iy Designation: D 3744 - 97
Standard Test Method for
Aggregate Durability Index’
“This standard is ssuod under the Gxel designation D 3744; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
orginal adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of las revision. A number in parentheses indicas the year of st eapproval. A
superscript epsilon (0) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or eapproval
1. Scope
1.1 This test_ method covers the determination of a
durability index of an aggregate. The calculated durability
index is a value indicating the relative resistance of an
aggregate to production of detrimental clay-like fines when
subjected to the prescribed mechanical methods of degrada-
tion.
1.2 Units of Measure:
1.2.1 With regard to sieve sizes and size of aggregate as
determined by the use of testing sieves, the values in
inch-pound units are shown for the convenience of the user,
but the standard sieve designation shown in parentheses is
the standard value as stated in Specification E 11.
1.22 With regard to other units of measure, the values
shown in parentheses are for information purposes.
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 appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C 136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
Aggregates?
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates?
2419 Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Soils
and Fine Aggregate?
14753 Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Speci-
fying Balances and Scales for Use in Testing Soil, Rock,
and Related Construction Materials*
E Il Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing
Purposes*
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 This test method was developed to permit prequali-
fication of aggregates proposed for use in the construction of
‘transportation facilities. Basically, the test establishes an
aggregate’s resistance to generating fines when agitated in the
presence of water. Separate and different test procedures are
"This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committe D-4 on Road
‘and Paving Material and i the direct esponsibility of Subcommittee DOA St on
Agente Tests.
‘Current edition approved July 10, 1997. Published February 1998. Originally
published as D3744"79, Last previous edition D 3744 94,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
2 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.03
4 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vo 14.02.
> Arma Book of ASTM Standards: Vol 04.08.
used to evaluate the coarse and the fine portions of a
material.
3.2_A sample of coarse aggregate is prepared to a specific
grading and then washed in a mechanical washing vessel for
a 2-min agitation time. After discarding the minus No. 4
(4.75-mm) material, dry the washed test sample.
3.3. The coarse aggregate test sample is then agitated in the
mechanical washing vessel for a period of 10 min. A
representative portion of the resulting wash water and minus
‘No. 200 (75-1m) size fines is collected and mixed with a
stock calcium chloride solution and placed in a plastic
cylinder. Aer a 20-min sedimentation time, the level of the
sediment column is read. The height of the sediment value is
then used to calculate the durability index of the coarse
aggregate (D,).
3.4 The fine aggregate sample is prepared by washing a
specific quantity of the material in the mechanical washing
vessel for a 2-min agitation period. All minus No. 200
(75-nm) size material is washed from the sample through a
No. 200 (75-um) sieve and discarded. The plus No. 200
(75m) fraction is dried.
3.5 The fine aggregate test sample is tested by the Stan-
dard Sand Equivalent Test Method (Test Method D 2419)
except for modifications to the test sample preparation and
duration of the shaking time. The mechanical shaker method
is required. A shaking time of 10 min instead of 45 s is used.
3.6 This test method includes procedures for testing
aggregates exhibiting a wide range in specific gravity, in-
cluding lightweight and porous coarse aggregates, and’also
procedures for testing small maximum size aggregate which
is too fine to test as a coarse aggregate and too coarse to
consider as a fine aggregate, such as a pea gravel or a very
coarse sand.
3.7 The durability index for coarse aggregate (D,) or for
fine aggregate (D)) is calculated, as applicable, by appropriate
equations presented in the method. The durability index of a
well-graded aggregate containing both coarse and fine frac-
tions is defined as the lowest of the two values, D. or Dg
obtained by the test. This value should be the controlling
value for specification purposes.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test assigns an empirical value to the relative
amount, fineness, and character of clay-like material that
‘may be gencrated in an aggregate when subjected to mechan-
ical degradation.
