BASIC SOIL MECHANICS LABORATORY

ECG344
OPEN-ENDED LAB
SEPTEMBER – JANUARY 2020

TITLE OF EXPERIMENT : LOS ANGELES (L.A) ABRASION TEST

DATE OF EXPERIMENT : 27 SEPTEMBER 2019
GROUP : EC1105H
GROUP MEMBERS 1. NORHIDAYAH BINTI ZAKARIA [2017209704]
2. NORADIBAH AFIFA BINTI NAHAR AZMI [2017207324]
3. AHMAD FIRDAUS BIN AHMAD RAFFI [2017207794]
4. MUHAMMAD SHAHNAQIB BIN SHAHRANI [2017214258]

LECTURER : AMMINUDIN BIN AB LATIF

LEVEL OF OPENESS : 0

MARKS COMMENTS
INTRODUCTION CO4 PO6
OBJECTIVE(S) CO4 PO6
METHODOLOGY CO4 PO6 2 4 6 8 10
RESULTS CO4 PO6 2 4 6 8 10
DISCUSSION CO4 PO6 2 4 6 8 10
CONCLUSION CO4 PO6 2 4 6 8 10

TOTAL MARKS
INTRODUCTION

The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities (assigned as Level 0) will not be able to
provide the avenue for students to enhance independent learning activities and inculcate creativity
and innovation. The traditional method is fully prescriptive where the three elements namely
problem, ways & means and answers are provided/fully given to the students. However, it is still
necessary to be implemented as part of the whole laboratory course activity especially to first and
second year students. In these laboratory activities, students are required to set-up an aggregate
tests in order to evaluate the strength (toughness and durability) characteristic of aggregate.
Students are encouraged to develop their critical analysis skills by analyzing and presenting the
experimental results appropriately.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the tests are:

1. To ascertain the degradation property of aggregates by abrasion

APPARATUS

I. Los Angeles Abrasion Machine

II. Steel balls (spheres)
III. Sieve shaker
IV. Sieves sizes of 25 mm, 20 mm, 14 mm, 10 mm, 1.7 mm and pan
V. Metal trays
VI. Scoops
VII. Electronic balance of accuracy to 0.01g
VIII. Laboratory oven
IX. Fine haired brush (3 mm)

METHADOLOGY

1. Approximately 5000g of aggregates including 2500 10g of 20 to 14mm, and 2500 10g of 14
to 10mm sizes are used.

Figure 1

2. Prepare the aggregates sample in such ways that the aggregates is first washed, followed by
dried and weighted.
3. Place the aggregates sample in the LA Abrasion machine.

Figure 2
4. Add eleven (11) steel balls in the machine.
5. Rotate the drum for 500 revolutions at a speed of 30 to 33 rpm.

Figure 3
6. After the drum has stopped for the prescribed number of revolutions, the sample is
removed and the aggregate portion is sieved using sieve of size 1.70mm (No. 12).
7. The sample that is retained on the sieve is washed and then dried in the laboratory oven at
temperature of between 105 and 110OC for twenty four hours.
8. After a-day oven-dry heating at 105 to 110OC to obtain constant weight, the aggregate
sample is taken out from the oven and it is cooled in the lab atmosphere. Then, weigh the
sample immediately to the nearest 1g.
DATA & RESULT

Sample 1:
0.628 𝑘𝑔
= 500 𝑘𝑔
× 100%

=12.56 %

Sample 2:
0.930 𝑘𝑔
= 500 𝑘𝑔
× 100%

=18.6 %

Average:

=12.56 % + 18.6%

=15.58%
DISSCUSSION

Aggregate Impact Value test determines the Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) of aggregates
which provides a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to sudden shock or impact.

From the data obtained and the Aggregate Impact Value Test (AIV) that we have done, it
shows that our mean value from all six samples is 15.58%. Based from the Aggregate Impact Standard,
for the aggregate impact value of 15.58% which is that value around 10% - 20% is strong. Aggregate
having AIV % less 50% is better to use in construction.

Aggregate impact value (%) Toughness Properties

<10 Exceptionally tough / Strong
10 – 20 Very tough / Strong
20 – 30 Good for pavement surface course
>35 Weal for pavement surface course

In order to obtain accurate result, there are few recommendations and precautions that
should be taken during undergo experiment. First, only two persons should conduct the experiment
especially when using impact testing machine with consistence strength to reduce the error. Lastly,
laboratory must have been in closed area especially at the measuring area to avoid the wind
resistance affected the weight data.

CONCLUSION
After conducting this experiment, we can say that it is important to test the aggregates in
order to construct a quality pavement for the highway construction. Thus, the result of the
experiment, the aggregates impact value is 15.58%. This value is acceptable because it is between 10-
20% which classified as strong. The lower the value, the higher the strength of the road surface. On
the other hand, the objective is achieved.

REFERENCE

 UITM Lab Manual