California Test 202

STATE OF CALIFORNIA—BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY November 2011

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF ENGINEERING SERVICES
Transportation Laboratory
5900 Folsom Boulevard
Sacramento, California 95819-4612

METHOD OF TEST FOR SIEVE ANALYSIS OF

FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES

A. SCOPE

This method, which includes modifications of AASHTO Designations T 11, T 27, T 30, and T 37,
specifies the procedures for determining the particle-size distribution of fine and coarse
aggregates.

Special procedures for testing aggregate from extracted bituminous mixtures, supplemental fine
aggregate, glass spheres, and granular quicklime are included in Appendices A, B, C, and D,
respectively. A procedure for expediting testing and providing an approximate particle-size
distribution for processed fine aggregate is included in Appendix E.

B. REFERENCES

California Test 201- Soil and Aggregate Sample Preparation

AASHTO M 92 - Standard Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Purposes
AASHTO T 11 - Test for Materials Finer Than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates
by Washing
AASHTO T 27 - Test for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
AASHTO T 30 - Test for Mechanical Analysis of Extracted Aggregate
AASHTO T 37 - Test for Sieve Analysis of Mineral Filler for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)

C. APPARATUS

1. Balance: A balance or scale reading to 1 g for samples weighing less than

approximately 1,000 g. For samples weighing more than 1,000 g the balance or
scale should read to 0.2 % of the test sample’s mass.

2. Sieves: Woven-wire cloth sieves of 3 in., 2 ½ in., 2 in., 1 ½ in., 1 in., ¾ in., ½ in.,
3/8 in., ¼ in., No. 4, No. 8, No. 16, No. 30, No. 50, No. 100, and No. 200
designations with square openings conforming to AASHTO Designation M 92.

a. Each sieve shall be inspected visually for bent or distorted wires after each
use. Replace any damaged or nonconforming sieves.

3. Sieve shaker: Any mechanical sieve-shaking device that accomplishes the same
thoroughness of sieving as the hand-sieving procedure described in F.1.a of this
method.

a. It is essential that the sieve shaker be designed so that its motion includes
a bumping or bouncing action sufficient to keep the aggregate particles in
motion on the surface of the sieves.
 California Test 202
November 2011

b. Refer to Section F.1.b of this method for procedures to verify shaker

efficiency.

4. Agitator (Figure 1): A mechanical device designed to hold the wash vessel in an
upright position while subjecting it to a lateral reciprocating motion at a rate of
285 ± 10 complete cycles per minute. The reciprocating motion shall be produced
by means of an eccentric located in the base of the carrier, and the length of the
stroke shall be 1.75 in.  0.025 in. The clearance between the cam and follower of
the eccentric shall be between 0.001 in. and 0.004 in. Other types of agitators may
be used provided the length of time and other factors are adjusted to produce the
same results as those obtained using the agitator described above.

5. A combination sieve shaker-agitator is allowable when it meets the above

requirements for shaking (3.a & b) while in the shaking mode and agitation (4)
while in the agitation mode. A Tyler portable sieve shaker meets the above
requirements when modified according to TL drawing No. D536.

6. Mechanical Washing Vessel: A flat-bottom, straight-sided, cylindrical vessel

conforming to the specifications and dimensions shown in Figure 2.

7. An oven or other suitable thermo-statically controlled heating device capable of

maintaining a temperature of 230˚F ± 9˚F.

D. MATERIALS

Distilled, deionized, or good-quality tap water shall be used for washing the fine-aggregate test
sample.

E. SIZE OF SAMPLE

1. The sample to be tested shall be of sufficient size to ensure representation of the

material. The exact amount of material required will vary according to the nominal
size of the aggregate and the particle-size distribution.

2. Recommended sample mass for each aggregate size of processed aggregates (such
as sized aggregates for PCC and AC) or composite aggregates (such as AB and CTB)
that are comprised of approximately 40 % or more of aggregate retained on the No.
4 sieve, are listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1

Recommended
Maximum Mass of Portion
Nominal Retained on
Aggregate Size No. 4 Sieve
Over 2 ½ in. 30,000 g
2 ½ in. 25,000 g
2 in. 20,000 g
1 ½ in. 15,000 g
1 in. 10,000 g
3/4 in. 5,000 g
½ in. 2,500 g
3/8 in. 1,000 g

2
 California Test 202
November 2011

3. Sample size, for materials not adaptable to the recommendations in paragraph 2,

should be sufficient to yield the amounts noted below for each coarse-size fraction
that makes up 5 % or more of the total sample.

a. At least 1,000 g of coarse-size fractions equal to or larger than ¾ in.

b. At least 500 g of coarse-size fractions smaller than ¾ in.

