salt ash - site 220 screened sand for concrete & asphalt · salt ash - site 220 screened sand...

Salt Ash - Site 220

Screened Sand for

Concrete & Asphalt

2 0 1 9

Specification Compliance with: AS2758.1, AS4058,

B80, R53, R82, R83, RMS 3152

1 | P a g e

PO Box 3127 THORNTON NSW 2322 Ph: 02 4966 1844 Fax: 02 4966 1855

A.B.N. 50 103 355 531 A.C.N. 103 355 531

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

13/03/2019

VC Ref: P1089 – Screened Sand – Salt Ash

Attn: Robert Mackenzie

Macka’s Sand Pty Ltd

2684 Nelson Bay Rd

Salt Ash

NSW 2318

Concrete Sand & Asphalt Sand

Dear Robert,

Please find the reports and related documents attached. We are waiting on more external

testing results so will make further revision updates when they arrive.

Please contact James Wyatt (0402 566 615) if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Grant Burgess

Senior Technician

Email: [email protected]

2 | P a g e

PO Box 3127 THORNTON NSW 2322 Ph: 02 4966 1844 Fax: 02 4966 1855

A.B.N. 50 103 355 531 A.C.N. 103 355 531

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Introduction

Valley Civilab have been commissioned to conduct sampling & testing of screened sand

located at the Salt Ash Deposit – Site 220. The purpose of the testing was to evaluate the

material for use as fine aggregate for concrete and asphalt production.

Specifications

• AS 2758.1-2014 - Aggregates and Rock for Engineering Purposes, Part 1: Concrete

Aggregates

• AS/NZ 4058:2007 – Pre-Cast Concrete Pipes (Pressure and Non-pressure)

• RMS B80, Edition 6 / Revision 8 – Concrete Work for Bridges

• RMS R82, Edition 4 / Revision 0 – Lean-mix Concrete Subbase

• RMS R83, Edition 3 / Revision 1 – Concrete Pavement Base

• R53, Edition 2 / Revision 2 – Concrete (for General Use), Mortar and Grout

• RMS 3152, Edition 2 / Revision 3 – Aggregates for Asphalt

Results

The sand sample conformed to AS 2758.1 – Concrete aggregates with the qualification that

reactivity of the sand should be determined with the cementitious materials proposed &

assessed for conformance accordingly. The reactivity of the sand is classified as non-reactive

when tested with the cementitious materials consisting of 100% Gladstone GP Cement &

slowly reactive with the cementitious materials consisting of 100% Port Kembla GP Cement.

The sand conforms also to specifications AS 4058 & RMS R82, R83. The material conforms to

RMS B80 with the qualification that the grading requirements must be assessed with the

resultant blended fine aggregate as the results on the sand alone are outside the specified

envelope. Additionally, under B80 clause 2.4.1 the principal may approve PSD's outside the

specified limits if evidence is provided all other requirements of the B80 specification are met.

The sand conforms to asphalt specification RMS 3152.

Testing & Limitations

Testing has been conducted in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 “General Requirements for

Testing & Calibration Laboratories” in a NATA endorsed facility where referenced. Test results

should be assessed using precision in terms of repeatability, reproducibility, measurement

uncertainty and effects of sampling.

AS2758.1 B80 R83 R82

Concrete Aggregates Concrete Work for Bridges Concrete Pavement Base Lean-Mix Concrete Subbase

Uncompacted Bulk Density t/m3 AS1141.4 1.49 min 1.2 min 1.2

Compacted Bulk Density t/m3 AS1141.4 1.58 min 1.2 min 1.2

Particle Density (SSD) t/m3 AS1141.5 2.63

Particle Density (Dry) t/m3 AS1141.5 2.63 Normal weight aggregate min 2.1 , max 3.2 Normal weight aggregate min 2.1 , max 3.2 Normal weight aggregate min 2.1 , max 3.2 Normal weight aggregate min 2.1 , max 3.2

Water Absorption % AS1141.5 0.2 max 2 max 2.5 max 5.0 max 5.0

% Finer Than 2.36 mm % AS1141.11.1 / T201 100 +/- 5% from nominated Based on combined aggregate Table R80.1 Based on combined aggregate Table R83.1 +/- 5% from nominated



% Finer Than 0.425 mm % AS1141.11.1 / T201 89 Based on combined aggregate Table R83.1

