Designation: C 88 – 99

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Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM

Standard Test Method for

Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or
Magnesium Sulfate1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 88; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope E 100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers5

1.1 This test method covers the testing of aggregates to E 323 Specification for Perforated-Plate Sieves for Testing
estimate their soundness when subjected to weathering action Purposes4
in concrete or other applications. This is accomplished by 3. Significance and Use
repeated immersion in saturated solutions of sodium or mag-
nesium sulfate followed by oven drying to partially or com- 3.1 This test method provides a procedure for making a
pletely dehydrate the salt precipitated in permeable pore preliminary estimate of the soundness of aggregates for use in
spaces. The internal expansive force, derived from the rehy- concrete and other purposes. The values obtained may be
dration of the salt upon re-immersion, simulates the expansion compared with specifications, for example Specification C 33,
of water on freezing. This test method furnishes information that are designed to indicate the suitability of aggregate
helpful in judging the soundness of aggregates when adequate proposed for use. Since the precision of this test method is poor
information is not available from service records of the (Section 12), it may not be suitable for outright rejection of
material exposed to actual weathering conditions. aggregates without confirmation from other tests more closely
1.2 The values given in parentheses are provided for infor- related to the specific service intended.
mation purposes only. 3.2 Values for the permitted-loss percentage by this test
1.3 This standard does not purport to address the safety method are usually different for fine and coarse aggregates, and
problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the attention is called to the fact that test results by use of the two
user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health salts differ considerably and care must be exercised in fixing
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita- proper limits in any specifications that include requirements for
tions prior to use. these tests. The test is usually more severe when magnesium
sulfate is used; accordingly, limits for percent loss allowed
2. Referenced Documents when magnesium sulfate is used are normally higher than
2.1 ASTM Standards: limits when sodium sulfate is used.
C 33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates2 NOTE 1—Refer to the appropriate sections in Specification C 33 estab-
C 136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse lishing conditions for acceptance of coarse and fine aggregates which fail
Aggregates2 to meet requirements based on this test.
C 670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
for Test Methods for Construction Materials2 4. Apparatus
C 702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to 4.1 Sieves—With square openings of the following sizes
Testing Size2 conforming to Specifications E 11 or E 323, for sieving the
D 75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates3 samples in accordance with Sections 6, 7, and 9:
D 3665 Practice for Random Sampling of Construction 150 µm (No. 100) 8.0 mm (5⁄16 in.)
9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.)
Materials3 300 µm (No. 50) 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.)
E 11 Specification for Wire Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur- 16.0 mm (5⁄8 in.)
poses4 600 µm (No. 30) 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.)
25.0 mm (1 in.)
1.18 mm (No. 16) 31.5 mm (11⁄4 in.)
1
2.36 mm (No. 8) 37.5 mm (11⁄2 in.)
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-9 on Concrete 50 mm (2 in.)
and Concrete Aggregatesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.20on 4.00 mm (No. 5) 63 mm (21⁄2 in.)
Normal Weight Aggregates. larger sizes by
Current edition approved Jan. 10, 1999. Published May 1999. Originally 4.75 mm (No. 4) 12.5-mm (1⁄2-in.)
published as C 88 – 31 T. Last previous edition C 88 – 98.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
3
Annual Book of ATSM Standards, Vol 04.03.
4 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03.

