CT 217 Changes-June 2011

Caltrans has released a new version of CT-217 Method of Test for Sand Equivalent.  There were not many changes but the following are the things I thought were worth mentioning.  The new June 2011 version can be found on the Caltrans website and at the following link:  CT 217-June 2011

·         There is now more detailed information for manually-operated sand equivalent shakers.  It must be able to oscillate at the rate of 100 complete cycles in 45 ± 5 s with a hand-assisted half stroke length of 5.0 ± 0.2 in.

·        You can no longer use tap water in lieu of distilled or deionized water. 

·        It now specifies the weight of the total starting sample weight to be 1000-1500g of passing #4 materials.  Previously there was no weight specified.

·    There is now a note on dispute resolution for when manual shakers are used.  In dispute, a mechanical shaker will be used.

·         It is no longer specified to avoid exposing the plastic cylinders to direct sunlight any more than is necessary

·         The Health and Safety section has been rewritten to be less specific and generally puts the responsibility to determine the safety issues and best practices on the user. 

Happy reading and good luck!