% Finer Than 0.300mm % AS1141.11.1 / T201 36 +/- 10% from nominated Based on combined aggregate Table R80.1 Based on combined aggregate Table R83.1 +/- 10% from nominated

% Finer Than 0.150mm % AS1141.11.1 / T201 1 +/- 5% from nominated Based on combined aggregate Table R80.1 Based on combined aggregate Table R83.1 +/- 5% from nominated

% Finer Than 0.075mm % AS1141.11.1 / T201 1 0 to 5 0 to 5 Based on combined aggregate Table R83.1 0 to 5

% Finer Than 0.075mm % AS1141.12 / T201 0 0 to 5 0 to 5 Figure R83.1 on TF Figure R82.1 on TF

% Finer Than 0.002mm % AS1141.13 N/A max 1 max 1 Figure R83.1 on TF Figure R82.1 on TF

Sodium Sulphate Soundness % AS1141.24 0.2 max 6 max 6 max 6.0 max 6.0

Light Particles % AS1141.31 0 max 1 max 1 max 1 max 1

Clay & Fine Silt % AS1141.33 2

Organic Impurities AS1141.34 PASS Pass (lighter in Colour to Reference) PASS (lighter in Colour to Reference) PASS or FAIL on TF PASS or FAIL on TF

Organic Matter Content % AS1289.4.1.1 <0.1 max 0.5 on TF max 0.5 on TF

Sugar AS1141.35 Absent Negative (No Sugar) Negative (No Sugar) < 1 part in 10000 on TF < 1 part in 10000 on TF

Methylene Blue Adsorption Value (MBV) g/mg T659 1.0 Figure R83.1 Figure R82.1

MBV75 Value - Calculated 0 max 150 (Manufactured fine aggrgate) max 100 (Manufactured fine agregate only) Figure R83.1 Figure R82.1

Acid Insoluble Residue % Tex-612-J 100 min 60

Micro-Deval Loss % ASTM D7428 3.9 max 15

Flow Cone Time s T279 20.2 max 27 on TF max 27 on TF

Chlorides % AS1012.20 0.004Report if > 0.01, Reinforced concrete max 0.4, Plain

concrete max 0.15

Report if > 0.01, Reinforced concrete max 0.4, Plain

concrete max 0.15


concrete max 0.15


concrete max 0.15

Sulfates % AS1012.20 0.007 Report if > 0.01, max 5% of portland cement Report if > 0.01, max 5% of portland cement Report if > 0.01, max 5% of portland cement Report if > 0.01, max 5% of portland cement

Alkali Aggregate Reactivity T363 REPORT Report for assessment of reactivityReport for assessment of reactivity, classification &

actionClause 2.5.1 Clause 2.4

Petrographic Analysis ASTM C295 REPORTReport for assesment of reactivity and classification of

material

Report for assesment of reactivity and classification

of material

Report for assesment of reactivity and classification

of material

Report for assesment of reactivity and classification of

material

Moisture % AS1289.2.1.1 3.1

Linear Shrinkage % AS1289.3.4.1 0

Plasticity Index % AS1289.3.3.1 NP

Salinity mS/cm APHA 2510B 0.043

pH Value pH AS1289.4.3.1 5.8

Particle Size Distribution :

Acid Soluble Salts:

Property Units Test Method Result

Specification

TF = Total Fine Test Result either by testing individually and calculating theorectically or testing the mixed fne aggregate. Material complies with R53 if the material complies with AS2758.1. & ASTM C295 with reference to SAAHB 79 & T363 is conducted for AAR. Material complies with AS4058 if the material complies with

AS2758.1.

Macka's Sand - Screened Sand Salt Ash Site 220 - Annual Testing Result Summary for 2019 - Concrete Aggregate Specification Compliance

RMS 3152

Aggregates for Asphalt

Uncompacted Bulk Density t/m3 AS1141.4 1.49

Compacted Bulk Density t/m3 AS1141.4 1.58

Particle Density (SSD) t/m3 AS1141.5 2.63 Report

Particle Density (Dry) t/m3 AS1141.5 2.63 Report

Water Absorption % AS1141.5 0.2 max 1.5% (quartz sands)

Particle Size Distribution (Using the average of 847 results from February 2017 to February 2018):

