What is the typical duration for which fine aggregates must be subjected to the drying process?

The typical duration for which fine aggregates must be subjected to the drying process is often around 15 hours. This extended drying time is crucial to ensure that the moisture content of the aggregates is adequately reduced to achieve accurate testing and quality control in construction projects. Properly drying fine aggregates is essential because excess moisture can affect the workability of concrete mixtures, potentially leading to weaknesses and inconsistencies in the final product.

In many standard practices, such as those outlined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the time required is longer than just a few hours to allow for thorough evaporation of water, especially since fine aggregates hold moisture more significantly than coarser aggregates.

Thus, the extended duration of 15 hours not only allows all residual moisture to evaporate but also helps achieve a consistent aggregate state, ensuring reliable test results for further processing in construction applications.