Advise me on collecting stream gravel samples for testing for aggregate?

Question

I expect to have a backhoe and small dump or flatbed truck available. I want to collect 1/2 to 1 yard samples, run them thru a crusher, and send them to a testing lab to determine suitability for concrete and HMAC.
What kind of containers are suitable for shipping the samples?
What is a typical sample amount needed to yield consistant test data?
What is a good general reference on field collection of rock and gravel for testing?

Answer 1

The materials lab that you are sending the samples to can give you their
requirements.

Answer 2

What kind of containers are suitable for shipping the samples?
those would be large sample, you probably would only need 10-15 shovel lumps into a tarp, into a tupperware type box

What is a typical sample amount needed to yield consistant test data?
see above, what i used at the DOT

What is a good general reference on field collection of rock and gravel for testing?
check with your friendly local neighborhood DOT field office who will have a book on standard specifications or the office in which you are having it tested

Answer 3

u can use any tarp bag to collect sample.
usally u need 10-20 Kg of sample for analysis in lab.
select random spots to collect sample so that sample represent
every size of gravel in same ratio as in source.
use backhoe to take material out then select material from that stockpile