Video Library
Welcome to the MnDOT Materials Video Library, a collection of video, print, and online resources for MnDOT materials technicians. The list is organized by materials type and includes all test procedures taught or discussed in MnDOT Technical Certification Program courses. As soon as we find or create a video for each procedure, we will post it here.
We can use your help! If you know of a good video to add to our collection, email us at tech-cert.dot@state.mn.us -with a note and a link to the video. Videos must be of high quality and show the procedure done in a way that is accurate, is done safely, and meets MnDOT specifications.
Aggregates
Testing Procedures
- Aggregate Moisture Testing - AASHTO T255 (MnDOT modified)
This test procedure is used to ensure the correct water-to-cement ratio is used in concrete for optimal strength and durability.
Procedure location: Field and Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC
Produced by the MnDOT Technical Certification Office - Aggregate sampling – AASHTO T2
This procedure covers sampling of coarse, fine, or a combination of coarse and fine aggregates. Sampling from conveyor belts, transport units, roadways, and stockpiles is covered.
Procedure location: Field
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Coarse Aggregate Gradation (Sieve Analysis) - AASHTO Designation T27 (MnDOT Modified)
This test procedure is used to determine the particle size distribution of granular materials using sieves with square openings. It is not intended for bituminous mixture gradations.
Procedure location: Field and lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Coarse Aggregate Percent Passing (No. 200) Sieve Test – AASHTO T11
This test method measures the amount of material finer than a 75-μm (No. 200) sieve (filter) in an aggregate that has been washed. During the test, clay particles and other aggregate particles are dispersed by the wash water; then the course materials are dried and weighed.
Procedure location: Field and lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Determination of Acid Insoluble Residue in Limestone and Dolostone – ASTM D3042 (MnDot Modified)
This test procedure is used to determine the amount of chert, sand, clay, and other noncarbonate materials in limestone and dolostone (carbonate) sedimentary rock.
Procedure location: Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Percentage of Crushed Particles in Aggregates (% Crushed) – ASTM5821, AASHTO T355
This test method uses visual inspection to determine the percent of particles that have the essential characteristics of crushed aggregates.
Procedure location: Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Fine Aggregate Sieve Analysis-AASHTO T27(MnDot Modified) and AASHTO T30 (For Bituminous Mixtures)
This test method is for the determining of the particle size distribution of granular materials using sieves with square openings. It can be adapted for use in the sieve analysis of aggregate recovered from bituminous mixtures (See Section 1203.5); but, cannot be used for the sieve analysis of mineral fillers.
Procedure location: Field and Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Flat and Elongated Particles in Coarse Aggregate – ASTM D4791 (MnDOT Modified)
The flat and elongated test determines by mass the percent of +9.5mm (3/8”) coarse aggregate particles that exceeds the maximum length to thickness ratio of five to one. Flat and elongated particles in a +9.5mm (3/8”) aggregate could interfere with and/or make it difficult to consolidate and place these materials
Procedure location: Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Lightweight Pieces in Aggregates (SHALE FLOAT TEST) – AASHTO T113 (MnDOT Modified)
This method covers the determination of the percentage of shale and other lightweight pieces in aggregates by means of a sink-float separation in a heavy liquid of suitable specific gravity.
Procedure location: Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Lithological Summary – MnDOT Lab Manual 1209.0
This test procedure is performed on aggregates to determine the percentage of various rock types regulated in the Standard Specifications for Construction
Procedure location: Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Los Angeles Rattler – AASHTO T96 --- Refer to ASTM C131 or C535
This method covers the procedure for testing crushed rock, slag and gravel and uncrushed gravel for resistance to abrasion using the Los Angeles testing machine.
Procedure location: Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Magnesium Sulfate(Soundness) – AASHTO T104 (MnDOT Modified)
This test procedure is used to simulates the effect that freeze thaw has on aggregates using saturated solutions of magnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate.
Procedure location: Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Microwave Oven Test – ASTM D4643 (MnDOT modified)
This test procedure uses a microwave to remove all the moisture out of concrete to determine the water to cement ratio.
Procedure location: Field and Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): CPTC
Produced by the MnDOT Technical Certification Office - Percent Passing the #200 Sieve – AASHTO T11 (MnDOT modified)
This test procedure is used to determine how much material is lost past the 200 screen when washing the material.
Procedure location: Field and Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC
Produced by the MnDOT Technical Certification Office - Reducing Aggregate Field Samples to Testing Size – AASHTO Designation T248 (MnDOT Modified)
These methods are used to reduce field samples of aggregates to the right size for testing, using techniques that are intended to minimize variations
Procedure location: Field and Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Sampling - AASHTO T2
This procedure covers sampling of coarse, fine, or a combination of coarse and fine aggregates (CA and FA) in accordance with AASHTO T 2. Sampling from conveyor belts, transport units, roadways, and stockpiles is covered.
Procedure location: Field
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Sample Preparation - AASHTO Designation T248
This procedure is to standardize the preparation of samples for the tests performed in the aggregate sections of Mn/DOT’s laboratories so that the tested sample is representative of the original
Procedure location: Field and Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Scratch Hardness of Coarse Aggregate Particles(Soft Rock) - ASTM C851
This test procedure is used to determine the quantity of soft rock particles in coarse aggregate.
Procedure location: Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate - AASHTO T85 (MnDOT Modified)
This test method is intended for use in determining the bulk and apparent specific gravity, and absorption of coarse aggregates (retained on the #4 sieve)
Procedure location: Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregate - AASHTO T85 (MnDOT Modified)
This test method is used to determine the bulk and apparent specific gravity, and absorption of fine aggregates (passing the #4 sieve)
Procedure location: Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregate (Fine Aggregate Angularity Test) AASHTO T304
The fine aggregate angularity test determines the loose uncompacted void content of a fine aggregate material.
Procedure location: Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC - Unit Weight Determination – AASHTO T19
For concrete: This is a test run on new sources or new production of concrete aggregates (+4.75mm (#4) sieve) to determine the average weight of 1 cubic meter of aggregate.
For bituminous: This is a test run on Stone Matrix Asphalt Mixtures (SMA) to determine the voids in coarse aggregate.
Procedure location: Lab
Taught or discussed in Technical Certification course(s): APTC
Background Information
- The Virtual Egg Carton (of rocks)
The Virtual Egg Carton - Google Slides
A virtual resource to rock types commonly found in Minnesota, including slides and photos about 12 common rock types. - The U of MN Minnesota Geological Survey website
A comprehensive website that includes section on a variety of Minnesota Geology topics along with maps, and other publications. - Glacial Geology
A section of the UMN Geological Survey website that focuses on Minnesota’s glacial history and glacial deposits. The “Footprints” section includes maps of key impacts of the glacial movement and images of rocks and pebbles found in different areas throughout the state. - Minnesota at a Glance - Common Minnesota Rocks
A four-page document from the Minnesota Geological Survey that summarizes types and qualities of rocks in Minnesota, along with a brief description of how they were formed and deposited through geologic time.
Lusardi, B.A.. (2020). Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy - Minnesota at a Glance - Quaternary Glacial Geology
A two-page document from the Minnesota Geological Survey that summarizes the series of glacial (cold) and interglacial (warm) periods geologic history in Minnesota and the materials left behind in different areas of the state.
Lusardi, B.A.; Dengler, E.L.. (2017). Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy