SR.

EXPERIMENT NAME
NO
1 Determination of the Flakiness and the Elongation Index for the given
Aggregate Sample.

2 Determination of angularity number for the given aggregate sample.

3 Specific Gravity (Relative Density) and water absorption test for

Aggregates

4 LOS ANGLES abrasion test on aggregates

5 Aggregate Impact Value test

6 Flash and fire point test for asphalt by Cleveland open Cup

7 Penetration Test on Bituminous Materials

8 Specific Gravity test on Bituminous material

9 Measuring surface frictional properties using British Pendulum skid

resistance tester
10 Softening Point of Bitumen (ring and ball apparatus)
 EXPERIMENT NO. 01
Determination of the Flakiness and the Elongation Index for the given
Aggregate Sample.

RELATED THEORY
The test is used to determine the shape of the aggregate particle.
The usual shapes are
i. Rounded (river gravel)
ii. Flaky (laminated)
iii. Elongated
iv. Angular (crushed rock)

Rounded aggregates are preferred in concrete roads (rigid pavement). As it increases the
workability of concrete mixes due to reduce friction.
Angular shape of the particles is desirable in granular base coarse (flexible pavement) due to
better interlocking and increased stability.
Flaky and Elongated particles are considered as a source of weakness.

FLAKY PARTICLES
 A Flaky particle is the one whose least dimension (thickness) is less than 0.6 times the
mean size.
 These are the materials of which the thickness is small as compared to the other two
dimensions.
 Limit of the Flaky particles in the mixes is 30%. If the flaky particles are greater than
30% then the aggregate is considered undesirable for the intended, use.
FLAKINESS INDEX
It is the percentage by weight of flaky particles in a sample. The flakiness index is
calculated by expressing the weight of Flaky particles as a percentage of the total weight of the
sample.
ELONGATED PARTICLES
These are the particles having length considerably larger than the other two dimensions
and it is the particle whose greater dimension is 1.8 times larger than the mean size.
 Limit of elongated particles in the mixes is 45%. Thus, if the elongated particles are
greater than 45% then the sample is undesirable for intended use.
ELONGATION INDEX
It is the percentage by weight of elongated particles in a sample. The elongated
index is calculated by expressing the weight of elongated particles as percentage of
the total weight of the sample.

SIGNIFICANCE
Significance of flakiness & elongation index as follows:
 The degree of packing of particles of one size depends upon their shape.
 Flaky and Elongated particles lower the workability of concrete mixes due to high
ratio of surface area to volume.
 For concrete, the presence of Flaky and Elongated particles is considered
undesirable as they may breakdown due heavy loads and cause inherent
weakness.
 The particle shape is required to be as good as possible but British Standard
practice makes allowance for the fact that with normal crushing and screening the
particle shape deteriorates into smaller size.

 BS-1241 specifies a Flakiness index not exceeding 30%

irrespective of the aggregate size.
 Maximum permitted value of Elongated index is 35% for
aggregate sizes 2 1/2’-2’ 40% for 1 ½’-3/4’ & 45% for ½’ – 3/8’

 Both Flakiness and Elongation tests are not applicable to size smaller than 6.3mm
or ¼’ sieve.
APPARATUS
 Length / Elongation Index Gauge
 Thickness / Flakiness Index Gauge
 Aggregate sample to be tested
PROCEDURE

1-FLAKINESS INDEX DETERMINATION

 The apparatus consists of standard thickness gauge.

 The aggregates are first sorted on test sieves into a number of closely limited
particle size groups.
 Each group (fraction) is weighed and tested for thickness on appropriate opening
of the thickness gauge by passing each particle through slot of specified thickness
along least dimension. This is repeated for all the fractions.
 The weight of particles passing the thickness gauge is recorded for each fraction.
This is the weight of flaky particles.
 The flakiness index is calculated by expressing the weight of flaky particles as a
percentage of total weight of the sample.

