LAB TESTS ONAGGREGATES

Why is it necessary to test aggregates?

Aggregates influence, to a greater extent, the load transfer capability of pavements and slabs.
Therefore, before using for construction, it is necessary that they should be completely tested.
Not only the aggregates should be strong and durable, but they should also have proper shape
and size to make the element slab/pavement act monolithically. Hence, it is important to perform
the tests on aggregates to ensure the quality of aggregates and check the properties of aggregate.
 Aggregates are tested to determine their properties like,

 Strength
 Toughness
 Hardness
 Shape
 Water Absorption etc.
Following are the different types of aggregate tests conducted to ascertain the suitability of
aggregates:

01. Crushing Test on Aggregates

02. Abrasion Test on Aggregates

03. Impact Test on Aggregates

04. Soundness Test on Aggregates

05. Shape Test on Aggregates

06. Specific Gravity and Water Absorption Test on Aggregates

07. Bitumen Adhesion Test on Aggregates

 Various Types of Tests on Aggregates
In order to decide the suitability of the aggregate for using in concrete/pavement construction,
following tests are carried out:
01. Crushing Test on Aggregates
In order to decide the suitability of the aggregate for using in concrete/pavement construction,
following tests are carried out:
(a) Importance of Crushing Test:
The aggregate crushing value test indicates the strength of aggregate which is the most essential
property of coarse aggregate. The aggregate crushing value provides a relative measure of
resistance to crushing under a gradually applied compressive load. For achieving a high quality
of pavement, aggregate of higher crushing strength i.e. low crushing value should be preferred.
Lower crushing value means higher strength as it indicates a lower crushed fraction under load.
This gives a longer service life and a more economical performance.
(b) Recommended Result of Crushing Test:
If the aggregate crushing value is less than 10, it signifies an exceptionally strong aggregate.
Whereas, if the crushing value is 35 or above, it would normally be considered as weak
aggregate.

After performing the test, the crushed material is separated and calculated in terms of percentage
of the original weight taken in the mould. This percentage is known as a crushing value of
aggregate. This percentage should not exceed 30% of the total weight of aggregate taken for the
test. The aggregate crushing value test result should not be more than 30 % for the concrete used
for roads and pavements and, in case of other structures; it may be permitted up to 45%.
(c) Standard Guidelines for Crushing Test:
Followings are the standard guidelines for the crushing test on aggregates:

 IS 2386(Part 4):1963
 BS 812–110:1990
 (d) Apparatus of Crushing Test:
 Compressive Testing Machine
 Crushing Mould: A steel cylinder 15 cm diameter with plunger and base plate.
 Weighing machine,
 Sieve: Size of 12.5 mm, 10 mm and 2.36 mm
The crushing mould is filled in three layers with aggregates.  Then the weight (W1) of the
aggregate in the crushing mould is noted. After that, the mould is placed in the compression
testing machine and loaded at gradually applied load so that it reaches a load of 40 tons in 10
minutes. The load is then released and the aggregates are then removed from the mould.
Aggregates are then sieved through a 2.36 mm sieve and weight (W2) is measured. The crushing
value of aggregates is calculated as (W1/W2) *100 and value is expressed in %.
 02. Abrasion Test on Aggregates
This test is carried out to determine the abrasion value of the coarse aggregate. The principle of
the Los Angeles abrasion test is to find the percentage wear due to relative rubbing action
between the aggregate and steel balls used as an abrasive charge.
(a) Importance of Abrasion Test:
Abrasion test on aggregate indicates the hardness of aggregate. It shows the ability of aggregate
to resist wear and tear.
(b) Recommended Result of Abrasion Test:
Abrasion value of aggregate should not be more than 30 percent for aggregate used for surface
wearing course and, should not be more than 45 percent for surface other than wearing course.
(c) Standard Guidelines for Abrasion Test:
Followings are the standard guidelines for the abrasion test on aggregates:

 IS 2386(Part 4):1963
 BS 812-113:1990

Apparatus of Abrasion Test:

 Los Angles Abrasion Machine
 Steel balls: 11no.
 Weighing balance
 Sieves: 20, 12.5, 10, 1.7mm
 The Los Angeles abrasion testing machine consists of a circular drum mounted on a horizontal
axis; so that, it can be rotated. The steel balls are placed in the drum along with the sample of
aggregates. The drum is then rotated for a total of 500 to 1000 revolutions at a speed of 30 to 33
rpm (revolution per minute) depending upon the gradation of aggregates. After rotation, the
material is sieved through a 1.7 mm sieve and the difference between the initial weight and the
final weight (sieved weight) is calculated. The result is expressed as %, and this value is called
Abrasion value of aggregate.

