What is the classification of the wash test procedure in aggregate testing?

The wash test procedure in aggregate testing is classified as a physical analysis. This test is primarily aimed at determining the cleanliness and quality of the aggregate material by evaluating the amount of deleterious materials, such as clay, silt, or organic impurities, that may be present. The procedure involves washing a sample of aggregate with water to remove these unwanted materials and then weighing the rinsed sample.

Physical analysis focuses on the measurable characteristics and physical properties of the aggregates, such as size distribution, shape, texture, and cleanliness. By conducting the wash test, technicians can assess how these physical properties might influence the performance and durability of the aggregate in construction applications.

The other classifications, such as chemical analysis, sampling assessment, and weight calculation, do not accurately represent the primary goal of the wash test. Chemical analysis would involve testing for specific chemical compounds, while sampling assessment refers to the methods of obtaining representative aggregate samples. Weight calculation, on the other hand, pertains to determining the mass of materials but does not encompass the overall analysis performed by the wash test. Therefore, identifying the wash test as a physical analysis underscores its role in evaluating the physical integrity and composition of the aggregate.