At what temperature should fine aggregate be dried for gradation testing?

The appropriate temperature for drying fine aggregate for gradation testing is 230 ± 9°F. This specific temperature range has been established to ensure that the moisture content is accurately removed without causing any alteration to the aggregate's physical properties.

If the drying temperature is too low, the moisture may not properly evaporate, leading to inaccurate gradation results. On the other hand, if the temperature is excessively high, there is a risk of damaging the aggregate, potentially altering its size distribution and physical characteristics. Therefore, the chosen temperature of 230 ± 9°F provides an optimal balance, allowing for effective moisture removal while preserving the integrity of the fine aggregate during testing.

This precision in temperature is crucial for achieving reliable and reproducible results in gradation testing, which impacts various aspects of concrete quality and performance.