4.2 The procedure has been used in limited geographical
areas of the United States and the results have been
correlated with aggregate performance in various construc-
tion applications, including: aggregate base, permeable mate-yan
meh,
y= GASKET (see Note 1)
POT (ste Note 2),
—— Trunk Clomps (see Note 3)
StEqivaent
® co oy co ® mn
orm 221 7 7987 a oa
8% 201 3% 889 Ye 18
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7 2008 *% 190 wm 040
12h 1992
Nore 1—Tho gasket shal be Ye in. neoprene rubber, having an inside ameter of7 Hr Youn. and an outst amet of 8 Youn.
[Nore 2—The pt shal be afl botiom,straight-sided, ofindrical vessel wit a capacty of approximately 2 gal. The top edge shal be flared outward to frm a sot for
‘te gasket and i.
‘Nore 9-—TIree trunk camps are required and sal be place at one-third intervals The camps shal be attached to the pot by tvets oF welds so thatthe pot remains
‘water When fited wath the Yew. gasket and Gamped in place, the Ki shal form a waterbght seal with the fared edge of th pot.
[Nore 4—The vessal shal be 20-gage staniss sta, uress otherwise noted. All Gerensions sh be win i i, unless otherwise noted.
Fg. 1
rial for backfill, fine concrete aggregate, and riprap for rock
slope protection.>*
4.3 A minimum durability index may be specified to
prohibit the use of an aggregate in various construction
applications that is prone to degradation, resulting in gener-
ation of clay-like fines.
4.4 This test method provides a rapid test for evaluation
of the quality of a new aggregate source. Research has
indicated it may also be suitable for use instead of the
sodium sulfate soundness test for evaluating the durability
characteristics of fine aggregate for use in portland-cement
concrete, thereby reducing the need for time-consuming and
expensive soundness tests.*
Hamilton, RD, Smith, RE, and Sherman, G. B., “Faction Inuencing the
Durability of Agrezates,” Research Report 633476, State of California, Division
of Highways, Matera and Research Department, June 197L
7 Hveem,F-N,, and Smith, TN, “Durblity of Aggregates” Reearch Report,
State of California, Division of Highways, Materials and Rescarch Department,
Janvary 1964.
315
Mechanical Washing Vessel
4.5 Although the application of this method has been
limited to aggregates for specific construction uses, the
possibility exists for expanding the application of this
method to control the quality of aggregates used in other
areas of construction, such as aggregates for use in bitumi-
nous paving mixtures, coarse aggregate for use in portland-
‘cement concrete, and aggregate for use as railroad ballast.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Mechanical Washing Vessel (Pot)—A flat-bottomed,
straight-sided cylindrical vessel conforming to the specifica.
tions and dimensions shown in Fig. 1.
5.2 Collection Pan—A round pan (at least 9 in. (229 mm)
in diameter and approximately 4 in. (102 mm) deep),
suitable to collect the wash water from the washed sample.
‘The pan shall have vertical or nearly vertical sides and shall
be equipped as necessary to hold the wire mesh of an 8-in.
(203-mm) diameter sieve at least 3 in. (76.2 mm) above the
bottom. An adaptor that will not allow loss of fines or wash®
D3744
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UIST OF WATERTAL
FIG. 2. Modification of
‘water may be used to nest the sieve with the container, or the
sieve may be nested with a blank sieve frame resting in the
bottom of the pan.
5.3 Agitator—A mechanical device designed to hold the
wash vessel in an upright position while subjecting it to a
lateral reciprocating motion at a rate of 285 + 10 complete
cycles per minute. The reciprocating motion shall be pro-
duced by means of an eccentric in the base of the carrier and
the length of the stroke shall be 1.75 + 0.025 in. (44.5 + 0.6
mm). The clearance between the cam and follower of the
eccentric shall be 0.001 to 0.004 in. (0.25 to 1.02 mm).
Figure 2 shows a Tyler portable sieve shaker modified to
‘meet these requirements.
5.4 All equipment required to perform the Test for Sand
Equivalent Value of Soils and Fine Aggregate (Test Method
1D 2419).
5.5 Sieves—The sieves shall conform to Specification
Ell.
5.6 Balance—A balance having a minimum capacity of
500 g and meeting the requirements of Specification D 4753,
Class GPS.
