Available online at www.rilem.

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Materials' and Structures 38 (October 2005) 787-792

RILEM TC 191-ARP: 'Alkali-reactivity and prevention - Assessment, specification and diagnosis of

alkali-reactivity'

AAR-5: Rapid preliminary screening test for carbonate

aggregates
Prepared by H. Sommer l, P. J. Nixon 2 and I. Sims 3
(1) Vienna, Austria
(2) BRE, Watford, UK
(3) STATS Limited, St Albans, UK

The text presented hereunder is a general draft for general consideration. Comments should be sent to the TC Chairman
Dr. Philip J. Nixon, Building Research Establishment, Garston WD2 7JR Warlord, United Kingdom; Tel: +44 923 664 239;
Fax: +44 923 664 786; Email: [email protected], by 30 April 2006.

1. I N T R O D U C T I O N T O A A R - 5 termed the 'concrete microbar' test, and the international trials

organised by RILEM TC 191-ARP are described in [1].
The ultra-accelerated mortar-bar test (AAR-2) has been The concrete microbar method is particularly beneficial
widely and successfully used as a screening test to identify when the aggregate contains both reactive silica and a kind
aggregates that are potentially alkali-reactive. However, there of dolomite that is prone to dedolomitization. In the mortar-
are exceptions; some aggregates that, though alkali-reactive bar test most of the (fine) aggregate will dedolomitize
according to both field experience and concrete prism test throughout, whilst in the concrete microbars only the outer
results, do not show as such in the mortar-bar test. shells of the (coarser) aggregate is dedolomitized [2]. This
Trials carried out by members ofRILEM TC 191-ARP have difference seems to explain why, though alkali-silica gel
established that these aggregates include carbonate materials. develops in both the tests, the aggregate develops more
It has been found that any potential reactivity of such pressure and expansion in AAR-5 than in AAR-2.
carbonate aggregates will be identified if 4/8 mm aggregate is It is therefore recommended that, if dolomitic carbonate
used for making the bars instead of 0/4 mm aggregate. The aggregates are being assessed, both the AAR-2 and the AAR-5
development of this method (AAR-5), which is sometimes tests should be carried out. If the concrete microbars expand

1359-5997 9 2005 RILEM. All rights reserved.

doi:10.1617/14382
788 R1LEM TC 191-ARP, 14. Sommer et al. / Materials and Structures 38 (2005) 787-792

more than the mortar-bars, the reactivity of the aggregate is not NOTE 1: Alternatively, aggregate 5/10 mm (as in the
of the normal alkali-silica type and further investigation using Chinese method) may be used, but expansion may be
the concrete prism test (AAR-3) or the accelerated concrete somewhat higher, see also Annex A3.
prism test (AAR-4) will be required.
Draft methods for the AAR-2 and AAR-3 tests (then
designated TC 106-2 and TC 106-3 respectively) were 5. APPARATUS
published in [3] and are currently being updated by RILEM
TC 191-ARP. The AAR-4 accelerated concrete prism test is
presently undergoing an international trial, as described in
5.1 Sieves
[4], and the draft method will be published in due course by A set of sieves conforming to series A of ISO 6274,
TC 191-ARP. having square apertures of 8 mm and 4 ram.
A draft of the new AAR-5 concrete microbar method
follows this introduction. It is based on the Chinese 5.2 Balance
Accelerated Concrete Microbar Method [5] developed by
Nanjing University of Chemical Technology, China, and was A balance capable of weighing 1000 g with all accuracy of
prepared by the Carbonate Team of TC 191-ARP: H. Sommer, lg.
Austria (team leader); I. Sims, UK (TC 191-ARP secretary);
B. Foumier, Canada; P. Grattan-Bellew, Canada; S. Gu6don- 5.3 Measuring cylinders
Dubied, France; J. Larbi, The Netherlands; V. Jensen, Norway;
T. Katayama, Japan; G. Lorenzi, Belgium; A-M. Marion, Graduated in ml, with a capacity of 500 ml.
Belgium; C. Merz, Switzerland; B. Schouenborg, Sweden; J.
Steigenberger, Austria; and M-S. Tang, China. 5.4 Mixer, paddle and mixing bowl
Mixer, paddle and mixing bowl, as used in the procedure
2. S C O P E for testing the strength of cement with plastic mortar, e.g.
EN 196-1 [11] or ASTM C109 [12].
This test method is intended to be used conjunctively with
AAR-2 [6] (ultra accelerated mortar bar method) to determine 5.5 Flow table and mould
rapidly the potential alkali-reactivity of carbonate aggregates Flow table consisting essentially of a circular rigid table
through the evaluation of the expansion of mortar-bars and top, that can be raised vertically by means of a cam, and
concrete microbars immersed in NaOH solution at elevated dropped through a specified height, and a frustum of a cone,
temperature as specified in the methods. both conforming to ASTM C230 [8] or EN 1015-3 [9].

