DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE (DMSO) ACCELERATED WEATHERING TEST FOR AGGREGATES.

A standard accelerated weathering test using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was developed to simulate the chemical degradation of basaltic rock. The final development of the standard test involved a study of the interaction of DMSO with clay standards and an investigation of the test condition parameters affecting an existing DMSO test procedure. The weighted loss reported under the existing test procedure (similar to the sodium sulfate soundness test) was affected by the aggregate particle size, specimen mass, immersion time, and container geometry. In the recommended standard DMSO accelerated weathering test, aggregates in the particle size range of 2. 4 to 4. 8 mm are immersed in a container of DMSO for a period of five days. Additional study results are discussed.