03. Impact Test on Aggregates

Aggregate may be subjected to a sudden shock or impact during as well as after the construction.
These loads are different from the gradually applied compressive loads. Due to such kind of
loads, aggregate breaks down into smaller pieces. In order to evaluate the resistance to impact of
aggregate, the aggregate impact test is conducted. Aggregate impact value gives the idea about
how much impact load can be resisted by aggregate. Actually, aggregate should be sufficiently
tough to resist their disintegration due to impact. This distinctive property is measured by impact
value test.
(a) Importance of Impact Test:
Impact test on aggregates indicates the toughness of aggregate. It shows the ability of aggregate
to resist the sudden shock or impact.
(b) Recommended Result of Impact Test:
Aggregate impact value is the same as the abrasion test result. Impact value of aggregate should
not exceed 30 percent for aggregate used for surface wearing course and should not exceed 45
percent for surface other than wearing course.
(c) Standard Guideline for Impact Test:
Followings are the standard guidelines for the impact test on aggregate:

 IS 2386(Part 4):1963
 (d) Apparatus of Impact Test:
 Aggregate impact apparatus,
 IS sieves (12.5 mm, 10.0 mm and 2.36 mm),
 Cylindrical measure and cylindrical cup,
 Weighing balance,
 Tamping rod.
Take a sample of aggregate passing through a 12.5 mm sieve and retained on a 10 mm sieve. Fill
the sieved aggregates in a cylindrical cup. Place the mould in the aggregate impact testing
machine and administer 15 numbers of blows of a metal hammer. After that, remove the crushed
aggregate and sieve it through a 2.36 mm sieve. The aggregate impact value is measured as % of
aggregates passing through the 2.36mm sieve (W2) to the total weight of the sample (W1).

04. Soundness Test on Aggregates

Soundness test on aggregate is conducted to understand the resistance of aggregates to
weathering action. Aggregates are subjected to the physical and chemical action of rain-water,
groundwater and the other impurities of the atmosphere. This can lead to a change in the volume
which is not good and substandard for the durability of construction. The property of aggregates
to withstand the adverse action of weather is known as soundness of aggregate.
(a) Importance of Soundness Test: 
Soundness test on aggregates indicates the durability of aggregates. It shows the ability of
aggregates to resist the adverse effect of weather. The soundness test is carried out to learn the
resistance of aggregates to weathering actions like thawing, freezing, alternate wetting and
 drying in normal condition and, variation in temperature in salt water. When aggregates fail to
resist such conditions, then it said to be unsound
(b) Recommended Result of Soundness Test: 
Recommended result of soundness test should not more than 12 % and 18 % after 10 cycles
when tested with sodium sulphate and magnesium sulphate respectively.
(c) Standard Guidelines for Soundness Test:
Followings are the standard guidelines for the soundness test on aggregates:

 IS 2386 (Part 5):1963

 BS 812-121:1989
(d) Apparatus of Soundness Test:
 Sodium Sulphate or Magnesium Sulphate Solution,
 Oven,
 Weighing Balance,
 IS Sieves,
 Weight Balance.
Take a sample of well-graded aggregate and weight it. Immerse aggregate sample into the
solution of sodium sulphate or magnesium sulphate for 16 to 18 hours. After immersion, place
the aggregates in the oven for drying. Repeat this cycle several times according to requirement
and then measure the loss in weight.

05. Shape Test on Aggregates

Aggregates are available in various sizes and shapes, i.e. rounded, cubical, and angular flaky or
elongated. It is proved that the flaky and elongated particles have less strength, less bonding, less
interlocking and durability as compared with cubical, angular or rounded particles of the same
size aggregates. It can be said that aggregates are flaky when aggregates are too thin compared to
their average size (mean dimension). Elongated aggregate means aggregates they are too long
compared to their average size (mean dimension). Flakiness index test and elongation index test
are performed to find flaky and elongated aggregates.
 (a) Importance of Shape Test:
Flakiness index test and elongation index test are used to determine the shape of the aggregate. It
is defined in percentage by weight of aggregate particles to the mean dimension of thickness and
length of it.
(b) Recommended Result of Shape Test:  
Recommended result of shape test of aggregates should be in range of 15% to 30% according to
the area of use.
(c) Standard Guidelines for Shape Test:
Followings are the standard guidelines for the shape test on aggregates:

