ASTM C142/C142M-17(2023)

Standard Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregates

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is of primary significance in determining the acceptability of aggregate with respect to the requirements of Specification C33/C33M.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the approximate determination of clay lumps and friable particles in aggregates.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
Note 1: Sieve sizes openings are identified by their Specification E11 designation with their alternative Specification E11 designation given in parentheses 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2023
• ICS: 91.100.01 - Construction materials in general
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.20 - Aggregates

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C142/C142M-17 - Standard Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM C117-23 - Standard Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM C117-17 - Standard Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Referred By: ASTM C144-18 - Standard Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D6155-19 - Standard Specification for Nontraditional Coarse Aggregates for Asphalt Paving Mixtures
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D8099/D8099M-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Asphalt Emulsion Pavement Sealer (Mineral Colloid or Chemically Stabilized Type)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C330/C330M-23 - Standard Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C404-18 - Standard Specification for Aggregates for Masonry Grout
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C897-15(2020) - Standard Specification for Aggregate for Job-Mixed Portland Cement-Based Plasters
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C33/C33M-23 - Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1761/C1761M-23 - Standard Specification for Lightweight Aggregate for Internal Curing of Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D5106-22 - Standard Specification for Steel Slag Aggregates for Asphalt Paving Mixtures
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C331/C331M-23 - Standard Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete Masonry Units
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D1139/D1139M-22 - Standard Specification for Aggregate for Single or Multiple Asphalt Surface Treatments
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D6945/D6945M-03(2023) - Standard Specification for Emulsified Refined Coal-Tar (Ready to Use, Commercial Grade)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023

Overview

ASTM C142/C142M-17(2023), Standard Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregates, is a widely used standard developed by ASTM International. This standard provides the test method for determining the presence and proportion of clay lumps and friable particles in aggregates. These characteristics are critical in assessing aggregate suitability, particularly as governed by requirements in ASTM C33/C33M, Specification for Concrete Aggregates.

The test covered by this standard assesses the quality of aggregates used primarily in concrete and roadway construction. Excessive clay lumps or friable particles can adversely affect the strength, durability, and performance of finished concrete and other aggregate-based materials.

Key Topics

• Purpose: To quantify clay lumps and friable particles present in fine and coarse aggregate samples, ensuring compliance with aggregate quality specifications.
• Test Method Scope:
  • Provides approximate determination of problematic particles in both fine and coarse aggregates.
  • Results are stated separately in SI and inch-pound units; these measurement systems are not interchangeable within the same test.
• Sample Preparation:
  • Aggregate is dried, sieved, soaked in water, and particles are manually examined.
  • Clay lumps and friable particles are classified based on their ability to break under light finger pressure.
• Apparatus Requirements:
  • Includes precision balances, containers, wire sieves conforming to ASTM E11, and a drying oven.
• Calculation and Reporting:
  • Results are expressed as the percentage of clay lumps and friable particles, calculated by mass.
  • For coarse aggregates, percent values are weighted according to grading fractions.

Applications

• Concrete Production: The test method is essential for quality control of aggregates in concrete. Aggregates with excessive clay lumps can cause weak spots, reduce durability, and impair the performance of concrete structures.
• Road Construction: Ensures that base and sub-base materials meet durability requirements by restricting the levels of friable particles that can degrade under traffic loads.
• Aggregate Supply QA/QC: Used by producers and suppliers for ongoing screening of sand, gravel, and crushed stone to verify compliance with project specifications and industry standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports conformity with both national and international procurement and construction standards, promoting material reliability and long-term performance.

Related Standards

• ASTM C33/C33M: Specification for Concrete Aggregates - the primary reference for aggregate quality requirements.
• ASTM E11: Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves - referenced for sieve specifications.
• ASTM C117: Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing.
• ASTM C125: Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates - source of terms and definitions.
• ASTM C1005: Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for Determining Mass and Volume for Use in the Physical Testing of Hydraulic Cements.

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM C142/C142M-17(2023) provides key benefits in construction quality assurance and risk mitigation:

• Enhanced Durability: By eliminating excessive clay lumps and friable particles, concrete and roadways maintain structural integrity and longevity.
• Consistent Product Performance: Producers gain a repeatable protocol for verifying aggregate quality before delivery to job sites.
• Compliance and Acceptance: Satisfies procurement specifications and regulatory requirements, which can help prevent costly project delays and material rejections.

Applying this standard is crucial for civil engineers, quality control technicians, and aggregate suppliers aiming to produce and select high-quality aggregate materials for safe, durable, and reliable infrastructure.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C142/C142M − 17 (Reapproved 2023) American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials Standard
AASHTO No. T112
Standard Test Method for
Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregates
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C142/C142M; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Determining Mass and Volume for Use in Physical Testing
of Hydraulic Cements
1.1 This test method covers the approximate determination
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
of clay lumps and friable particles in aggregates.
Sieves
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3. Terminology
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
3.1 Definitions:
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
to Terminology C125.
with the standard.
4. Significance and Use
NOTE 1—Sieve sizes openings are identified by their Specification E11
designation with their alternative Specification E11 designation given in 4.1 This test method is of primary significance in determin-
parentheses for information only.
ing the acceptability of aggregate with respect to the require-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the ments of Specification C33/C33M.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5. Apparatus
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 5.1 Balance—A balance or scale accurate to within 0.1 % of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. the mass of the test sample at any point within the range of use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- Balances shall conform to the accuracy of the applicable
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- sections of Specification C1005.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.2 Containers—Rust-resistant containers of a size and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
shape that will permit the spreading of the sample on the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
bottom in a thin layer.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.3 Sieves—Sieves conforming to Specification E11.
2. Referenced Documents
5.4 Drying Oven—An oven providing free circulation of air
and capable of maintaining a temperature of 110 °C 6 5 °C
2.1 ASTM Standards:
[230 °F 6 10 °F].
C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No. 200)
6. Samples
Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
6.1 Aggregate for this test method shall consist of the
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
material remaining after completion of testing in accordance
gregates
with Test Method C117. To provide the quantities designated in
C1005 Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for
6.3 and 6.4, it may be necessary to combine material from
more than one test by Test Method C117.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
6.2 Dry the aggregate to substantially constant mass at a
Concrete and Concrete Aggregatesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
temperature of 110 °C 6 5 °C [230 °F 6 10 °F].
C09.20 on Aggregates.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published October 2023. Originally
6.3 Test samples of fine aggregate shall consist of the
approved in 1938. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as C142/C142M–17.
particles coarser than a 1.18 mm (No. 16) sieve and shall have
DOI: 10.1520/C0142_C0142M-17R23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or a mass not less than 25 g.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.4 Separate the test samples of coarse aggregate into
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. different sizes, using the following sieves: 4.75 mm (No. 4),
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C142/C142M − 17 (2023)
3 3 1
9.5 mm ( ⁄8 in.), 19.0 mm ( ⁄4 in.), and 37.5 mm (1 ⁄2 in.). The 8. Calculation
test sample shall have a mass not less than indicated in the
8.1 Calculate the percent of clay lumps and friable particles
following table:
in fine aggregate or individual sizes of coarse aggregate as
Size of Particles Making Up Mass of Test Sample,
follows:
Test Sample min, g
P 5 @ M 2 R /M# × 100 (1)
~ !
4.75 mm to 9.
...