4. Samples containing more than 15 % passing the No. 4 sieve shall be of sufficient
size to yield at least 1,000 g of material passing the No. 4 sieve.

F. SIEVING PROCEDURE

1. Separate the test sample into a series of sizes using such sieves as are necessary to
determine compliance with the specifications for the material being tested. Either
the hand or mechanical sieving method may be used.

a. Perform the hand method of sieving by means of a lateral and vertical

motion of the sieve, accompanied by a jarring action, so as to keep the
sample moving continuously over the surface of the sieve. Do not turn or
manipulate particles through the sieve by hand. Continue sieving until not
more than 0.5 % by mass of the total sample will pass any sieve during one
additional minute of hand sieving.

b. Mechanical sieving may be used only after it has been demonstrated that
the shaker will separate a test sample with the same effectiveness as the
hand method. The effectiveness of the mechanical shaker and the
minimum shaking time shall be determined for each shaker by comparison
with the hand-sieving method using the procedure described below.

(1) Obtain a test sample of all crushed, clean, durable aggregate with a
relatively uniform size distribution over the range of sieves to be
included.

(2) Determine the total mass of the test sample and the tare mass of
each sieve.

(3) Separate the sample into its various sieve sizes using the
mechanical shaker operated for a trial period.

(4) At the end of the trial period, determine the amount of material
retained on each sieve by weighing the sieves and retained material
and subtracting the mass of the sieve.

(5) Reassemble the sieves in the mechanical shaker, and shake for an
additional period of time of not less than 1 min.

(6) Determine the amount of material on each sieve as in step (4).

(7) Repeat steps (4) through (6) until not more than 0.5 % by mass of
the total sample passes through any of the sieves during the
additional shaking time.

(8) Sieve each size fraction for one additional minute using the hand-
sieving procedure.

3
 California Test 202
November 2011

(9) If more than 0.5 % by mass of the total sample passes through any
sieve during the hand sieving, the mechanical shaker is not
performing effectively, and it shall not be used.

(10) The required shaking time for the shaker shall be at least 125 % of
the minimum time required to accomplish the thoroughness of
sieving described above. In no case shall the shaking time for any
shaker be less than 5 min.

c. When sieving, limit the amount of material retained on the No. 4 and
coarser sieves to a single layer of aggregate. If necessary, sieve the test
sample in portions; then combine all respective portions retained on the
sieves before weighing.

d. In no case, when sieving fine aggregate (material passing the No. 4 sieve),
shall the material retained on any sieve at the completion of the sieving
operation exceed that mass specified in Table 2. To reduce the amount of
material retained on a sieve, either use a sieve with openings slightly larger
than the overloaded sieve, or split the entire sample into smaller portions
prior to sieving, and then combine respective fractions prior to weighing.

TABLE 2

MAXIMUM MASS IN GRAMS OF MATERIAL ALLOWED ON SIEVE* AT COMPLETION

OF SIEVING OPERATION

Total
Mass for
8 in.
Sieve Wt. Per sq. Diameter
Size in. Sieve
No. 8 4.0 200
16 3.0 150
30 2.5 125
50 2.0 100
100 1.5 75
200 1.0 50

*For intermediate sieve sizes not listed in this table, the mass specified for the next smaller sieve size shall
apply.

G. DETERMINATION OF COARSE-AGGREGATE PARTICLE-SIZE DISTRIBUTION

1. Prepare all materials as prescribed in California Test 201. Be sure to clean all
coatings from the coarse aggregate and break clods sufficiently to pass the No. 4
sieve.

2. If the coarse-aggregate particles contained in a sample are clean or are coated lightly
with fines, which can be removed easily by sieving, it will not be necessary to
subject the coarse portion to a cleaning process prior to performing the coarse-sieve
separation.