6. Reagents and Materials
6.1 Calcium Chloride Solutions—Stock and working cal-
cium chloride solutions as specified in the Reagents and
‘Materials section of Test Method D 2419 are required.
6.2 Water—Distilled or demineralized water will be
needed for the normal performance of this method. This is
‘Tyler Portable Sieve Shaker
necessary because the test results may be affected by certain
minerals dissolved in water. However, ifit is determined that
local tap water is of such purity that it does not affect the test
results, it is permissible to use it except when otherwise
specified in the procedure in place of distilled or
demineralized water. For referee purposes, distilled or
demineralized water shall be used for all steps in the test.
7. Temperature Control
7.1 This test may be normally performed without strict
temperature control; however, for referee purposes, retest the
material with the temperature of the distilled or
demineralized water and the working calcium chloride
solution at 72 + 5°F (22 + 3C).
8. Sampling
8.1 Obtain samples of the aggregate to be tested in
accordance with Practice D 75.
9. Initial Sample Preparation
9.1 Dry aggregate samples sufficiently to permit a com-
plete separation on the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve and to develop
a free-flowing condition in the portion passing the sieve.
Drying may be performed by any means that does not heat
‘the aggregate in excess of 140°F (60°C) or cause degradation
of the particles. The use of sunlight, ovens, or forced drafts of
warm air are the most common drying methods.
9.2 If the sample contains an appreciable amount of clay,
‘turn the aggregate frequently during the drying process to
3164) 3744
obtain even drying throughout and prevent the formation of
hard clay lumps.
9.3 Break up any hard clods and remove coatings of fines
from the coarse aggregate particles by any means that will
‘not appreciably reduce the natural individual particle sizes.
9.4 Determine the sample grading by sieving in accor-
dance with Test Method C 136 on the %, ¥s, Yein, and Nos.
4, 8, and 16 (19.0, 12.5, 9.5, 4.75, 2.36, and 1.18-mm) sieves.
Discard any material that is retained on the ¥4-in. (19.0-mm)
sieve.
‘9.5 Determine the test procedures to be used for estab-
lishing the durability index of the aggregate based upon the
grading of the aggregate as determined in 9.4.
9.5.1 If less than 10 % of the aggregate passes the No. 4
(4.75-mm) sieve, test coarse aggregate (Procedure A) only.
9.5.2 If less than 10 % of the aggregate is coarser than the
No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve, test fine aggregate (Procedure B)
only.
9.5.3 When both coarse and fine aggregate fractions are
cach present in quantities equal to or greater than 10 % and
if the percent passing the No. 16 (1.18-mm) sieve is greater
than 10 %, use both Procedures A and B on the appropriate
aggregate sizes. If the percent passing the No. 16 (1.18-mm)
sieve is less than or equal to 10%, use Procedure A or
Procedure C.
9.5.4 If most of the aggregate (75 to 80 %) is between the
hein, and No. 16 (9.5 and 1.18-mm) sieves, use Procedure C
only.
PROCEDURE A—COARSE AGGREGATE
10. Test Sample Preparation
10.1 Prepare a 2550 25-g (air-dry) preliminary test
sample using the grading given below:
Aeweeae Size Air Dry Mass, g
%to Yin. (190 1 125 mm) 1070 + 10
Vato % in. (125 10 9.5 mm) 57010
Yin. 0 No. 49.5 475 mm) 3105
BOB
For materials with less than 10 % in any of the size fractions
given in 10.1, prepare the test sample using the actual
percentage for the deficient fraction and proportionally
increase the mass of the remaining fractions to obtain the
2550 test sample. Two examples follow.
‘Example I—Les than 10 % in ¥10 sin. (19.0 125 mm) fraction
hey
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ona 4oswarsam ww e013) gy
worerswrsam — 6 MAE=I) eyes
Toas is mora
mole 2—Le ta 109 in to faci
sey
peortsSce Pout cation Many
Yonninow naam 4 omx20 iso
Goninasmscam 9 Gerxim Isto
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Totals ‘10 Bors
377
10.2. Place the preliminary test sample in the mechanical
‘washing vessel, add 1000 + 5 ml of distilled or demineralized
water, clamp the vessel lid in place, and secure the vessel in
the sieve shaker.
