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: D2419 − 14

Standard Test Method for

Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and Fine Aggregate1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2419; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method is intended to serve as a rapid field- 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
correlation test. The purpose of this test method is to indicate, C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
under standard conditions, the relative proportions of clay-size for Test Methods for Construction Materials
or plastic fines and dust in granular soils and fine aggregates C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing
that pass the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve. The term “sand equiva- Size
lent” expresses the concept that most granular soils and some D8 Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pave-
fine aggregates are mixtures of desirable coarse particles, ments
sand-size particles, and generally undesirable clay or plastic D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
fines and dust. D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
NOTE 1—For fine aggregates containing clean dust of fracture (clay-size
Fluids
particles that are not clay minerals), test results will depend on the amount D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agen-
of fines present in the material. In this case other tests such as Methylene cies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
Blue Value (AASHTO T330) or X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) may be needed E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
to determine if the fines are deleterious. Sieves
NOTE 2—Some agencies perform the test on material with a top size
smaller than the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve. This is done to avoid trapping the
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
clay-size or plastic fines and dust below flaky shaped 4.75 to 2.36 mm T 176 Standard Method of Test for Plastic Fines in Graded
(No. 4 to 8) sized particles. Testing smaller top sized material may lower Aggregates and Soils by Use of Sand Equivalent Test3
the numerical results of the test.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 3.1 Definitions:
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only 3.1.1 clay size—that portion of the soil or aggregate finer
and are not considered standard. than 0.002 mm (0.005 mm in some cases) (see Terminology
1.2.1 Regarding sieves, per Specification E11 Section 1.2, D653).
“the values stated in SI units shall be considered standard for 3.1.2 fine aggregate—aggregate passing the 9.5-mm (3⁄8-in.)
the dimensions of the wire cloth openings and the diameter of sieve and almost entirely passing the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve
the wires used in the wire cloth. The values stated in inchpound and predominantly retained on the 75-µm (No. 200) sieve (see
units shall be considered standard with regard to the sieve Terminology D8).
frames.” When sieve mesh sizes are referenced, the alternate 3.1.3 sand—particles of rock that will pass the 4.75 mm
inch-pound designations are provided for information purposes (No. 4) sieve and be retained on the 0.075 mm (No. 200) sieve
and enclosed in parentheses. (see Terminology D653).
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1.4 sand equivalent—a measure of the amount of silt, clay
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the contamination, or clay-size aggregate particles in the fine
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- aggregate (or soil) as determined by test (see Terminology
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- D653). (For further explanation, see Section 4 and Section 5.)
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.51 on Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Aggregate Tests. the ASTM website.
3
Current edition approved June 1, 2014. Published September 2014. Originally Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D2419 – 09. DOI: Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
10.1520/D2419-14. http://www.transportation.org.