% Finer Than 2.36 mm % AS1141.11.1 / T201 100 +/-6% from nominated




% Finer Than 0.300mm % AS1141.11.1 / T201 36 +/-5% from nominated



% Finer Than 0.075mm % AS1141.12 / T201 0 Report

% Finer Than 0.002mm % AS1141.13 N/A -

Sodium Sulphate Soundness % AS1141.24 0.2 max 12

Light Particles % AS1141.31 0

Clay & Fine Silt % AS1141.33 2

Organic Impurities AS1141.34 PASS

Organic Matter Content % AS1289.4.1.1 <0.1

Sugar AS1141.35 Absent

Methylene Blue Adsorption Value (MBV) g/mg T659 1.0

MBV75 Value - Calculated 0

Acid Insoluble Residue % Tex-612-J 100

Micro-Deval Loss % ASTM D7428 3.9

Flow Cone Time s T279 20.2

Chlorides % AS1012.20 0.004

Sulfates % AS1012.20 0.007

Alkali Aggregate ReactivityT363 (Comparable to

AS1141.60.1)REPORT

Petrographic Analysis ASTM C295 REPORT

Moisture % T120 3.1

Linear Shrinkage % AS1289.3.4.1 0

Plasticity Index % T109 NP

Salinity mS/cm APHA 2510B 0.043

pH Value pH AS1289.4.3.1 5.8

Specification

Macka's Sand - Screened Sand Salt Ash site 220 - Annual Testing Result Summary

for 2019 - Asphalt Aggregate Specification Compliance

Property Units Test Method Result

Acid Soluble Salts:

Client : Macka's Sand & Soil Supplies Report Number:

Address : 2684 Nelson Bay Rd, Salt Ash, NSW Report Date :

Project Name : Material Evaluation - Screened Sand Order Number :

Project Number : P1089 Test Method :

Location: Site 220 , Salt Ash

Sample Number : Sampling Method :

Date Sampled : Material Source :

Date Tested : Material Type :

Sampled By : Remarks

SAMPLE LOCATION:

Lot Number : Test Number : Specification Number :

<1mm

100 Material Finer than 75µm AS1141.12 0 Report

75 Density & Water Absorption (Coarse)

63 Apparent Particle Density t/m3

53 Particle Density (on a dry basis) t/m3

37.5 Particle Density (on a SSD basis) t/m3

26.5 Water Absorption %

19.0 Density & Water Absorption (Fine)

16.0 Apparent Particle Density t/m3

13.2 Particle Density (on a dry basis) t/m3

9.5 Particle Density (on a SSD basis) t/m3

6.7 Water Absorption %

4.75 Bulk Density (Loose) t/m3

2.36 Bulk Density (Compacted) t/m3

1.18 Moisture Condition of Aggregate

0.600 Particle Shape % Total Mishappen 2:1

0.425 Flat %

0.300 Elongated %

0.150 Flat and Elongated %

0.075 Particle Shape % Total Mishappen 3:1

Flat %

Elongated %

Flat and Elongated %

Wet / Dry Strength Variation

Wet Strength kN

Dry Strength kN

Wet / Dry Strength Variation %

Size Fraction of Test portion

Breakdown

Size of Test Cylinder Used mm

Average Least Dimension mm

Weak Particles %

Flakiness Index

Organic Impurities other than Sugar

Method of Determination

99

100

1

1

Nominal Size of Aggregate

Nature of Bulk Sample

RF5.1-9

Accredited for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025. The results of the tests,

calibrations and/or measurements included in this document are traceable to

Australian/national standards.

APPROVED SIGNATORY

NATA Accreditation Number

Grant Burgess - Senior Technician

14975

Document Code

36

89

Aggregate Report for Engineering Purposes

Specification

LimitsResult

Stockpile , , ,

Specification Limits Test MethodAS Sieve Size

(mm)

Sieve Analysis

Percent Passing

AS1141.3.1 (8.4.3)

Macka's - Salt Ash - Site 220

Screened Fine Dune Sand

P1089 - 23/1

13/02/2019

AS1141.11.1 (Washed)

S19-154

Page 1 of 1

17/01/2019

23/01/2019

Grant Burgess

Client : Macka's Sand & Soil Supplies Report Number: P1089 - 24/1

Address : 2684 Nelson Bay Rd, Salt Ash, NSW Report Date : 13/02/2019


Project Number : P1089 Test Method : AS1141.4


Sample Number : S19-154

Test Number :

Sampling Method : AS1141.3.1 (8.4.3)

Date Sampled : 17/01/2019

Date Tested : 31/01/2019

Material Type : Screened Fine Dune Sand

Material Source : Macka's - Salt Ash - Site 220

Lot Number :

Sample Location : Stockpile

Loose Unit Mass (t/m³) : 1.49

Compacted Unit Mass (t/m³) : 1.58

Remarks :

Document Code RF171-8

Accredited for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025. The results of the

tests, calibrations and/or measurements included in this

document are traceable to Australian/national standards.

