Methods of Test for Aggregates for Concrete, Part V: Soundness

IS 2386 Part 5: Scope & Key Specifications

Scope Summary

• Covers technical provisions for testing aggregates for concrete, specifically soundness tests.
• Does not include contract provisions.
• Final test results should be rounded off as per IS 2:1960.

Key Apparatus: Sieves (Clause 2.1)

All sieves comply with IS 460:1962.

Soundness Test Data Recording (Clause 9.2, Table I)

• Weighted average loss helps assess aggregate durability.
• Separate tables for fine and coarse aggregates.

Rounding Off (Clause 0.5)

• Use IS 2:1960 for rounding.
• Maintain same significant figures as specified.

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Aggregate Sample] --> B[Sieving as per IS 460]
    B --> C[Soundness Test]
    C --> D[Record Weight & % Passing (Table I)]
    D --> E[Calculate Weighted Avg % Loss]
    E --> F[Round off results (IS 2:1960)]
    F --> G[Assess Aggregate Quality]

Use this scope and data format for consistent soundness testing of aggregates per IS 2386 Part 5.

IS 2386 Part 5: Apparatus - Key Specifications & Tables

1. Sieves (Clause 2.1)

Sieves must have square openings per IS 460-1962. Sizes for fine and coarse aggregates:

2. Drying Oven (Clause 2.5)

• Temperature: 105° to 110°C
• Evaporation rate: ≥ 25 g/h over 4 hours (doors closed)
• Test method: Water loss from 1-litre beakers with 500 g water at 27±2°C placed at 5 points in oven.

3. Reporting Soundness Test Data (Clause 9.2)

Use Table I format for recording:

• Weighted average loss calculated as:

[ \text{Weighted Average Loss} = \sum \left(\frac{\text{Weight fraction}}{\text{Total weight}} \times \text{Percent loss}\right) ]

Summary Diagram: Apparatus Setup

graph LR
A[Sieves] --> B[Fine Series: 0.15 to 4.75 mm]
A --> C[Coarse Series: 8 to 80 mm]
D[Drying Oven] --> E[105-110°C]
D --> F[Evaporation ≥ 25 g/h]
G[Soundness Test Data] --> H[Record sieve size, weights, losses]

Note: Round off test results per IS 2-1960 rules, matching significant figures of specified values.

This ensures compliance

IS 2386 Part 5: Sampling and Sample Preparation Key Points

1. Sample Size & Preparation (Clause 4.1)

• Fine aggregate sample must pass through 10 mm IS sieve.
• Minimum 100 g of each size fraction (≥5% of total) must be available, sized as:

2. Sieves (Clause 2.1)

• Use IS 460:1962 compliant sieves with square openings.
• Fine series: 150, 300, 600 micron, 1.18, 2.36, 4.00, 4.75 mm.
• Coarse series: 8, 10, 12.5, 16, 20, 25, 31.5, 40, 50, 63, 80 mm.

3. Percentage Loss Calculation (Clause 11.2)

• When a size fraction is <5% of the original sample, use the percentage loss of the next smaller size.
• Example: 11.2% loss used for 10 mm fraction with <5% sample.

4. Recording Test Data (Clause 9.2, Table I)

• Record sieve size, grading %, weight before test, % passing finer sieve after test (actual loss), and weighted average corrected loss.
• Weighted average loss formula:

[ \text{Weighted Average Loss} = \sum \left(\frac{\text{Weight Fraction}}{\text{Total Weight}}\times \text{Corrected % Loss}\right) ]

Summary Table Example (Soundness Test for Fine Aggregate)

IS 2386 Part 5 — Test Sample Requirements Summary

1. Fine Aggregate Sample (Clause 4.1)

• Pass through 10 mm IS sieve.
• Sample size must yield ≥100 g for each size fraction ≥5% by weight.
• Size fractions based on sieves:

2. Coarse Aggregate Sample (Clause 4.2)

• Remove particles finer than 4.75 mm.
• Minimum sample weights for size fractions (≥5% by weight):