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 D2419 − 14
3.1.5 soil—sediments or other unconsolidated accumula- This fungus can easily be seen as a slimy substance in the
tions of solid particles produced by the physical and chemical solution, or as a mold growing on the inside of the container.
disintegration of rocks which may or may not contain organic 6.4.1 To remove this growth, prepare a cleaning solvent by
matter (see Terminology D653). diluting sodium hypochlorite solution (household chlorine
bleach) with an equal quantity of water.
4. Summary of Test Method 6.4.2 After discarding the contaminated solution, fill the
4.1 A measured volume of soil or fine aggregate and a small solution container with the prepared cleaning solvent: allow
quantity of flocculating solution are poured into a graduated about 1 L of the cleaning solvent to flow through the siphon
plastic cylinder and are agitated to loosen the claylike coatings assembly and irrigator tube, then place the pinch clamp on the
or clay size particles from the sand particles in the test end of the tubing to cut off the flow of solvent and to hold the
specimen. The specimen is then “irrigated” using additional solvent in the tube. Refill the container and allow to stand
flocculating solution forcing the claylike or clay size material overnight.
into suspension above the sand. After a prescribed sedimenta- 6.4.3 After soaking, allow the cleaning solvent to flow out
tion period, the height of flocculated material is read and the through the siphon assembly and irrigator tube.
height of sand in the cylinder is determined. The sand 6.4.4 Remove the siphon assembly from the solution con-
equivalent is the ratio of the height of sand to the height of tainer and rinse both with clear water. The irrigator tube and
flocculated material times 100. siphon assembly can be rinsed easily by attaching a hose
between the tip of the irrigator tube and water faucet and
5. Significance and Use backwashing fresh water through the tube.
5.1 This test method assigns an empirical value to the 6.5 Occasionally the holes in the tip of the irrigator tube
relative amount, fineness, and character of claylike material may become clogged by a particle of sand. If the obstruction
present in the test specimen. cannot be freed by any other method, use a pin or other sharp
5.2 A minimum sand equivalent value may be specified to object to force it out using extreme care not to enlarge the size
limit the permissible quantity of claylike or clay size fines in an of the opening.
aggregate. 6.6 Working solution which is more than two weeks old
5.3 This test method provides a rapid field method for shall be discarded.
determining changes in the quality of aggregates during 6.7 Mixing and storage container(s) for solutions shall be
production or placement. thoroughly rinsed prior to mixing a fresh batch of solution.
NOTE 3—The quality of the results produced by this standard are 6.8 Fresh solution shall not be added to old solution
dependant upon the competence of the personnel performing the proce-
dure and the capability, calibration, and the maintenance of the equipment regardless of age.
used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3666 are generally
considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/ 7. Apparatus
inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with
Practice D3666 alone does not completely assure reliable results. Reliable 7.1 A graduated transparent acrylic plastic cylinder, rubber
results depend on many factors: following the suggestions of Practice stopper, irrigator tube, weighted foot assembly and siphon
D3666 or similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and assembly all conforming to the respective specifications and
controlling some of those factors. dimensions shown in Fig. 1. See Annex A1 for alternative
6. Interferences apparatus.
6.1 Maintain the temperature of the working solution at 72 7.2 Measuring Tin—A cylindrical tin approximately 21⁄4 in.
6 5°F (22 6 3°C) during the performance of this test. (57 mm) in diameter having a capacity of 85 6 5 mL.

NOTE 4—If field conditions preclude the maintenance of the tempera-

7.3 4.75-mm (No. 4) Sieve, conforming to the requirements
ture range, frequent referee samples should be submitted to a laboratory of Specification E11.
where proper temperature control is possible. It is also possible to 7.4 Funnel, wide-mouth, for transferring test specimens into
establish temperature correction curves for each material being tested
where proper temperature control is not possible. However, no general the graduated cylinder.
correction should be utilized for several materials even within a narrow 7.5 Bottles, two 1.0-gal (3.8-L) to store stock solution and
range of sand equivalent values. Samples that meet the minimum sand
equivalent requirement at a working solution temperature below the
working solution.
recommended range need not be subject to referee testing. 7.6 Flat Pan, for mixing.
6.2 Perform the test at a location free from vibration. 7.7 Clock or Watch, reading in minutes and seconds.
Excessive vibration may cause the suspended material to settle
at a greater rate than normal. 7.8 Mechanical Sand Equivalent Shaker, designed to hold
the required graduated plastic cylinder in a horizontal position
6.3 Do not expose the plastic cylinders to direct sunlight any while subjecting it to a reciprocating motion parallel to its
more than is necessary. length and having a throw of 8 6 0.04 in. (203.2 6 1.0 mm)
6.4 Occasionally it may be necessary to remove a fungus and operating at 175 6 2 cpm. A typical apparatus is shown in
growth from the working calcium chloride solution container Fig. 2. The shaker shall be securely fastened to a firm and level
and from the inside of the flexible tubing and irrigator tube. mount.

