This specification covers requirements for scales and balances, and the loose standard masses used with balances, used in the testing of construction materials. The requirements included are descriptive of the balances required by a number of AASHTO test methods. The general-purpose balances described herein may not be sufficiently accurate for certain tests, especially where a high degree of accuracy is required at large capacities. In such instances, the requirements for the balance should be included in the test method. The requirements included herein are not sufficiently descriptive to be used as purchase specifications without amplification by the potential purchaser.