2- ELONGATION INDEX DETERMINATION

 The apparatus consists of length gauge.
  The aggregates are first sorted on test sieves into a number of closely limited
particle size groups.
 Each group (fraction) is weighed and tested for length on appropriate opening of
the length gauge. The pieces of aggregate which do not pass through the specified
length of the gauge are separated and weighed. These are termed as elongated
particles. This is repeated for all the fractions.
 The elongated index is calculated by expressing the weight of elongated particles
as a percentage of total weight of the sample.
OBSERVATIONS

Observations and Calculations for Flakiness Index

Sieve size Weight Percentage Passing Fractions Corrected Weight Individual Weighted
Passing Retained Retained Retained percentage passing of Flaky Flakiness Flakiness
(inch) (inch) (gm) (%) (%) percentage Particles Index (%) Index (%)
(gm)
1
2 12
𝟏 1
1𝟐

1 3
4
𝟑 1
𝟒 2
𝟏 3
𝟐 8
𝟑 1
𝟖 4
𝟏 pan
𝟒
 Observations and Calculations for Elongation Index
Sieve size Weight Percentage Passing Fractions Corrected Weight of Individual Weighted
Passing Retained Retained Retained percentage passing Elongated Elongation Elongation
(inch) (inch) (gm) (%) (%) percentage Particles Index (%) Index (%)
(gm)
1
2 12

𝟏 1
1𝟐

1 3
4
𝟑 1
𝟒 2
𝟏 3
𝟐 8
𝟑 1
𝟖 4
𝟏 pan
𝟒

COMMENTS
 EXPERIMENT NO. 02
Determination of angularity number for the given aggregate sample.
OBJECTIVE
This test is also carried out for determining shape of aggregates. Based upon the
shape the aggregates may be classified as Rounded, Angular or Flaky. Angular particles possess
well defined edges formed at the intersection of roughly planer faces and are commonly formed
in aggregates prepared by crushing of rocks.
Angularity in general is the absence of rounding of particles of an aggregate. This test is
performed to determine the angularity number.

RELATED THEORY
Shapes of particles
The usual shapes are
i. Rounded (river gravel)
ii. Flaky (laminated)
iii. Elongated
iv. Angular (crushed rock)
ANGULARITY
It is the absence of roundness. An aggregate particle, which is more rounded, is
less angular and vice versa.

ANGULARITY NUMBER
It is the amount (to the higher whole number) by which the percentage of voids in it after
compacting in a prescribed manner exceeds 33.
Where 33 is the percentage of volume of voids in perfectly rounded aggregates and 67 is
the percentage of volume of solids in a perfectly rounded aggregate.
The value of angularity number generally lies between 0 & 11. In road construction,
angularity number 7-10 is preferred.

SIGNIFICANCE
 The degree of packing of particles of single sized aggregate depends on the
angularity of aggregates.
  The angularity of the aggregate can be estimated from the properties of voids in a
sample of aggregate compacted in a specified manner.
 The angularity number ranges from 0 for highly rounded grave to about 11 for
freshly crushed angular aggregates.
 Higher the angularity number, more angular and less the workable is the concrete
mix.
 In rigid pavements the rounded aggregates are preferred for high workability.
 In flexible pavements, angular aggregates with high angularity number are
preferred for high stability due to better interlocking and friction.
APPARATUS
1. A metal cylinder of about 3 -liter capacity
2. Temping rod of circular cross-section, 16mm, 60 com in length rounded at one
end.
3. A metal scoop.
4. A weighing balances.
PROCEDURE
This procedure is for aggregate size ¾’ to No. 4. If aggregate is coarser than ¾’ a
cylinder of large capacity shall be required but amount of compactive effort or energy should be
proportional to the volume of the cylinder.
10 kg of the sample is taken for the test. The material should be oven dried. The
aggregate is compacted in three layers, each layer being given 100 blows using the standard
temping rod at a rate of 2 blows/second by lifting the rod 5 cm above the surface of the aggregate
and then allowing it to fall freely. The blows are uniformly distributed over the surface of the
aggregate. After compacting the third layer, the cylinder is filled to overflowing and excess
material is removed off with temping rod as a straight edge.
The aggregate with cylinder is then weighed. Three separate determinations are
made and mean weight of the aggregate in cylinder is calculated.