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 D2419 − 14

List of Material
Assembly Part No. Description Stock Size, In. Material
A Siphon Assembly:
1 siphon tube ⁄ diameter by 16
14 copper tube (may be plated)
2 siphon hose ⁄ ID by 48
3 16 rubber tube, pure gum or equivalent
3 blow hose 3⁄16 ID by 2 rubber tube, pure gum or equivalent
4 blow tube 1⁄4 diameter by 2 copper tube (may be plated)
5 2-hole stopper No. 6 rubber
6 irrigator tube 1⁄4 OD 0.035 wall by 20 SS tube, Type 316

7 clamp Pinchcock, Day, BKH No. 21730 or equivalent

B A,B Graduate Assembly:

8 tube 1.50 OD by 17 transparent acrylic plastic

9 base ⁄ by 4 by 4
14 transparent acrylic plastic
C
C Weighted Foot Assembly:

10 sand reading indicator 11⁄4 diameter by 0.59 nylon 101 type 66 annealed
11 rod ⁄ diameter by 171⁄2
14 brass (may be plated)
12 weight 2 diameter by 2.078 C. R. steel (may be plated)
13 roll pin 1⁄16 diameter by 1⁄2 corrosion-resistant metal
14 foot 11⁄16 hex by 0.54 brass (may be plated)
15 solid stopper No. 7 rubber

A
Assembly B—Accuracy of scale should be± 0.010 in. per tenth of an inch. Error at any point on scale should be± 0.030 in. of true distance to zero.
B
Assembly B—Graduations on graduate should be in tenths of an inch. Inch marks should be numerically designated as shown. The inch and half-inch division lines should
be approximately 1⁄4 in. long. All division lines should be 0.015 in. deep with width across top 0.030 in.
C
Assembly C—Weighted foot assembly should weigh 1000 ± 5 g.

Metric Equivalents
in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm
0.001 0.025 0.13 3.30 0.62 15.75 2 50.80
0.005 0.127 3⁄16 4.76 0.63 16.00 2.078 52.78
0.010 0.254 0.25 6.35 0.75 19.05 4 101.60
0.015 0.381 1⁄ 4 6.35 3⁄ 4 19.05 10.10 256.54
0.020 0.508 0.30 7.62 1 25.4 15 381.00
0.030 0.762 5⁄16 7.94 11⁄16 26.99 16 406.40
0.035 0.889 3⁄ 8 9.51 1.24 31.50 17 431.80
1⁄16 1.59 0.50 12.70 11⁄4 31.75 17.5 444.50
0.100 2.54 0.54 13.72 1.50 38.10 20 508.00
1 ⁄8 3.17 0.59 14.99 11⁄2 38.10 48 1219.2

NOTE 1—The sand reading indicator and foot specified by ASTM Method D2419 – 69. Fig. 1, may be used where this equipment is previously
available.
FIG. 1 Sand Equivalent Test Apparatus
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 D2419 − 14

FIG. 2 Mechanized Shakers

NOTE 5—Moving parts of the mechanical shaker should be provided impurities in the technical grade anhydrous calcium chloride may react
with a safety guard for protection of the operator. with the glutaraldehyde resulting in an unknown precipitate.
7.9 Manually Operated Sand Equivalent Shaker— 8.1.2.2 USP Glycerin, 2050 g (1640 mL).
(optional), as shown in Fig. 3, or equivalent, capable of 8.1.2.3 1,5-Pentanedial (Glutaraldehyde), 50 % solution in
producing an oscillating motion at a rate of 100 complete water 59 g (53 mL).
cycles in 45 6 5 s, with a hand-assisted half stroke length of 5 8.1.2.4 Dissolve the 577 g of calcium chloride dihydrate in
6 0.2 in. (12.7 6 0.5 cm). The device shall be designed to hold 1⁄2 gal (1.89 L) of distilled water. Cool and add the 2050 g of

the required graduated cylinder in a horizontal position while glycerin and the 59 g of glutaraldehyde to the solution, mix
subjecting it to a reciprocating motion parallel to its length. well, and dilute to 1 gal (3.78 L).
The shaker shall be fastened securely to a firm and level mount. NOTE 7—1,5-pentanedial, also known as glutaraldehyde, glutaric
If only a few tests are to be run the shaker may be held by hand dialdehyde, and trade name UCARCIDE 250, may be obtained as
on a firm level mount. “Glutaraldehyde Solution 50 %.”4
7.10 Oven, of sufficient size, and capable of maintaining a 8.1.3 Stock solution with Kathon CG/ICP.
temperature of 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C). 8.1.3.1 Calcium Chloride Dihydrate, 577 g of A. C. S.
7.11 Filter Paper, Watman No. 2V or equivalent. grade.
8.1.3.2 USP Glycerin, 2050 g (1640 mL).
8. Reagents and Materials 8.1.3.3 Kathon CG/ICP5, 63 g (53 mL).
8.1.3.4 Dissolve the 577 g of calcium chloride dihydrate in
8.1 Stock Solution—The materials listed in 8.1.1, 8.1.2 or 1⁄2 gal (1.89 L) of distilled water. Cool and add the 2050 g of
8.1.3 may be used to prepare the stock solution. If the use of
glycerin and the 63 g of Kathon CG/ICP to the solution, mix
formaldehyde as the biocide is of concern, the materials in
well, and dilute to 1 gal (3.78 L).
8.1.2 or 8.1.3 should be used. A fourth alternative is not to use
any biocide provided the time of storage of stock solution is not 8.2 Working Calcium Chloride Solution—Prepare the work-
sufficient to promote the growth of fungi. ing calcium chloride solution by diluting one measuring tin (85
8.1.1 Stock solution with formaldehyde. 6 5 mL) full of the stock calcium chloride solution to 1.0 gal
8.1.1.1 Anhydrous Calcium Chloride, 454 g of technical (3.8 L) with water. Use distilled or demineralized water for the
grade. normal preparation of the working solution. However, if it is
8.1.1.2 USP Glycerin, 2050 g (1640 mL). determined that the local tap water is of such purity that it does
8.1.1.3 Formaldehyde, (40 volume % solution) 47 g (45 not affect the test results, it is permissible to use it instead of
mL). distilled or demineralized water except in the event of dispute.
8.1.1.4 Dissolve the 454 g of calcium chloride in 1⁄2 gal NOTE 8—The effect of local tap water on sand equivalent test results
(1.89 L) of distilled water. Cool and filter through ready pleated may be determined by comparing the results of three sand equivalent tests
rapid filtering paper. Add the 2050 g of glycerin and the 47 g using distilled water with the results of three sand equivalent tests using
of formaldehyde to the filtered solution, mix well, and dilute to
3.78 L (1 gal). 4
Available from Aldrich Chemical Company, P. O. Box 2060, Milwaukee, WI
8.1.2 Stock solution with glutaraldehyde. 53201 or Fisher Scientific, 711 Forbes Ave., Pittsburg, PA 15219.
8.1.2.1 Calcium Chloride Dihydrate, 577 g of A. C. S. 5
The sole source of supply of Kathon CG/ICP known to the committee at this
grade. time is Rohm and Hass Chemical Company, Independence Mall West, Philadelphia,
PA 19105. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information
NOTE 6—ACS grade calcium chloride dihydrate is specified for the to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consid-
stock solution prepared with glutaraldehyde because tests indicate that eration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend.

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 D2419 − 14

FIG. 3 Manually Operated Shaker

the local tap water. The six test specimens required for this comparison extreme care be exercised when preparing the test specimens.
shall be prepared from the sample of material and oven-dried as prescribed
in this test method. 9.4.1 Test Specimen Preparation, Procedure A:
9.4.1.1 If it appears necessary, dampen the material to avoid
9. Sample Preparation segregation or loss of fines during the splitting or quartering
9.1 Sample the material to be tested in accordance with operations. Use care in adding moisture to the sample to retain
Practice D75. a free-flowing condition of the material.
9.2 Thoroughly mix the sample and reduce it as necessary 9.4.1.2 Using the measuring tin, dip out four of these
using the applicable procedures in Practice C702. measures from the sample. Each time a measure full of the
material is dipped from the sample, tap the bottom edge of the
9.3 Obtain at least 1500 g of material passing the 4.75-mm measure on a work table or other hard surface at least four
(No. 4) sieve in the following manner: times and jog it slightly to produce a measure of consolidated
9.3.1 Separate the sample on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve by material level-full or slightly rounded above the brim.
means of a lateral and vertical motion of the sieve, accompa-
9.4.1.3 Determine and record the amount of material con-
nied by a jarring action so as to keep the sample moving
tained in these four measures either by weight or by volume in
continuously over the surface of the sieve. Continue the sieving
a dry plastic cylinder.
until not more than 1 weight % of the residue passes the sieve
during 1 min. Perform the sieving operation either by hand or 9.4.1.4 Return this material back to the sample and proceed
by a mechanical apparatus. When thoroughness of mechanical to split or quarter the sample, using the applicable procedures
sieving is being determined, test by the hand method described in Practice C702 and making the necessary adjustments to
above using a single layer of material on the sieve. obtain the predetermined weight or volume. When this weight
9.3.2 Break down any lumps of material in the coarse or volume is obtained, two successive splitting or quartering
fraction to pass the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve. Use a mortar and operations without adjustment should provide the proper
rubber-covered pestle or any other means that will not cause amount of material to fill the measure, and therefore provide
appreciable degradation of the aggregate. one test specimen.
9.3.3 Remove any coatings of fines adhering to the coarse 9.4.1.5 Dry the test specimen to constant weight at 230 6
aggregate. These fines may be removed by surface-drying the 9°F (110 6 5°C) and cool to room temperature before testing.
coarse aggregate, then rubbing between the hands over a flat NOTE 10—Sand equivalent results on test specimens that have not been
pan. dried will generally be lower than the results obtained on identical test
9.3.4 Add the material passing the sieve obtained in 9.3.2 specimens that have been dried. As a time-saving expedient, it is
and 9.3.3 to the separated fine portion of the sample. permissible to test most materials without drying when the sand equivalent
value is used to determine compliance with a specification giving a
9.4 Prepare test specimens from the material passing the minimum acceptable test value. If the resulting test value is lower than
4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve portion of the sample by either the that specified, however, it will be necessary to rerun the test on a dried test
procedure described in 9.4.1 or 9.4.2. specimen. If the sand equivalent determined from a test on one dried test
specimen, is below the minimum specification limit, it will be necessary
NOTE 9—Experiments show that as the amount of material being to perform two additional tests on dried test specimens from the same
reduced by splitting or quartering is decreased, the accuracy of providing sample. The sand equivalent for a sample shall be determined in
representative portions is decreased. For this reason, it is imperative that accordance with the calculation section.

