The sample needs to be prepared so that clumped particles of fine aggregate are not greater than which size?

• A. 6.3 mm
• B. 4.75 mm
• C. 9.5 mm
• D. 12.5 mm

Answer: (B)

In preparing fine aggregate for asphalt testing, the goal is to prevent large lumps from skewing the results and to ensure proper separation and coating during analysis. The standard limit is 4.75 mm, which corresponds to the No. 4 sieve size. If clumped particles are larger than this, they won't break apart or pass through the sieve as they should, leading to inaccurate gradation and mixing behavior. So the sample must be broken down so that no clumps exceed 4.75 mm to guarantee the material being tested is representative and will behave correctly in subsequent analyses.