 IS 2386(Part 1):1963
 BS 812-105.1:1989

(d) Apparatus of Shape Test:

 Thickness gauge
 Length gauge
 Weighing balance
 Sieves
Take an aggregate sample of around 200 pieces of any fraction and weight it. Gauge each
aggregate on length as well as thickness gauge. Take the weight of the aggregates which are
retained from length gauge to find the elongation index and take the weight of the aggregates
which passes through the thickness gauge to find the flakiness index. Calculate the percentage of
aggregates passing and the initial weight. It’s called the elongation index and calculate the
percentage of retained aggregates and the initial weight. This will give the flakiness index.

06. Specific Gravity and Water Absorption Test on Aggregates

Specific gravity of aggregate is defined as the ratio of the weight of aggregate to the weight of
equal volume of water. It shows the strength of aggregate. Aggregates having a low specific
gravity are generally weaker than those with having high specific gravity.

Water absorption of aggregate gives an idea about the internal structure of aggregate. If
aggregates have more absorption capacity, they are called porous in nature. Such aggregates are
unsuitable and generally not preferred for any construction.
(a) Importance of Specific Gravity and Water Absorption:
The specific gravity and water absorption test on aggregates measures strength or quality of the
aggregate. This property helps in general identification of aggregates.
(b) Recommended Result of Test:
The specific gravity of aggregates generally used in construction ranges from about 2.5 to 3.0
and water absorption ranges from about 0.1 % to 2.0 %
(c) Standard Guidelines for Test:
Followings are the standard guidelines for the specific gravity and water absorption test on
aggregates:

 IS 2386(Part 3):1963
 BS 812-2:1995
  Apparatus of Test:
 Density basket,
 Weighing balance,
 Water tank,
 Tray,
 sieves- 10mm and 20mm.
Take a sample of aggregates of 2kg. Place the aggregates in a wire basket and immerse it in
distilled water for 24 hours. Then, take the weight of aggregates and basket in water as A1. After
that, remove the basket and aggregates from water and take the weight of basket suspended in
water as A2. Dry those aggregates with a dry cloth and then take the weight of these dry
aggregates, and denote it as B. Next, place the aggregates in the oven for 24 hours and measure
the weight of oven-dried aggregates as C.

Now calculate, Specific gravity= C/(B-A) and water absorption = 100 (B-C)/C according to this
formula.

To know more read, Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregates: Its Importance & Test Procedure
07. Bitumen Adhesion Test on Aggregates
Bitumen gets well bonded to all the normal types of road aggregates provided they are dry and
free from dust. In the absence of water, there is no adhesion problem in bituminous construction.
Adhesion problem arises when the aggregate is wet and cold. This problem can be dealt with by
removing moisture from the aggregate by drying and increasing the mixing temperature.

For finding bitumen adhesion, the stripping value test is conducted. Stripping value of aggregates
is determined as the ratio of the uncovered area observed visually to the total area of aggregates
which is ultimately expressed in percentage.
(a) Importance of Bitumen Adhesion Test:
Bitumen adhesion test on aggregates determines the adhesion of bituminous binder to aggregate
in the presence of water.
(b) Recommended Result of Bitumen Adhesion Test:
Recommended result (stripping value) of bitumen adhesion test should not exceed 5 percent.
 (c) Standard Guideline for Bitumen Adhesion Test:  
Followings are the standard guidelines for the bitumen adhesion test on aggregates:

 IS:6241- 1971
(d) Apparatus of Bitumen Adhesion Test:
 Water Bath,
 Oven,
 Sieve,
 Mixer to mix aggregate and bitumen.
Take a sample of 200 gm of dry aggregates passing a 20mm sieve and retained on 12.5mm sieve
and 5 % by weight of bitumen binder. Mix the binder and the aggregates till they are fully
coated. Then transfer the mixture into a 500ml beaker and allow to cool at room temperature for
about 2 hours. Next, add distilled water and immerse the coated aggregates. Cover the beaker
and keep in a water bath for 24 hours. Now take the beaker out and let it cool at room
temperature. The uncovered area needs to be observed visually.
Reasons for the Failure of Tests on Aggregate (All Tests Mentioned Above) & Some
Suggestions to Deal with them 
If aggregate tests results are not in the range of recommendations, there can be many reasons like
weak or poor aggregates, error in the testing procedure, error in the test appliance etc. If any of
tests on aggregates fail first of all, ensure that there is no error in the test appliance or the
procedure. If that seems to be the likely reason, the aggregates should be retested. However, if
the test appliances are in order, test procedures are followed religiously, and yet the test result
have failed; it is advisable not to use those aggregate for structural as well as for non-structural
purpose.