Bulk Density of Aggregate Report

APPROVED SIGNATORY


14975

Page 1 of 1








Test Number :






Lot Number :


Water Absorption (%) : 0.2

Particle Density DRY (t/m³) : 2.63

Particle Density SSD (t/m³) : 2.63

Apparent Particle Density (t/m³) : 2.64

Remarks :


Accredited for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025. The results of

the tests, calibrations and/or measurements included in this


Particle Density and Water Absorption Report

APPROVED SIGNATORY


14975

Page 1 of 1








Test Number :






Lot Number :


Percent Loss 53.0 to 37.5mm: -









Percent Loss 0.60 to 0.30mm: 0.2

Sodium Sulphate Soundness (%) : 0.2

Remarks :

Document Code RFO165-8

Accredited for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025. The results of

the tests, calibrations and/or measurements included in this


Sodium Sulphate Soundness Report

APPROVED SIGNATORY


14975

Page 1 of 1


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The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the

correct file and location.

Client: Macka's Sand & Soil Supplies Project No: P1089

Principle: - Report No: P1089-(S19-154)-LP

Project: Annual Testing - Screened Sand Sample No: S19-154

Location: Site 220, Salt Ash, NSW Sample Date: 17/01/2019

Material Source: Macka's - Salt Ash - Site 220

Material Description: Screened Fine Dune SAND

Nominal Size (mm): < 1mm

Light Particles (%) = 0

Authorised Signatory:

Grant Burgess

Senior Technician

Date: 13/02/2019

Test Method AS1141.31

Sample Detail

Result

Light Particles

This document is issued in accordance with

NATA Accreditation Requirements.

Accreditated for compliance with ISO/IEC

17025.

NATA Accredited Laboratory # 14975.

V:\DATA\Controlled Documents\_Reports\RS - 46 Light Particles AS issue 2 01.02.13







Test Number :




Lot Number :




Clay and Fine Silt (%) : 2

Remarks :





Clay and Fine Silt Report Report

APPROVED SIGNATORY


14975

Page 1 of 1


-







Test Number :






Lot Number :


Colour Assessment Method : Visual

Test Outcome : PASS

Remarks :





Organic Impurities Report

APPROVED SIGNATORY


14975

Page 1 of 1


Client: Project No: P1089

Principle: Report No: P1089-(S19-154)-S

Project: Sample No: S19-154

Location: Date: 24/01/2019

Date Sampled: 17/01/2019

Sample Description: Screened fine dune SAND

Material Source: Salt Ash Quarry - Site 220

Client reference: -

Fraction Tested: As Received

Presence of Sugar in Aggregate Detected (Yes/No): No

Remarks:


Date:

Sugar in AggregatesMacka's Sand & Soil Supplies

-

Annual Testing - Screened Sand

Salt Ash - Site 220

Test Method AS1141.35

Result

Sample Detail


06/02/2019

Accredited for compliance with ISO/IEC

17025. The results of the tests,

calibrations and/or measurements

included in this document are traceable

to Australian/National Standards. NATA

accreditation Number: 14975

V:\DATA\Controlled Documents\_Reports\RS - 30 Sugar in Aggregates AS_issue 3 300613

Client: Macka's Sand & Soil Supplies Project No: P1089

Principle: - Report No: P1089-(S19-154)-MB

Project: Annual Testing - Screened Sand Sample No: S19-154

Location: Date Sampled:

Material Description: Screened Fine Dune SAND

Material Source: Salt Ash Quarry - Site 220

Stockpile No: -

Batch / Mix No: -

For use as: Fine Aggregate

Methylene Blue Adsorption Value Result 1 (mg/g)= 1

Methylene Blue Adsorption Value Result 2 (mg/g)= 1

Average Methylene Blue Adsorption Value (mg/g)= 1

Note: (mg/g) refers to milligrams of dye per grams of test portion)

Remarks:


Grant Burgess

Senior Technician

Date: 13/02/2019

Accredited for compliance with

ISO/IEC 17025. The results of the

tests, calibrations and/or

measurements included in this

document are traceable to

Australian/national standards.

