ASTM C702/C702M-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C702/C702M-24 — Standard Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size. This practice describes three methods for reducing large field or laboratory samples of aggregate to convenient testing-size portions while minimizing differences between the selected test sample and the original large sample.

Abstract

Provides procedures and apparatus for reducing aggregate samples (coarse and fine) to sizes appropriate for common aggregate tests. Methods include mechanical splitting, quartering, and miniature stockpile sampling for damp fine aggregate; guidance addresses selection of method, apparatus, and precautions to avoid non-representative reduced samples.

General information

• Status: Active / Current (revision replacing the 2018 edition).
• Publication date: Designation year 2024; published/issued late 2024 (commonly listed as 01 December 2024) with ASTM administrative update recorded 06 January 2025.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 91.100.30 — Concrete and concrete products (aggregates).
• Edition / version: C702/C702M-24 (2024 revision).
• Number of pages: 5 pages.

Scope

This practice covers three methods for reducing large aggregate samples to testing size (Method A — mechanical splitter, Method B — quartering, Method C — miniature stockpile sampling for damp fine aggregate). It states unit-system provisions and clarifies that notes and footnotes are explanatory only; it also advises when reduction is not recommended (e.g., when very large particles or rare contaminants could bias reduced samples).

Key topics and requirements

• Selection criteria for sample-reduction method based on aggregate size, moisture, and particle distribution.
• Specifications for mechanical sample splitters (construction, calibration, and use).
• Quartering procedure (procedure steps, minimum handling precautions).
• Miniature stockpile sampling for damp fine aggregate (when applicable).
• Guidance on when to retain and test the entire original sample rather than a reduced portion.
• SI and inch–pound unit provisions and note/footnote usage.

Typical use and users

Used by materials and quality-control engineers, laboratory technicians, testing agencies, contractors, transportation departments, and aggregate producers to obtain representative test portions for particle-size analysis, specific gravity, absorption, and other aggregate tests. Also referenced by standards writers and accreditation bodies for test-method preparation.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside ASTM standards for aggregate sampling and testing such as D75 (sampling of aggregates), C29/C29M (bulk density and voids in aggregate), C127 (relative density and absorption of coarse aggregate), C117 (materials finer than 75 μm), and C670 (precision and bias statements and test-method preparation practices). Users should consult those standards when preparing or interpreting reduced samples for specific tests.

Keywords

aggregate; sample reduction; mechanical splitter; quartering; miniature stockpile sampling; specimen preparation; field testing—aggregate; coarse aggregate; fine aggregate; representative sample; ICS 91.100.30.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C702/C702M-24 is a practice that describes accepted procedures for reducing large aggregate samples to sizes appropriate for laboratory testing, including three specific reduction methods.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers method selection, apparatus and splitter requirements, step-by-step procedures for mechanical splitting and quartering, a miniature stockpile technique for damp fine aggregate, and guidance on when reduction should not be used.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials labs, engineers, testing agencies, contractors, aggregate suppliers, and transportation/municipal materials groups that perform aggregate tests or establish sampling protocols.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is the current (active) revision dated 2024 (C702/C702M-24); it replaces the prior 2018 edition and is listed as active in ASTM records with administrative update activity recorded in early January 2025.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM's aggregate and concrete testing suite (book/volume 04.02) and is often referenced together with other aggregate test methods and practices in the C09 committee publications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Aggregate, sample reduction, mechanical splitter, quartering, miniature stockpile, specimen preparation, field testing, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate.