What is the ideal diameter of the sample pile after quartering?

The ideal diameter of the sample pile after quartering should be 4 to 8 times the thickness. This guideline is important for ensuring that the sample taken is representative of the entire material. By maintaining this ratio, the sample pile remains stable and minimizes the risk of segregation, ensuring that the characteristics of the material are not altered during the sampling process.

Having a diameter that is 4 to 8 times the thickness allows for enough material to be present in the pile for thorough and accurate sampling. It also helps in maintaining the homogeneity of the material, which is critical for accurate testing and evaluation. This practice is part of proper sampling techniques used in aggregate testing, ensuring that the integrity and properties of the aggregate are preserved for reliable results.

The other ratios either do not provide enough material for effective quartering and sampling or create a pile that is too large, increasing complexity and the chances of uneven sampling.