3. Separate the sample on the following sieves: 3 in., 2½ in., 2 in., 1½ in., 1 in., ¾ in.,
3/8 in., and No. 4. Other sieves may be added as required to determine compliance
with specifications or to reduce the amount of material retained on certain sieves.
It is permissible to include the No. 8 sieve with the coarse-sieve separation when it
is not necessary to determine the distribution of material finer than the No. 8 sieve.
4
 California Test 202
November 2011

4. Place each coarse-size fraction in a separate container.

a. When a sample has been divided into two or more portions to facilitate
sieving, recombine all portions of the same size.

b. Combine all portions of the material passing the No. 4 sieve obtained from
the sample preparation and sieving phases.

5. Determine the total mass of material retained on each coarse sieve and the total
amount of fine material passing the No. 4 sieve. The total mass retained on a given
sieve is the sum of the material retained on the sieve plus the material retained on
all larger sieves.

a. Accumulate the mass of material retained on each successive sieve

beginning with the coarsest size.

b. When it is not necessary to keep the aggregate’s size fractions separated,

the sized portions may be combined in succession, and the accumulated
mass may be determined directly.

H. DETERMINATION OF THE FINE-AGGREGATE PARTICLE-SIZE DISTRIBUTION

1. Sieve the entire test sample according to Section F.

2. Split or quarter a fine-aggregate test sample weighing 500 g ± 25 g from the

material passing the No. 4 sieve.

a. If there is insufficient material passing the No. 4 sieve to obtain the required
500 g ± 25 g, use all of the material passing the No. 4 sieve for the fine-
aggregate test sample.

b. If less than 10 % of the submitted sample is retained on the No. 30 sieve, it

is permissible to reduce the fine-aggregate test sample’s mass to
approximately 125 g. Obtain this smaller test sample by carefully splitting
the prepared 500 g portion into four quarters. Do not make any
adjustments for mass during this splitting operation.

3. Oven dry the fine-aggregate test sample to constant mass at a temperature of

230˚F ± 9˚F, and then cool it to room temperature. Weigh and record the mass of
oven-dried material as the test sample’s mass.

a. Oven-drying the test sample prior to washing may be eliminated provided

the moisture content is determined by drying a duplicate sample and the
mass is corrected to establish the dry mass of the test sample.

b. When testing reclaimed aggregates containing traces of asphalt or asphalt

concrete, the oven-drying temperature shall not exceed 100˚F.

4. Place the fine-aggregate test sample in the mechanical washing vessel, add
1000 mL ± 5 mL of water, and clamp the lid in place. Secure the vessel in the
mechanical agitator. After 10 min ± 30 s have elapsed from the introduction of the
wash water, agitate the vessel and contents for 2 min ± 5 s.

5
 California Test 202
November 2011

5. Following agitation, remove the vessel from the shaker, unclamp the lid, and pour
the contents into a No. 200 sieve. Rinse any remaining fines from the vessel into
the sieve. Direct water from a flexible hose attached to a faucet onto the sample
until the water passing through the sieve comes out clear. It may be necessary to
flood clayey or silty samples while it is still in the vessel to prevent clogging the No.
200 sieve. Repeated flooding may be necessary before all of the contents can be
poured from the vessel into the sieve.

6. After rinsing, wash the material from the sieve into a drying pan; then place the
drying pan in a slanting position until the free water that drains to the lower edge
is clear. Pour this water off taking care not to lose any material from the test
sample.

7. Oven-dry the washed test sample to constant mass at a temperature of 230˚F ± 9˚F
and cool it to room temperature. Spreading the sample as thin as possible in large,
shallow drying pans will decrease the drying time.

a. When testing reclaimed aggregate containing traces of asphalt concrete, the

oven-drying temperature shall not exceed 100˚F.

8. Separate the sample on the Nos. 8, 16, 30, 50, 100, and 200 sieves. Other sieves
may be added as required to determine compliance with specifications or to reduce
the amount of material retained on certain sieves.