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 C 88
spread keep the solution covered at all times when access is not
needed. Allow the solution to cool to 70 6 2°F (21 6 1°C).
4.2 Containers—Containers for immersing the samples of
Again stir, and allow the solution to remain at the designated
aggregate in the solution, in accordance with the procedure
temperature for at least 48 h before use. Prior to each use, break
described in this test method, shall be perforated in such a
up the salt cake, if any, in the container, stir the solution
manner as to permit free access of the solution to the sample
thoroughly, and determine the specific gravity of the solution.
and drainage of the solution from the sample without loss of
When used, the solution shall have a specific gravity not less
aggregate.
than 1.151 nor more than 1.174. Discard a discolored solution,
NOTE 2—Baskets made of suitable wire mesh or sieves with suitable or filter it and check for specific gravity.
openings are satisfactory containers for the samples.
NOTE 4—For the solution, 215 g of anhydrous salt or 700 g of the
4.3 Temperature Regulation—Suitable means for regulating decahydrate per litre of water are sufficient for saturation at 71.6°F (22°C).
the temperature of the samples during immersion in the sodium However, since these salts are not completely stable and since it is
sulfate or magnesium sulfate solution shall be provided. desirable that an excess of crystals be present, the use of not less than 350
4.4 Balances—For fine aggregate, a balance or scale accu- g of the anhydrous salt or 750 g of the decahydrate salt per litre of water
rate within 0.1 g over the range required for this test; for coarse is recommended.
aggregate, a balance or scale accurate within 0.1 % or 1 g, 5.1.2 Magnesium Sulfate Solution—Prepare a saturated so-
whichever is greater, over the range required for this test. lution of magnesium sulfate by dissolving a USP or equal
4.5 Drying Oven—The oven shall be capable of being grade of the salt in water at a temperature of 77 to 86°F (25 to
heated continuously at 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C) and the rate of 30°C). Add sufficient salt (Note 5), of either the anhydrous
evaporation, at this range of temperature, shall be at least 25 (MgSO4) or the crystalline (MgSO4·7H2O) (Epsom salt) form,
g/h for 4 h, during which period the doors of the oven shall be to ensure saturation and the presence of excess crystals when
kept closed. This rate shall be determined by the loss of water the solution is ready for use in the tests. Thoroughly stir the
from 1-L Griffin low-form beakers, each initially containing mixture during the addition of the salt and stir the solution at
500 g of water at a temperature of 70 6 3°F (21 6 2°C), placed frequent intervals until used. To reduce evaporation and
at each corner and the center of each shelf of the oven. The prevent contamination, keep the solution covered at all times
evaporation requirement is to apply to all test locations when when access is not needed. Allow the solution to cool to 70 6
the oven is empty except for the beakers of water. 2°F (21 6 1°C). Again stir, and allow the solution to remain at
4.6 Specific Gravity Measurement—Hydrometers conform- the designated temperature for at least 48 h before use. Prior to
ing to the requirements of Specification E 100, or a suitable each use, break up the salt cake, if any, in the container, stir the
combination of graduated glassware and balance, capable of solution thoroughly, and determine the specific gravity of the
measuring the solution specific gravity within 60.001. solution. When used, the solution shall have a specific gravity
not less than 1.295 nor more than 1.308. Discard a discolored
5. Special Solutions Required solution, or filter it and check for specific gravity.
5.1 Prepare the solution for immersion of test samples from
NOTE 5—For the solution, 350 g of anhydrous salt or 1230 g of the
either sodium or magnesium sulfate in accordance with 5.1.1 or heptahydrate per litre of water are sufficient for saturation at 73.4°F
5.1.2 (Note 3). The volume of the solution shall be at least five (23°C). However, since these salts are not completely stable, with the
times the solid volume of all samples immersed at any one hydrous salt being the more stable of the two, and since it is desirable that
time. an excess of crystals be present, it is recommended that the heptahydrate
salt be used and in an amount of not less than 1400 g/litre of water.
NOTE 3—Some aggregates containing carbonates of calcium or mag-
nesium are attacked chemically by fresh sulfate solution, resulting in 5.1.3 Barium Chloride Solution—Prepare 100 mL of 5 %
erroneously high measured losses. If this condition is encountered or is barium chloride solution by dissolving 5 g of BaCl2 in 100 mL
suspected, repeat the test using a filtered solution that has been used of distilled water.
previously to test the same type of carbonate rock, provided that the
solution meets the requirements of 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 for specific gravity. 6. Samples
5.1.1 Sodium Sulfate Solution—Prepare a saturated solution 6.1 The sample shall be obtained in general accordance with
of sodium sulfate by dissolving a USP or equal grade of the salt Practice D 75 and reduced to test portion size in accordance
in water at a temperature of 77 to 86°F (25 to 30°C). Add with Practice C 702.
sufficient salt (Note 4), of either the anhydrous (Na2SO4) or the 6.2 Fine Aggregate—Fine aggregate for the test shall be
crystalline (Na2SO4·10H2O) form,6 to ensure not only satura- passed through a 9.5-mm (3⁄8-in.) sieve. The sample shall be of
tion but also the presence of excess crystals when the solution such size that it will yield not less than 100 g of each of the
is ready for use in the tests. Thoroughly stir the mixture during following sizes, which shall be available in amounts of 5 % or
the addition of the salt and stir the solution at frequent intervals more, expressed in terms of the following sieves:
until used. To reduce evaporation and prevent contamination, Passing Sieve Retained on Sieve

600 µm (No. 30) 300 µm (No. 50)

