What is the minimum amount of material that must be retained on the 2.00mm (No. 10) sieve for samples with a maximum particle size of 50-mm (2in)?

The correct answer is based on standard practices and specifications for aggregate sampling, particularly when dealing with the size and amount of material that should be retained on sieves during testing. For samples that have a maximum particle size of 50 mm (2 inches), industry standards state that a minimum mass of material must be retained on the 2.00 mm (No. 10) sieve to ensure that the sample is representative and provides reliable data for further testing.

The specification of retaining at least 4 kg of material on the 2.00 mm sieve is significant because it helps in confirming the gradation and quality of the aggregate. This amount ensures sufficient material is available for accurate analysis without the risk of skewed results due to sample size limitations. When conducting tests that assess the quality and characteristics of aggregates, having too little material can lead to inaccurate assessments.

Moreover, retaining this minimum amount provides enough sample for repeat testing or replication, which is crucial in aggregate base testing where consistency and accuracy are key to assessing performance in construction applications.