Jar test

Steps in conducting a jar test to detect fines in construction materials

Specifying that aggregates for the construction of LID practices must be free from fines is important. But checking that the delivered materials meet specification is essential to reduce problems with construction and longer term performance.

When possible, Construction Managers should observe the offloading of materials to watch for dust clouds. Aggregates or sand for LID construction should not give rise to clouds of dust when dumped.

A simple jar test can be used to gauge the proportion of fines in an aggregate product before acceptance. Apparatus:

• A large wide-mouthed jar - glass or clear plastic are both fine.
• Tap water, and
• The aggregate to be tested.

Method:

1. Collect approximately 5 cm of material in the jar (or at least two complete layers of 40 mm clear stone),
2. Add water to around 3/4 full,
3. Secure cap and shake,
4. Leave for at least 30 minutes and until the water is clear - plan to run the test overnight when possible,
5. Examine the layer of sediment - if > 3 mm has been washed from 5 cm of product, reject the material,

Note that the sediment may collect on top of, or at the bottom of the construction material.

External references

• Heger, S. (2014). Critical Aspects During System Installation and Inspection General equipment considerations. In PMSA conference. Retrieved from http://www.psma.net/pdf/14/conference-presentations/Keys_to_Installation_(Heger).pdf
• Manitoba. (2010). Onsite Wastewater Management Systems: Field Reference Guide - JAR TEST. Retrieved from http://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/envprograms/wastewater/pdf/jar_test_reference_03_2010.pdf

Soil particles with a diameter less than 0.050 mm.

Low Impact Development. A stormwater management strategy that seeks to mitigate the impacts of increased urban runoff and stormwater pollution by managing it as close to its source as possible. It comprises a set of site design approaches and small scale stormwater management practices that promote the use of natural systems for infiltration and evapotranspiration, and rainwater harvesting.

A broad category of particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete and geosynthetic aggregates, and available in various particulate size gradations.

A broad category of particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete and geosynthetic aggregates, and available in various particulate size gradations.

Soil, sand and minerals washed from land into water, usually after rain. They pile up in reservoirs, rivers and harbors, destroying fish-nesting areas and holes of water animals and cloud the water so that needed sunlight might not reach aquatic plans. Careless farming, mining and building activities will expose sediment materials, allowing them to be washed off the land after rainfalls.