For a 6 by 12 inch cylinder mold, what is the maximum aggregate particle size allowed without wet sieving?

The maximum aggregate particle size for a specific mold dimension is dictated by the mold's thickness. In the case of a 6 by 12 inch cylinder mold, the relevant factor is the diameter of the mold. According to standard practices, the maximum particle size should not exceed one-third of the diameter of the mold. For a 6-inch diameter mold, this calculation shows that the maximum allowable particle size is 2 inches.

This reflects a standard engineering principle intended to ensure that the mix achieves uniform density and consistency, which is crucial for accurate testing and performance results. Aggregates larger than this can compromise the integrity of the test sample, potentially causing issues during the curing or testing phases. Therefore, the guideline states that no aggregate larger than 2 inches should be used without undergoing wet sieving.