Basic Test Questionnaires for lab & plant

Q1. What are the minimum concrete cylinders should be cast for each set to be tested for
compressive strength as per Saudi Aram co standard? (8)

Q2. What is the maximum allowable fresh concrete temperature until used as per Saudi Aramco
standard? (35 OC)

Q3. What are the requirements of water to be used for curing concrete specimens as per ASTM
specification?

SWEET WATER, MAX TDS =1000 ppm

Q4. In what temperature range should concrete specimen be cured as per ASTM SPECIFICATION?
23 + 2 OC
Q5. At what age concrete cylinders should be tested for Saudi Aram co projects? 7 & 28 Days

Q6. How frequent shall concrete capping material is tested? (Every lot should be tested)

Q7.How many minutes does it take to complete temperature measurement after obtaining sample?
2-1/2 Minute

Q8. The molding of strength test specimens shall begin within (15 min) minutes after fabricating the
composite sample.

Q9. The slump test is filled in (3) layers and each layer shall be rod for (25) strokes.

Q10. The diameter of standard tamping rod casting six inches diameter cylinder is 5/8" (16mm) and
its length approximately is 24"(600mm) .

Q11. How many seconds does ASTM specifies to remove the slump cone? (5 + 2 sec)

Q12. The number of size of proctor molds depends on (Gradation) of soil?

Q13. How many layers do you apply during standard proctor compaction?
A: (Mold dia 4" 3 Layers, 25 Blows/layer)
B: (Mold dia 6" 3 Layers, 56 Blows/layer)

Q14. How many layers does the modified proctor consist of?

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 A: (Mold dia 6" 5 Layers, 56 Blows/layer)
B: (Mold dia 4" 5 Layers, 25 Blows/layer)

Q15. How many points (as minimum) does modified proctor test should be consisted of? Minimum
(4 Points), Preferred 5 Point.

Q16. How many hours should CBR samples be soaked? (96±2 Hrs)

Q17. What sieve size do you need to obtain a sample for liquid/plastic limits?
Passing sieve # 40 material

Q18. At what temperature do you dry soil sample that is prepared for gradation only? (110+ 5) 0C

Q19. Briefly explain how to prepare a soil sample for gradation?

Answer:
A: Quartering the sample
B: Keep the sample in oven for dry @ 110 + 5 0C for 24 Hrs
C: Sieve the material on specified meshes and note the retained weight on each sieve.
D: Calculate the percent passing for each sieve.

Q20. At what sieve size do you wash soil sample in order to determine the % of fine materials?
(# 200) sieve.

Q21. What are the Safety equipment do you need when you perform field density test using nuclear
gauges?

Wearing TLD batch, keep minimum 3 meter distance away from gauge while source is out.

Q22. Briefly describe how to conduct field density test using a nuclear gauge?
Answer:
1: Take standard count for density and moisture to confirms the counts as per calibration
Certificate

2: Select the location at least 10 mtr away from structure and make hole by rod minimum 2'' more
deeper the testing depth.

3: Keep the Nuclear @ hole in position so that the soil not disturbed by rod.

4: Check DD, moisture content and percentage compaction.

Q23. Briefly describe how to run CBR test as per ASTM procedures (compaction and penetration)?
Answer: Prepare 3 specimen molds for compaction as follow:

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 No of Blows Modified Proctor Standard Proctor
10 Blows 5 Layers 3 Layers
25 Blows 5 Layers 3 Layers
56 Blows 5 Layers 3 Layers
After compaction soak the specimen for 96 Hrs, drain for 15 minute after soaking and crush taking
reading @ 0.1", 0.2" penetration.

Q24. What is the minimum weight of fine aggregate for sieve analysis as per ASTM C136?
Answer:
A. 2000g b. (100g) e. 300 g
C. 1000g d. 1500g

Q25. After the soundness cycles, what sieve sizes do you use to determine fine aggregate loss?
Answer:
A. # 4'' b. # 1/4'' c. 5/16'' d. (In the same sieve on which it was retained before the test.)