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 D2419 − 14
9.4.2 Test Specimen Preparation, Procedure B:
9.4.2.1 Maintaining a free-flowing condition, dampen the
material sufficiently to prevent segregation or loss of fines.
9.4.2.2 Split or quarter out 1000 to 1500 g of the material.
Mix thoroughly with a hand trowel in a circular pan by
scooping toward the middle of the pan while rotating it
horizontally. Mixing or remixing should be continued for at
least 1 min to achieve uniformity. Check the material for the
necessary moisture condition by tightly squeezing a small
portion of the thoroughly mixed sample in the palm of the
hand. If a cast is formed that permits careful handling without
breaking, the correct moisture range has been obtained. If the
material is too dry, the cast will crumble and it will be
necessary to add water and remix and retest until the material
forms a cast. If the material shows any free water it is too wet
to test and must be drained and air-dried, mixing it frequently
to ensure uniformity. This overly wet material will form a good
cast when checked initially, so the drying process should
continue until a squeeze check on the drying material gives a
cast which is more fragile and delicate to handle than the
original. If the “as received” moisture content is within the
limits described above, the sample may be run immediately. If
the moisture content is altered to meet these limits, the sample FIG. 4 Graduated Cylinder, Irrigator Tube, Weighted Foot
Assembly, and Siphon
should be put in the pan, covered with a lid or with a damp
towel that does not touch the material, and allowed to stand for
a minimum of 15 min. 11.2 Pour one of the test specimens into the plastic cylinder
9.4.2.3 After the minimum curing time, remix for 1 min using the funnel to avoid spillage (see Fig. 5).
without water. When thoroughly mixed, form the material into 11.3 Tap the bottom of the cylinder sharply on the heel of
a cone with a trowel. the hand several times to release air bubbles and to promote
9.4.2.4 Take the tin measure in one hand and push it directly thorough wetting of the specimen.
through the base of the pile while holding the free hand firmly
against the pile opposite the measure. 11.4 Allow the wetted specimen and cylinder to stand
9.4.2.5 As the can travels through the pile and emerges, hold undisturbed for 10 6 1 min.
enough hand pressure to cause the material to fill the can to 11.5 At the end of the 10-min soaking period, stopper the
overflowing. Press firmly with the palm of the hand, compact- cylinder, then loosen the material from the bottom by partially
ing the material until it consolidates in the can. The excess inverting the cylinder and shaking it simultaneously.
material should be struck off level with the top of the can, 11.6 After loosening the material from the bottom of the
moving the edge of the trowel in a sawing motion across the cylinder, shake the cylinder and contents by any of the
brim. following three methods:
9.4.2.6 To obtain additional test specimens, repeat the 11.6.1 Mechanical Shaker Method—Place the stoppered
procedures in 9.4.2.3 through 9.4.2.5. cylinder in the mechanical sand equivalent shaker, set the time,
and allow the machine to shake the cylinder and the contents
10. Preparation of Apparatus for 45 6 1 s.
10.1 Fit the siphon assembly to a 1.0-gal (3.8-L) bottle of 11.6.2 Manual Shaker Method:
working calcium chloride solution. Place the bottle on a shelf 11.6.2.1 Secure the stoppered cylinder in the three spring
36 6 2 in. (90 6 5 cm) above the working surface, (see Fig. 4). clamps of the carriage of the hand-operated sand equivalent
shaker and reset the stroke counter to zero.
NOTE 11—Instead of the 1.0-gal (3.8-L) bottle, a glass or plastic vat
having a larger capacity may be used provided the liquid level of the NOTE 12—To prevent spillage, be sure the stopper is firmly seated in the
working solution is maintained between 36 and 48 in. (90 and 120 cm) cylinder before placing in the manual shaker.
above the work surface.
11.6.2.2 Stand directly in front of the shaker and force the
10.2 Start the siphon by blowing into the top of the solution pointer to the stroke limit marker painted on the backboard by
bottle through a short piece of tubing while the pinch clamp is applying an abrupt horizontal thrust to the upper portion of the
open. right-hand spring steel strap. Then remove the hand from the
strap and allow the spring action of the straps to move the
11. Procedure carriage and cylinder in the opposite direction without assis-
11.1 Siphon 4 6 0.1 in. (102 6 3 mm) (indicated on the tance or hindrance.
graduated cylinder) of working calcium chloride solution into 11.6.2.3 Apply enough force to the right-hand spring steel
the plastic cylinder. strap during the thrust portion of each stroke to move the

