How to Test Gravel

Sieve Analysis Test

• 1

  Spread some the gravel on a piece of No. 200 mesh. This mesh material is available at many hardware stores.

• 2

  Put the mesh and the gravel on a scale and weigh the entire sample. Write down the weight on a piece of paper.

• 3

  Rinse the sample and mesh with water and agitate the mesh back and forth. The smaller particles fall through the mesh, while the larger particles remain. Allow plenty of time for the sample to dry.

• 4

  Place the mesh and gravel on the scale and weight the remaining sample. Write down the weight.

• 5

  Use a calculator or online percentage calculator to figure the percentage of material remaining from the initial sample, then compare this percentage with samples of other types of gravel.

Soundness Test

• 6

  Mix 50 percent water and 50 percent magnesium sulfate in a bucket.

• 7

  Place the gravel sample in the bucket and allow it to soak for several minutes.

• 8

  Drain the water, but do not rinse the gravel. Lay the gravel out on a baking sheet, then bake the gravel at 450 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove the gravel and observe any cracking or breaking. Compare the sample to other types of gravel to see which is the most sound.