CALCULATIONS AND RESULTS

METHOD-1
Add measured quantity of water in the compacted aggregate till all voids are filled and
water appears to the surface. Volume of water added is approximately equal to the volume of
voids in the compacted aggregate.
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑑
𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 = 𝑥100 − 33
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
METHOD-2
100 𝑊
𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 = 67 −
𝐶 𝐺𝑠
Where,
W= mean weight of the aggregate filling cylinder
C= weight/volume of water that can completely fill the cylinder (3liter=3000ml)
Gs= specific gravity of the aggregate

Notes
1- Method -1 determines the angularity number from the solids point of view
2- Method -2 determines the angularity number from the voids point of view
OBSERVATIONS
Specific gravity of the aggregate =
Total volume of the cylinder =
S Weight Volume Angularity Number
No (gm) of water
Empty Cylinder Cylinder aggregate added Method Method
cylinder +aggregate + agg. + (ml) #1 #2
water

COMMENTS
 EXPERIMENT NO. 03
Specific Gravity (Relative Density) and water absorption test for Aggregates

RELATED THEORY
Specific Gravity
It is defined as ratio of weight of solid to the weight of an equal volume of gas free
distilled water (no dissolved impurities) at a stated temperature.
Water Absorption
It is the ratio of weight of water absorbed to the weight of dry sample expressed as
percentage. It will not include the amount of water adhering to the surface of the particles.
Coarse Aggregates
Those aggregates which are retained on BS #4 sieve (ASTM SIEVE 4.75mm) are known
as coarse aggregate.
Fine Aggregates
Those aggregates which are passed on BS #4 sieve (ASTM SIEVE 4.75mm) are known
as coarse aggregate.
Saturated Surface Dry (S.S.D) condition
It is the condition related with the aggregate particles in which the permeable pores of the
aggregate particles are filled with water but without free water on the surface of the particles.
Oven Dried Specific Gravity
It is the ratio of oven dried density of the aggregate to the density of the gas free distilled
water at a standard temperature.
Saturated Surface Dry Specific Gravity
It is the ratio of saturated surface dry density of the aggregate to the density of the gas
free distilled water at a standard temperature.
Apparent Specific Gravity
It is the ratio of apparent density of the aggregates to the density of the gas free distilled
water at a standard temperature.
TYPES OF CRUSH AVAILABLE IN PAKISTAN
1- SARGODHA Crush
Sargodha crush possess the following properties;
 Greenish/Dark Gray in color
 High Strength
 Usually Elongated particles
2-MARGALLA Crush
Margalla crush possess the following properties;
 Light Gray in color
 Low in strength

3- SAKHI SARWAR Crush

Sakhi Sarwar crush possess the following properties;
 Whitish in color

SIGNIFICANCE
In this test method we will determine the relative density, specific gravity and water
absorption of the coarse aggregates.
 The knowledge of the specific gravity is important for the concrete technologist to
determine the properties of the concrete made from such aggregates.
 It is used for the calculation of the volume occupied by the aggregates in various
mixes and generally it ranges from 2.5 to 3.
 The pores at the surface of the particles affects the bond between the aggregates
and the cement past thus influences the strength. Smaller the number of pores,
higher will be the specific gravity hence more will be the bond strength and more
strength.
 Though higher specific gravity of aggregate is considered as an indication of its
high strength; it is not possible to judge the suitability on this basis alone without
finding other mechanical properties like abrasion etc.
 Water absorption is a measure of porosity of aggregates and its resistance to frost
action.
 Higher water absorption means more pores hence aggregate will be the
considered as weak.
 Water absorption value ranges from 0.1-2% for aggregate normally used in roads
surfaces.
 Aggregates with water absorption up to 4% are acceptable in base coarse.
APPARATUS:
 Balance 5kg capacity readable to 0.5g.
 Sample container in the form of a wire mesh bucket of capacity 4000-7000 cm3 and not
more than 6.3mm mesh.
 Suitable arrangement for suspending the container in water from center of the balance.
 A container for filling water and suspending the wire mesh bucket.
 Shallow tray and absorbent cloth.
 Thermostatically controlled oven.
SAMPLE
Take representative sample. Reject all material passing #4 sieve, weight of sample to be
used for the test would depend upon the nominal maximum size as given in table below.
Nominal (mm) 12.5 19 25 37.5 50 63 75 90
Maximum
size
(in) 1⁄ 3⁄ 1 1 1⁄2 2 2 1⁄2 3 3 1⁄2
2 4