6
1.18 mm (No. 16) 600 µm (No. 30)
Experience with the test method indicates that a grade of sodium sulfate desig- 2.36 mm (No. 8) 1.18 mm (No. 16)
nated by the trade as dried powder, which may be considered as approximately 4.75 mm (No. 4) 2.36 mm (No. 8)
anhydrous, is the most practical for use. That grade is more economically available 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) 4.75 mm (No. 4)
than the anhydrous form. The decahydrate sodium sulfate presents difficulties in
compounding the required solution on account of its cooling effect on the solution. 6.3 Coarse Aggregate—Coarse aggregate for the test shall

2
 C 88
consist of material from which the sizes finer than the No. 4 prevent the accidental addition of extraneous substances.
sieve have been removed. The sample shall be of such a size Maintain the samples immersed in the solution at a temperature
that it will yield the following amounts of the indicated sizes of 70 6 2°F (21 6 1°C) for the immersion period.
that are available in amounts of 5 % or more: NOTE 6—Suitably weighted wire grids placed over the sample in the
Size (Square-Opening Sieves) Weight, g containers will permit this coverage to be achieved with very lightweight
aggregates.
9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) to 4.75 mm (No. 4) 300 6 5
8.2 Drying Samples After Immersion—After the immersion
19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) to 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) 1000 6 10 period, remove the aggregate sample from the solution, permit
Consisting of:
12.5-mm (1⁄2-in.) to 9.5-mm (3⁄8-in.) material 330 6 5 it to drain for 15 6 5 min, and place in the drying oven. The
19.0-mm (3⁄4-in.) to 12.5-mm (1⁄2-in.) material 670 6 10 temperature of the oven shall have been brought previously to
37.5-mm (11⁄2-in.) to 19.0-mm (3⁄4 in.) 1500 6 50 230 6 9°F (1106 5°C). Dry the samples at the specified
Consisting of: temperature until constant weight has been achieved. Establish
25.0-mm (1-in.) to 19.0-mm (3⁄4-in.) material 500 6 30
37.5-mm (11⁄2-in.) to 25.0-mm (1-in.) material 1000 6 50
the time required to attain constant weight as follows: with the
oven containing the maximum sample load expected, check the
63-mm (21⁄2 in.) to 37.5-mm (11⁄2 in.) 5000 6 300
Consisting of: weight losses of test samples by removing and weighing them,
50-mm (2 in.) to 37.5-mm (11⁄2-in.) material 2000 6 200 without cooling, at intervals of 2 to 4 h; make enough checks
63-mm (21⁄2-in.) to 50-mm (2-in.) material 3000 6 300 to establish required drying time for the least favorable oven
Larger sizes by 25-mm (1-in.) spread in sieve size, each 7000 6 1000 location (see 4.5) and sample condition (Note 7). Constant
fraction
weight will be considered to have been achieved when weight
6.4 When an aggregate to be tested contains appreciable loss is less than 0.1 % of sample weight in 4 h of drying. After
amounts of both fine and coarse material, having a grading constant weight has been achieved, allow the samples to cool
with more than 10 weight % coarser than the 9.5-mm (3⁄8-in.) to room temperature, when they shall again be immersed in the
sieve and, also, more than 10 weight % finer than the 4.75-mm prepared solution as described in 8.1.
(No. 4) sieve, test separate samples of the minus No. 4 fraction NOTE 7—Drying time required to reach constant weight may vary
and the plus No. 4 fraction in accordance with the procedures considerably for several reasons. Efficiency of drying will be reduced as
for fine aggregate and coarse aggregate, respectively. Report cycles accumulate because of salt adhering to particles and, in some cases,
the results separately for the fine-aggregate fraction and the because of increase in surface area due to breakdown. The different size
coarse-aggregate fraction, giving the percentages of the coarse- fractions of aggregate will have differing drying rates. The smaller sizes
and fine-size fractions in the initial grading. will tend to dry more slowly because of their larger surface area and
restricted interparticle voids, but this tendency may be altered by the
7. Preparation of Test Sample effects of container size and shape.
7.1 Fine Aggregate—Thoroughly wash the sample of fine 8.3 Number of Cycles—Repeat the process of alternate
aggregate on a 300-µm (No. 50) sieve, dry to constant weight immersion and drying until the required number of cycles is
at 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C), and separate into the different sizes obtained.
by sieving, as follows: Make a rough separation of the graded 8.4 After the completion of the final cycle and after the
sample by means of a nest of the standard sieves specified in sample has cooled, wash the sample free from the sodium
6.2. From the fractions obtained in this manner, select samples sulfate or magnesium sulfate as determined by the reaction of
of sufficient size to yield 100 g after sieving to refusal. (In the wash water with barium chloride (BaCl2). Wash by
general, a 110-g sample will be sufficient.) Do not use fine circulating water at 110 6 10°F (436 6°C) through the
aggregate sticking in the meshes of the sieves in preparing the samples in their containers. This may be done by placing them
samples. Weigh samples consisting of 100 6 0.1 g out of each in a tank into which the hot water can be introduced near the
of the separated fractions after final sieving and place in bottom and allowed to overflow. In the washing operation, the
separate containers for the test. samples shall not be subjected to impact or abrasion that may
7.2 Coarse Aggregate—Thoroughly wash and dry the tend to break up particles.
sample of coarse aggregate to constant weight at 230 6 9°F NOTE 8—Tap water containing sulfates when used for the wash water
(110 6 5°C) and separate it into the different sizes shown in 6.3 will cloud when tested with the barium chloride solution. The cloudiness
by sieving to refusal. Weigh out quantities of the different sizes of a solution of tap water and the barium chloride solution should be
within the tolerances of 6.3 and, where the test portion consists judged so that tested wash water with the same degree of cloudiness can
of two sizes, combine them to the designated total weight. be assumed to be free of sulfates from the test.
Record the weights of the test samples and their fractional 9. Quantitative Examination
components. In the case of sizes larger than 19.0 mm (3⁄4in.),
record the number of particles in the test samples. 9.1 Make the quantitative examination as follows:
9.1.1 After the sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate has
8. Procedure been removed, dry each fraction of the sample to constant
8.1 Storage of Samples in Solution—Immerse the samples weight at 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C). Sieve the fine aggregate
in the prepared solution of sodium sulfate or magnesium over the same sieve on which it was retained before the test,
sulfate for not less than 16 h nor more than 18 h in such a and sieve the coarse aggregate over the sieve shown below for
manner that the solution covers them to a depth of at least 1⁄2in. the appropriate size of particle. For fine aggregate, the method
(Note 6). Cover the containers to reduce evaporation and and duration of sieving shall be the same as were used in

