2/13/2015 Revised ND T 2

ND T 2 – SAMPLING OF AGGREGATES

Conduct this procedure according to ND T 2.

The AASHTO standard test procedure has a minimum size of the sample that is
to be obtained. NDDOT modification changes the minimum size of the sample to
be obtained.

AASHTO identifies a number of ways to collect samples. NDDOT adds an

additional procedure to collect samples, which is sampling from a windrow.

Consult the current edition of AASHTO for procedure in its entirety and
equipment specification details.

SCOPE

This test defines the procedures used to obtain samples that will show the nature
and condition of the materials which they represent.

REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

AASHTO T 2, Sampling of Aggregates

ND T 248 and AASHTO T 248, Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size

TERMINOLOGY

Maximum Size of Aggregate – the smallest sieve opening through which the
entire amount of aggregate is required to pass.

Nominal Maximum Size – the smallest sieve opening through which the entire
amount of the aggregate is permitted to pass.

Maximum Aggregate Size (Superpave) – one size larger than the nominal
maximum aggregate size.

Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size (Superpave) – one size larger than the first
sieve that retains more than 10% aggregate.

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APPARATUS
Containers, pails or bags
Shovel
Scoop or spoon
Brush
Sampling tubes

TEST SPECIMEN

The sample size is based on the type and number of tests to be performed. The
following table gives the approximate sample size required for different
aggregate sizes.

SIZE OF SAMPLE
Nominal Size of Approximate Minimum Mass of
A
Aggregate Field SamplesB
Fine Aggregate
No. 8 (2.36 mm) 25 lbs (10 kg)
No. 4 (4.74 mm) 25 lbs (10 kg)
Coarse Aggregate
3/8" (9.5 mm) 8 lbs ( 4 kg)
1/2" (12.5 mm) 16 lbs ( 8 kg)
5/8" (16.0 mm) 30 lbs (15 kg)
3/4" (19.0 mm) 44 lbs (20 kg)
1" (25.0 mm) 88 lbs (40 kg)
1½" (37.5 mm) 132 lbs (60 kg)
A
For processed aggregate, use the nominal maximum size
as indicated by the appropriate specification or description. If
the specification or description does not indicate a nominal
maximum size use the maximum size (sieve indicating 100%
passing).
B
For combined coarse and fine aggregates, e.g., base or
subbase, the minimum weight shall be the coarse aggregate
minimums plus 25 lbs (10 kg).

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PROCEDURE

When practicable, samples shall be obtained from the finished product.

Sampling requires a number of individual samples that are combined to make a
composite sample. Reduce the sample to the required size by quartering or
splitting in accordance with ND T 248.

• SAMPLING FROM ROADWAY:

When sampling from the roadway material or in-place, take samples from at least
three approximately equal increments across the roadway. Obtain samples from
the full depth of the course. Take care to avoid including material from the
underlying subgrade or base course. Combine the samples to form a composite
sample.

• SAMPLING FROM A FLOWING AGGREGATE STREAM:

Obtain at least three approximately equal increments and combine to form the
required size sample. Collect the samples in a pan or by use of a sampling
device. Take the samples from the entire cross section as it is being discharged.
The receptacle should be of sufficient size to intercept the entire stream and hold
the material without overflowing.

• SAMPLING FROM A WINDROW:

Sample the windrow by removing the top one foot of material and obtain part of
the sample from each side. Avoid the segregated coarser material at the bottom
of the side slope. Combine three samples to form a composite sample.

• SAMPLING FROM A CONVEYOR BELT:

Obtain at least three approximately equal increments and combine to form the
required size sample. Stop the conveyor belt and clean off a section of material
from the belt. Insert a template that conforms to the shape of the belt. Carefully
remove all the material from the template. Use a scoop to remove as much of
the material as possible. A brush and dust pan may be used to remove the fine
material. Make sure to include all of the fine material. Space the three samples
apart.

• SAMPLING FROM A STOCKPILE:

Segregation often occurs when materials are stockpiled. Thus, it is difficult to

ensure unbiased samples from stockpiles. For coarse or mixed coarse and fine
aggregate, make every effort to enlist the services of power equipment to
develop a separate, small sampling pile composed of material from various levels

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and locations in the main pile. Combine several increments to compose the
sample.

Where power equipment is not available, combine material from at least three
increments; the top third, middle third, and bottom third of the pile. Insert a board
vertically into the pile just above the sampling point to aid in preventing further
segregation. Remove the outer layer, which may be segregated, and sample the
material beneath.

An alternate sampling method is to insert a sampling tube into the pile at a

minimum of five random locations to extract material to form a sample. Sampling
tubes are approximately 1¼" (minimum) in diameter by 6 ft. (minimum) in length

• SAMPLING FROM A TRUCK:

For coarse aggregate or composite of coarse and fine aggregate, sample from
trucks. Take samples from a minimum of three trenches. Dig trenches across
the truck box at points on the surface that appear to be representative of the
material. Make the trench bottom approximately level, at least one-foot wide and
one-foot below the surface of the aggregate. Take equal portions of material by
pushing the shovel downward into the material in the bottom of the trench at
three equally spaced locations. Do not scrape the material horizontally.
Combine the nine portions (minimum) to form the combined sample from the
truck.

For sampling the fine aggregate, insert a sampling tube at a minimum of five
locations. Sampling tube should be a minimum of 1¼" in diameter by 6 ft. in
length.

NOTES

The contractor obtains all aggregate samples except verification samples.

It is desirable to sample any material as near as possible to, if not at, the final in-
place position. Hierarchies of preferred sampling locations are in-place, windrow,
conveyor belt, flowing stream, truck box, or stockpile.

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