9. Determine and record the mass of material retained on each sieve. The following
procedure normally is used for the fine-aggregate test sample.

a. Weigh the material retained on the coarsest sieve, and record this mass on
the appropriate work card. Do not remove the material from the scale or
balance.

b. Add the material retained on the next finer sieve, and record this mass on
the appropriate work card. Do not remove the material from the scale or
balance.

c. Continue accumulating mass until the material in the sieve pan is weighed.

I. CALCULATIONS

1. Convert mass to percentages as follows:

a. Compute the percentage of material retained on each sieve by the following

formula:

R = 100 Mc/Mt

Where:

R = Percentage of test sample retained on the sieve.

Mc = Cumulative mass of material retained on the sieve.

Mt = Oven-dried mass of test sample prior to washing.

6
 California Test 202
November 2011

b. Compute the percentage of material passing each sieve as follows:

P = 100 – R

Where:

P = Percentage of test sample passing the sieve.

R = Percentage of test sample retained on the sieve.

2. If a composite or sized sample has been separated into two or more aggregate-size
fractions for testing, compute the grading of the entire sample by the following
method:

a. Compute the percentage, by mass, represented by each aggregate-size

fraction based on the total sample mass as received.

Example:

Aggregate Size Percent of

Mass in Total
Fraction Pass Retained Grams Sample
A 1 in. No. 4 6,600 66 %
B No. 4 -- 3,400 34 %
Total Sample -- -- 10,000 100 %

b. Then, take each aggregate size in turn and multiply the percent passing
each sieve (as determined by the sieve analysis on the test sample) by the
percentage of that aggregate size found to be present in the “as-received”
sample.

Example:

1 2 3
Grading of Percent of Products
Sieve Aggregate Size Total of
Size Fraction “A” Sample Items 1 and 2
1 in. 100 66 % 66
¾ in. 94 66 % 62
3/8 in. 24 66 % 16
No. 4 3 66 % 2
No. 8 3 66 % 2
No. 16 3 66 % 2
No. 30 2 66 % 1
No. 50 2 66 % 1
No. 100 1 66 % 1
No. 200 0 66 % 0

c. Add the products thus obtained on corresponding sieve sizes as shown in

the following example. These sums, as shown in the last column of the
example, constitute the “as received” grading of the original sample.

7
 California Test 202
November 2011

Example:

Grading of "As Received"

Aggregate Grading of
Size Fractions Original
A B
1 in. x No. 4 x Sample A + B
No. 4 % 0% A B Percent
Sieve Size Passing Passing 66 % 34 % Passing
1 in. 100 100 66 + 34 = 100
¾ in. 94 100 62 + 34 = 96
3/8 in. 24 100 16 + 34 = 50
No. 4 3 100 2 + 34 = 36
No. 8 3 70 2 + 24 = 26
No. 16 3 56 2 + 19 = 21
No. 30 2 41 1 + 14 = 15
No. 50 2 27 1 + 9 = 10
No. 100 1 17 1 + 6 = 7
No.200 0 8 0 + 3 = 3

J. PRECAUTIONS

1. Proper care of the sieves is necessary for accurate sieving. Use the following
procedure in removing particles stuck in the mesh of the fine sieves:

a. No. 4 and No. 8 sieves: Clean by brushing with a brass wire brush. A
rounded piece of wood, such as a brush handle, can be used if one hand is
placed on the opposite side when pushing against the sieve in order to avoid
stretching the sieve out of shape.

b. No. 16, No. 30 and No. 50 sieves: Clean by brushing with a brass wire
brush.

c. No. 100 sieves: Clean by brushing with a stiff, short bristle brush such as a
stencil brush.

d. No. 200 sieves: Clean only by brushing with a small paintbrush. These
sieves are damaged easily.

e. Do not use a sharp object to push out particles, which are stuck in the
mesh of the sieves because this will result in enlarging the openings.

2. Examine sieves each day for broken wires, and solder any breaks. Discard any
sieve that develops a break in the main body of the screen. Soldering decreases
effective sieving area; therefore, sieves with large breaks or several small breaks
should be discarded.

3. Check all sieves from No. 4 through No. 200 biannually with a standard sample of
known grading made up from hard, clean aggregate that does not degrade from the
sieve-shaking procedure. This is especially useful for checking No. 100 and No.
200 sieves, as small breaks and distortions are missed easily in these fine-mesh
sieves.

