ASTM Standard

Designation
C-88/13 Page
Standard method for accelerated weathering testing using sodium sulfate or sulfate
magnesium

1 SCOPE 3. MEANING AND USE

1.1 This testing method covers the testing of This testing method provides a
added to estimate its strength when procedure to make an estimation
subject to the action of the elements in preliminary of the strength of the aggregates for use
concrete applications or others. This is achieved specifically and other purposes. The values obtained
through repeated immersion in solutions they can be compared with specifications, by
saturated with sodium sulfate or magnesium followed for example, Specification C33, which are
oven drying for partial or designed to indicate the suitability of the aggregate
completely the precipitated salt in spaces of proposed for your use. Given that the accuracy of
permeable pores. The internal expanding force, this testing method is deficient (Section 12),
derivation of salt rehydration in the re- it may not be suitable for rejection
immersion, simulates the expansion of water in the total aggregates without confirmation from others
freezing. This testing method provides tests more related to the service
useful information to assess the strength of the specific that is intended.
aggregates when information is not available
suitable in the service records of the material 3.2 The values for the percentage of loss
exposed to real weather conditions. allowed by this testing method generally
they are different for fine and coarse aggregates, and
1.2 The values in parentheses are provided it draws attention to the fact that the results
for informational purposes only. the test for the use of the two salts differs
considerably and care must be taken when setting
the limits adequate in any
1.3 This standard does not intend to address the problems Specifications that include requirements for these
of security associated with its use. It is tests. The test is usually more severe when
user's responsibility of this standard magnesium sulfate is used; consequently, the
establish appropriate security practices and limits for the allowed percentage of loss
health and determine the applicability of the when magnesium sulfate is used are
regulatory limitations before its use. normally higher than the limits when it
uses sodium sulfate.
2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
NOTE 1: Please refer to the corresponding sections
2.1 ASTM Standards in the C33 Specification that establish the
C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates. conditions for the acceptance of aggregates
C136 Test method for sieve analysis thick and thin that do not meet the requirements
of fine and coarse aggregates. based on this test.
C670 Practice for preparing statements of
precision and bias for testing methods for 4. SUMMARY OF THE TEST METHOD
building materials.
C702Practice to reduce aggregate samples 4.1 Screens: With square openings of the
to the test size. following sizes according to a the
D75 Practice for Aggregate Sampling. Specifications E11 or E323, for sieving the
E11 Specification for Test Sieve Cloth samples in accordance with Sections 6, 7 and 9:
woven wire and test sieves.
E100 Specification for hydrometers ASTM N°: 100, N°: 50, N°:30, N°:16, N°:8, N°:5, N°:4,
E323 Specification for plate sieves 5/16”, 3/8”, ½”, 5/8”, ¾”, 1”, 1 ¼”, 1 ½”, 2”, 2 1/2”
perforated for testing purposes

Containers: The vessels for immersion

the aggregate samples in the solution, of
 ASTM Standard
Designation
C-88/13 Page
Standard method for accelerated weathering test using sodium sulfate or sulfate of
magnesium

agreement with the procedure described in this the specific gravity of the solution within ±
test method, they must be perforated in such a way 0.001
ways that allow free access to the solution
to the sample and the drainage of the solution from the 5. SPECIAL SOLUTIONS REQUIRED
Sample without loss of aggregates.
5.1 Prepare the solution for immersion of
NOTE 2 — The containers made of mesh of sodium sulfate test samples or
appropriate wire or screens with openings magnesium according to 5.1.1 or 5.1.2 (Note 3). The
adequate are satisfactory containers for the volume of the solution must be at least five
the samples. sometimes the solid volume of all samples
submerged at the same time.
4.3 Temperature regulation: It
they will provide adequate means to regulate the NOTE 3: Some additives that contain
temperature of the samples during immersion calcium or magnesium carbonates that are
in the solution of sodium sulfate or sulfate of chemically attacked by a fresh solution of
magnesium. sulfate, resulting in measured losses
erroneously high. If found or if
4.4 Temperature recorder: With a If you suspect this condition, repeat the test with a
accuracy of at least 1 °F (0.5 °C) and able to filtered solution that has been used previously
record the temperature of the solution at least to test the same type of carbonate rock,
once every 15 minutes during the duration of the as long as the solution meets the requirements
test. of 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 for specific gravity.

