ASTM D5519-94

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Designation: D 5519 – 94
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Test Method for
Particle Size Analysis of Natural and Man-Made Riprap
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5519; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope C 136 Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
Aggregates
1.1 This test method covers the particle size and mass
D 422 Method for Particle Size Analysis of Soils
analysis of natural and man-made riprap and related materials,
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
including filter stone or coarse bedding materials.
Fluids
1.2 This test method is applicable for graded riprap stone,
D 3740 Practice for the Evaluation of Agencies Engaged in
both naturally occurring and quarried. It is applicable for sizes
the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock Used in
3 in. (75 mm) and above, with the upper size limited only by
Engineering Design and Construction
equipment available for handling and weighing of the indi-
D 4992 Practice for Evaluation of Rock to Be Used for
vidual particles. This test method is also applicable for evalu-
Erosion Control
ation, sizing, and mass determinations of man-made riprap
D 5240 Test Method for Testing Rock Slabs to Evaluate
materials, such as recycled broken concrete.
Soundess of Riprap by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magne-
1.3 Three alternate procedures are provided. The procedure
sium Sulfate
used shall be as indicated in the specification for the material
D 5312 Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock
being tested. If no procedure is specified, the choice should be
for Erosion Control Under Freezing and Thawing Condi-
selected and confirmed by the testing agency. The procedures
tions
and referenced sections are:
E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
1.3.1 Test Method A: Size-Mass Grading—Grading of the
poses
material based on both the size and mass. See 9.2.
1.3.2 Test Method B: Size-Range Grading—Determination
3. Terminology
of the grading of the material based on the sizes of the
3.1 Definitions:
individual particles. See 9.3.
3.1.1 Terminology used within this test method is in accor-
1.3.3 Test Method C: Mass-Range Grading—Determination
dance with Terminology D 653 with the addition of the
of the grading of the material based on the mass of the
following:
individual particles. See 9.4.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 During the measurements using the methods in accor-
3.2.1 bedding (riprap)—a layer of gravel, crushed stone, or
dance with 1.3.1, 1.3.2, or 1.3.3, other attributes, such as the
filter materials placed on soil and under riprap to prevent soil
amount of slab pieces, can be determined during testing.
migration up through the riprap, and to prevent undermining of
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
the riprap due to erosion of the soil.
as the standard. The metric equivalents of inch-pound units
3.2.2 slab pieces—pieces of riprap that exhibit dimensional
given in parentheses may be approximate.
ratios of the thickness to width or width to length, or both, in
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
excess of a specified ratio. The specified ratios typically range
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
from 1:4 to 1:3 or less.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4. Summary of Test Method
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
4.1 The following three test methods for evaluating particle
tionary statements are given in Section 7.
size distribution are available.
2. Referenced Documents 4.1.1 Test Method A: Size-Mass Grading—A sample of the
material is obtained, individual particles are measured, and the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
particles are grouped into size ranges desired. The total mass of
particles in the desired size range is determined. Particle size
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.17 on Rock for
Erosion Control. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
Current edition approved March 15, 1994. Published May 1994. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
D 5519
distribution percentages are then determined by calculation.
4.1.2 Test Method B: Size Range Grading—A sample of the
material is obtained, individual particles are measured,
counted, grouped into size ranges desired, and the distribution
by size range is determined. The distribution in a size range, by
mass, retained or passing, can be estimated.
4.1.3 Test Method C: Mass-Range Grading—A sample of
the material is obtained, the mass of individual particles is
measured, counted, masses are summed into mass ranges
desired, and the distribution by mass ranges is determined.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Riprap is commonly used to prevent erosion of under-
lying materials due to the effects of rain runoff, wind, flowing
water, or wave action. The particle size distribution and mass
of particles are two of the more important physical character-
istics of riprap, whether quarried or from naturally occurring
FIG. 1 Size Assuming Stone Shape Midway Between a Sphere
deposits.
and a Cube
5.2 The grading, particle mass, and other characteristics are
vidual particle mass, presence of bedding planes of weakness,
important to ensure that riprap and the underlying bedding
angularity, or amount of slab material may be determined
stone and filter materials will perform as designed to prevent
during the performance of this test method.
erosion. Particle size and shape are key to having a uniform
5.8 The accuracy of this test method is limited by the
and interlocked riprap layer that will resist wind, wave, and
representativeness of the sample tested. Interpretation of test
water action. Poorly graded materials will result in either less
results must consider the representativeness of the sample.
than desired performance or the need to place additional riprap
5.9 For large sizes of riprap, large sample sizes are required.
thickness.
Performance of this test method is labor and equipment
5.3 This test method can be used to determine the particle
intensive and therefore costly. The application of this test
size distribution of a sample of riprap or related materials, such
method should include considerations of the costs and time
as bedding, gabion, or riprap stone. It can be used during
involved.
evaluation of a potential source or later as a means of product
acceptance.