3
 C 88
preparing the test samples. For coarse aggregate, sieving shall Method C 136 from the percentage of loss for each fraction,
be by hand, with agitation sufficient only to assure that all based on the grading of the sample as received for examination
undersize material passes the designated sieve. No extra or, preferably, on the average grading of the material from that
manipulation shall be employed to break up particles or cause portion of the supply of which the sample is representative
them to pass the sieves. Weigh the material retained on each except that:
sieve and record each amount. The difference between each of 11.1.3.1 For fine aggregates (with less than 10 % coarser
these amounts and the initial weight of the fraction of the than the 9.5-mm (3⁄8-in.) sieve), assume sizes finer than the
sample tested is the loss in the test and is to be expressed as a 300-µm (No. 50) sieve to have 0 % loss and sizes coarser than
percentage of the initial weight for use in Table 1. the 9.5-mm (3⁄8-in.) sieve to have the same loss as the next
Sieve Used to smaller size for which test data are available.
Size of Aggregate Determine Loss 11.1.3.2 For coarse aggregate (with less than 10 % finer
63 mm (21⁄2 in.) to 37.5 mm (11⁄2 in.) 31.5 mm (11⁄4 in.)
than the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve), assume sizes finer than the
37.5 mm (11⁄2 in.) to 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) 16.0 mm (5⁄8 in.) 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve to have the same loss as the next larger
19 mm (3⁄4 in.) to 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) 8.0 mm (5⁄16 in.) size for which test data are available.
9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) to 4.75 mm (No. 4) 4.0 mm (No. 5)
11.1.3.3 For an aggregate containing appreciable amounts
10. Qualitative Examination of both fine and coarse material tested as two separate samples
10.1 Make a qualitative examination of test samples coarser as required in 6.4, compute the weighted average losses
than 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) as follows (Note 9): separately for the minus No. 4 and plus No. 4 fractions based
10.1.1 Separate the particles of each test sample into groups on recomputed gradings considering the fine fraction as 100 %
according to the action produced by the test (Note 9). and the coarse fraction as 100 %. Report the results separately
10.1.2 Record the number of particles showing each type of giving the percentage of the minus No. 4 and plus No. 4
distress. material in the initial grading.
11.1.3.4 For the purpose of calculating the weighted aver-
NOTE 9—Many types of action may be expected. In general, they may age, consider any sizes in 6.2 or 6.3 that contain less than 5 %
be classified as disintegration, splitting, crumbling, cracking, flaking, etc.
of the sample to have the same loss as the average of the next
While only particles larger than 3⁄4 in. in size are required to be examined
qualitatively, it is recommended that examination of the smaller sizes be smaller and the next larger size, or if one of these sizes is
made in order to determine whether there is any evidence of excessive absent, to have the same loss as the next larger or next smaller
splitting. size, whichever is present.
11.1.4 Report the weighted percentage loss to the nearest
11. Report whole number,
11.1 Report the following data (Note 10): 11.1.5 In the case of particles coarser than 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.)
11.1.1 Weight of each fraction of each sample before test, before test: (1) The number of particles in each fraction before
11.1.2 Material from each fraction of the sample finer than test, and (2) the number of particles affected, classified as to
the sieve designated in 9.1.1 for sieving after test, expressed as number disintegrating, splitting, crumbling, cracking, flaking,
a percentage of the original weight of the fraction, etc., as shown in Table 2, and
11.1.3 Weighted average calculated in accordance with Test 11.1.6 Kind of solution (sodium or magnesium sulfate) and