3. S I G N I F I C A N C E AND USE 5.6 Vibrating table

Vibrating table as used in the procedure for testing the
Some carbonate aggregates do not show as potentially strength of cement with plastic mortar (not applicable if the
reactive in the AAR-2 test, though they are alkali-reactive specimens are compacted by hand).
both according to field experience and test results according
to AAR-3 [7] (concrete prism method).
5.7 Tamper
AAR-5 provides, when used in conjunction with AAR-2,
a means of reliably screening carbonate aggregates for their Tamper, made of non-absorbent, non-abrasive, non-brittle
potential alkali-reactivity, in particular for aggregates that material and with a cross-section of e.g. 20 x 25 ram. A
contain dolomitic limestone and/or dolostone. convenient length is 230 mm to 300 mm. The tamping face
It is recommended that the test is performed not only shall be fiat and at right angles to the length of the tamper (not
with the aggregate to be evaluated but also with a known applicable if the specimens are compacted by vibration).
reactive and a known non-reactive reference aggregate.
5.8 Moulds
4. PRINCIPLE Moulds, providing for bars with a nominal length of
160ram and a cross section of 40ram x 40ram. The end
This method is similar to AAR-2: bars moulded from a mix plates of the moulds must have threaded holes in the centres
containing the aggregate to be tested are demoulded after 24 to take stainless steel pins of 6mm diameter and 20 mm
hours, heated up in water to 80~ during another 24 hours, length used for length measurements.
then immersed in 1 M NaOH solution at 80~ and the
expansions are measured. However, since some carbonate 5.9 Length comparator
aggregates produce deleterious expansions only if used in a
larger particle size, with AAR-5 4/8 mm aggregate is used Consisting of:
instead of 0/4 mm aggregate and 40/40/160 mm bars are used - an apparatus to measure the length of the specimens
instead of 25/25/285 mm bars. conveniently and rapidly,
- a high-grade dial micrometer, or other measuring device,
 RILEM TC 191-ARP, H. Sommer et al. /Materials" and Structures 38 (2005) 787-792 789

graduated to read in 2.5~m units, accurate to within 2.5gm 6.3 Sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH)
in any 25~m range, and within 5~tm in any 0.25mm range.
Each litre of sodium hydroxide solution shall contain 40.0g
The measuring range shall allow for small variations
of NaOH dissolved in 900ml of water and, after cooling to
(+ 10mm) from the nominal gauge length of the specimens,
about 20~ it shall be diluted with additional distilled or
- an Invar| reference bar (or similar) of the same nominal
deionised water to obtain 1.0 litre of solution. The
length as the specimens for checking the measuring device,
concentration of the solution shall lie between 0.99 and 1.01M.
before and after each set of readings.
A new solution shall be prepared for each series of tests.

5.10 Containers 6.4 Cement

Rigid containers for the test specimens made of plastic or
An ordinary Portland cement CEM I or ASTM type I,
other material resistant to corrosion by a solution of sodium
preferably with a Na20 equivalent (Na20+0.658 K20)
hydroxide at a temperature of 80~ for a prolonged period of
between 0.9% and 1.1%. The specific surface of the
time. Each container must be of such dimension and shape to
cement, when measured according to the air permeability
accommodate at least three specimens and must be provided
method (e.g. EN 196-6 [13] or ASTM C204 [14]), shall be
with lids or other suitable means to prevent loss of moisture
greater than 450 m2/kg. The autoclave expansion,
by leaking or evaporation. The prisms must be positioned
determined according to ASTM test method C151 shall be
and supported in such a way that the solution has access to
less than 0.20%. Alternatively the MgO soundness can be
the whole of the bar. It should further be ensured that the
evaluated through Le Chatelier test (e.g. EN 196-3) and the
specimens do not touch each other or the sides of the
increase in separation of indicator ends shall be 0 mm.
container. The specimens, if stood upright in the solution,
shall not be supported by the steel pins. N O T E 3: The composition o f the cement may influence
the expansions, even when the alkali content o f the mix is
5.11 Storage kept at the same level according to clause 7.3. Therefore,
the same cement should be used both for the AAR-2 and the
A cabinet or moist storage room maintained at a AAR-5 tests.
temperature and a relative humidity as specified by the
standard for testing the strength of cement, e.g. EN 196-1 or N O T E 4 : High alkali cement as specified above is not
ASTM C 109. available everywhere. In such areas a cement from the
market with the alkali content on the high side should be
N O T E 2: EN 196-1 a n d A S T M C I 0 9 specify 20~ • I~ used and enough NaOH added to the mix to obtain the
and 23~ ~: 2~ respectively. However, the different alkali level prescribed in clause 7.3. However, high
degrees o f hydration at the end o f the initial curing period amounts o f added NaOH may make mixing difficult, for
will not matter essentially, as the aggregate will be recommendations see Note 1O.
evaluated by comparing the AAR-2 and AAR-5 results,
provided both the tests use 40/40/160 mm bars and the
moist storage conditions are the same. 7. PROCEDURE