Q26. After the soundness cycles, what sieve sizes do you use to determine coarse aggregate loss?
Answer:
A. # 4'' b. # 1/4'' c. # 5/16'' d. (depends on aggregate fraction size.

Passing Retain Washing

2 1/2'' 1-1/2'' 1-1/4''
1-1/2'' 3/4'' # 5/8''
3/4'' 3/8'' # 5/16''
3/8'' #4 #5

For fine aggregate same size will be used.

Q27. What is the minimum weight of coarse aggregate for sieve analysis as per ASTM C 136?
Answer:
Size Kg
2'' 20
1 1/2'' 15
1'' 10
3/4'' 5
1/2'' 2
3/8'' 1
A. 2000g b. 100g c. 1000g

D. 1500g e. (Depend upon the maximum aggregate size).

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Q28. How many cycles are there for soundness test? (5 cycles)

Q29. What is the ASTM specified reading requirement of specific gravity of soundness solution?
(MgSo4 ___> 1.295 to 1.308)

Q30. What type of solution shall be used to perform soundness test as per Saudi Aram co
requirements? (MgSo4, Sodium Sulphate)

Q31. Clay lump samples shall be soaked for:

Answer:
A. 12 + 4 hours. B. (24 + 4 hours) C. 48 + 4 hours.

Q32. To prepare Clay Lump fraction as per ASTM C 142, the mass of aggregate should be:
Answer:
A. 500g b. 300g c. 10,000g d. (Depends on the aggregate size)

Q33. Prior running liquid limit, you should place the prepare material in its mixing dish soak in water
to prevent moisture loss for at least (16) hours.

Q34. Explain in brief how you perform Maximum Index Density and Unit weight of soil using a
Vibrating Table (using wet method)?
Answer:
1. Take Minimum density loose (oven dry)
2. Keep mold on vibrating table, start slow vibration and start filling mold with wet saturated soil.
After filling mold then put surcharge weight and vibrate.
3. Remove water from top of mold with sponge.
4. Sample should be in SSD condition.

Q35. How many minutes do you soak dry soil for relative density test using wet method and vibrating
table?

a. (15 minutes) b. 20 minutes c. 25 minutes d. 30 minutes

Q36. How many minutes do you vibrate the table for relative index test of soil?

a. (5-6 & 8-12 minutes) b. 10-12 & 16-24 minutes c. 15-20 & 30-45 minutes

Q37. For sand equivalent value of soil shall be passed through sieve # (4)

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Q38. The temperature of stock solution during sand equivalent test shall be maintained at 25 0C.

Q39. Stock Solution shall be placed from testing place at height of:

a. 40 +- 1'' b. (36 + 1'') c. 20+- 1'' d. 15 +- 1''

Q40. Siphon stock solution prior you put soil sample to each cylinder to about:

a. (8'') b. 16'' c. 4'' d. 6''

Q41. After putting soil sample in the cylinder for equivalent test, you should allow the sample and
cylinder to stand undisturbed for approximately:

a. (10 minutes) b. 15 minutes c. 20 minutes d. 25 minutes

Q42. During conducting sand equivalent of soil using hand method, you should shack each cylinder
for:

a. (90 Cycles in =3 minutes) b. 90 Cycles in = 30 minutes c. (90 Cycles in = 30 sec)

Q43. After Shaking of sand equivalent cylinder, you shall irrigate the stock solution to the cylinder be stabbing
and twisting until the cylinder is filled to:

A. 20'' b. (15'') c. 25'' d. 30''

Q44. After shaking and irrigating you shall let the cylinder to stand undisturbed for sedimentation prior taking
the reading for about:

A. 80 minutes b. 60 minutes' c. 40 minutes d. (20 minutes)

Q45. What Saudi Aram co reference standard that describes the minimum mandatory requirements governing
the design and construction of asphalt concrete paving expect air field pavement?
Answer:
SAES-Q-006

Q46. What type of solution is used to conduct extraction as per ASTM requirements?
Answer:
Trichloroethylene

Q47. How many strokes (blows) shall be applied to each face during compaction of asphalt specimens used for
the mix design of all roads and parking areas as per Saudi Aram co Engineering Standard?
Answer:
75 Blows

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Q48. For how long shall the Marshal cakes be soaked in hot water bath to do the following tests?

