Material finer than the 75-μm (No. 200) sieve can be separated from larger particles much more efficiently and completely by wet sieving than through the use of dry sieving. Therefore, when accurate determinations of material finer than 75 μm in fine or coarse aggregate are desired, this test method is used on the sample prior to dry sieving in accordance with Test Method C 136. The results of this test method are included in the calculation in Test Method C 136, and the total amount of material finer than 75 μm by washing, plus that obtained by dry sieving the same sample, is reported with the results of Test Method C 136. Usually, the additional amount of material finer than 75 μm obtained in the dry sieving process is a small amount. If it is large, the efficiency of the washing operation should be checked. It could also be an indication of degradation of the aggregate.

Plain water is adequate to separate the material finer than 75 μm from the coarser material with most aggregates. In some cases, the finer material is adhering to the larger particles, such as some clay coatings and coatings on aggregates that have been extracted from bituminous mixtures. In these cases, the fine material will be separated more readily with a wetting agent in the water.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the amount of material finer than a 75-μm (No. 200) sieve in aggregate by washing. Clay particles and other aggregate particles that are dispersed by the wash water, as well as water-soluble materials, will be removed from the aggregate during the test.

1.2 Two procedures are included, one using only water for the washing operation, and the other including a wetting agent to assist the loosening of the material finer than the 75-μm (No. 200) sieve from the coarser material. Unless otherwise specified, Procedure A (water only) shall be used.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.4 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.