5.12 Oven
7.1 Preparation of the aggregate sample
An oven or room of suitable size to accommodate the
required number of containers maintained at a temperature of The quantity of the sample delivered to the laboratory
80~ + 2oc. should be in accordance with the sampling procedures
recommended in AAR-1. The material to be tested shall
consist of particles < 8 mm and > 4 mm, processed
5.13 Crusher according to 7.1.1 and 7.1.2.
A laboratory-type crusher of suitable size and design
N O T E 5: For the influence o f the size o f the aggregate,
capable of crushing aggregate to the prescribed size fractions.
see Annex A3.

7.1.1 Natural 4/8 mm aggregate

6. REAGENTS AND MATERIALS
The natural 4/8 m m aggregate shall be tested in the
grading as submitted, except that the aggregate is washed,
6.1 Water dried, and sieved and particles retained on an 8 mm screen
Distilled or deionised water. and particles passing a 4 mm screen are removed.

7.1.2 Aggregate >8 mm

6.2 Solid Sodium hydroxide
The aggregate > 8 mm shall be crushed, sieved, washed,
Solid Sodium hydroxide of at least technical grade. and dried to produce a 4/8 mm sample without oversize and
undersize material as in 7.1.1.
790 R1LEM TC 191-ARP, H. Sommer et al. / Materials and Structures 38 (2005) 787-792

7.1.3 Samples to be tested superplasticizer not exceeding 10 g there is no need to

make allowance for its water content.
When a petrographic examination reveals that the natural
4/8 mm aggregate and the crushed 4/8 mm aggregate from N O T E 10: The clearance between the mixer bowl and
the same source are essentially different, both the samples the paddle shall be increased in order to avoid blocking
shall be tested; otherwise only the crushed aggregate needs and damage to the machine due to the coarse aggregate.
to be tested. Alternatively, especially when coarser aggregate than 4/8
mm is used or when high additions o f N a O H make mixing
7.2 Conditioning difficult, mix cement and water first, exchange the paddle
for a hook type, add the aggregate and remix, or mix in the
The temperatures of the moulding room, apparatus, dry aggregate by hand.
materials, mixing water and of the cabinet or moist storage
room and the relative humidities of the moulding room and
7.4 Moulding test specimens
of the cabinet or moist storage room shall conform to the
standards valid in the place of use for testing the strength of Make at least three 40 x 40 x 160 mm specimens for each
cement, e.g. EN 196-1 or ASTM C 109. aggregate to be tested. The mould shall be filled in two
approximately equal layers and the specimens compacted and
7.3 Proportioning of the concrete levelled as specified e.g. by EN 196-1 or ASTM C109.