3. Reporting Format (Clause 9.2 - Table I)

• Record:

  • Sieve sizes (Passing & Retained)
  • % Grading of original sample
  • Weight before test
  • % Passing finer sieve after test (loss %)
  • Weighted average loss (corrected %)

Notes:

• If a size fraction <5%, use % loss of next smaller size (Clause 11.2).
• Larger sample sizes than minimum are permitted.

flowchart TD
    A[Sample Collection] --> B{Fine or Coarse Aggregate?}
    B

IS 2386 Part 5: Preparation of Test Sample – Key Points

1. Sample Size & Grading (Clause 4.1 & 4.4)

• Fine aggregate sample: Pass through 10 mm IS sieve.
• Minimum 100 g of each size fraction with ≥5% content is required.
• Sizes for fine aggregate fractions (passing & retained on):

• If a size fraction is <5%, assign its loss as average of the adjacent sizes (Clause 4.4).

2. Sieves to Use (Clause 2.1)

3. Calculation of Weighted Average Loss (from Table I)

[ \text{Weighted Average Loss} = \sum \left(\frac{\text{Weight of fraction before test}}{\text{Total weight}}\times \text{Percent loss of fraction}\right) ]

• Use this to report soundness loss after sodium or magnesium sulfate treatment.

Summary Flow for Sample Preparation & Testing:

flowchart TD
    A[Collect Aggregate Sample] --> B[Pass through 10 mm sieve (fine agg.)]
    B --> C[Separate size fractions as per IS sieves]
    C --> D{Is fraction ≥5%?}
    D -- Yes --> E[Include fraction

IS 2386 Part 5: Test Procedure Key Points

1. Apparatus (Clause 2.1)

• Use IS 460:1962 compliant sieves.
• Fine sieves: 150, 300, 600 microns, 1.18, 2.36, 4.75 mm.
• Coarse sieves: 8, 10, 12.5, 16, 20, 25, 31.5, 40, 50, 63, 80 mm.

2. Quantitative Examination (Clause 7.1)

• After final cycle and cooling, wash sample free from sulfate using BaCl₂ test.
• Dry fractions at 105-110°C to constant weight.
• Sieve fractions as per aggregate size to determine loss:

3. Reporting (Clause 9.2, Table I)

• Record:
  • Sieve size, grading %, weight before test.
  • % passing finer sieve after test (actual loss).
  • Weighted average corrected % loss.

4. Rounding (Clause 0.5)

• Round off results per IS 2:1960 rules, matching significant digits of standard values.

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Sample Preparation] --> B[Final Cycle & Cooling]
    B --> C[Wash Sample (BaCl₂ test)]
    C --> D[Dry to constant weight (105-110°C)]
    D --> E[Sieve fractions by aggregate size]
    E --> F[Weigh fractions]
    F --> G[Calculate % loss & weighted average]
    G --> H[Record in Table I format]

This summarizes

IS 2386 Part 5: Quantitative Examination Key Points

Procedure (Clause 7.1)

• After final cycle & cooling, wash sample free of sodium/magnesium sulphate using BaCl₂ test.
• Dry each fraction at 105–110°C to constant weight.
• Weigh fractions.
• Sieve aggregates as per size:

Reporting (Clause 9.2)

• Use Table I format to record:
  • Sieve size
  • % grading of original sample
  • Weight before test
  • % passing finer sieve after test (actual loss)
  • Weighted average (corrected % loss)

Notes

• Qualitative examination (Clause 8.2) involves observing particle damage types (disintegration, splitting, cracking).
• Recommended to sieve combined fractions post-test for cumulative % retained on standard sieves (150μ, 300μ, 600μ, 1.18, 2.36, 4.75, 10, 20, 40, 80 mm).

Summary Table for Quantitative Examination

flowchart TD
    A[Sample after final cycle] --> B[Wash with water + BaCl₂ test]
    B --> C[Dry fractions at 105-110°C]
    C --> D[Sieve fractions as per size]
    D --> E[Weigh each fraction]
    E --> F[Calculate % loss & report in Table I format]

This method ensures accurate measurement of aggregate soundness loss due to sulphate attack.

