Soundness Test (ASTM C88)

Soundness Test (ASTM C88)

1.0 Introduction
The soundness of aggregates or their resistance to the forces of weathering is undoubtedly
one of the most important considerations in the selection of a material for highway construction.
The primary exposure that one is concerned with is alternate freezing and thawing. Somewhat
less frequently one may be concerned with resistance of materials to alternate heating and
cooling, wetting and drying or the action of aggressive waters.
The most common soundness requirement for aggregates, (coarse and fine) is based on a
sodium or magnesium sulfate soundness test (ASTM Designation C88-55T).
The method may be used for acceptance of material but rejection should be based on other
determinations such as freezing and thawing tests. Freezing and thawing tests of aggregate are
also commonly used as the basis for a soundness specification. No ASTM test method exists for
this, although there is an AASHTO standard method in existence (T 103-42).
2.0 Objective
a. To determine the resistance of aggregates to disintegration by saturated solution of sodium
sulphate.
b. To measure the resistance of aggregates to cycle of freezing and thawing.
c. To judge the soundness of aggregates subject to weathering action.
3.0 Apparatus
a. Containers

Figure 3.0.1: Container

b. Balance (accurate to 0.01g)

Figure 3.0.2: Balance

c. BS Sieve with square openings.

Figure 3.0.3: BS Sieve

d. Oven

Figure 3.0.4: Oven

3.1 Materials
a. Coarse aggregates.

Figure3.1.1: Coarse aggregate in various sizes.

b. Clean water.

Figure3.1.2: Clean water.

c. Sodium sulphate.

Figure 3.1.3: Sodium sulphate solution.

4.0 Methodology
a. Sample of coarse aggregate washed with clean water and dried at 105 110C. Samples are
separated into different sizes by sieving to refusal. Samples weighed till 1kg and separated and
place its in container for the test.
b. Sample was immersing for sodium sulphate solution for approximately 18 hours to make sure
the solution cover the depth of at least inch.
c. After immersing period, aggregate sample are removed from the solution and dried for 15 5 min
and placed in drying oven for 105 110C. Sample is dried at specified temperature until
constant weigh achieved.
d. After that, sample is cool at room temperature and immersed in prepared solution.
e. Process of alternate immersion are repeated and dried for 5 days.
f. Sample is washed from sodium sulphate after completion the final cycle and sample is cooled.
g. Sample is dried at 105 110C the each fraction of the sample is weighed.
h. Average weighted is calculated from the percentage of loss for each fraction.
5.0 Result

Calculation
Percentage of loss = [weight
of sample before testing weight of sample after testing]
Weight of sample before testing
1- 0.9977 x100%

1
= 0.23%
Total soundness loss of the sample = summation of loss of all fractions
= 0.23 + 0.90 + 1.25
= 2.38%
6.0 Discussion
In this study, the mechanisms of damage aggregate by sodium sulfate solutions were
investigated. This experiment measure the resistance of aggregates to disintegration by
saturated solution of sodium sulphate. Experiment is due to the type of season in Malaysia.
Raining all the year is similar with snowy season area. This experiment is to ensure that the
aggregates are tough enough to handle the water in gaps of the road. Road can be damaged or
crack if the weathering process continuously. JKR requirement are not less than 12% for 1 size
of aggregates. For 5 size the accumulate percent are 20% according to the JKR requirement.
7.0 Recommendation
a. During the drying period, sample is removed from oven, cool to room temperature and weighed
at time intervals of not less than 4 hour and not more than 15 hour.
b. Constant weight is considered had been achieved for differ 1.0g for coarse aggregate samples.
c. Container is covered to reduced evaporation and prevents accidental addition of extraneous
substances.
d. Sample are maintained immersed in the solution at a temperature of 21 1C.

8.0 Conclusion
We can conclude that the total soundness loss is loss than the requirement of JKR. The
JKR requirement is less than 12% and the result is 2.38%. The aggregate value and the
physical properties are acceptable. These aggregate can handle the situation in Malaysia. Even
this experiment is recommended for snow area. Malaysia still can do the experiment
because Malaysia had all year raining seasons.
9.0 Reference
a. Muniandy R., Radin Umar Radin Sohadi. Highway Materials, A Guide Book For
Beginners. University Putra Malaysia: Penerbit Universiti Putra Malaysia; 2010.
b. Paul H.W., Karen K.D. Highway Engineering [Seventh Edition].USA: John Wiley & Son; 2003.
c. Haynes H., ASTM C 88 test on soundness of aggregate using sodium sulfate or magnesium
sulfate: A study of the mechanisms of damage. Available from:
URL:http://www.mendeley.com/research/astm-c-88-test-on-soundness-of-aggregate-usingsodium-sulfate-or-magnesium-sulfate-a-study-of-the-mechanisms-of-damage/
d. ASTM C88 - 05 Standard Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate
or Magnesium Sulfate.