Sand Equivalent Test Set

The Sand Equivalent Test Set is used to determine the relevant proportions of detrimental fines in granular materials such as soils, sands, and fine aggregates. The sand equivalent test measures the cleanliness and quality of the materials, particularly in applications where cleanliness and the absence of fines are required, such as in pavement construction. The apparatus consists of a graduated plastic cylinder, a stock solution, a weighted foot assembly, a funnel, and a rubber stopper. During the test, a sample of the material is mixed with a solution containing a flocculating agent, which causes the fine particles to settle out. The height of the settled material is then measured against the total height of the solution in the cylinder, providing a ratio known as the sand equivalent. Higher sand equivalent values indicate cleaner materials with fewer detrimental fines.