Maximum sample 2 3 4 5 8 12 18 25
wt. (kg)

PROCEDURE:
 Thoroughly wash the aggregates to remove any dust. Oven dry and cool the
aggregates for 1 to 3 hours and then immerse in water for 24 hours.
 Remove the specimen from water and roll it in a large absorbent cloth until all
visible films of water are removed.
 Weigh the specimen in saturated surface dry condition.
 Place the saturated surface dry specimen in wire mesh bucket and weight it in
water. Shake the bucket to remove all entrapped air before weighing.
 Dry the sample to constant weight in oven, cool and weigh.
OBSERVATIONS
Weight of oven dried aggregate in air (gm) A=
Weight of saturated surface dry aggregate in air (gm) B=
Weight of saturated aggregate and bucket in water (gm) W1 =
Weight of bucket in water (gm) W2 =
Weight of saturated aggregate in water C= W1 - W2 =
CALCULATIONS
Oven dried Bulk Specific Gravity Sd = A / (B – C)
Saturated surface dry Bulk Specific Gravity Ss = B / (B – C)
Apparent Specific Gravity Sa = A / (A – C)
Water Absorption WA = [(B – A) / A] x 100

COMMENTS:
 EXPERIMENT NO. 04

LOS ANGLES ABRAISION TEST ON AGGREGATES.

Related Theory
Abrasion:
It is defined as “resistance of a material against wear, scratching and
degradation”.
Pounding Action:
Striking action of an object on a surface for a short instant of time is called
pounding.
LOS ANGLES ABRASION VALUE:
It is an indicative of the abrasion strength of the aggregate.
It can be computed using the following relationship;
𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 − 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
Los angles value = 𝑥 100
𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

where,
final weight = weight retained on sieve # 12
NOTES:
 Larger the LAA value, softer the will be the aggregate and vice versa.
 If we have two samples to be used in the wearing surface having LAA values of 0% and
10%, then we should use the aggregate having LAA value 10 % (note this is true only for
wearing surface and the opposite is true for sub-grade, sub-base and base coarse). This is
because even 0% will provide a good hard surface but its co-efficient of friction will be
too high and it will severely damage the tires.
 If two different samples are obtained from the same source, then the results of the LAA
value will be same for both of the samples because LAA value is a material property.

SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE:

This test is used to assess the hardness of the aggregate
used in road construction. The road aggregate is subjected to wearing action by moving traffic
and therefore resistance to wear or hardness is an essential property of the aggregate. The
aggregate should be hard enough to resist abrasion due to traffic.
 Los Angles abrasion test is used to find out the percentage wear due to relative rubbing
action between the aggregates and steel balls used as abrasive charges. Pounding action of these
balls also exists while conducting the test. The test is considered more dependable as rubbing and
pounding action stimulate field conditions.
The test has been standardized by ASTM and AASHTO.
AASHTO T 9, recommendations are the base coarse has a percent wear of 40% or less. For sub-
base coarse the requirement is 50% or less.

APPARATUS:
 Los Angles Abrasion machine- consists of a hallow steel cylinder closed at both
ends, having inside diameter of 28” and inside length of 20 “. The cylinder is
mounted on a stub shafts in such a way that it rotates about horizontal axis at 30-
33 rpm.
An opening in the cylinder with a dust tight cover is provided for the introduction
of the testing sample. A steel shelf extending full length of the cylinder and
projecting 3.5” inward is mounted on interior surface of the cylinder.

 Sieves confirming to ASTM standards

 Balance
 Abrasive charges (consisting of steel spheres 1 27/32” in diameter and each
weighing between (390-445) grams approx..439.6g.