4.5 Scales: For fine aggregates, a scale 5.1.1 Sodium sulfate solution: Prepare a
a scale with a precision of 0.1 g in the range saturated solution of sodium sulfate dissolving
required for this test; for additives a USP or salt of equal grade in water at a
thick, a scale with a precise measurement inside temperature from 77 to 86 °F (25 to 30 °C). Add
0.1% or 1 g, whichever is greater, over the range sufficient salt (Note 4), whether in anhydrous form
required for this test. (Na2SO4) or crystalline (Na2SO4 · 10H2O), for
to guarantee not only saturation but also
4.6 Drying oven: A sized oven excess presence of crystals when the
suitable able to maintain a temperature solution is ready to use in the tests. Shake
uniform of 110 ± 5°C (230 ± 9°F) and the speed Mix well during the addition of the salt and stir it.
of evaporation, at this temperature range, must solution to frequent intervals until used.
be at least 25 g/h for 4 hours. During that Para reducir la evaporación y prevenir la
the oven doors will remain closed contamination, keep the solution covered in
closed. This rate will be determined by the loss at every moment when access is not necessary.
of low form Griffin water glasses of 1 Allow the solution to cool to 70 ± 2 ° F (21 ± 1 ° C)
liter, each initially with 500 g of water at C). Shake again and let the solution
a temperature of 70 ± 3 °F (21 ± 2 °C) stay at the designated temperature for
placed in every corner and center of each less than 48 hours before using it. Before each use,
oven rack. The evaporation requirement is dissolve the salt crystals, if any, in the
apply to all test locations when container, shake the solution thoroughly and determine the
the oven is empty, except for the glasses of water. specific gravity of the solution. When it
USA, the solution must have a gravity
4.7 Specific Gravity Meters: The specific not less than 1.151 and not greater than 1.174.
hydrometers that meet the requirements of the Discard a discolored solution, or filter it and
Specification E100, or an appropriate combination check the specific gravity.
of graduated glassware and balance, capable of measuring
 ASTM Standard
Designation
C-88/13 Page
Standard method for accelerated weathering test using sodium sulfate or sulfate of
magnesium

NOTE 4: For the solution, 215 g of anhydrous salt or dissolving 5 g of BaCl2 in 100 ml of water
700 g of decahydrate per liter of water is distilled.
sufficient for saturation at 71.6 °F (22 °C).
However, since these salts are not 6. SAMPLES
completely stable and as is desirable that
there is an excess of crystals, it 6.1 The sample will generally be obtained in accordance
it is recommended to use no less than 350 g of salt with Practice D75 and will be reduced to the size of the
anhydrous or 750 g of dehydrated salt per liter of sample portion in accordance with the Practice
water. C702.

5.1.2 Magnesium sulfate solution: Prepare 6.2 Fine aggregate: The fine aggregate for the
a saturated solution of magnesium sulfate The test will pass through a 9.5 mm sieve.
dissolving a USP or equal grade of salt in (3/8 in). The sample must be of a size that
water at a temperature of 77 to 86 °F (25 to 30 °C produce no less than 100 g of each of the
C). Add enough salt (Note 5), either in following sizes, which will be available in
anhydrous form (MgSO4) or crystalline (MgSO4 ·) quantities of 5% or more, expressed in the
7H2O) (Epsom salt), to ensure saturation following sieves:
and the presence of an excess of crystals when the
solution is ready to use in the tests. Shake Pass the net Retenido en la malla
Mix well during the addition of salt and stir it. N°. 30 No. 50
solution at frequent intervals until it is used. No. 16 No. 30
To reduce evaporation and prevent the No. 8 No. 16
contamination, keep the solution covered in No. 4 No. 8
at all times when not in use. Let the 3/8 No. 4
solution cools to 70 ± 2 °F (21 ± 1 °C). Shake
again and let the solution remain at 6.3 Coarse aggregate: The coarse aggregate for the
the designated temperature for at least 48 h test must consist of a material from which it
before using it. Before each use, dissolve the they have eliminated sizes thinner than the
salt crystals, if any, in the container, shake it Mesh No. 4. The sample must be of such size
solution in depth and determine the severity that produce the following quantities of the
specific to the solution. When used, the sizes indicated that are available in
the solution must have a specific gravity not amounts of 5% or more:
less than 1.295 and greater than 1.308. Discard one
faded solution, or filter it and check the Size (Opening mesh
specific gravity. Moment, g
square)
9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) to 4.75 mm (No. 4) 300 ± 5
NOTE 5: For the solution, 350 g of anhydrous salt or
1230 g of heptahydrate per liter of water is 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) a 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) 1000 ± 10
sufficient for saturation at 73.4 ° F (23 ° C). What consists of:
However, since these salts are not Material from 12.5 mm (1/2 in.) to 9.5
330 ± 5
completely stable, with hydrated salt being the mm (3/8 in.)
more stable of the two, and as it is desirable that Material from 19.0 mm (3/4 in.) to 12.5-
670 ± 10
there is an excess of crystals, there mm (1/2-in.)
it is recommended to use heptahydrated salt and in 37.5-mm (1 1⁄2-in.) to 19.0-mm (3⁄4)
1500 ± 50
an amount of no less than 1400 g/liter of in.)
water. What consists of:
Material of 25.0-mm (1-in.) to 19.0-
500 ± 30
5.1.3 Barium chloride solution: Prepare 100 mm (3/4-in.)
5% barium chloride solution ml Material of 37.5-mm (1 1⁄2-in.) to
1000 ± 50
25.0-mm (1-in.)
 ASTM Standard
Designation
C-88/13 Page
Standard method for the accelerated weathering test using sodium sulfate or sulfate of
magnesium