A. Stability? (30 minutes) B. Retained of Marshal Stability? (24 hours)

Q49. At what temperature shall hot water bath be set for testing of asphalt cores? (60 + 10C)

Q50. What is the minimum acceptable temperature of hot mix asphalt concrete?
Material? (139 - 163 0C)

Q51. What is meant by JMF?

Answer: JOB MIX FORMULA

Q52. States three unacceptable situations to place Hot Mix Asphalt Concrete at Saudi Aramco sites?
Answer: 1.Minimum temperature 1390C to1630C
2. Raining weather or sand storm
3. Uneven, wet surface, Fog, sand storm.
Q53. There are (4 class) grading in Los Angeles Abrasion test of aggregate samples?

Q54. The number of spheres used in conducting Los Abrasion test as per ASTMC 131 depends on (class)
Of samples.

Q55. The weight of aggregate that we use in Loss Angeles machine to run Los Abrasion test shall be
Around (5000 g) + 25 grams.

Q56. To perform Los Angeles Abrasion test for small size of aggregate, the Los Angeles machine shall
Be rotated at speed of 30 to 33 rpm for (500) revolutions.

Q57. The sieve size used to remove the residues of clay lumps & friable materials of aggregate are:

A. 3/8'' B. Depends on the size of the aggregate C. 3/4'' D. # 200

The following question arte related to run ASTM C 173 ''Air Content''

Q58. The bowel shall be fill using scope in (2) layers and each layer shall be strike with a tamping rod
For (25) times. After each layer is rode, tab the sides of the measure (bowel) (10) to (15) times with
Mallet to close any voids or trapped bubbles.

Q59. What type of alcohol is used to run ASTM C 173?

A. Methyl Alcohol B. (Isopropyl Alcohol) C. Ethyl Alcohol D. Propyl Alcohol

Q60. For how long should the air meter be inverted and agitated?

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 A. 90 Seconds B. 60 Seconds C. (45 Seconds) D. 15 Seconds

Q61. What is the ASTM for soil test for LL, PL. test?

Answer: ASTM D 4318

Q62. How much sample needs to be for LL & PL?

Answer: 150 ~ 200g

Q63. How can you calculate PI if LL=45, PL=21, PI=?

Answer: Plasticity index= Liquid Limit – Plastic Limit (45 - 21 = 24)

Q64. What is the length and Max thickness of Plastic Limit thread (...) As per ASTM?

Answer: 5/8" (3.2mm)

Q65. How much sample need for Hydrometer and what is the ASTM?

Answer: ASTM D 422 (H152)

Cohesive soil = 25 ~ 50g

Non Cohesive soil = 100g

Q66. Which chemical use for Hydrometer?

Answer: Sodium Hexameta Phosphate

Q67. How can you calculate M.C. % if dry wt = 150gm, wet wt. = 195gm M.C% =?

Answer: =Formula = (wet wt – dry wt) / dry wt)*100, ((195 - 150)/150)*100) = 30%

Q68. What is D10?

Answer: Particle size diameter, corresponding to 10% passing on cumulative particle size
Distribution curve.

Q69. Calculate % passing and % Retained as attached data?

WT. RETAIN ON SEIVE # 4 = 1450g, TOTAL WT OF SAMPLE 5000g

Answer: Formula Wt Retained = wt ret / total wt *100, (1450/5000*100 = 29%)

% PASSING formula = 100 – % wt ret) = 100 - 29 = 71 %

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Q70. What is the Max wet Density of soil if wt. = 4415gm Volume of Mold = 2105 cc
Wet Density =

Answer: Formula = weight of soil / volume of mold

= 4415/2105= 2.097 g/cc

Q71. What is the ASTM # for sieve analysis of Aggregate Base Course?

Answer: ASTM D 422

Q72. What is the dry density if wet density = 134 pcf, Moisture Content = 4.5 %?

