ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and Fine Aggregate
 N D2419

Annotation

This test method is intended to serve as a rapid fieldcorrelation test. The purpose of this test method is to indicate, under standard conditions, the relative proportions of clay-size or plastic fines and dust in granular soils and fine aggregates that pass the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve. The term "sand equivalent" expresses the concept that most granular soils and some fine aggregates are mixtures of desirable coarse particles, sand-size particles, and generally undesirable clay or plastic fines and dust.

NOTE 1-For fine aggregates containing clean dust of fracture (clay-size particles that are not clay minerals), test results will depend on the amount of fines present in the material. In this case other tests such as Methylene Blue Value (AASHTO T330) or X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) may be needed to determine if the fines are deleterious.

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 clay-size or plastic fines and dust below flaky shaped 4.75 to 2.36 mm (No. 4 to 8) sized particles. Testing smaller top sized material may lower the numerical results of the test.

The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

Regarding sieves, per Specification E11 Section 1.2, "the values stated in SI units shall be considered standard for the dimensions of the wire cloth openings and the diameter of the wires used in the wire cloth. The values stated in inchpound units shall be considered standard with regard to the sieve frames." When sieve mesh sizes are referenced, the alternate inch-pound designations are provided for information purposes and enclosed in parentheses.