NATA accredited laboratory

number: 14975

Methylene Blue Adsorption Value

Salt Ash - Site 220 17/01/2019

Test Method - RMS -T659

Result

Sample Detail

V:\DATA\Controlled Documents\_Reports\RS - 48 Methylene Blue Adsorption Value RMS T659_issue 2 021215




Project Number : P1089 Test Method : AS1289.2.1.1



Test Number :






Lot Number :


Oven Temperature (°C) : 105-110

Soil Description : Screened Fine Dune Sand

Moisture Content (%) : 3.1

Remarks :





Moisture Content Report

APPROVED SIGNATORY


14975

Page 1 of 1





Project Number : P1089 Test Method : AS1289.3.1.1,3.2.1,3.3.1,3.4.1



Test Number :



Sampled By : Grant Burgess





Lot Number :

Moisture Method : AS1289.2.1.1

Sample History : Oven Dried

Sample Preparation : Dry

Notes :

Mould Length (mm) :

Liquid Limit (%) : Not Obtainable

Plastic Limit (%) : Not Obtainable

Plasticity Index (%) : NP (Non Plastic)

Linear Shrinkage (%) : Not Obtainable

Specification Number :

Liquid Limit - Max :

Plasticity Index - Max :

Linear Shrinkage - Max :

Remarks :





Atterberg Limits Report

APPROVED SIGNATORY


14975

Page 1 of 1

NATA Accreditation Number :

SPECIFICATION DETAILS

-

Client: Project No: P1089

Principle: Report No: P1089-(S19-154)-CON

Project: Sample No: S19-154

Location: Date: 07/02/2019

Date Sampled: 17/01/2019

Sample Description: Screened Fine Dune SAND

Material Source: Macka's - Salt Ash - Site 220

Client reference: -

Fraction Tested: -2.36 mm

43 µS/cm

25 °C

Remarks:


Date:

ConductivityMacka's Sand & Soil Supplies

-

Annual Testing - Screened Sand

Site 220, Salt Ash, NSW

Test Method: APHA 2510B with AS1289.4.3.1 Clause 5 (Preperation)

Result

Sample Detail


13/02/2019

Accredited for compliance with ISO/IEC

17025. The results of the tests,

calibrations and/or measurements

included in this document are traceable

to Australian/National Standards. NATA

accreditation Number: 14975

Conductivity at 25°C (Temperature Compensated):

Temperature of Sample:

V:\DATA\Controlled Documents\_Reports\RS - 66 Conductivity_Issue 1 160117




Project Number : P1089 Test Method : AS1289.4.3.1



Test Number :






Lot Number :


pH Value : 5.8

Remarks :





pH Value Report

APPROVED SIGNATORY


14975

Page 1 of 1


-

Wollongong Laboratory 1/140 Industrial Rd Oak flats

Phone: +61 2 42574458Email/Fax: +61 2 42574458

Client: Report No:Address: Project No:Project: Request No:

Sample No: Client's ID:

Material Description: Material Source:

Cement Type: Cement Source:

Material Sampling Method: Date / Time Sampled:

Test Method: RMS T363

Bar 1 Bar 2 Bar 312/02/19 1 0.005 0.000 0.000 0.00214/02/19 3 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.00218/02/19 7 0.020 0.015 0.015 0.01721/02/19 10 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.03625/02/19 14 0.065 0.070 0.065 0.06804/03/19 21 0.130 0.135 0.130 0.131

Water/Cement Ratio: 0.39Flow (%) 6.00

Accrediation Number: 1318Corporate Site Number: 10848

Name:Function:Date:

SF184 9/10/2018

Report for

17/01/2019

Hanson

Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Aggregates Accelerated Mortar Bar Method

Valley Civilab T4846S20670-040319Unit 3/62 Sandringham Avenue, Thornton NSW 10848/P/414

Macka's Sand Salt Ash Site 220

S19-154

Material Testing 10848/T/4846

10848/S/20670

Fine Dune Sand

100% Gladstone GP

Tested as received

04-Mar-19

Page 1 of 1

Test Date

Remarks: Results apply to the sample as received

Tim MathieAuthorised Signatory

Expansion (%)Age (Days) Average

The results of the tests, calibrations and/or measurements included in this document are traceable to Australian/national standards.Accredited for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 - Testing