Answer: Formula Dry density = wet density / 1+ (mc% / 100)

Dry density = 134 / (1+ (4.5/100) = 129.6 PCF

Q73. How can you convert 134 pcf to gm/cc?

Answer: gm/cc = PCF / 62.43

Q74. How concrete specimen is 15x15x15 cm (cube). What is the area?

Answer: 225 cub cm

Q75. How can you calculate compressive strength of load 450KN, area of Cylinder 176.71 cm2.Calculate in
N/mm2, Calculate in N/mm2 & psi?

Answer: Formula = N/mm2 = 450/(176.715)/10 = 24.54

PSI= Nmm2*145 i.e. (24.54*145= 3558

Q76. Which 3 properties item you can calculate in Marshall Test?

Answer: Asphalt content, specific gravity, stability, loss of stability

Q77. How can you calculate Marshal Density if wt in = 1200.1g, wt in water= 689.1g, SSD wt=1202.2g?

Answer: Formula = SSD – WT IN WATER =VOLUME

DENSITY= WT IN AIR / VOLUME

1202.2 – 689.1 = 513.1 (VOLUME)

1200.1 / 513.1= 2.341 (DENSITY)

Q78. What is the diameter and length of Marshal Mold?

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 Answer: diameter = 4" (101.6mm) & height = 3" (76mm)

Q79. What is the loss stability?

Answer: Loss of resistance after 24hr stability at specified temperature 60 deg as compared to 30 min
stability.

Q80. How can you calculate loss of stability? If 30 minutes = 2150 kg, 24 hrs.slab = 1750 kg

Answer: Formula = (100)-(stability @ 24 hrs / stability @30min)*100

= (100) – (1750 / 2150)*100) = 18.6

Q81. What is MC-1 and RC-2?

Answer: These are bituminous material classified based on rate of hardening or curing after the application,
they are used mainly to promote adhesion between the base and overlying asphalt layer (prime coat)

MC1 is classified on the basis of initial viscosity as MEDIUM CURING cut back asphalt.

RC2 is classified on the basis of initial viscosity as RAPID CURING cut back asphalt.

ASTM – C42
CONCRETE CORING IN THE FIELD

Q1.What should be the correlation of drilled core to the standard cured cylinder?

Answer: a. 70 % b. (85%) c. 100%

Q2.What is the minimum age of concrete before curing.

Answer: a. 7 Days b. (14 Days) c. 28 Days d. Strong enough concrete in same

cures.

Q3.What is preferred the diameter of core as per standard.

Answer: a. 70 mm b.( 95 mm) c. 100 mm

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 Q4. What should be the preferred length of core as per standard for compressive strength?

Answer: a. 1.5 Time to Diameter b. 2 Time of diameter c. (1.9 to 2.1) time of diameter

Q5. If the required length core is impossible to obtain then what procedure to follow?

Answer. Reduce the length if bigger size, otherwise correction must be used for smaller
Size diameter to length ratio.

Ratio L/D Correction Factor

1.75 0.98
1.50 0.96
1.25 0.93
1.00 0.87

Q6. Can we cure the cores before testing, what is moisture conditioning?

A . As received condition B. Condition same as structure

C. Keep the core in Air temperature between 16 to 27 0C at 50% humidity for five days

D. Oven dry

ASTM C 1231 C
Unbound Capping

Q1. What is the pad thickness used for rubber unbound capping for cylinder testing?
Answer: a.( 13+ 2 mm ) b. 15+ 2 mm c. 10+ 2 mm

Q2. What are the maximum & minimum strength rubber capping can be applied?

Answer: a.( 1500 to 12000 Psi ) b. 7000 Psi c. 5000 Psi

Q3. What is the maximum number of cylinder can be crushed with rubber pad for 7000 Psi
Concrete?
Answer: a. (100) b. 200 c. 300
Q4. When can a pad needed to change if crack appear?

Answer: a.(10 mm or more ) b. 15 mm or more c. 20 mm or more

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Q5. What should be the ratio of diameter for metal head used for testing concrete specimen?

Answer: A. ( 102 % to 107 % ) B. 100 % C. 95 %

ASTM C 617
Sulfur Capping Cylinder

Q1. Why capping is required?

