The sand equivalent test quantifies the relative abundance of sand versus clay in soil. It is measured by standardized test methods such as ASTM D2419, AASHTO T176, and EN 933–8.[1] The test is used to qualify aggregates for applications where sand is desirable but fines and dust are not. A higher sand equivalent value indicates that there is less clay‐like material in a sample.

During the test, material from the test specimen that can pass through a No. 4 sieve is mixed with solutions of calcium chloride, formaldehyde and glycerin in a cylinder. The content is then left for sedimentation. After about 20 minutes, the level of clay suspension and the sand level is read on the cylinder scale.

References

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  1. ^ "Sand equivalent test set". Control-Groups.Com. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
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