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0.14

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

Expa

nsio

n (%

)

Age (Days)

Expansion V's Age

Wollongong Laboratory 1/140 Industrial Rd Oak flats

Phone: +61 2 42574458Email/Fax: +61 2 42574458

Client: Report No:Address: Project No:Project: Request No:

Sample No: Client's ID:

Material Description: Material Source:

Cement Type: Cement Source:

Material Sampling Method: Date / Time Sampled:

Test Method: RMS T363

Bar 1 Bar 2 Bar 312/02/19 1 0.000 -0.000 0.000 0.00014/02/19 3 0.010 -0.000 0.000 0.00318/02/19 7 0.015 0.015 0.020 0.01721/02/19 10 0.040 0.040 0.040 0.03925/02/19 14 0.085 0.085 0.085 0.08504/03/19 21 0.165 0.175 0.165 0.169

Water/Cement Ratio: 0.40Flow (%) 12.00

Accrediation Number: 1318Corporate Site Number: 10848

Name:Function:Date:

SF184 9/10/2018

Report for

17/01/2019

Hanson

Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Aggregates Accelerated Mortar Bar Method

Valley Civilab T4846S20671-040319Unit 3/62 Sandringham Avenue, Thornton NSW 10848/P/414

Macka's Sand Salt Ash Site 220

S19-154

Material Testing 10848/T/4846

10848/S/20671

Screened Sand

100% Port Kembla GP

Tested as received

04-Mar-19

Page 1 of 1

Test Date

Remarks: Results apply to the sample as received

Tim MathieAuthorised Signatory

Expansion (%)Age (Days) Average

The results of the tests, calibrations and/or measurements included in this document are traceable to Australian/national standards.Accredited for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 - Testing

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0.14

0.16

0.18

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

Expa

nsio

n (%

)

Age (Days)

Expansion V's Age

FEBRUARY, 2019 Vc190201 1 of 5 The material contained within this report may not be quoted other than in full. Extracts may be used only with

expressed prior written approval of Geochempet Services.

Geochempet Services ABN 980 6945 3445

PETROLOGICAL and GEOCHEMICAL CONSULTANTS

Principals: K.E. Spring B.Sc. (Hons), MAppSc and H.M. Spring B.Sc.

5/14 Redcliffe Gardens Drive

Clontarf, QLD 4019

Telephone: (07) 3284 0020

Email: [email protected] www.geochempet.com

PETROGRAPHIC REPORT

ON A FINE DUNE SAND SAMPLE (S19-154)

FROM MACKA’S SAND

prepared for

VALLEY CIVILAB

THORNTON, NSW

Purchase Order: VC: 04001

Invoice Number: 00008588

Client Ref: Grant Burgess

Issued by Reviewed by

C. A. Bruggemann K. E. Spring

BAppSc, MEngSC, MIEAust BSc (Hons), MAppSc

14 February 2019 14 February 2019

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.geochempet.com/

GEOCHEMPET SERVICES, BRISBANE



Sample Label: S19-154 Date Sampled: 17/01/2019

Product Type: Fine Dune Sand Date Received: 29/01/2019

Sample Location: Salt Ash Site 220 Job No: P1089

Source: Macka’s Sand

Work Requested: Petrographic analysis in relation to use as concrete sand; petrographic

assessment of potential for alkali-silica reactivity

Methods Account taken of ASTM C295 Standard Guide for Petrographic

Assessment of Aggregates for Concrete, the AS2758.1 – 2014 Aggregates

and rock for engineering purposes part 1; Concrete aggregates

(Appendix B), the AS1141 Standard Guide for the Method for sampling

and testing aggregates, of the content of the 2015 joint publication of the

Cement and Concrete Association of Australia and Standards Australia,

(HB 79-2015) entitled Alkali Aggregate Reaction - Guidelines on

Minimising the Risk of Damage to Concrete Structures in Australia.

Identification Medium to fine quartz sand

Description

The sample consisted of about 500 g of greyish orange brown, quartz-rich, free flowing clean

sand. Clasts are mainly sub-rounded.

Plate 1: A sub sample of supplied fine dune sand.