Answer: To provide smooth surface

Q2.What is the maximum strength of capping compound?

Answer: a. 5000 Psi b. 7000 Psi c.(More than specimen strength)

Q3. What should be the average thickness of capping?

Answer: a.( 6 mm ) b. 8 mm c. 3 mm

Q4. What is minimum plainness allowed for specimen surface?

Answer: a. (0.03 mm) b. 0.05 mm c. 0.07 mm

Q5. What gas is produced while capping compound is heated?

Answer: a.(Hydrogen Sulphide ) b. Helium c. HO2

ASTM 1883 CBR

Q1. What should be the minimum travel rate of loading machine?

Answer: A. (1.27 mm / min) B. 1.15 mm / min C. 2.0 mm / min

Q2. Please specify disk diameter & thickness used for CBR Mould?
Answer: (Diameter = 150.8 & Thickness 61.37 +- 0.127 mm)

Q3. Please specify the penetration piston diameter & length?

Answer: Diameter 49.63 + 0.13 mm, Length = 3"

ASTM D 2922
Field density test using Nuclear Density.

Q1. Briefly explain how to perform density test using Nuclear Gauge?

Answer: In this test, an electronic counting instrument, capable of measuring wet density of material is
used for density test. Standardize the gauge, select the test location away (min 10'') from structure, remove

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any loose material, plane & scrape the surface to obtain smooth level. Drilled hole using drilled pin
maximum 2'' more than the testing depth. Place machine & insert probe rod into the hole making sure not
to disturb hole. Take reading, wet density, moisture content & percent compaction.

ASTM D 2487
Classification of Soil

Q1. Classify the soil of 50% or more passing sieve # 200

Answer: a.(Fined grained soil) b. Course grained soil

ASTM C 143
SLUMP & TEMPRATURE

Q1. Briefly explain how to perform slump test of fresh concrete in the field?

Answer: Check the air temperature and record, maximum allowable air temp is 50 oC, place the
thermometer in concrete for minimum 2 minutes and record the temperature of fresh concrete. Maximum
allowable temperature is 32 oC. Check the revolution counter of mixer and record, no of counter depend
upon plant distance. Select or prepare leveled surface non absorbent for slump plate. Fill the slump cone
with concrete in three layer and strike 25 blows each layer. Hight of 1st layer 60 mm, 2nd 100 mm & 3rd
layer 140 mm. Remove slump vertically & carefully in 5+2 sec. Keep in mind that the whole procedure
complete within 2-1/2 minute.

Q1.What is the diameter of temping Rod and slump cone?

Answer: Slump Cone bottom dia 8’’, top dia = 4’’, length = 12'', & Rod length = 24'' Diameter= 5/8"

ASTM C 31

Making & Curing cylinder in the field

Q1. Briefly explain how to make concrete cylinder specimen in the field?
Answer:
Place Mold on level, rigid surface free from vibration. Place the concrete in the mould in three layers
approximately of equal volumn.Each layer have to receive 25 blows. After Roding all layers, tap the
outside of mold lightly 10 to 15 times with mallet, to remove any air left in fresh concrete. Spade the
mold with trowel to get smooth clear surface.

Q2. Specify molding requirements by Roding for cylinders?

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Answer: Diameter mm No Layer No of Roding
4''(100) 2 25
6''(150) 3 25
9''(225) 4 50

Q3. How to cure freshly molded cylinder in field?

Answer:
In order to prevent moisture loss the concrete cylinder must be cured in temperature between 16-27 0C.
For initial curing, for concrete above 6000 psi, the curing temperature should be 20 to260C. To create
satisfactory temperature environment, the specimen can be covered by following manner.
1. Immerse molded specimen with plastic lids in water saturated with calcium hydroxide.
2. Store in proper constructed wooden box or structure.
3. Place in damp sand pit or plastic bags.
4. Cover with non absorbent plastic sheet or wet burlap and prevent wet burlap to cause any damage
to the fresh concrete surface.

Q4. When can specimen should be transported to Lab after final setting?

