9. Silt content test.
Aim:To determine silt content in a given sample of fine aggregate
by sedimentationmethod.
Theory:This is a gravimetric method for determining the clay, fine silt and fine dust,
which includes particles up to 20 microns. Differences in the nature and density of
materials or in the temperature at the time of testing may vary the separation point.
Apparatus:
A watertight screw-topped glass jar of dimensions similar to a 1-kg fruit preserving jar,
A device for rotating the jar about its long axis, with this axis horizontal, at a speed of 80 ± 20
rev/min,
A sedimentation pipette, A 1 000-ml measuring cylinder, scale, well-ventilated oven, Taping
rod etc.
Chemical:
A solution containing 8 g of sodium oxalate per liter of distilled water shall be taken. For use,
this stock solution is diluted with distilled water to one tenth (that is 100 ml diluted with
distilled water to one liter).
Procedure:
1.Approximately 300 g of the sample in the air-dry condition, passing the 4.75-mm IS Sieve,
shall be weighed and placed in the screw-topped glass jar, together with 300 ml of the diluted
sodium oxalatesolution. The rubber washer and cap shall be fixed, care being taken to ensure
water tightness.
2.The jar shall then be rotated about its long axis, with this axis horizontal, at a speed
of 80 ± 20rev/min for a period of 15 minutes
3.At the end of 15 minutes, the suspension shall be poured into the 1 000-ml measuring
cylinder and the residue washed by gentle swirling and decantation of successive 150-ml
portions of sodium oxalate solution, the washings being added to the cylinder until the volume
is made up to 1000 ml.
4.The suspension in the measuring cylinder shall be thoroughly mixed by inversion and
the tube and contents immediately placed in position under the pipette.
5.The pipette A shall then be gently lowered until the tip touches the surface of the
liquid, and then lowered a further 10 cm into the liquid.
6.Three minutes after placing the tube in position, the pipette A and the bore of tap B shall be
filled by opening B and applying gentle suction at C.
7.A small surplus may be drawn up into the bulb between tap B and tube C, but this shall be
allowed to run away and any solid matter shall be washed out with distilled water from E.