lOMoARcPSD|1286596
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C33/C33M − 24a
Standard Specification for
Concrete Aggregates1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C33/C33M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
NOTE—Subsection 11.1.1 was corrected and the yeardate changed on November 6, 2024.
1. Scope* (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
1.1 This specification defines the requirements for grading as requirements of this standard.
and quality of fine and coarse aggregate (other than lightweight 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
or heavyweight aggregate) for use in concrete.2 dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.2 This specification is for use by a contractor, concrete ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
supplier, or other purchaser as part of the purchase document Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
describing the material to be furnished. mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
NOTE 1—This specification is regarded as adequate to ensure satisfac-
tory materials for most concrete. It is recognized that, for certain work or 2. Referenced Documents
in certain regions, it may be either more or less restrictive than needed. For
example, where aesthetics are important, more restrictive limits may be
2.1 ASTM Standards:3
considered regarding impurities that would stain the concrete surface. The C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
specifier should ascertain that aggregates specified are or can be made and Voids in Aggregate
available in the area of the work, with regard to grading, physical, or C40/C40M Test Method for Organic Impurities in Fine
chemical properties, or combination thereof. Aggregates for Concrete
1.3 This specification is also for use in project specifications C87/C87M Test Method for Effect of Organic Impurities in
to define the quality of aggregate, the nominal maximum size Fine Aggregate on Strength of Mortar
of the aggregate, and other specific grading requirements. C88/C88M Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by
Those responsible for selecting the proportions for the concrete Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
mixture shall have the responsibility of determining the pro- C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200)
portions of fine and coarse aggregate and the addition of Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
blending aggregate sizes if required or approved. C123/C123M Test Method for Lightweight Particles in Ag-
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units gregate
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each gregates
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining C131/C131M Test Method for Resistance to Degradation of
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in
with the standard. the Los Angeles Machine
C136/C136M Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and
NOTE 2—Sieve size is identified by its standard designation in Speci- Coarse Aggregates
fication E11. The alternative designation given in parentheses is for
information only and does not represent a different standard sieve size.
C142/C142M Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable
Particles in Aggregates
1.5 The text of this standard refers to notes and footnotes C294 Descriptive Nomenclature for Constituents of Con-
that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes crete Aggregates
C295/C295M Guide for Petrographic Examination of Ag-
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on gregates for Concrete
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for
C09.20 on Aggregates. Structural Concrete
Current edition approved Nov. 6, 2024. Published November 2024. Originally
approved in 1921. Last previous edition approved in 2024 as C33/C33M – 24. DOI:
3
10.1520/C0033_C0033M-24A. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
2
For lightweight aggregates, see Specifications C330/C330M, C331/C331M, contact ASTM Customer Service at www.astm.org/contact. For Annual Book of
and C332; for heavyweight aggregates see Specification C637 and Descriptive ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary
Nomenclature C638. page on the ASTM website.
, lOMoARcPSD|1286596
C33/C33M − 24a
C331/C331M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for 4.2 Include in the purchase order for aggregates the follow-
Concrete Masonry Units ing information, as applicable:
C332 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulat- 4.2.1 Reference to this specification, as Specification C33/
ing Concrete C33M—XX, where XX is the current version,
C535 Test Method for Resistance to Degradation of Large- 4.2.2 Whether the order is for fine aggregate or for coarse
Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los aggregate,
Angeles Machine 4.2.3 Quantity, in metric tons or tons,
C637 Specification for Aggregates for Radiation-Shielding 4.2.4 If the order is for fine aggregate:
Concrete 4.2.4.1 Requirements for alkali-aggregate reactivity (see
C638 Descriptive Nomenclature of Constituents of Aggre- 7.3),
gates for Radiation-Shielding Concrete 4.2.4.2 In the case of the sulfate soundness test (see 8.1)
C666/C666M Test Method for Resistance of Concrete to which salt is to be used. If none is stated, either sodium sulfate
Rapid Freezing and Thawing (Withdrawn 2024)4 or magnesium sulfate shall be used,
C1777 Test Method for Rapid Determination of the Methyl- 4.2.4.3 The appropriate limit for material finer than 75-µm
ene Blue Value for Fine Aggregate or Mineral Filler Using (No. 200) sieve (see Table 1). If not stated, the 3.0 % limit shall
a Colorimeter apply,
C1778 Guide for Reducing the Risk of Deleterious Alkali- 4.2.4.4 The appropriate limit for coal and lignite (see Table
Aggregate Reaction in Concrete 2). If not stated, the 1.0 % limit shall apply,
D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates 4.2.5 If the order is for coarse aggregate:
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils (With- 4.2.5.1 The grading (size number) (see 10.1 and Table 3), or
drawn 2016)4 alternate grading as agreed between the purchaser and aggre-
D2419 Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and gate supplier.