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 D2419 − 14

FIG. 6 Use of Manual Shaker

FIG. 5 Transfer of Samples from Measuring Tin to Cylinder

pointer to the stroke limit marker by pushing against the strap

with the ends of the fingers to maintain a smooth oscillating
motion (see Fig. 6). The center of the stroke limit marker is
positioned to provide the proper stroke length and its width
provides the maximum allowable limits of variation. The
proper shaking action is accomplished only when the tip of the
pointer reverses direction within the marker limits. Proper
shaking action can best be maintained by using only the
forearm and wrist action to propel the shaker.
11.6.2.4 Continue the shaking action for 100 strokes.
11.6.3 Hand Method:
11.6.3.1 Hold the cylinder in a horizontal position as illus-
trated in Fig. 7 and shake it vigorously in a horizontal linear
motion from end to end.
11.6.3.2 Shake the cylinder 90 cycles in approximately 30 s FIG. 7 Using Hand Method of Shaking
using a throw of 9 6 1 in. (23 6 3 cm). A cycle is defined as
a complete back and forth motion. To shake the cylinder at this
speed properly, it will be necessary for the operator to shake slowly without shutting off the flow so that the liquid level is
with the forearms only, relaxing the body and shoulders. maintained at about the 15-in. (38.0-cm) graduation while the
11.7 Following the shaking operation, set the cylinder irrigator tube is being withdrawn. Regulate the flow just before
upright on the work table and remove the stopper. the irrigator tube is entirely withdrawn and adjust the final level
to the 15-in. (38.0-cm) graduation.
11.8 Irrigation Procedure:
11.8.1 During the irrigation procedure, keep the cylinder 11.9 Allow the cylinder and contents to stand undisturbed
vertical and the base in contact with the work surface. Insert for 20 min 6 15 s. Start the timing immediately after
the irrigator tube in the top of the cylinder, remove the spring withdrawing the irrigator tube.
clamp from the hose, and rinse the material from the cylinder 11.10 At the end of the 20-min sedimentation period, read
walls as the irrigator is lowered. Force the irrigator through the and record the level of the top of the suspension as prescribed
material to the bottom of the cylinder by applying a gentle in 11.12. This is referred to as the “clay reading.” If no clear
stabbing and twisting action while the working solution flows line of demarcation has formed at the end of the specified
from the irrigator tip. This flushes the fine material into 20-min sedimentation period, allow the sample to stand undis-
suspension above the coarser sand particles (see Fig. 8). turbed until a “clay reading” can be obtained; then immediately
11.8.2 Continue to apply a stabbing and twisting action read and record the level of the top of the suspension and the
while flushing the fines upward until the cylinder is filled to the total sedimentation time. If the total sedimentation time ex-
15-in. (38.0 cm) graduation. Then raise the irrigator tube ceeds 30 min, rerun the test using three individual specimens of