Answer: a. 6 hrs b. ( 8 hrs ) c. 10 hrs

Q5. What is the maximum allowed time for transported specimen to lab?

Answer: a. 2 hrs b.( 4 hrs ) c. 6 hrs

ASTM C 127 / 128

Specific Gravity & Absorption

Q1. What is the maximum time of immersion of aggregate in water?

Answer: a. 12+ hrs b. ( 24 hrs ) c. 36+ hrs

Q2. What sieve no. retained is used for aggregate course?

Answer: a. # 8 b (# 4) c # 16

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 ASTM C 88
SOUNDNESS

Q1. Briefly explain how to conduct soundness test?

Answer:
Prepare wash sample & make fraction as per original grading & dry sample in the oven @ 110 + 50C
to obtain constant wt. Prepare MgSO4 solution by dissolving USP Salt in water maintaining water
temperature @ 25 to 300C & cool at 21+ 0C. The solution must be ready to use before 48 hrs. The
solution specific gravity must be in below 1.295 to 1.308(fully saturated)

Q2. What is the minimum weight of sample for each size & specify washing sieve size.

mm Sieve Min Weight Washing Sieve

37.0-19.0 1 1/2'' ~3/4 1500 + 50 g 5/8 ‘‘ ( 16.0 mm)
19.0-9.5 3/4 ~ 3/8 1000 + 15 g 5/16'' ( 8.0 mm )
9.5-4.7 3/8 ~ # 4 300 + 5 g No.5 (4.0 mm )

 For fine aggregate same sieve size used on which the retained is taken.

Q3. What is the maximum time for immerse the sample in solution.
Answer: a. (16+ 1 hrs) b. 17+ 1 hrs c. 18+ 1 hrs

Q4. How many cycles are required for Soundness test?

Answer: A. 5 Cycle B. (10 Cycle) C. 8 Cycle

Q5. What is the temperature of Bacl2 solution?

Answer: A. 40+ 60C B. (43+ 60C) C. 50+ 60C

Prepare solution of Barium Chloride as: Bacl2 in 100 ml water mixing.

ASTM C 131
Los Angles

Q1. Please explain the class, minimum weight required & number of steel spheres used in Los Angles
Machine?

Grading No. of spheres Wt .of Spheres Wt of Sample

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 A 12 5000 + 25 g 5000 + 25 g
B 11 4584 + 25 g 5000 + 25 g
C 8 3330 + 20 g 5000 + 25 g
D 6 2500 + 15 g 5000 + 25 g

Q2. What is the mass / diameter of steel balls used in Los Angles.
Answer:
1. Steel Sphere should have min diameter 46.8 mm & mass between 390 ~ 445 g.
2. The rotation speed shall be 30 ~ 33 rotations / min, pass the material in sieve # 12 after
completing 500 rotations.
3. Loss = wt of original sample - wt. retain # 12 sieve X 100
Wt of original sample

ASTM C 535 (Los Angeles test)

1. As per ASTM C 535 there are 3 grades in Los Angles test 12 sphere used & the minimum sample
weight required 10,000 grams.

ASTM C 172
Sampling of Fresh Concrete

The elapsed time shall not exceed 15 min between 1st & final portion of composite sample.

Start slump & temperature within 5 min after obtain final portion of sample.

Start making cylinder within 15 min after fabricating final composite sample.

Minimum sample required 1 ft3 for slump temperature & Air content.

Do not take sample before 10 % discharge & after 90% discharge of the mixer.

After collection composite sample wet sieve is required to remove over size aggregate.

ASTM C 231

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 Air Content

1. The bowl is filled using scoop in 3 layers & each layer shall be strike with rod for 25 times, after
each layer. Rod taps the side of bowl 10 to 15 times with mallet as per ASTM C 231.

ASTM C 511
Curing Concrete in Lab

1. Water temperature shall be maintained of the tank 23+ 2 0C for curing current specimen.

ASTM C 702

Reducing sample of Aggregate / Soil

1. There are 3 methods for reducing sample method.

A. Mechanical splitting B. Quarters Method C. Maintain Stock Piling Sampling

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