PROCEDURE:
 The sample taken should be representative and confirming to any of the grading given in
the table.
 The sample is placed in cylinder along with the abrasive charges and the machine is
rotated for the required number of revolutions (500-1000).
 After the required number of revolutions, the material is discharged from the machine
and sieved through # 12 US sieve.
 Wash the material coarser than #12 sieve, oven dry and weigh. Then compute the LAA
value.

𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 − 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

Los angles value = 𝑥 100
𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

Where,
Final weight = weight retained on sieve #12
 NOTES:
 If a large rock piece is provided for the test, first of all crush it then sieve it and then
proceed in the same manner.
 If the amount of aggregate collected in the lower sieve is less than the required
amount, then crush the aggregate in the higher sieves to get the required quantity in
the lower sieve.
 If the amount of aggregate collected in the top sieve is less than the required amount,
then sieve more aggregate in order to collect enough quantity of aggregate.

OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS:

 Grading used for the Test =
 Number of Abrasive charges used =
 Original weight of the sample, W1 (gm) =
 Final weight after test (retained on sieve #12), W2 (gm) =

𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 − 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

Los angles value = 𝑥 100
𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

Sieve Sizes Weight & Grading Of Test Sample (gm).

Passing Retained A B C D 1 2 3
3 in 2 ½ in - - - - 2500±50 - -
2 ½ in 2 in - - - - 2500±50 - -
2 in 1 ½ in - - - - 5000±50 5000±50 -
1 ½ in 1 in 1250±25 - - - - 5000±25 5000±25
1 in ¾ in 1250±25 - - - - - 5000±25
¾ in ½ in 1250±10 2500±10 - - - - -
½ in 3/8 in 1250±10 2500±10 - - - - -
3/8 in ¼ in - - 2500±10 - - - -
¼ in #4 - - 2500±10 - - - -
#4 #8 - - - 2500±10 - - -

Total weight Required 5000±10 5000±10 5000±10 5000±10 10000±100 10000±75 10000±50
 Abrasive Charges No. of Revolutions Number of Spheres Weight of Charges
(gm)
A 500 12 5000±25
B 11 4584±25
C 8 3330±20
D 6 2500±25
1 1000 12 5000±25
2 12 5000±25
3 12 5000±25

COMMENTS
 EXPERIMENT NO. 5
AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST
Objective
Aggregate impact value test gives an indication of aggregate’s toughness property (i.e.
property of a material to resist impact)
Reference Standard
ASTM D5874 - 16
Apparatus
1. Aggregate impact test machine
2. Circular metal base
3. Metal hammer and a balance
4. Cylindrical steel cup

Figure 9.1 Figure 9.2

Figure 9.1: Aggregate Impact Value Test Apparatus

Figure 9.2: Parts of Aggregate Impact Value Test Apparatus

Preparation of Sample
1. The test sample should conform to the following grading:
– Passing through 12.5mm ASTM Sieve – 100%
– Retention on 10mm ASTM Sieve – 100%
2. The sample should be oven-dried for 4hrs at a temperature of 100 to 110oC and cooled.
3. The measure should be about one-third full with the prepared aggregates and tamped with
25 strokes of the tamping rod.

Procedure
1. The cup of the impact testing machine should be fixed firmly in position on the base of
the machine and the whole of the test sample placed in it and compacted by 25 strokes of
the tamping rod.
2. The hammer should be raised to 380mm above the upper surface of the aggregates in the
cup and allowed to fall freely onto the aggregates. The test sample should be subjected to
a total of 15 such blows, each being delivered at an interval of not less than one second.

Reporting of Results
1. The sample should be removed and sieved through a 2.36mm ASTM Sieve. The fraction
passing through should be weighed (Weight ‘B’). The fraction retained on the sieve
should also be weighed (Weight ‘C’) and if the total weight (B+C) is less than the initial
weight (A) by more than one gram, the result should be discarded and a fresh test done.
2. The ratio of the weight of the fines formed to the total sample weight should be expressed
as a percentage.
𝐵
𝐴𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 = 𝑋100
𝐴
3. Two such tests should be carried out and the mean of the results should be reported.