Size (Opening Mesh) samples consisting of 100 ± 0.1 g of each

Masa, g one of the separated fractions after the
square
63-mm (2 1⁄2 in.) to 37.5-mm (1 1⁄2) final sieving and place them in containers
5000 ± 300 separated for the test.
in.)
What consists of:
Material from 50-mm (2 in.) to 37.5-mm 7.2 Added thick Wash y follow
2000 ± 200 completely the sample of coarse aggregate
(1 1/2-in.)
Material of 63-mm (2 1⁄2-in.) to 50- until constant weight at 230 ± 9 ° F (110 ± 5 ° C) and
3000 ± 300 separate it into the different sizes that are
mm (2-in.)
They show in 6.3 by screening until its rejection.
Larger sizes by 12.5 mm (1/2 inch)
Weigh quantities of the different sizes inside
Nominal sizes in mesh, each fraction
of the tolerances of 6.3 and, where the portion of
consists of:
the test consists of two sizes, combine them at
Material from 75-mm (3-in.) to 63-mm 7000 ±
total weight assigned. Record the weights of the
(2 1/2-in.) 1000
test samples and their components
Material 90-mm (3 1⁄2-in.) to 75-mm 7000 ±
fractional. In the case of sizes larger than
(3-in.) 1000
19.0 mm (3/4 in.), Register the number of particles
100-mm (4-in.) to 90 material 7000 ± in the test samples.
mm (3 1/2-in.) 1000
8. PROCEDURE
6.4 When an aggregate to be analyzed contains
appreciable amounts of fine and coarse material, 8.1 Storage of samples in solution:
having a concentration of more than 10% by weight Submerge the samples in the prepared solution of
of the material retained in the 3/8" mesh and also sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate during no
more than 10% by weight of material that passes the less than 16 h and no more than 18 h in such a way that
Mesh No. 4, separate the test samples solution covers them at a depth of at least
less than fraction No. 4 and greater than No. 4 1/2 in. (Note 6). Cover the containers to reduce
according to the procedures for aggregates the evaporation and prevent the accidental addition of
thin and thick, respectively. Report the foreign substances. Keep the samples
separate results for the fraction of submerged in the solution at a temperature of 70
fine aggregates and the fraction of aggregates +/- 2 ° F (21 ± 1 ° C) during the period of
thick, giving the percentages of the fractions immersion.
of fine and coarse size in the initial grading.
NOTE 6: The wire grids properly
7. SAMPLE PREPARATION OF weighted placed on the sample in the
TEST containers will allow this coverage to
I achieved it with lightweight aggregates.
7.1 Fine aggregate: Wash thoroughly the
fine aggregate sample on a 300 μm mesh 8.2 Drying of samples after the
(No. 50), follow at a constant weight at 230 ± 9 ° F immersion: After the immersion period,
(110 ± 5 °C) and separate it into different sizes remove the added sample from the solution, allow
by screening, as follows: carry out a let them drain for 15 ± 5 minutes and place it in
approximate separation of the graduated sample the drying oven. The temperature of the oven must
by means of small piles using the be constant at 230 ± 9 °F (110 ± 5 °C). Dry
standard meshes specified in 6.2. From the the samples at the specified temperature up to
fractions obtained in this way, select achieve a constant weight. Set the time
samples of sufficient size to produce 100 g required to reach the constant weight of the
after sieving the material. (In general, a next way: with the oven that contains the
a sample of 110 g will be sufficient). Do not use expected maximum sample load, please check the
fine aggregate trapped in the openings of the weight losses of the test samples
nets in the preparation of the samples. Despite
 ASTM Standard
Designation
C-88/13 Page
Standard method for the accelerated weathering test using sodium sulfate or sulfate
magnesium

