Activity A
Topic # 5092
CONCRETE AND MASONRY
Josh Miller
Testing Sand for Silt and Clay
Materials
 Quart Jar
 Sample of sand to be tested
 Water
 Ruler
Procedures
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Place 2 inches of sand in the quart jar
Add water to the jar so that the jar is ¾ full
Cap the jar and shake vigorously for 1 minute
Shake jar sideways to level the sand
Set the jar aside for one hour
Measure the silt at the top of the sand
If the layer of silt is over 1/8”, reject the sand or wash it
if the layer is under 1/8”, let it set overnight to check the clay content
if the layer is less than 1/8”, it may be used and if it is over it is rejected or
washed
10. Clean the area and put away the materials
Questions
1. How thick was your layer of silt in your jar after one hour? After 24 hours?
2. Could this sand be used in a concrete mix?
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Modified from: “Agricultural Mechanics Fundamentals and Application” 1997