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 D2419 − 14

FIG. 8 Irrigation FIG. 9 Sand Reading

12.2 If the calculated sand equivalent is not a whole

the same material. Record the suspension column height for the number, report it as the next higher whole number. For
sample requiring the shortest sedimentation period as the “clay example, if the clay level were 8.0 and the sand level were 3.3,
reading.” the calculated sand equivalent would be:
11.11 Sand Reading Determination: ~ 3.3/8.0! 3 100 5 41.2 (2)
11.11.1 After the suspension reading has been taken, place Since this calculated sand equivalent is not a whole number
the weighted foot assembly over the cylinder and gently lower it would be reported as the next higher whole number which is
the assembly until it comes to rest on the sand. Do not allow 42.
the indicator to hit the mouth of the cylinder as the assembly is
being lowered. 12.3 If it is desired to average a series of sand equivalent
11.11.2 As the weighted foot comes to rest on the sand, tip values, average the whole number values determined as de-
the assembly toward the graduations on the cylinder until the scribed in 12.2. If the average of these values is not a whole
indicator touches the inside of the cylinder. Subtract 10-in. number, raise it to the next higher whole number as shown in
(25.4 cm) from the level indicated by the extreme top edge of the following example:
the indicator and record this value as the “sand reading” (see 12.3.1 Calculate SE values: 41.2, 43.8, 40.9.
Fig. 9). 12.3.2 After raising each to the next higher whole number
they become 42, 44, 41.
NOTE 13—See Annex A1 for the use of alternative foot apparatus and 12.3.3 Determine the average of these values as follows:
measurement procedure.
~ 42144141! /3 5 42.3 (3)
11.11.3 When taking the sand reading, use care not to press
down on the weighted foot assembly since this could give an 12.3.4 Since the average value is not a whole number, it is
erroneous reading. raised to the next higher whole number, and the sand equiva-
11.12 If the “clay reading” or sand reading falls between lent value is reported as 43.
0.1-in. (2.5-mm) graduations, record the level of the higher
13. Precision and Bias
graduation as the reading.
13.1 Precision—The following estimates of precision for
12. Calculation and Report this test method are based on results from the AASHTO
Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) Reference Sample
12.1 Calculate the sand equivalent to the nearest 0.1 % as program, with testing conducted using this test method and
follows: AASHTO Method T 176. There are no significant differences
SE 5 ~ sand reading/clay reading! 3 100 (1) between the two methods. The data are based on the analyses
where: of eight paired test results from 50 to 80 laboratories, with the
range of average sand equivalent values for the samples
SE = sand equivalent.
varying from approximately 60 to 90.

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 D2419 − 14
13.1.1 Single Operator Precision—The single operator stan- 13.1.3 Additional precision data is available from a study
dard deviation has been found to be 1.5 for sand equivalent done by one state agency involving the circulation of pairs of
values greater than 80 and 2.9 for values less than 80 (1s).6 samples to over 20 laboratories on three separate occasions.
Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests by the same The range of average sand equivalent values for these samples
operator on similar material should not differ by more than 4.2 varied from approximately 30 to 50; these were materials
and 8.2, respectively (d2s). containing much more fines than the AMRL samples reported
13.1.2 Multi-laboratory Precision—The multi-laboratory on in 13.1.1 and 13.1.2.
standard deviation has been found to be 4.4 for sand equivalent 13.1.3.1 The Multi-laboratory standard deviation from these
values greater than 80 and 8.0 for values less than 80 (1s).6 single agency tests was found to be 3.2 (1s). Therefore, within
Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests from differ- the laboratories of this agency, results of two properly con-
ent laboratories on similar material should not differ by more ducted tests from different laboratories on similar material
than 12.5 and 22.6,6 respectively (d2s). should not differ by more than 9.1 (d2s).
13.2 Bias—The procedure in this test method has no bias
6
These numbers represent, respectively, the (ls) and (d2s) limits as described in because the value of sand equivalent is defined only in terms of
Practice C670. the test method.

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. READING PROCEDURE FOR THE SAND READING WHEN THE 1969 SAND READING INDICATOR AND FOOT CON-
FORMING TO FIG. OF ASTM D2419 – 69 IS BEING USED

FIG. A1.1 1969 Weighted Foot Assembly from Test Method D2419 – 69

A1.1 Differences in 1969 Equipment: position on the mouth of the cylinder and gently lower
A1.1.1 See Fig. A1.1 for the 1969 weighted foot (Assembly theassembly until it comes to rest on the sand. While the
C) and the details of the 1969 Foot (Item 14). weighted foot is being lowered, keep one of the adj. screws
(see Item 10 on Fig. A1.1) in contact with the cylinder wall
A1.2 Sand Reading Procedure when 1969 foot assembly is near the graduations so that it can be seen at all times. When
used: the weighted foot has come to rest on the sand, read and record
A1.2.1 After the clay reading has been taken, place the the level of the horizontal slot of the adj. screw as the “Sand
weighted foot assembly over the cylinder with the guide cap in Reading” value.

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 D2419 − 14
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