4. Never sieve hot samples, as hot aggregate will distort the fine meshes of the No.
100 and No. 200 sieves.

1. Take care to avoid loss of material during transfer of sample from wash pot to
sieves and also during rinsing.

8
 California Test 202
November 2011

6. Always run the sieve shaker for the time specified in the mechanical agitation
washing procedure. Aggregate will not be cleaned properly in less than the
specified time, and particle breakdown will result from excessive agitation.

K. REPORTING OF RESULTS

Report the total percentage passing each sieve to the nearest whole number. Calculate
percentage on the basis of the oven-dry mass of the test sample prior to washing and/or sieving.

L. SAFETY AND HEALTH

Soils and aggregates may contain bacteria and/or organisms, which can be harmful to one's
health. The wearing of dust masks and protective gloves when handling materials is advised.

Use of heat resistant gloves/mitts or potholders is required for removing samples from the ovens.

Dust, noise, lifting and the operation of equipment are encountered in this testing procedure. It is
not possible to completely eliminate these risks, but steps should be taken to minimize them as
much as possible.

The use of dust collection units and the spraying of workroom floors with dust palliatives are very
effective methods of reducing dust conditions.

The use of earplugs or earmuffs is recommended when operating noisy equipment. Enclosures
built around noisy equipment can eliminate much of the noise. The use of sound deadening
material should be utilized when appropriate.

Guards or shields shall be provided around dangerously exposed moving parts of machinery.
Also, personnel will be instructed in the proper operation of each machine and in proper lifting
methods. The use of back support braces will be made available to all employees. Table-high
carts to move materials can eliminate much of the lifting.

Caltrans Laboratory Safety Manual is available at:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/ctms/pdf/lab_safety_manual.pdf

End of Text
(California Test 202 contains 20 pages)

9
 California Test 202
November 2011

Figure 1
Standard Mechanical Agitator

10
 California Test 202
November 2011

Figure 2
Mechanical Washing Vessel

11
 California Test 202
November 2011

APPENDIX A

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF AGGREGATE FROM

EXTRACTED BITUMINOUS MIXTURES

A. SCOPE

This appendix specifies modifications, which must be made to the basic California Test 202 when
determining the particle-size distribution of aggregate from extracted bituminous mixtures.

B. APPARATUS

Use the apparatus described in the basic test method.

C. MATERIALS

1. Use distilled, deionized, or good-quality tap water for washing the sample.

2. Wetting Agent: any dispersing agent, such as Calgon, Joy, or other detergent, that
will promote separation of the fine materials can also be used.

D. PROCEDURE

1. The sample to be tested by sieve analysis shall be the entire aggregate sample
recovered from the asphalt extraction test (California Test 310 or 362).

2. Weigh the oven-dried test sample, and record this as the test sample’s mass.

3. Place the test sample in the mechanical washing vessel and add enough water to
cover the sample. Add a sufficient amount of wetting agent to assure a thorough
separation of the material finer than No. 200 sieve from the coarser particles. There
should be enough wetting agent to produce a small amount of suds when the
sample is agitated. Clamp the lid in place. Secure the vessel in the mechanical
agitator. After 1 min ± 10 s have elapsed from the introduction of the washing
solution, agitate the vessel and contents for 2 min ± 5 s.

Note: Sudsing will depend on the hardness of the water and the detergent.
Excessive suds may overflow the sieves and carry some materials with
them.

4. Following agitation, remove the vessel from the shaker, unclamp the lid, and pour
the contents into No. 8 and No. 200 sieves nested together with the No. 8 sieve on
top. Rinse any remaining fines from the vessel into the sieves. Direct water from a
flexible hose attached to a faucet onto the aggregate until the water passing
through the sieves comes out clear.

5. After rinsing, wash the material from the sieves into a drying pan; then place the
drying pan in a slanting position until the free water that drains to the lower edge
is clear. Pour this water off taking care not to lose any material from the test
sample.

12
 California Test 202
November 2011

6. Oven dry the washed test sample to a constant mass at a temperature of

230˚F ± 9˚F and cool it to room temperature. Spreading the material as thin as
possible in large, shallow drying pans will decrease the drying time.