Fine Aggregate 4.2.5.2 The appropriate limit for material finer than 75 µm
D3665 Practice for Random Sampling of Construction Ma- (No. 200) sieve (see Table 3). If not stated, the 1.0 % limit shall
terials apply,
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test 4.2.5.3 The class designation for type of concrete construc-
Sieves tion (see 12.1 and Table 4),
2.2 Other Standards: 4.2.5.4 Requirements for alkali-aggregate reactivity (see
AASHTO T 330 Method of Test for the Qualitative Detec- 12.2),
tion of Harmful Clays of the Smectite Group in Aggre- 4.2.5.5 In the case of the sulfate soundness test, which salt
gates Using Methylene Blue5 is to be used. If none is stated, either sodium sulfate or
ACI CODE-318 Building Code Requirements for Structural magnesium sulfate shall be used, and
Concrete6 4.2.6 Any exceptions or additions to this specification (see
ACI CODE-332 Residential Code Requirements for Struc- Note 1).
tural Concrete6
4.3 Include in project specifications for aggregates the
3. Terminology following information, as applicable:
4.3.1 Reference to this specification, as Specification C33/
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
C33M–XX, where XX is the current version.
Terminology C125.
4.3.2 When the aggregate being described is fine aggregate
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: include:
3.2.1 aggregate, recycled, n—granular material that has 4.3.2.1 Requirements for alkali-aggregate reactivity (see
been diverted, separated, or removed from the solid waste 7.3),
stream, and processed for use in the form of raw materials or 4.3.2.2 In the case of the sulfate soundness test (see 8.1)
products. which salt is to be used. If none is stated, either sodium sulfate
or magnesium sulfate shall be used.
4. Ordering and Specifying Information
4.3.2.3 The appropriate limit for material finer than the
4.1 The direct purchaser of aggregates shall include the 75 µm (No. 200) sieve (see Table 1). If not stated, the 3.0 %
information in 4.2 in the purchase order as applicable. A project limit shall apply, and
specifier shall include in the project documents information to 4.3.2.4 The limit that applies with regard to coal and lignite
describe the aggregate to be used in the project from the (Table 2). If not stated, the 1.0 % limit shall apply.
applicable items in 4.3. 4.3.3 If the aggregate being described is coarse aggregate,
include:
4
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on 4.3.3.1 The nominal maximum size or sizes permitted,
www.astm.org. based on thickness of section or spacing of reinforcing bars or
5
AASHTO Standard Specifications, Part 2B: Tests.Available from American other criteria. In lieu of stating the nominal maximum size, the
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C33/C33M − 24a
Standard Specification for
Concrete Aggregates1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C33/C33M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
NOTE—Subsection 11.1.1 was corrected and the yeardate changed on November 6, 2024.
1. Scope* (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
1.1 This specification defines the requirements for grading as requirements of this standard.
and quality of fine and coarse aggregate (other than lightweight 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
or heavyweight aggregate) for use in concrete.2 dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.2 This specification is for use by a contractor, concrete ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
supplier, or other purchaser as part of the purchase document Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
describing the material to be furnished. mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
NOTE 1—This specification is regarded as adequate to ensure satisfac-
tory materials for most concrete. It is recognized that, for certain work or 2. Referenced Documents
in certain regions, it may be either more or less restrictive than needed. For
example, where aesthetics are important, more restrictive limits may be
2.1 ASTM Standards:3
considered regarding impurities that would stain the concrete surface. The C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
specifier should ascertain that aggregates specified are or can be made and Voids in Aggregate
available in the area of the work, with regard to grading, physical, or C40/C40M Test Method for Organic Impurities in Fine
chemical properties, or combination thereof. Aggregates for Concrete
1.3 This specification is also for use in project specifications C87/C87M Test Method for Effect of Organic Impurities in
to define the quality of aggregate, the nominal maximum size Fine Aggregate on Strength of Mortar
of the aggregate, and other specific grading requirements. C88/C88M Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by
Those responsible for selecting the proportions for the concrete Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
mixture shall have the responsibility of determining the pro- C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200)
portions of fine and coarse aggregate and the addition of Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
blending aggregate sizes if required or approved. C123/C123M Test Method for Lightweight Particles in Ag-
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units gregate
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each gregates
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining C131/C131M Test Method for Resistance to Degradation of
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in
with the standard. the Los Angeles Machine
C136/C136M Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and
NOTE 2—Sieve size is identified by its standard designation in Speci- Coarse Aggregates
fication E11. The alternative designation given in parentheses is for
information only and does not represent a different standard sieve size.
C142/C142M Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable
Particles in Aggregates
1.5 The text of this standard refers to notes and footnotes C294 Descriptive Nomenclature for Constituents of Con-
that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes crete Aggregates
C295/C295M Guide for Petrographic Examination of Ag-
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on gregates for Concrete
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for
C09.20 on Aggregates. Structural Concrete
Current edition approved Nov. 6, 2024. Published November 2024. Originally
approved in 1921. Last previous edition approved in 2024 as C33/C33M – 24. DOI:
3
10.1520/C0033_C0033M-24A. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
2
For lightweight aggregates, see Specifications C330/C330M, C331/C331M, contact ASTM Customer Service at www.astm.org/contact. For Annual Book of
and C332; for heavyweight aggregates see Specification C637 and Descriptive ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary
Nomenclature C638. page on the ASTM website.