removing them and weighing them, without cooling them, towithbarium chloride solution. The turbidity of
intervals of 2 to 4 hours; perform enough a drinking water solution and the solution of
checks to establish the time of barium chloride must be evaluated in such a way that it
drying required for the oven location it may be assumed that the washing water subjected to
less favorable (see 4.6) and the condition of the test with the same level of turbidity no
sample (Note 7). It will be considered that it has contains sulfates from the test.
achieved a constant weight when the loss of
weight is less than 0.1% of the sample weight in 9. QUANTITATIVE EXAM
4 hours of drying. After reaching a weight
constant, let the samples cool to 9.1 Perform the quantitative examination of the following
ambient temperature, when they will be immersed way
again in the prepared solution as it
describe in 8.1. 9.1.1 After removing sodium sulfate or the
magnesium sulfate, dry each fraction of the
NOTE 7: The drying time required for show until reaching a constant weight at 230 ±
reaching a constant weight can vary 9 ° F (110 ± 5 ° C). Write the fine aggregate with the
considerably for several reasons. The same network in which he was held before
the drying efficiency will decrease as the the test, and write the coarse aggregate on the
cycles accumulate due to the salt that adheres mesh shown below for the
to the particles and, in some cases, due to the appropriate particle size. For the aggregate
increase in the surface area due to the fine, the method and duration of the screening must be
breaking of the particles. The different the same ones that were used in the preparation of the
size fractions of the aggregate will have test samples. For coarse aggregates, the
different drying rates. The larger sizes screening must be manual, with sufficient agitation
smaller ones will tend to dry more slowly just to ensure that all the material is of size
due to its larger surface area and the I went through the selected mesh below. I do not
spaces between particles restricted, but this additional manipulation will be used to break the
trend may be altered by the effects of particles or make them pass through the meshes. Weigh the
size and shape of the container. material retained in each mesh and register each
amount. The difference between each of these
8.3 Number of cycles: repeat the process of quantities and the initial weight of the fraction of the
alternating immersion and drying until obtaining the analyzed sample is the loss in the test and
number of cycles required. it should be expressed as a percentage of the weight
initial to use Table 1.
8.4 After completing the final cycle and after
after the sample has cooled, wash it Size of the aggregate Mesh used for
show until it is free of sodium sulfate or determine the loss
magnesium sulfate, as determined by the mm in mm in
reaction of the wash water with barium chloride 100 to 90 4 to 3 ½ 75 3
(BaCl2). Wash circulating water at 110 ± 10 °F 90 to 75 3 ½ to 3 63 2 and a half
(43 ± 6 ° C) through the samples in their 75 to 63 3 to 2 and a half 50 2
containers. This can be done by placing them in 63 to 37.5 2 ½ to 1 ½ 31.5 1.25
a tank in which water can be introduced 37.5 to 19 1 ½ to ¾ 16.0 5/8
hot near the bottom and let it overflow. 19 to 9.5 ¾ to 3/8 8.0 5/16
In the washing operation, the samples must not 9.5 to 4.75 3/8 of No. 4 4.0 No. 5
to undergo impacts or abrasion that may
breaking the particles. 10. QUALITATIVE EVALUATION.
NOTE 8: The tap water contains sulfates
when used for washing it becomes muddled when it is
 ASTM Standard
Designation
C-88/13 Page
Standard method for the accelerated weathering test using sodium sulfate or sulfate of
magnesium

