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Lab 2: Organic Impurities: Effect of Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregate On Strength of Mortar1 (ASTM C87-10)

Natural aggregates contain organic impurities like tannic acid and humus that can interfere with the hydration process in concrete. The colorimetric test (ASTM C40) involves adding a sodium hydroxide solution to aggregate samples and comparing the color of the solution after 24 hours to a standard color - a darker color indicates a higher organic content. While a high organic content doesn't necessarily mean the aggregate is unsuitable, further strength tests comparing mortars made with the original and washed aggregates (ASTM C87) are recommended to determine the impact.

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64 views1 page

Lab 2: Organic Impurities: Effect of Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregate On Strength of Mortar1 (ASTM C87-10)

Natural aggregates contain organic impurities like tannic acid and humus that can interfere with the hydration process in concrete. The colorimetric test (ASTM C40) involves adding a sodium hydroxide solution to aggregate samples and comparing the color of the solution after 24 hours to a standard color - a darker color indicates a higher organic content. While a high organic content doesn't necessarily mean the aggregate is unsuitable, further strength tests comparing mortars made with the original and washed aggregates (ASTM C87) are recommended to determine the impact.

Uploaded by

Muhammad Haroon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lab 2: Organic Impurities

Natural aggregates are strong against wear and they are not considered as fit for use in concrete,
because impurities interfere in hydration process. Organic matter found in aggregates is decay of
vegetables (mostly tanic acid and its derivatives) present in the form humus and organic loam.
Mostly found in sands than in coarse aggregates, which is easily washed.
Not all organic matters are harmful. This can be checked by compression test. This is done by
test called colorimetric test of ASTM C 40. 3% NaoH solution (3 parts sodium and 97 parts
water) is added to neutralize acids. Prescribed quantity of aggregates and solution is shacked
well and allowed to stand for 24 hrs, whe the organic content can be judged by the color of the
solution. The greater the organic content the darker the color is. If color is less darker than the
standard yellow color then it contains harmless amount of organic impurities.
If color is darker than standard then if it is brownish or brown OC is high, but this does not
necessarily means that aggregate is not fit for use. This organic matter may not be harmful and
color might be due to some iron bearing minerals so further tests are required. ASTM C87
recommends strength test on mortar with the suspect sand as compared with mortar mad with the
same, but washed sand.
In some countries OC is found by noticing lose in mass of ample with hydrogen per oxide. In
some cases the effect of Organic matter is temporary.
Take 450 g of sample.
Fill the bottle with sample (fine aggregates) up to 130 ml in the bottle.
Add NaoH solution until the total volume becomes equal to the 200- mL. Stopper the bottle,
shake vigorously and allow to stand for 24 hours.
Compare with standard plate color. If it is darker than plate 3 color then do necessary strength
tests.
Instead of plates stand solution can be used for comparison. (Potassium di chromate in
concentrated sulphuric acid 0.250g/100 ml of acid.
Effect of Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregate on Strength of Mortar1 (ASTM C87-10)

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