In a crude, dry sieving test of a small subsample these results were tabulated;

Sieve Size Wt % of sample

Coarse (>1.18mm) <0.1%

Medium (>0.3mm) 77.0%

Fine (>0.075mm) 23.00%

Silt (<0.075mm) <0.1%

The trace coarse fraction consists mostly of charcoal fragments. Minor plant material was noted

in the medium fraction. The sand consists largely of small sub-rounded to quartz grains. There

are no apparent deleterious grain coatings.

A sub-sample was swirled in water, settling very quickly, producing a very slight turbidity which

also cleared rapidly, indicating the presence of traces of clay and silt.

Plate 2: Sieved splits of the sand sample. Note the charcoal fragments in the coarse fraction and

traces of plant matter in medium fraction.




A thin section was prepared for microscopic examination in transmitted polarized light. A count

of 100 widely spaced points falling within sectioned sand clasts gave the following composition:

78% quartz as single, free, unstrained to mildly strained grains (70%) or as

simple composite crystalline aggregates of quartz grains (8%)

18% quartz as moderately strained simple or crystalline composite grains

<1% quartzite (moderately strained)

<1% vein quartz (moderately to highly strained)

1% chert

1% feldspar (plagioclase and K-feldspar)

<1% other mineral grains (including zircon, rutile, epidote and tourmaline)

1% lithic clasts of micro-granite

<1% lithic clasts of acid volcanic

<1% lithic clasts of intermediate volcanic

1% lithic clasts of meta-arenite (1% quartz)

<1% plant matter

A simultaneous count of total free silica content yielded 98%, comprising mostly free quartz

grains, and 1% simple quartz locked within rock fragments (vein quartz, quartzite and meta-

arenite) and 1% finely microcrystalline quartz within chert.

In thin section the sand is seen to consist largely of quartz in the form of unstrained to mildly

strained free quartz grains (70%) and less abundant rounded clasts of simple crystalline

composites (8%) of two or more unstrained to mildly strained quartz grains. Simple or

polycrystalline grains of moderately strained quartz amount to about 18%. Other siliceous clasts

include <1% quartzite (consisting of moderately strained quartz), <1% vein quartz (consisting of

moderately to highly-strained quartz) and 1% chert.

About 1% feldspar fragments were noted.

Less than 1% of the sand consists of other mineral grains (including heavy minerals of

tourmaline, rutile, epidote and zircon).

Around 1% of microgranite and 1% of meta-arenite were noted in the sample with <1% lithic

fragments of acid volcanics and intermediate volcanic. Less than 1% plant matter was also noted.

Comments and Interpretations

The submitted fine dune sand sample (labelled S19-154) from Salt Ash site 220, Macka’s Sand

may be regarded as clean, free flowing, medium to fine quartz sand, and is fairly narrowly

graded.

The total free silica content (or total quartz content) is 98%, comprising mostly free quartz

grains, and 1% simple quartz locked within rock fragments (vein quartz, quartzite and meta-

arenite) and 1% finely microcrystalline quartz within chert.

Being composed almost entirely of hard, strong, durable, rounded siliceous mineral grains and




lithic clasts, the sand is interpreted to be physically suitable for use in concrete.

In relation to potential for alkali-silica reactivity in concrete it is noted that the sand carries

about 18% of moderately strained quartz (as free grains and crystalline composite grains and

in quartzite), <1% of moderately to high strained quartz (within vein quartz) and 1% of finely

microcrystalline quartz (within clasts of acid volcanic/tuffaceous rock and chert). Thus, the

sand as a whole is predicted to have potential for mild and/or slow deleterious alkali-silica

reactivity in concrete. Accordingly, it is recommended that appropriate precautions be taken

in mix and engineering design.

Guidance on appropriate precautions can be obtained from the 2015 joint publication of the

Cement and Concrete Association of Australia and Standards Australia, entitled Alkali

Aggregate Reaction - Guidelines on Minimising the Risk of Damage to Concrete Structures in

Australia.

The supplied sand sample is predicted to be suitable for use as fine concrete sand provided that

appropriate precautions are taken in mix and engineering design to deal with its perceived

potential for deleterious alkali-silica reactivity when used under conditions which might promote

such reaction.

Free Silica Content

The free silica content is 98%.




Plate 3: Micrograph taken at low magnification, cross polarised, transmitted light image of

common quartz sand grains and minor feldspar grains along with some lithic fragments of acid

volcanics.