7. Perform the sieving and determine the mass retained on each sieve as prescribed in
the basic test method.

E. CALCULATIONS

Determine the grading of the test sample as prescribed in the basic test method.

F. PRECAUTIONS

Observe the precautions listed in the basic test method.

G. REPORTING OF RESULTS

Report as prescribed in the basic test method.

13
 California Test 202
November 2011

APPENDIX B

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF SUPPLEMENTAL

FINE AGGREGATE FOR ASPHALT
CONCRETE

A. SCOPE

This appendix specifies modifications, which must be made to the basic California Test 202 when
determining the particle-size distribution of supplemental fine aggregate.

B. APPARATUS

Use the apparatus described in the basic test method.

C. MATERIALS

Use distilled, deionized, or good-quality tap water for washing the test sample.

D. PROCEDURE

1. From the submitted sample, split or quarter the material to a mass of 500 ± 25 g.
Without further adjustments, split or quarter the portion, in two operations, to
obtain a test sample of approximately 125 g.

2. Oven dry the test sample to constant mass at a temperature of 230˚F ± 9˚F and
cool it to room temperature. Weigh the oven-dried material and record as the test
sample’s mass.

3. Place the test sample on the No. 200 sieve, and direct water from a flexible hose
attached to a faucet onto the sample until the water passing through the sieve
comes out clear.

4. After rinsing, wash the material from the sieve into a drying pan; then place the
drying pan in a slanting position until the free water that drains to the lower edge
is clear. Pour this water off taking care not to lose any material from the test
sample.

5. Oven dry the washed test sample to constant mass at a temperature of 230˚F ± 9˚F,
and cool it to room temperature.

6. Perform the sieving using the No. 30 and No. 200 sieves. Determine the mass
retained on each sieve as prescribed in the basic test method.

E. CALCULATIONS

Determine the sieve analysis as prescribed in the basic test method.

F. PRECAUTIONS

Observe the precautions listed in the basic test method.

14
 California Test 202
November 2011

G. REPORTING OF RESULTS

Report the total percentages passing the No. 30 and No. 200 sieves to the nearest whole number.

15
 California Test 202
November 2011

APPENDIX C

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF GLASS SPHERES

A. SCOPE

This appendix specifies the modifications, which must be made to the basic California Test 202
when determining the particle-size distribution of glass spheres (beads), for reflectorizing paint
markings on pavements.

B. APPARATUS

Use the apparatus described in the basic test method, except that the balance shall read to 0.1 g.

C. MATERIALS

No special materials are required for this test.

D. SIZE OF SAMPLE

1. Initial samples supplied by the prospective vendor shall weigh approximately 5 lb.

2. When testing to determine acceptance of shipment, one test sample shall be

obtained from each container submitted for testing.

E. PROCEDURE

1. From the submitted sample, split or quarter the material to a mass of 400 g ± 20 g.
Without further adjustments, split or quarter the portion, in three operations, to
obtain a test sample of approximately 50 g.

2. Oven dry the test sample at a temperature of 230˚F ± 9˚F to a constant mass, and
cool it to room temperature. Weigh and record the oven-dried material as the test
mass.

a. Do not wash glass spheres.

3. Perform the sieving as prescribed in the basic test method.

F. CALCULATIONS

Determine the grading of the test sample as prescribed in the basic test method.

G. PRECAUTIONS

Observe the precautions listed in the basic test method.

H. REPORTING OF RESULTS

Report as prescribed in the basic test method.

16
 California Test 202
November 2011

APPENDIX D

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF GRANULAR QUICKLIME

A. SCOPE

This appendix specifies modifications that must be made to the basic California Test 202 when
determining the particle-size distribution of granular quicklime.

B. APPARATUS

1. Use the apparatus described in the basic test method.

2. An immediate supply of tap water for emergency washing of eyes or skin.

C. MATERIALS

No special materials are required for this test.

D. SIZE OF SAMPLE

The total mass of quicklime submitted for testing shall be not less than 5 lb.

E. PROCEDURE

1. From the submitted sample, split or quarter the material to a mass of 2000 g
± 100 g. Without further adjustments, split or quarter the portion, in three
operations, to obtain a test sample of approximately 250 g.

