Testing the soundness of aggregates using different methodologies

This paper compares the European (EN) and US (ASTM) standard tests for the soundness of aggregates. The main purpose of the paper is to identify the differences between these two methods and to investigate the extent of weathering inflicted on aggregates by sodium and magnesium sulphate salt solutions. The results show that both tests (using weighted average) produce similar mass losses with magnesium sulphate. They also suggest that the EN test (Annex B) is unsuitable for fine aggregates. The loss in mass for coarse aggregates tested with magnesium sulphate increases as the fraction size is reduced.

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► ASTM and EN (weighted average) soundness tests with MgSO4 produce similar results.
► EN soundness test (Annex B) is not suitable for fine aggregates.
► MgSO4 is far more damaging than Na2SO4.
► Increase in mass loss for coarse aggregates with fraction size reduction.