Take 900 g of cement, 900 g of 4/8 mm aggregate, and N O T E 11: Particular care shouM be taken to attain a
290 ml of water (see also NOTE 7) for each batch for three consistent compaction o f the concrete as the degree o f
concrete bars. compaction greatly influences the degree o f expansion.
Before mixing, add enough sodium hydroxide to the water
to bring the alkali content of the concrete up to a Na20 7.5 Initial curing and m e a s u r e m e n t
equivalent of 1.5 % by mass of cement. If the mix is not
sufficiently workable (e.g. when the surface of the aggregate is Place the moulds in the moist cabinet or in the moist storage
very rough), add just enough superplasticizer (but not one room for a period of 24 + 2 hours. Remove the specimens from
containing an air-entraining agent) as is necessary. In order to the mould and, while they are being protected from loss of
minimize any risk of segregation, flow values in excess of 150 moisture, weigh and properly identify each specimen in such a
mm (determined according to EN 1015-3) should be avoided. way that they, when subsequently measured, are placed in the
Any alkali content of the plasticizer shall be taken into account measuring equipment in the same manner. Make and record
when calculating the Na:O equivalent. the length (Li) and all subsequent measurements to the nearest
0.002 ram.
NOTE 6: In the original Chinese method the water content Place the specimens made with each aggregate sample in a
was 270 ml. In a comparative test conducted in the course o f storage container with sufficient distilled or deionized water, at
the international trial in 2002, a somewhat higher water room temperature, to immerse them totally. The volume
content produced the same expansions. The water content o f proportion of water to the bars shall be the same as in clause
290 ml was chosen to improve the workability of the mix and 7.6. Seal and place the containers in an oven at 80~ + 2~ for
to minimize the need for a superplasticizer. In the 2002 trial a period of 24 hours.
the superplasticizer did not influence the expansions, but it is Remove the containers from the oven one at a time.
thought that a high amount of a superplasticizer in Remove other containers only after the bars in the first
combination with special cements may cause early stiffening. container have been measured and returned to the oven.
Remove the bars one at a time from the water and dry their
NOTE 7: The water content o f 290 ml is' the free water
surfaces with a towel or cloth paying particular attention to the
available for the workability of the fresh concrete and for the
two metal pins. Take the zero measurement of each bar (Lo)
hydration of the cement. The total water to be added to the mix
immediately after drying and read as soon as possible after the
is the free water plus the water absorbed by the aggregate to
bar is in position. Complete the process of drying and
bring # to a saturated surface dry condition. Water absorption
measuring within 15 s of removing the specimens from the
shall be measured according to EN 1097-6 [15].
water. After measuring is completed the temperature of the
N O T E 8: In the original Chinese method KOH was added water shall not be less than 77~
to the mix to bring up the alkali level to the required level. In The measuring device should be checked with the reference
comparative tests the addition o f NaOH resulted in somewhat bar prior to and after measurement of each set of specimens.
higher expansions; NaOH was chosen for consistency with
AAR-2. 7.6 Final storage and m e a s u r e m e n t
N O T E 9: I f the bars are compacted by hand-tamping, Place the specimens made with each aggregate sample in a
normally no superplasticizer should be necessary. I f a container with sufficient 1M NaOH, preheated at 80~ + 2~
vibrating table is used for compacting the mix, the addition totally to immerse the specimens. The recommended volume
o f a small amount (e.g. 5 g) o f a superplasticizer may be proportion of sodium hydroxide solution to the bars in a
necessary in order to enable proper compaction. A flow o f storage container shall be 4 + 0.5 times the volume of the
at least 115 mm as determined according to E N 1015-3 [9] mortar-bars. Seal the container, mark the level of the liquid on
has been found to ensure this. With amounts o f the outside, and return it to the oven.
 RILEM TC 191-ARP, H. Sommer et al. / Materials and Structures 38 (2005) 787-792 791

Take subsequent measurements (Ln) of the specimens After the final measurement, the specimens shall be
periodically, with a reading after 24 hours of immersion in examined and any relevant features recorded. Warping, if
the NaOH solution and at least at 2 days (or 3 or 4 days), 7 observed, shall be measured on 3 moulded surfaces by
days, 14 days, 21 days and 28 days. All measurements placing the specimens on a plane surface, with curved ends
should be taken at approximately the same time each day. facing downwards, and measuring the maximum separation
The measuring procedure is identical to that described in between the specimen and the surface to the nearest
clause 7.5 and the specimens are returned to their container 0.2 mm. Location, type and pattern of any cracking should
after each measurement. If moisture is lost from the also be recorded.
container by evaporation replenish with distilled or
deionized water. NOTE 13: I f the bars exhibit an expansion that is judged to
be deleterious, a petrographic examination of the interior of
NOTE 12: Judgement will normally be made after the bars that have expanded most should be carried out
storage for 14 days in NaOH. Continuation of storage and together with an examination of the internal crack pattern to
measurement until 28 days is recommended in order to confirm that the cause of expansion is likely to be an alkali-
collect data that may be useful for establishing criteria to aggregate reaction. I f it has been concluded from the
predict AAR-3 results. expansion results and supplementary examination of the
prisms that a given aggregate should be considered potentially
7.7 Safety measures alkali-reactive, additional studies using RILEM
Recommendation AAR-3 (Concrete Prism Method) and~or
Reliable safety precautions should be taken and suitable AAR-4 (Ultra-accelerated Concrete Prism Method) may be
personal protective equipment should always be used to avoid appropriate to develop further information on its potential
the hazards of the hot alkaline solution such as severe bums alkali-reactivity and to evaluate the effect of coarse aggregate,
and injury to unprotected skin and eyes. different aggregate gradings and different alkali contents of
the concrete.
8. C A L C U L A T I O N AND REPORTING OF
RESULTS 9. TEST R E P O R T