2. Weigh and record the mass of the test sample.

a. Test the granular quicklime in its “as-received” condition. Do not wash or

oven dry.

3. Perform the sieving and determine the mass retained on each sieve as prescribed in
the basic test method and the following instructions:

a. Use the sieves necessary to determine compliance with the specifications

and additional intermediate sieves as needed to prevent overloading.

b. Sieving shall be accomplished by the mechanical sieving method. The

sieving time shall be 10 min ± 30 s.

c. Take care that the quicklime particles are not crushed or abraded by
excessive handling.

F. CALCULATIONS

Determine the grading of the test sample as prescribed in the basic test method.

G. PRECAUTIONS

Observe the precautions listed in the basic test method and these special precautions:

17
 California Test 202
November 2011

1. A heat-producing chemical reaction occurs as water combines with quicklime.

Burns can result from allowing quicklime to contact the body when it is wet from
perspiration or other moisture.

2. If quicklime gets into the eyes, rinse them immediately with a heavy flow of water
and seek medical assistance.

H. REPORTING

Report as prescribed in the basic test method.

18
 California Test 202
November 2011

APPENDIX E

APPROXIMATE SIEVE ANALYSIS OF PROCESSED FINE AGGREGATE

A. SCOPE

This appendix provides a procedure for expediting testing and determining an approximate
particle-size distribution for processed fine aggregates. Washing the test sample is not required;
however, the test results must be correlated with tests done according to the basic California
Test 202.

B. APPARATUS

Use the apparatus described in the basic test method.

C. MATERIALS

Use the materials described in the basic test method.

D. PROCEDURE

1. Sieve the entire test sample according to Section F in the basic California Test 202.

2. From the material passing the No. 4 sieve, split or quarter the fine-aggregate to a
mass of 500 g ± 25 g.

3. Aggregate sampled from a hot bin need not be dried further. Dry aggregate
obtained from any other location in a forced draft oven at 230˚F ± 9˚F for 15 min or
in a microwave oven for 5 min.

4. Weigh and record the mass of the test sample.

5. Separate the sample on the Nos. 8, 16, 30, 50, 100, and 200 sieves. Other sieves
may be added as required to determine compliance with specifications or to reduce
the amount of material retained on certain sieves.

6. Determine and record the cumulative mass of material retained on each sieve.

a. Weigh the material retained on the coarsest sieve and record this mass on
the appropriate work sheet. Do not remove the material from the balance.

b. Add the material retained on the next finer sieve and record this mass on
the appropriate work sheet. Do not remove the material from the balance.

c. Continue accumulating mass until the material in the pan is weighed.

7. Save the entire test sample.

8. Calculate the percentage of material passing each sieve by following the procedures
in Section H of the basic test and using the mass recorded in step 3 above as the
total sample mass.

19
 California Test 202
November 2011

9. Retest selected samples for sieve analysis according to the procedure in the basic
California Test 202.

a. A sufficient number of samples shall be retested to establish the correlation

between the washed and unwashed test samples.

b. Additional retests should be performed whenever there is an indication that

the previous correlation is no longer valid.

c. Any material subject to rejection because of excessive material retained on

any sieve, by the approximate method, shall be retested one time.

E. CALCULATIONS

1. Establish a correction factor for each sieve size by dividing the percent passing the
sieve after washing by the percent passing the sieve before the sample was washed.

Example:

Washed Unwashed % By Wash

Sieve Grading Grading % Without =Correction
Size % Pass % Pass Wash Factor
No. 4 100 100 100/100 = 1.00
8 71 67 71/ = 1.06
67
16 56 50 56/ = 1.12
50
30 25 18 25/ = 1.39
18
50 10 6 10/ = 1.67
6
100 5 3 5/ = 1.67
3
200 3 2 3/ = 1.50
2

2. Determine the approximate washed sieve analyses of subsequent unwashed

samples by multiplying the percent passing, as determined by the unwashed
sample, by the correction factor for each respective sieve.

F. PRECAUTIONS

1. Observe the precautions listed in the basic test method.

2. If the source of material changes, new correction factors shall be established.

G. REPORTING OF RESULTS

Report the total percentages passing each sieve to the nearest whole number. Identify the
reported results as being "approximate".

20