ASTM C87

This test method is of significance in making a final determination of the acceptability of fine aggregates with respect to the requirements of Specification C 33 concerning organic impurities.

This test method is applicable to those samples which, when tested in accordance with Test Method C 40, have produced a supernatant liquid with a color darker than standard color plate No. 3 or color solution.

Many specifications provide for the acceptance of fine aggregate producing a darker color in the Test Method C 40 test, when testing by this test method indicates the strength of the mortar cubes prepared with the unwashed fine aggregate is comparable to the strength of mortar cubes made with the washed fine aggregate.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the effect on mortar strength of the organic impurities in fine aggregate, whose presence is indicated using Test Method C 40. Comparison is made between compressive strengths of mortar made with washed and unwashed fine aggregate.

1.2 The SI values shown are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound values shown in parentheses are provided for information purposes 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.(Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitous mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to exposed skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.)²

2. Referenced Documents

ASTM Standards
C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
C128 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
C150 Specification for Portland Cement
C230 Specification for Flow Table for Use in Tests of Hydraulic Cement
C305 Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C40 Test Method for Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregates for Concrete
C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
D3665 Practice for Random Sampling of Construction Materials
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates

Index Terms

aggregate; fine aggregate; organic impurities; mortar strength; ICS Number Code 91.100.10 (Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar)

Citing ASTM Standards

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