To understand importance of the entire test, it becomes necessary to understand all the properties
of aggregates. So, let’s take a look at all the important properties of aggregates as mentioned
below.
The Important Properties of Aggregates
01. Strength of Aggregate
The coarse aggregates to be used in construction should be sufficiently strong to withstand the
loads because; it is the prime construction material in the building as well as pavement.
According to ‘A. M. Neville’ (Honorary member of the American Concrete Institute and author
of Properties of Concrete), the strength and elasticity of aggregate depend on its composition,
density, texture and structure. For a high-quality pavement, the aggregate should possess high
resistance to crushing, and to withstand the stresses due to traffic load.
02. Hardness of Aggregate
When the aggregates are used in the surface course, they are subjected to constant rubbing or
abrasion due to the constant movements of traffic on the pavement. Hence, they must be hard
enough to resist the wear and tear occurring due to the abrasive action of traffic load. The
abrasive action is severe over the aggregate exposed on the top surface. Not much but some
amount of abrasion may be induced due to the friction between particles of aggregate in
concrete.
03. Toughness of Aggregate
According to ‘M.S. Shetty’ (Author of Concrete Technology Theory and Practice), toughness is
the resistance of the aggregates to impact. Aggregates used in the construction of buildings and
pavements are also subjected to impact due to sudden load in buildings and moving wheel loads
on pavements. Hence, the resistance to impact is the desirable property of aggregates.
04. Durability of Aggregate
The property of aggregate to withstand the adverse action of weather and other chemical
reactions can be termed as soundness. The aggregate used in the construction of buildings and
pavements should be durable i.e. it should have long life and should resist disintegration due to
the weather action. The aggregates are subjected to various physical and chemical reactions of
rain water, soil, water percolated in ground and many other impurities. Hence, aggregate must be
sound enough to withstand such reactions as well as the weathering action.

05. Shape of Aggregate

According to ‘Zongjin Li’ (Author of Advanced Concrete Technology), shape of aggregate
affects the workability of fresh concrete. Because the differences in the surface area caused by
different shapes, will determine cement paste required to coat the aggregate, to provide
lubrication and increase workability. Apart from workability of concrete, shape of aggregate is
also an essential property of aggregate because it also plays a significant role in the strengthen,
grading and interlocking of aggregate with each other, which is ultimately responsible for
toughness and firmness. Aggregates happen to fall in different shapes i.e. round, angular,
cubical, flaky or elongated. It is evident that aggregates with round, angular, cubical shapes are
more durable and sustainable as compared to flaky and elongated ones.
06. Alkali-Aggregate Reaction
As per the ‘Fournier, B & Berube, M’ (2011) (Published in: Alkali-aggregate reaction in
concrete: A review of basic concepts and engineering implications), the alkali-aggregate reaction
is the chemical reaction that occurs in the concrete which can produce the premature distress and
loss in serviceability thereby, affecting concrete structures. In other words, alkali-aggregate
reaction is the expansive reaction that takes place between alkali and elements within an
aggregate which can result in pattern cracking, surface pop outs and break off into fragments if it
is severe enough. There are two types of alkali- aggregate reaction occurring,
01. Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR)
02. Alkali-Carbonate Reaction (ACR)
Generally, aggregates are the chemically inert, but if the active silica or carbonate is present in
the aggregate, it reacts with the alkalis present in the cement paste, causing expansion and
cracking over a period of time.
07. Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The specific gravity and water absorption of aggregates are important properties for designing
concrete and bituminous mixes. Specific gravity of an aggregate is the ratio of the weight of a
given volume of aggregate to the weight of an equal volume of water. It is a quality measure and
determines the strength of aggregate.
08. Adhesion with Bitumen
The aggregates used in bituminous pavements must have less affection for water as compared
with bituminous material; otherwise, the bituminous coating of the aggregates will get stripped
off in presence of water. In absence of water or moisture, there is no problem in bituminous
construction.