, lOMoARcPSD|1286596
C33/C33M − 24a
C331/C331M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for 4.2 Include in the purchase order for aggregates the follow-
Concrete Masonry Units ing information, as applicable:
C332 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulat- 4.2.1 Reference to this specification, as Specification C33/
ing Concrete C33M—XX, where XX is the current version,
C535 Test Method for Resistance to Degradation of Large- 4.2.2 Whether the order is for fine aggregate or for coarse
Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los aggregate,
Angeles Machine 4.2.3 Quantity, in metric tons or tons,
C637 Specification for Aggregates for Radiation-Shielding 4.2.4 If the order is for fine aggregate:
Concrete 4.2.4.1 Requirements for alkali-aggregate reactivity (see
C638 Descriptive Nomenclature of Constituents of Aggre- 7.3),
gates for Radiation-Shielding Concrete 4.2.4.2 In the case of the sulfate soundness test (see 8.1)
C666/C666M Test Method for Resistance of Concrete to which salt is to be used. If none is stated, either sodium sulfate
Rapid Freezing and Thawing (Withdrawn 2024)4 or magnesium sulfate shall be used,
C1777 Test Method for Rapid Determination of the Methyl- 4.2.4.3 The appropriate limit for material finer than 75-µm
ene Blue Value for Fine Aggregate or Mineral Filler Using (No. 200) sieve (see Table 1). If not stated, the 3.0 % limit shall
a Colorimeter apply,
C1778 Guide for Reducing the Risk of Deleterious Alkali- 4.2.4.4 The appropriate limit for coal and lignite (see Table
Aggregate Reaction in Concrete 2). If not stated, the 1.0 % limit shall apply,
D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates 4.2.5 If the order is for coarse aggregate:
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils (With- 4.2.5.1 The grading (size number) (see 10.1 and Table 3), or
drawn 2016)4 alternate grading as agreed between the purchaser and aggre-
D2419 Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and gate supplier.
Fine Aggregate 4.2.5.2 The appropriate limit for material finer than 75 µm
D3665 Practice for Random Sampling of Construction Ma- (No. 200) sieve (see Table 3). If not stated, the 1.0 % limit shall
terials apply,
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test 4.2.5.3 The class designation for type of concrete construc-
Sieves tion (see 12.1 and Table 4),
2.2 Other Standards: 4.2.5.4 Requirements for alkali-aggregate reactivity (see
AASHTO T 330 Method of Test for the Qualitative Detec- 12.2),
tion of Harmful Clays of the Smectite Group in Aggre- 4.2.5.5 In the case of the sulfate soundness test, which salt
gates Using Methylene Blue5 is to be used. If none is stated, either sodium sulfate or
ACI CODE-318 Building Code Requirements for Structural magnesium sulfate shall be used, and
Concrete6 4.2.6 Any exceptions or additions to this specification (see
ACI CODE-332 Residential Code Requirements for Struc- Note 1).
tural Concrete6
4.3 Include in project specifications for aggregates the
3. Terminology following information, as applicable:
4.3.1 Reference to this specification, as Specification C33/
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
C33M–XX, where XX is the current version.
Terminology C125.
4.3.2 When the aggregate being described is fine aggregate
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: include:
3.2.1 aggregate, recycled, n—granular material that has 4.3.2.1 Requirements for alkali-aggregate reactivity (see
been diverted, separated, or removed from the solid waste 7.3),
stream, and processed for use in the form of raw materials or 4.3.2.2 In the case of the sulfate soundness test (see 8.1)
products. which salt is to be used. If none is stated, either sodium sulfate
or magnesium sulfate shall be used.
4. Ordering and Specifying Information
4.3.2.3 The appropriate limit for material finer than the
4.1 The direct purchaser of aggregates shall include the 75 µm (No. 200) sieve (see Table 1). If not stated, the 3.0 %
information in 4.2 in the purchase order as applicable. A project limit shall apply, and
specifier shall include in the project documents information to 4.3.2.4 The limit that applies with regard to coal and lignite
describe the aggregate to be used in the project from the (Table 2). If not stated, the 1.0 % limit shall apply.
applicable items in 4.3. 4.3.3 If the aggregate being described is coarse aggregate,
include:
4
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on 4.3.3.1 The nominal maximum size or sizes permitted,
www.astm.org. based on thickness of section or spacing of reinforcing bars or
5
AASHTO Standard Specifications, Part 2B: Tests.Available from American other criteria. In lieu of stating the nominal maximum size, the