NOTE 1—The agency performing this test method can be evaluated in
5.4 If a complete gradation in terms of size and mass is
accordance with Practice D 3740. Not withstanding statements on preci-
required, it will be necessary to perform testing in accordance sion and bias contained in this test method: The precision of this test
method is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and
with Test Method A. Mass and size can be related if the specific
the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
gravity of the rock is known and the shapes generated during
criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent
production do not vary significantly. To obtain a complete
and objective testing. Users of this test method are cautioned that
gradation in terms of both mass and size, the unknown
compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself ensure reliable testing.
parameter may be estimated by calculation assuming that the
Reliable testing depends on many factors; Practice D 3740 provides a
clear square opening size is that of a particle midway between
means of evaluating some of those factors.
the size of sphere or cube, without significant amounts of
6. Apparatus
slab-type pieces. Fig. 1 can be used to estimate either the size
or mass of a rock piece. 6.1 Scales, of adequate capacity to determine the mass of
5.5 Of the three test methods available, Test Method A is the sorted riprap pieces either individually or in whole. The
considered to provide the most quantitative description of the scale will be accurate to 1 % of the indicated mass. Calibrated
sample because both particle sizes and masses are determined. or certified commercial truck or quarry scales of adequate
Test Method A employs a methodology similar to standard soil capacity are typically used. For individual particle measure-
and aggregate particle size analysis tests (see Test Methods ments using Test Method B, hoist line load cells have been
D 422 and C 136). Test Method B can be used for periodic used successfully.
product checks of particle sizes to ensure distribution meets 6.2 Sieves or Templates, meeting the requirements of Speci-
specifications. Test Method C can be used if size can be fication E 11 for sizes up to 5 in. (125 mm). For sizes above 5
inferred from a consistent source, and abnormal shapes or in., single-opening templates may be fabricated for the required
characteristics of the rock are not of concern. sizes. Templates may be fabricated from steel bar or other
5.6 Calculation needs for Test Methods B and C depend on sufficiently rigid materials in the sizes required. For templates
the performance requirements specified for a particular project openings from 5 in. to 16 in. (125 to 400 mm), the openings
need. Requirements may be expressed in terms of percentage will be within 62 % of the size, for templates greater than 16
passing or retained for range of mass or size, or both. Test in., the openings will be within 60.25 in. (6.35 mm). Sieves
Method B determines the number of particles by size while and templates should be checked on a regular basis to verify
Test Method C is by mass. squareness, straightness, and conformance to opening toler-
5.7 Other characteristics of interest, such as average indi- ances. Hand grips or handles should be considered for ease of
D 5519
use. For larger sizes, it has been found useful to fabricate personnel hazard from rolling or falling pieces.
templates in the form of a C-shaped caliper representing the 7.2 Personnel performing this test method will be in the
sieve opening and the diagonal of the sieve opening (see Fig. vicinity of working heavy equipment and precautions should
2). be taken to prevent injury from equipment.
6.3 Transport Vehicle, capable of conveying the individual 7.3 Working with and around the pieces may subject per-
or groups of the individual sorted riprap pieces from the sonnel to dust, flying particles, falling pieces, and excessive
sampling point to the test area, and from the test area to the noise. Personnel should be adequately equipped and trained in
weighing station. If truck scales are used, the transport vehicle the use of personal protective equipment.
should be tared prior to and after determination of the masses.
8. Sampling
6.4 Handling Equipment, such as forklifts, loaders, or like
equipment for sampling, transporting, assisting in the sorting,
8.1 The precision and representativeness of this test method
loading for transport, weighing, and other tasks involved in the is directly related to the sampling process. The sampling
physical performance of the test.
should be carefully planned and executed to achieve optimum
6.5 Tape Measures for determining particle size dimensions representativeness. All parties should be involved in the
to estimate mass or determine slab pieces.
planning process. The sampling plan should be documented
6.6 Test Area, sufficiently large to allow the placement of the and included as a part of the final report.
test sample, areas or bins to place the sorted materials, and
8.2 The mass of the total test specimen should be large
adequate to allow trucks, loaders, and other required equipment enough to ensure a representative gradation and should be such
to operate safely. The test area should have a smooth surface,
that it provides test results to the desired level of accuracy. One
preferably of concrete, to provide a suitable work surface and
analogy is to consider a test specimen size of such size that the
prevent loss of the fines.
addition or loss of the largest expected piece will not change
6.7 Proportional Calipers, fabricated in a sufficient size or
the results by more than a specified percentage. If the particle
sizes for use in determining if pieces meet or exceed dimen-
mass is not known from experience, the particle mass may be
sional ratios to be considered slab pieces (see Fig. 2).
estimated using Fig. 1, with an assumed representative specific
6.8 Miscellaneous Equipment, such as spray paints to mark gravity, or calculated using an assumed specific gravity and
pieces, rock hammers, cameras for photo documentation,
volume of the largest expected piece.
sample bags, tags or signs, data-recording forms, heavy work
NOTE 2—Example: For a test specimen size to achieve a 1 % accuracy,
gloves, safety goggles or glasses, respirators or dust masks, and
assume that the largest individual piece mass is expected to be 150 lb (68
steel-toed boots or caps, as required for the work.
kg). For this piece to represent less than 1 %, the sample mass would be
15 000-lb (6 800-kg) minimum. For this piece to represent less than 5 %
7. Hazards
accuracy, the sample size would be 3000-lb (1360-kg) minimum.
7.1 Performance of this test method includes the moving,
8.3 Take an adequate amount of sample to ensure that the
lifting, measurement, and transfer of large pieces of rock. This
minimum test specimen mass is available, however sampling
presents the potential for personnel injury from crushing,
will not be to a predetermined exact mass. Composite samples
dropped or rolling of the riprap pieces. Whenever possible, the
will be allowed only when included in the sample plan.
sample should be spread to a single layer depth to reduce
8.4 Sampling from the source material will be in accordance
with the sampling plan with the emphasis on obtaining a
sample representative of the whole in respect to mass, size, and
shape.
8.5 Sample handling should be minimized to avoid unnec-
essary degradation and breakage. For materials that have been
submerged, allow the sample to freely drain. Moisture content
of riprap samples is considered inconsequential and the sample
will be tested and reported as-fou
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