The following information shall be given in the report:

8.1 Expansion 9 identification and source of the aggregate sample and
The linear expansion of each specimen is obtained by reference to petrographic analysis, if available; date of and
calculating the difference between the length of the specimen state at delivery at the laboratory;
at each period of measurement (Ln) and the zero measurement 9 type and maximum size of the aggregate;
(Lo), to the nearest 0.001% of the effective length, as follows: 9 type of processing undertaken on the aggregate sample in
the laboratory (washing, drying, crushing, sieving etc.);
Expansion, % = 100 x (Ln - Lo)/Gauge length
9 grading of the aggregate as used in the test;
where: 9 identification and source of the Portland cement;
Ln = reading taken at each period of storage in sodium 9 alkali content of the cement expressed as equivalent
hydroxide solution, sodium oxide (% Na20 + 0.658 % K20);
Lo = measurement of specimen before subjection to sodium 9 autoclave expansion and/or Le Chatelier value of the cement;
hydroxide solution, 9 Blaine fineness of the cement;
Gauge length = distance between inner ends o f the metal 9 workability of the concrete (flow, if measured);
pins, measured to the nearest I mm. 9 type and content of superplasticizer (if used), and its
contribution to the alkali content of the mortar mix;
8.2 Expansion recording and further 9 size and mass of the test bar specimens;
examination 9 tested reference (reactive and non-reactive) aggregates;
9 initial expansion of the bars after 24 h of storage in water at
Record and report to the nearest 0.01% the average
80~
expansion of the specimens for a given period. If a specimen
9 each single value and average percentage length change
breaks during the test, the test will be considered valid
after each measurement of the specimens;
provided the two remaining specimens do not differ from each
9 a graph of the percentage length change vs. time from the
more than the values given below. For average values of
zero reading to the end of the immersion period in NaOH
expansion greater than 0.10%, the repeatability is considered
solution;
satisfactory if the expansion of each specimen is within 10% of
the average value. For average values of expansion less than 9 results of any warping measurements of the specimens;
0.10%, the repeatability is considered satisfactory if, for each 9 any significant features revealed by examination of the
specimen, the deviation from the average value is within specimens and the sodium hydroxide solution during and
0.01%. If these values are exceeded, deem the test invalid and after the test.
repeat the test.
792 R I L E M TC 191-ARP, H. Sommer et al. / Materials and Structures 38 (2005) 787-792

ANNEX REFERENCES
[1] Sommer, H., Grattan-Bellew, P., Katayama, T., and Tang,
A1. Reference aggregates M., 'Development and lnterlaboratory Trial of the RILEM
AAR-5 Rapid Preliminary Screening Test for Carbonate
It is recommended that the test is performed on samples of Aggregates', Tang, M., and Deng, M. (eds), Proceedings
the aggregate in question, a reference reactive carbonate 12th International Conference on Alkali-Aggregate Reaction
aggregate (e.g. Pittsburg quarry, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; in Concrete, Beijing, October 2004, Volume I, 407-412.
available upon request from: Ontario Ministry of [2] Katayama, T., 'How to identify earbonate rock reactions in
Transportation, Materials Officer, 1201 Wilson Avenue, concrete', Proceedings of the 9th Euroseminar on Microscopy
Downsview, Ontario, Canada, M3M 1J8) and a reference non- Applied to Building Materials, Trondheim, Norway, September
reactive aggregate. For the latter, a natural gravel or crushed 2003.
rock may be used that is known from experience to be non- [3] Nixon, P.J. (TC chairman), 'Alkali-aggregate reaction -
Recommendations - A - TC106-2 [now AAR-2] Detection
reactive and, when tested according to AAR-2, exhibits an
of potential alkali-reactivity of aggregates - The ultra-
expansion of not more than 0.02 % (bars 40x40x160 ram). accelerated mortar-bar test - B - TC 106-3 [now AAR-3]
Detection of potential alkali-reactivity of aggregates -
A2. Interpretation of results Method for aggregate combinations using concrete prisms'
Mater. Struet. 33 (229) (2000) 283-293.
Typically, for alkali-silica reaction, the smaller the [4] Sims, I., Nixon, P.J. and Marion, A.-M., 'International
aggregate the more reactive it is and expansions in AAR-2 (0/4 collaboration to control alkali-aggregate reaction: the
m m aggregate) should be greater than in AAR-5 (4/8 m m successful progress of RILEM TCs 106-AAR and 191-
aggregate), provided the dimensions of the bars and the length ARP', Tang, M., and Deng, M. (eds), Proceedings of the
of the test period are the same. When, however, the expansions 12 th International Conference on Alkali-Aggregate Reaction

in AAR-5 are as high or even higher than in AAR-2, then in Concrete, Beijing, China, October 2004, Vol. I, 41-50.
something different from normal alkali-silica reaction has [5] Xu, Z., Lan, X., Deng, M. and Tang, M., 'A test method for
determining the potential alkali-carbonate reactivity of
probably happened. With concrete, owing to the larger
aggregates (Chinese accelerated concrete microbar method)',
aggregate used, even higher expansions have to be expected. Draft January 1999, RILEM document TC 106/99/03; see also:
It has been found that the composition of the cement can Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Alkali-
influence the expansions; different aggregates (with different Aggregate Reaction, Quebec, 2000, 129-138.
amounts and/or kinds of dolomitic material) may require [6] RILEM Recommendation AAR-2: Detection of potential
different criteria for maximum admissible expansion. alkali-reactivity of aggregates - The ultra-accelerated
Therefore, for the time being, expansion limits should be mortar-bar test', first version published as TC 106-2 in
applied only where established by local experience (in China a Mater. Struct. 33 (226) (March 2000).
28-day criterion of 0 . 1 % has been used successfully). In this [7] RILEM Recommendation AAR-3: Detection of potential alkali-
reactivity of aggregates - Method for aggregate combinations
Recommendation no such limit is suggested and the following
using concrete prisms', first version published as RILEM TC
procedure is recommended instead: 106-3 in Mater. Struct. 33 (226) (March 2000).
Test the aggregate both in AAR-2 and AAR-5, using the [8] ASTM C230/230M-98, 'Standard Specification for Flow Table
same cement and bars with the same dimensions for Use in Tests of Hydraulic Cement', American Society for
(40x40x160 mm), and compare the expansions after 14 Testing and Materials, Pennsylvania, USA, 1998.
days in N a O H solution: [9] EN 1015-3: 'Methods of test for mortar for masonry - Part
-AAR-2 expansion higher than admissible: ~ further 3: Determination of consistency of fresh mortar (by flow
testing by AAR-3 or AAR-4 [10] required table) (reference method)', British Standards Institution,
-AAR-2 expansion smaller than admissible: London, UK, 1999.
[10] RILEM Recommendation AAR-4: The Accelerated
AAR-5 expansion same or higher: --, further
Concrete Prism Test' (in preparation).
testing by AAR-3 or AAR-4 required [11] EN 196-1: 'Methods of testing cement - Part 1:
>" AAR-5 expansion smaller by at least 0.01%: no Determination of strength', British Standards Institution,
further testing required. London, UK, 1995.
[12] ASTM C109/C109M-02: 'Standard test method for
A3. Influence of the size of the aggregate compressive strength of hydraulic cement mortars (using 2-
in or [50mini cube specimens', American Society for
When only 4/7 m m aggregate is available, this will have Testing and Materials, Pennsylvania, USA, 2002.
to be used, but somewhat smaller expansions will have to [13] EN 196-6: 'Methods of testing cement - Part 6:
be expected with aggregates containing dolomitic material. Determination of fineness', British Standards Institution,
When 4/11 m m aggregate (or similar) is to be tested London, UK, 1992.
[14] ASTM C204-00: 'Standard test method for fineness of
instead of 4/8 ram, the amount on the intermediate 8 m m
hydraulic cement by air permeability apparatus', American
screen should be specified, in order to ensure a well defined Society for Testing and Materials, Pennsylvania, USA.
grading. With aggregates containing dolomitic material, the [15] EN 1097-6: 'Tests for mechanical and physical properties of
expansions will be greater than with 4/8 m m aggregate. aggregates - Part 6: Determination of particle density and
water absorption', British Standards Institution, UK, 2000.