What is BS 812-121 - Determination of soundness of aggregates about?

BS 812 is the British Standard for testing aggregates. The main objective of the BS 812 series is to provide the best industry guidance to ensure construction materials contribute to the structural integrity of your civil engineering works.

BS 812-121 is the 121st part of the BS 812 series that describes the method for determining the soundness of aggregates by subjecting the aggregate to cycles of immersion in a saturated solution of magnesium sulphate followed by oven-drying.

The method is applicable to aggregate passing a 14.0 mm test sieve but is retained on a 10.0 mm test sieve.

For other size fractions, a recommended method is described in appendix A.

Who is BS 812-121 - Determination of soundness of aggregates for?

BS 812-121 on the determination of soundness of aggregates is useful for:

Manufacturers of aggregates
Mineral materials and products manufacturers
Cement and concrete industry
Civil engineers
Contractors

Why should you use BS 812-121 - Determination of soundness of aggregates?

Soundness relates to an aggregate's durability in terms of resistance to weathering action of fine and coarse aggregates, as well as resistance to disintegration by saturated solutions.

The sodium or magnesium sulphate soundness test indicates the percentage loss of material from an aggregate blend.

In this regard, BS 812-121 provides the testing apparatus and reagents, sampling of aggregates and preparation of test specimens as well as includes test procedure to determine the soundness of aggregates.

BS 812-121 covers the test method for determining the magnesium sulphate soundness value for other size fractions of aggregate.

As a result, if you are an aggregate manufacturer, complying with BS 812-121 can demonstrate the quality, performance, and dependability of your products, achieving the structural integrity required for building works.

Overall, aggregate soundness is crucial for preventing cracks and maintaining structural dimensional stability in order to preserve construction quality.

BS 812-121:1989

Testing aggregates - Method for determination of soundness

Current

Published:

31 Oct 1989