ASTM C123/C123M-12

This test method is used to determine conformance with provisions of Specification C33 pertaining to the amount of lightweight material in fine and coarse aggregates. A heavy liquid with a specific gravity of 2.0 is used to separate particles which may be classified as coal or lignite. Heavier liquids are to be used to check the percentages of other lightweight particles such as chert and shale having a specific gravity less than 2.40.

The test method is useful in identifying porous aggregate particles in research activities or in petrographic analyses.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the percentage of lightweight particles in aggregate by means of sink-float separation in a heavy liquid of suitable specific gravity.

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. Some values have only SI units because the inch-pound equivalents are not used in the practice.

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 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of 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. For a specific hazard statement, see 6.1.4.