What should you do once all material has passed through the mechanical splitter?

Once all material has passed through the mechanical splitter, the appropriate action is to return half to the sample container and process the other half. This procedure is crucial in the sampling process as it ensures that the sample remains representative of the original material while simultaneously reducing the quantity for more manageable testing.

By taking half of the material after splitting, it allows for the processing of a smaller amount of the sample, which is essential for conducting laboratory tests without overwhelming the testing apparatus or exceeding the material limits required for analysis. This method also minimizes the risk of classification errors or variations in test results by maintaining a consistent approach to how samples are handled.

Furthermore, splitting the material helps in achieving a thorough mixing and homogeneity, which is vital in ensuring that the test results reflect the true characteristics of the bulk material. Processing the other half after splitting provides an opportunity for accurate assessments without the misrepresentations that might occur with an unprocessed, larger sample size. This practice aligns well with standard protocols in the field of soil and aggregate inspection.