Aggregate Testing


Simon Forensic is THE source in the Pacific Northwest for independent ASR testing! 

We are experts in Alkali Silica Reactivity (ASR) testing: 16 day, 30 day and year-long  tests can all be accomplished here, and it is not all we do.

Many of our tests search for deleterious materials in aggregate samples as outlined in ASTM C-33 guidelines. Deleterious materials can impact the quality and performance of structures built with cement and aggregate. The aggregate tests we run are listed in the chart below. 

Simon Forensic is now a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)  Recognized Testing Facility for Concrete Aggregates in accordance with ASTM 1293.

Our small, independent laboratory gives you the ability to communicate directly with Omar and the testing staff while your test is running. Call him anytime for technical assistance or consultation.

Omar has 20 years of experience in aggregate testing. Please contact Omar to discuss your test, to confirm sample size and inform us of your timeline.



Aggregate Test Methods:

TEST METHOD
 DESCRIPTION
 COMPLETION TIME
SAMPLE SIZE 
 1. ASTM C1260
        16 day test
        28 day test
Potential alkali reactivity of aggregates, mortar bar method

3-4 weeks
5-6 weeks
5 lbs. Fine
10 lbs. Coarse 
3 lbs.  Cement
      
 

 
 2. ASTM C1567
        16 day test
        28 day test
Potential alkali reactivity of aggregate with an
admixture (slag / flyash / lithium) to control ASR reaction.
 3-4 weeks
5-6 weeks
5 lbs. Fine
10 lbs. Coarse
3 lbs. Cement
3 lbs. Flyash / Slag
   
3. ASTM C1218 Water soluble chloride ion in mortar and concrete1-2 weeks
5 lbs. agg. or concrete core sample
   
4. ASTM C1152 Acid soluble chloride ion in mortar and concrete1-2 weeks
5 lbs. Agg. or concrete core sample
    
5. ASTM C88
        
Sulfate Soundness for fine or coarse aggregate, using sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate.
 2-3 weeks
 5 lbs.
20 lbs.
   
6. ASTM C123Light weight particles, specific gravity 2.0 (coal, lignite or shale)  or  2.4 (chert):  
      a. Fine
1-2 weeks 5 lbs.
     b. Coarse  (#4 - 3/8")1-2 weeks  10 lbs.
    c. Coarse (3/8" -  3/4")
1-2 weeks    
 20 lbs.
    d. Coarse (3/4" - 1 1/2")1-2 weeks 30 lbs.
    
7. ASTM C142 (clay lumps and friables)Clay lumps and friable particles in aggregate: 
    a. Fine1-2 weeks 2 lbs.
     b. Coarse (#4 - 3/8")1-2 weeks 10 lbs.
    c. Coarse (3/8" -  3/4")1-2 weeks 20 lbs.
    d. Coarse (3/4" - 1 1/2")1-2 weeks 30 lbs.
    
 8. ASTM C1293 Year-long ASR test. Length change of concrete due to alkali-silica reaction  1 year min.    
125 lbs. Aggregate
50 lbs. Cementitious
    
 9. ASTM C289 Potential alkali-silica reactivity of aggregates via chemical method3-4 weeks5 lbs.
    
 10. ASTM C127  Specific gravity for coarse aggregate.  
  
 11. ASTM C128  Specific gravity for fine aggregate.  







What does it mean to be AASHTO R-18 accredited?

It means we have achieved a level of quality that has been recognized and verified.
It means you can have confidence in the competency of our testing services. 
R-18 refers to the quality manual that specifies equipment, maintenance, calibration and training.


Why have your aggregate tested?

- To evaluate performance of your materials.

- To comply with regulations & quality standards.
- To ensure the quality of your concrete & aggregate.
- We have quick turn around times!