IS 2386 Part 5: Qualitative Examination Summary

1. Visual Examination (Clause 4.00 & 8.2)

• Examine each fraction visually for excessive grain splitting.
• Observe effects of sodium/magnesium sulphate action:
  • Types: disintegration, splitting, crumbling, cracking, flaking.
• Count number of affected particles.
• Examine particles >20 mm primarily, but smaller sizes recommended.

2. Sieve Analysis (Clause 4.00)

• After treatment, combine all sizes (including detritus).
• Perform sieve analysis on sizes (microns & mm):

• Record results as cumulative % retained on each sieve.

3. Quantitative Examination (Clause 7.1)

• Wash sample free from sulphate (test with BaCl₂).
• Dry fractions at 105°-110°C to constant weight.
• Weigh and sieve aggregates over specified sieves:

flowchart TD
    A[Sample after test] --> B[Wash with water + BaCl₂ test]
    B --> C[Dry fractions at 105-110°C]
    C --> D[Weigh & sieve fractions]
    D --> E{Particle size}
    E --> |>20 mm| F[Qualitative exam: count affected particles]
    E --> |<=20 mm| G[Optional qualitative exam]
    D --> H[Record cumulative % retained]

Key Points:

• Qualitative exam focuses on visual damage types and particle count.
• Quantitative exam uses weight loss and sieve analysis.
• Use BaCl₂ test to ensure removal of sulphate residues before weighing

IS 2386 Part 5: Reporting of Soundness Test Results

Key Specifications (Clause 9.1 & 9.2)

• Report must include:

  • Weight of each fraction before test.
  • % finer material by weight for each fraction.
  • Weighted average % loss based on grading (assume 0% loss for <300 micron).
  • For >20 mm particles: count of particles before test and affected (disintegrating, cracking, etc.).
  • Type of solution used (Na₂SO₄ or MgSO₄).

• Rounding off: Follow IS 2-1960 rules; retain significant places as per specified values.

Suggested Form for Recording (Table I)

Sum weighted average loss for all fractions to get total loss.

Sieve for Determining Loss (Clause 7.1)

Calculation of Weighted Average Loss

[ \text{Weighted Average Loss} = \sum \left(\frac{\text{Grading %} \times \text{Loss %}}{100}\right) ]

flowchart TD
    A[Sample Preparation] --> B[Initial Weighing by Sieve Fractions]
    B --> C[Soundness Test Cycles]
    C --> D[Wash & Dry Sample]
    D --> E[Weigh Fractions After Test]
    E --> F[Calculate % Loss per Fraction]
    F --> G[Calculate Weighted Average Loss]
    G --> H[Prepare Report with Required Data]

This format ensures clarity and consistency in reporting aggregate soundness test results per IS 2386 Part 5.

IS 2386 Part 5: Notes and Recommendations – Key Points

1. Recording Soundness Test Data (Clause 9.2, Table I)

• Use the suggested form for recording test data including:
  • Sieve size (passing and retained)
  • Grading of original sample (%)
  • Weight of test fractions before test (g)
  • Percentage passing finer sieve after test (actual % loss)
  • Weighted average (corrected % loss)

2. Quantitative Examination (Clause 7.1)

• After final cycle and cooling:
  • Wash sample free of salts using BaCl₂ test.
  • Dry at 105° to 110°C to constant weight.
  • Sieve fine aggregates on original sieve.
  • Sieve coarse aggregates on specified sieve depending on size:

3. Sieves Specifications (Clause 2.1)

• Use sieves complying with IS:460-1962.
• Common sieve sizes:

4. Rounding Off (Clause 0.5)

• Round off test results as per IS:2-1960.
• Keep the same significant figures as specified values.

Summary Formula for Weighted Average Loss:

[ \text{Weighted Average Loss} =