ACI Aggregate Level 2 study plan

ACI Aggregate Level 2 · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Aggregate Testing (Level 2)

Define the scope of Aggregate Testing (Level 2) and list every test method it covers
Identify the reference standards behind each test method and record the exact designation for each
Build a one-page glossary of sampling, splitting, and reduction terminology
Practice proper sample reduction by hand on a prepared bulk sample and document each step

A standards-mapping table listing each Level 2 test method with its reference designation and one-line purpose

Week 2

Calculate gradation percentages passing for three worked sieve analyses by hand
Compute fineness modulus and percent retained on each sieve without a spreadsheet
Interpret a gradation curve and flag whether a sample meets a stated specification band
Explain the effect of sieve overload and improper sieving time on results

Three completed gradation worksheets with fineness modulus and a pass/fail call against a given spec

Week 3

Describe the procedure for determining moisture content and bulk specific gravity for coarse and fine aggregate
Distinguish oven-dry, saturated-surface-dry, and as-received mass and compute each
Calculate absorption and explain how it affects batching adjustments
Work five specific-gravity and absorption problems to correct numerical answers

A worked problem set of five SG/absorption calculations with a written check on each answer

Week 4

Explain the procedures for Los Angeles abrasion, impact value, and soundness testing
Relate durability test results to acceptance criteria
Identify common procedural errors that bias durability results
Summarize the differences between the durability methods in a comparison table

A durability-method comparison table plus a 10-question self-quiz scored at 80% or better

Week 5

List the tests applied to aggregate base materials and match each to its reference standard
Explain how base-course gradation requirements differ from concrete aggregate requirements
Describe compaction and density testing concepts used on base courses
Complete a mixed 20-question practice set spanning both domains

A base-course test matrix plus a scored 20-question mixed practice set with error log

Week 6

Describe the procedure for determining the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of a base material
Interpret a moisture-density curve and identify optimum moisture content from plotted points
Compute relative compaction from field density and laboratory maximum density
Explain how oversize particles are handled in density determination

A plotted moisture-density curve with optimum moisture content and maximum dry density identified, plus three relative-compaction calculations

Week 7

A written acceptance report covering ten field density results with pass/fail decisions and rationale

Week 8

Review the error log from prior weeks and re-solve every missed item
Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions
Target weak subareas identified by practice-exam scoring and re-study them
Recite the reference standard designation for each major test method from memory

Two scored timed practice exams with a final weak-area remediation list and a standards recall sheet completed at 90% or better

Week 2: Score 80% or better on a hand-calculated gradation and fineness-modulus quiz without aids

Week 4: Complete the durability comparison table and pass the 10-question self-quiz at 80% or better

Week 6: Correctly plot a moisture-density curve and compute relative compaction on three of three problems

Week 8: Score 80% or better on both timed practice exams and recall 90% of standards designations