10.3 Because of the low specific gravity or high absorption
rate, or both, of some aggregates, the proportions of aggre-
gale to water may not permit the intended interparticle
abrasion. Testing of these materials will require adjustment
of the test specimen mass or volume of both wash and test
water, or both.
10.3.1 Wash all materials that are not completely inun-
dated when 1000 ml of water are added to the test sample
and test with adjusted sample masses and water volumes.
10.3.2 Determine the bulk, oven-dry specific gravity, and
percentage of absorption of the aggregate in accordance with
Test Method C 127.
10.3.3 Adjust the total mass of the test sample using the
following equation:
specific gravity of aggregate
2.65
‘Adjust the mass of material in each size fraction proportion-
ally to the masses specified in 10.1.
10.3.4 Adjust the volume of test water using the following
equation:
Adjusted water = 1000 + (A x WY) — 50
Adjusted sample mass, g = x ()
2
where:
A = absorption of aggregate, %, and
W = mass of oven-dryed test sample, g.
10.4 Begin agitation after a time of 60 + 10 s has elapsed
from the introduction of the wash water. Agitate the vessel in
the sieve shaker for 120 + 5s.
10.5 After the 2-min agitation time is completed, remove
the vessel from the shaker, unclamp the lid and pour the
contents onto a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve. Rinse any remaining
fines from the vessel onto the sieve and direct water (from a
flexible hose attached to a faucet) onto the aggregate until the
water passing through the sieve comes out clear.
10.6 Dry the fraction retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm)
sieve to constant mass at a temperature of 230 + 9°F (110
5°C) and weigh. If the loss in mass due to washing in
accordance with 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, and 10.5 is equal to or less
than 75 g, a test sample suitable for further testing has been
prepared and the procedures in 10.7 through 10.12 should be
‘omitted. If the loss in mass exceeds 75 g, the preliminary test
sample can be retained and used if a second sample is
washed by the same procedure and the two samples are
combined according to the specified masses to provide the
desired test sample.
10.7 Determine the grading to be used in preparing the
preliminary test sample as follows:
10.7.1 Ifeach of the aggregate sizes listed in the following
table represents 10% or more of the Yin. to No. 4
(19.0-mm to 4.75-mm) portion, as determined from the
‘masses recorded in 9.4, use the oven-dry masses of material
specified below for preparing the pretiminary test sample.
Anwreeste Sze Oven-Dry Mas,
Y%eto Yin. (190 0 125 mm) 1030 + 10
Yst0 9 in (125 1 95 mm) 5505 10
Win. Wo No. 49.5 to 4.75 mm) 500+ 5
0235Gh 03744
10.8 Prepare a 2500-g preliminary test sample using the
prescribed grading. Dry the test sample to constant mass at a
temperature of 230 + 9°F (110 + 5°C).
10.9 Mechanically wash the preliminary sample in the
same manner as prescribed in 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, and 10.5.
10.10 Repeat 10.8 and 10.9, if necessary, to obtain
sufficient material to yield a washed test sample of 2500 + 25
g and contain each size fraction in the quantity specified in
10.7.1
10.11 After allowing the oven-dried material to cool,
separate the washed coarse aggregate on the “4, %-in., and
No. 4 (12.5, 9.5, and 4.75-mm) sieves. Discard the material
passing the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
10.12 Prepare the washed test sample using the masses
specified in 10.7.1 from representative portions of each size
of washed material. Occasionally it may be necessary to wash
a third preliminary test sample to obtain the required mass of
material of a specific size.
11, Procedure for Coarse Aggregate
11.1 Place the plastic cylinder (sand equivalent test cyl
inder as required in Test Method D 2419) on a work table
which will not be subjected to vibrations during the perfor-
mance of the sedimentation phase of the test. Pour 0.24 oz (7
ml) of the stock calcium chloride solution into the cylinder.
Place a Nos. 4 and 200 (4.75-mm and 75-m) sieve on the
pan or vessel provided to collect the wash water with the No.
