.1) or zinc- permitting the sand to stand in a covered pan for 30 min before
bromide solution (6.1.3) but goggles and gloves shall be worn use.
to prevent contact with the eyes or skin. 8.1.2 Drying should take place in the hood or out-of-doors
6.2 The specific gravity of the heavy liquid shall be main- if other than zinc chloride or zinc bromide is used. An oven or
tained within 60.01 of the specified value at all times during hot plate may be used to accelerate the
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