Engineering specifications for pea gravel 3

[slmarley]

I have an application that utilizes a 6-8" deep layer of pea gravel in the floor of a blast chamber to absorb high-explosive energy for demilitarization of chemical and H-E munitions.
Functionally, the pea gravel beneath the charge 'craters' under the blast, is raked back after each charge, and then is periodically replaced as the gravel breaks down.
We have occasionally had problems with "inferior" pea gravel that seems to break down more quickly than other kinds and produces an excessive amount of dust, which has been of some concern to the observers.
I would appreciate any assistance this group could provide regarding the availability of engineering or performance-based specifications for pea gravel (or similar) that could be adapted to this application. Thanks in advance.

 

[cvg]

Try these for example:

"The loss by abrasion in the Los Angeles abrasion machine, determined as prescribed in ASTM C-131, Grading A, shall not exceed 10 percent, by weight, after 100 revolutions nor 40 percent after 500 revolutions."

ASTM C 131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine



ASTM C 88 Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate

ASTM C 127 Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate

ASTM C 128 Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregate

 

[Ron]

cvg is right on target with the standards requirements. The only thing I would add is use ASTM C33, No. 89 stone for gradation.