4 sieve on top. The No. 4 sieve serves only to protect the No.
200 sieve.
11.2 Place the washed test sample (as prepared in Section
10) in the mechanical washing vessel. Then add the amount
of distilled or demineralized water as determined in 10.3,
clamp the lid in place, and secure the vessel in the sieve
shaker. Begin agitation after a period of 60 s has elapsed from
the introduction in the wash water. Agitate the vessel for 600
z15s
11.3. Immediately following the agitation period, take the
vessel from the sieve shaker and remove the lid. Agitate the
contents of the vessel by moving the upright vessel vigor-
ously in a horizontal circular motion five or six times in
order to bring the fines into suspension. Immediately pour
the contents of the vessel into the nested Nos. 4 and 200
(4.75-mm and 75-um) sieves placed in the pan provided to
collect the wash water. Discard the material retained on the
No, 4 (4.75-mm) sieve. Collect all wash water and passing
‘No. 200 (75-um) material in the collecting pan. To assure
‘that all material finer than No. 200 (75-ym) sieve is washed
through the sieve, take the following steps:
11.3.1 As the wash water is draining through the No. 200
(75-um) sieve, apply a jarring action to the sieve by lightly
bumping the side of the sieve frame with the heel of the
hand.
11.3.2 When a concentration of the material is retained
con the No. 200 (75-m) sieve, rerinse the fine material by
pouring the wash water through the sieve again. To rerinse
the material:
11.321 Allow the wash water to stand undisturbed in the
collection pan for a few moments to permit the heavier
particles to settle to the bottom,
11.322 Pour the upper portion of the wash water into
another container.
318
11,3.2.3 Pour the wash water back through the No. 200
(75m) sieve and again collect all wash water and passing
‘No. 200 (75-m) material in the collection pan.
11.3.2.4 Repeat the rinsing procedure as necessary until
all of the minus No. 200 (75-1m) material has been washed
through the sieve,
114 Add distilled or demineralized water to bring the
volume of dirty wash water to 1000 + 5 ml. ‘Then transfer
the wash water to a vessel suitable for stirring and pouring.
11.5 Place a funnel in the graduated plastic cylinder. Stir
the wash water by hand to bring the fines into suspension.
While the water is still turbulent, pour enough of the wash
‘water into the cylinder to bring the level of the liquid to the
15-in. (380-mm) mark.
11.6 Remove the funnel, place the stopper in the end of
the cylinder, and prepare to mix the contents immediately.
11,7 Mix the contents of the cylinder by alternately
turning the cylinder upside down and right side up, allowing
the bubble to completely traverse the length of the cylinder
20 times in approximately 35 s.
118 At the completion of the mixing process, place the
cylinder on the work table and remove the stopper. Allow
the cylinder to stand undisturbed for 1200 + 15s. Then
immediately read and record the height of the sediment
column to the nearest 0.1 in. (2.5 mm),
Nove 1—There are two unusual conditions that may be encountered
in this phase of the test procedure. Onc is that a clearly defined line of
‘demarcation may not form between the sediment and the liquid above it
in the specified 20-min period. I this should occur in a test in which
disilled or demineralized water is used, allow the cylinder to stand
undisturbed until the clear demarcation line does form; then immedi-
ately read and record the height ofthe column of sediment and the total
sedimentation time. If this should occur in a test in which tap water is
used, discontinue the test and retest using an untested portion of the
sample with distilled or demineralized water. The second unusual
‘condition is that the liquid immediately above the line of demarcation
‘may sill be darkly clouded at the end of 20 min, and the demarcation
line, although distinct, may appear to be in the sediment column itself.
[As forthe fist case, if tap water was usod, rerun the test using a new
sample with distilled or demineralized water, otherwise read and record
this line of demarcation a the end ofthe specified 20-min sedimentation
period as usual.
PROCEDURE B—FINE AGGREGATE.
12, Test Sample Preparation
12.1 Split or quarter a representative portion from the
material passing the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve of sufficient mass
to obtain an oven-