4.1 Specifications for aggregates require obtaining representative portions of the supply material for testing. Other factors being equal, larger samples will tend to be more representative of the total supply. This practice provides procedures for reducing the large sample obtained in the field, or produced in the laboratory, to a convenient size for conducting a number of descriptive and quality tests. Failure to carefully follow the procedures in this practice could result in providing a non-representative sample to be used in subsequent testing. The individual test methods provide for minimum amount of material to be tested.

4.2 Under certain circumstances, reduction in size of the large sample prior to testing is not recommended. Substantial differences between the selected test samples sometimes cannot be avoided, for example, in the case of an aggregate having relatively few large size particles in the sample. The laws of chance dictate that these few particles may be unequally distributed among the reduced size test samples. Similarly, if the test sample is being examined for certain contaminants occurring in only small percentages, caution should be used in interpreting results from the reduced size test sample. Chance inclusion or exclusion of only one or two particles in the selected test sample may importantly influence interpretation of the characteristics of the original sample. In these cases, the entire original sample should be tested.

1.1 This practice covers three methods for the reduction of large samples of aggregate to the appropriate size for testing. These techniques are intended to minimize variations in measured characteristics between the test samples selected and the large sample.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

Note 1: Sieve size is identified by its standard designation in Specification E11. The alternative designation given in parentheses is for information only and does not represent a different standard sieve size.

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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.