What is the purpose of a drying method in the aggregate gradation process?

The purpose of a drying method in the aggregate gradation process is to remove moisture content from the aggregates. In construction and paving applications, aggregates must be tested for their physical properties, including gradation. The presence of moisture can significantly affect the accuracy of these tests, leading to misleading results regarding their size distribution and the overall quality of the aggregate.

By drying the aggregates, the technician ensures that the moisture does not interfere with the measurements being taken. This allows for a true representation of the aggregate's gradation, which is crucial for determining how they will behave when mixed with other materials, such as asphalt in pavement applications. Proper moisture removal ultimately leads to better quality control in the material used for construction and provides reliable data for engineers and technicians involved in the mixture design process.