TABLE 1 Suggested Form for Recording Test Data (with Illustrative Test Values)
Percentage
Grading of Weight of Test
Passing Weighted
Sieve Size Original Sample, Fractions
Designated Percentage Loss
% Before Test, g
Sieve After Test
Soundness Test of Fine Aggregate
Minus 150 µm (No. 100) 6 ... ... ...
300 µm (No. 50) to No. 100 11 ... ... ...
600 µm (No. 30) to No. 50 26 100 4.2 1.1
1.18 mm (No. 16) to No. 30 25 100 4.8 1.2
2.36 mm (No. 8) to No. 16 17 100 8.0 1.4
4.75 mm (No. 4) to No. 8 11 100 11.2 1.2
9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) to No. 4 4 ... 11.2A 0.4
Totals 100.0 ... ... 5
Soundness Test of Coarse Aggregate
63 mm (21⁄2 in.) to 50 mm (2 in.) 2825 g
50 mm (2 in.) to 37.5 mm (11⁄2 in.) 1958 g % 21⁄2 to 11⁄2 in. 20 4783 4.8 1.0
37.5 mm (11⁄2 in.) to 25.0 mm (1 in.) 1012 g
25 mm (1 in.) to 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) 513 g % 11⁄2 to 3⁄4 in. 45 1525 8.0 3.6
19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) to 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.) 675 g
12.5 mm (in.) to 9.5 mm (in.) 333 g % ⁄ to ⁄ in.
34 38 23 1008 9.6 2.2
9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) to 4.75 mm (No. 4) 298 g 12 298 11.2 1.3
Totals 100 ... ... 8
A
The percentage loss (11.2 %) of the next smaller size is used as the percentage loss for this size, since this size contains less than 5 % of the original sample as
received. See 11.1.3.4.

4
 C 88
TABLE 2 Suggested Form for Qualitative Examination (with Illustrative Test Values)
Qualitative Examination of Coarse Sizes
Particles Exhibiting Distress
Total No. of
Splitting Crumbling Cracking Flaking
Sieve Size Particles
Before
No. % No. % No. % No. %
Test
63 mm (21⁄2 in.) to 37.5 2 7 ... ... 2 7 ... ... 29
mm (11⁄2 in.)
37.5 mm (11⁄2 in.) to 5 10 1 2 4 8 ... ... 50
19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.)

Coefficient of Difference Between

whether the solution was freshly prepared or previously used. Variation Two Tests (D2S %),
(1S %), %A % of AverageA

NOTE 10—Table 1, shown with test values inserted for purpose of Multilaboratory:
illustration, is a suggested form for recording test data. The test values Sodium sulfate 41 116
shown might be appropriate for either salt, depending on the quality of the Magnesium sulfate 25 71
Single-Operator:
aggregate. Sodium sulfate 24 68
Magnesium sulfate 11 31
A
12. Precision These numbers represent, respectively, the (1S %) and (D2S %) limits as
described in Practice C 670.
12.1 Precision—For coarse aggregate with weighted aver- 12.2 Bias—Since there is no accepted reference material
age sulfate soundness losses in the ranges of 6 to 16 % for suitable for determining the bias for this procedure, no state-
ment on bias is being made.
sodium and 9 to 20 % for magnesium, the precision indexes are
as follows: 13. Keywords
13.1 aggregates; magnesium sulfate; sodium sulfate; sound-
ness; weathering

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