10.1 Conduct a qualitative evaluation of the [Link] For coarse aggregates (with less than
test samples thicker than 19.0 mm (3⁄4 10% finer than the 4.75 mm mesh (No. 4)
in.) As follows (Note 9): assume that the sizes finer than the mesh
The 4.75 mm (No. 4) have the same loss as the
10.1.1 Separate the particles from each sample of next largest size for what data of
test in groups according to the action tests are available.
produced by the test (Note 9).
[Link] For an aggregate that contains
10.1.2 Record the number of particles that appreciable amounts of fine materials and
they show every type of deterioration. thick tested as two separate samples
as required in 6.4, calculate the losses
NOTE 9 - Many types can be expected weighted averages separately for the
actions. In general, they can be classified as fractions smaller and larger than gauge No. 4
disintegration division collapse based on the recalibrated granulometry
cracking, peeling, etc. While considering the fine fraction as 100% and the
only particles larger than 3/4 inch in size thick fraction like 100%. Report them
must to take an exam qualitatively, himself results separately giving the percentage of
it is recommended to conduct a size examination material that passes through and is retained on mesh No. 4 in
smaller in order to determine if there are the initial granulometry.
any evidence of excessive division.
[Link] To calculate the weighted average,
11. REPORT. consider any size in 6.2 or 6.3 that
contains less than 5% withheld, has the
11.1 Report the following data (Note 10): same loss as the average size
immediate before and after, or if one of these
11.1.1 Weight of each fraction of each sample sizes are missing, to have the same
before the test, loss that the next largest size or the
next, anyone who is present.
The material of each fraction of the sample
What happens to the mesh designated in 9.1.1 for screening? 11.1.4 Report the weighted percentage loss to
after the test, expressed as a nearest integer,
percentage of the original weight of the fraction.
11.1.5 In the case of particles thicker than
11.1.3 Weighted average calculated according 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) Before the test: (1) The number
with the test method C136 from the of particles in each fraction before the test,
percentage of loss for each fraction, based on y (2) the number of affected particles,
in the classification of the received sample for the classified as decay number,
exam or, preferably, in the grading division collapse cracking,
average of the material from that part of the supply scaling, etc., as shown in Table 2.
that the sample is representative except that:
11.1.6 Type of solution (sodium sulfate or
[Link] For fine aggregates (with less than 10% magnesium) and if the solution was prepared
thicker than the sieve of 9.5 mm (3/8 in) recently or was used earlier.
Assuming that the sizes finer than the mesh
Of 300 μm (No. 50) have 0% loss and size NOTE 10: Table 1, which is shown with the
coarser than the 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) sieve for test values inserted for purposes of
to have the same loss as the following size illustration, it is a suggested way to record
smaller for which the test data. The test values shown
test data. they can be appropriate for salt, depending
of the quality of the aggregate.
12. ACCURACY

12.1 Precision: For coarse aggregates with weighted average sulfate solidity losses in the
ranges of 6 to 16% for sodium and 9 to 20% for magnesium, the precision indices are as follows:

12.2 Bias: since there is no accepted reference material suitable for determining bias
For this procedure, no statement is being made about the bias.
13. PRECISION AND DEVIATION. aggregate aptitude using that size of
sample to provide reliable data.
13.1 Accuracy: The accuracy estimates
For this testing method, they are listed in the 13.2 Deviation: Given that there is no material for
Table 2. The estimates are based on the reference accepted that is suitable for
results of the Sample Program determine the deviation of the testing method, no
Reference Laboratory Competition for no statement is made about the deviation.
AASHTO materials, with tests conducted
by Test Method C136 and AASHTO No. T
27. The data is based on the analyses of the
results of the tests from 65 to 233 laboratories
they tested 18 pairs of test samples of
competition of coarse aggregates and the 14. KEYWORDS.
test results from 74 to 222 laboratories
that tested 17 pairs of test samples of 14.1 Aggregates, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate,
fine aggregates competition (Samples No. 21 granulometry, mesh analysis, analysis of
a 90) . The values in the table are given for sizes.
different ranges of the total percentage of aggregates
that pass through a sieve.

13.1.1 The accuracy of values for the aggregate

until Table 2 is based on test samples
nominal of 500 g. The review of this method of
test in 1994 allows the size of the
fine added test sample of 300 g
at minimum. The analysis of the results of the
test samples of 300 g and 500 g
of aggregated competency test samples
99 and 100 (samples 99 and 100 were
essentially identical) produced the values of
precision in Table 3, which indicate only small
differences due to sample size
test.

NOTE 7: The values for the fine aggregate of the

Table 2 will be reviewed to reflect the size of
sample of the 300 g test when it has been
carried out a sufficient number of Tests of
 ASTM Standards
Designation
D3665-12 Page 4 out of 4

Standard practice for the random sampling of construction materials (using a random table)