TESTING OF AGGREGATES

Introduction

Aggregates are the granular material ingredients of concrete and bituminous mixes
They may be divided generally into fine and coarse aggregates. Find aggregates include
natural and manufactured sand and course aggregates include gravel and crushed rock. They
constitute about 85% of concrete and about 95% of bituminous mixes, by weight. At most care
should therefore be exercise in the selection of this materials to produce a strong and durable
mixture. For proper selection of aggregates consideration should be given to such
characteristics as size, strength, durability, and cleanliness or freedom from certain deleterious
substances.
Laboratory tests are made to evaluate the physical characteristics of aggregates. The
common tests our unit weight, specific gravity, absorption, washing on number 200 sieve, sieve
analysis, and soundness on both fine and coarse aggregates; organic and mortar strength test
on fine aggregate and abrasion test on coarse aggregate.

Significance of tests:

Unit weight
Values of unit weight or used in volumetric gravimetric calculations. In volumetric
batching of concrete aggregates, the unit weight should be known to convert weight into loose
volume.

Specific gravity and absorption

Values are used in the design of concrete and bituminous mixtures. A high value of
absorption may indicate a doubtful quality of the material.

Wash on number 200 sieve

The percent wash passing the number 200 sieve is an indication of cleanliness of the
aggregate. Test determines the silt and clay components which may weaken concrete if
adhering to the aggregate grains. Specification limit the fines removed by the number 200 sieve
to 3% in fine aggregates and one to one half percent in coarse aggregates.

Sieve analysis
Particle size distribution is determined by the test. By controlling the grading of
aggregates, a mix of high density and good workability can easily be produced.

Soundness by use of sodium or magnesium sulfate

The test determines the resistance of aggregates to disintegration. It also furnishes
information helpful in evaluating soundness of aggregates subject to weathering action period
specification limit soundness lose to 18% of coarse aggregates and 12% for fine aggregates
when magnesium sulfate is used; is sodium sulfate is used the limiting percentage are 15%
and 10%, respectively. exceptions may be made if aggregates have exhibited satisfactory
service in existing structures period

Organic matter
The test determines the presence and approximate amount of organic matter. A small
quantity of sand is mixed with a certain amount of 3% solution of sodium hydroxide. After 24
hours, the color of the liquid is compared to a standard color. If darker than the standard,
injurious amounts of organic matter are present. This is an indication that the mortar strength or
other tests should be performed and the fine aggregate should pass this tests prior to
acceptance or use.

Mortar strength

Mortar with the fine aggregate being tested is prepared under specific conditions. the
compressive strength of the mortar at 7 days is compared to the strength of standard
specimen. Fine aggregate with the minimum strength ratio of 90% is considered acceptable by
present specification. Like the compressive strength test on cement, the mortar strength test on
fine aggregate is considered a decisive test in evaluating overall quality

Abrasion (Los Angeles Machine)

This test evaluates the structural strength of coarse aggregate. It gives an indication of
quality as determined by resistance to impact and wear. Aggregate with an abrasion loss of
40% or less is considered suitable for bituminous surfaces, for concrete work the maximum
loss allowed is 45%.

Purpose

To determine the acceptability of aggregates by performance of standard methods of

tests.

Apparatus

A. Unit weight
1. Metal volumetric measure, 1/10 and ½ cubic ft that can stand rough usage.
2. Tamping rod, steel, 5/8 inch diameter, 24 inches long.
3. Balance and weights.

B. Specific gravity and absorption

1. Pycnometer or calibrated volumetric flask.
2. Conical mold, 1-1/2-inch top diameter 3-½ in bottom diameter to 2-7/8-inch high
3. Tamping rod, weighing 12 oz. With a flat circular tamping face 1-inch diameter
4. Wire basket of no. 4 mesh
5. Water bucket
6. Balance and weights

C. Wash on No. 200 sieve

1. Sieves number 10 and 200
2. Pan
3. Oven with temperature control
4. Balance and weights

D. Sieve analysis
1. Set of standard sieves, with pan and cover
2. Pans
3. Oven with temperature control
4. Balance and weights
E. Soundness
1. Set of standard sieves with pan and cover
2. Balance and weights
3. Pans
4. Oven with temperature control
5. Sodium or magnesium sulfate saturated solution

F. Organic test
1. Graduated glass bottle, 12 oz
2. Reference color standard
3. Sodium hydroxide
4. Tannic acid

G. Mortar strength
1. Flow table, flow mold, and caliper (same as in cement tests)
2. Tamper of non-absorptive material comma ½ by 1 inch cross-section, about 6 inches long.
3. Trowel
4. 2 inch cubical molds
5. Metal rod, 3/8 in diameter
6. Moist cabinet and water storage
7. Testing machine

H. Abrasion test
1. Los Angeles machine
2. Standard sieves with pan and cover
3. Abrasive charges
4. Pans
5. Balance and weights

Procedure

A. Unit weight determination

The volumetric measure shall be calibrated by determining the weight of water required
to fill it. volume of container = weight of water divided by the unit weight of water at the
temperature of calibration.

Sample of aggregate for test shall be room dry and thoroughly mixed.

Compact weight determination

1. Fill 1/3 of the measure, level, and pump 25 times evenly distributed over the surface.
2. Fill two-thirds of the measure, then to over glowing. Each time the same procedure as in step
1 is repeated.
In tamping, the rod should penetrate only the layer being pump and should not be
forced into the bottom of measure or last layer placed.
3. Strike off the excess aggregate with the tamping rod.
4. Get net weight of aggregate in measure. Compute unit weight by dividing the net weight of
the volume of measure.
Loose Weight Determination

1. Fill volumetric measure to overflowing by means of a shovel or scoop. Discharged the

aggregate from a height of about 2 inch from top of measure. Exercise care to prevent
segregation of particle sizes.
2. Level-off carefully surface of aggregate.
3. Get net weight of aggregate and compute unit weight by dividing net weight by volume of
measure.

B. Specific gravity and absorption

Fine aggregate

Prior to test, the weight of pycnometer filled with water should be obtained. Air should be
expelled by rolling on side or boiling.
1. Soak about 1,000 g of the sample in water for 24 hours.
2. Spread sample on a flat surface and stir frequently until it approaches a free flowing
condition.
3. Place sample in the conical mold, tamp surface 25 times and lift mold vertically.

Sample in the cone will retain its shape in the presence of free moisture. If this
condition exists, continue drying and repeat the test until the sample slumps upon removal of
the mold. This will indicate a surface dry condition.

4. Weigh 500 g of the surface dry sample and place in the pycnometer.
5. Fill pycnometer with water and roll on a flat surface to remove air bubbles. Then placed in a
water bath maintained at 20 degrees Celsius for about one hour.
6. Fill pycnometer to 500 ml mark, and weigh.
7. Remove sample from pycnometer and dry to constant weight.
8. Get oven dry weight.

Calculation:

S.G., bulk saturated surface dry = W1/(W1+W2-W3)

Absorption, % = {(W1-Wo)/Wo} x 100

Where:
Wo = weight in air of oven dry sample
W1= weight in air of saturated surface dry sample
W2= weight of pycnometer filled with water
W3= weight of pycnometer + water + sample in bottle

Coarse aggregate

1. Past about 5 kg of the sample through a 3/8-inch sieve; reject portion passing.
2. Wash portion retained to remove dust or other coating and soak in water at 20 degrees
Celsius for 24 hours.
3. Remove sample from water and wipe all visible films of water with an absorbent cloth.
Sample is now in surface dry condition.
4. Weigh surface dry sample in air.
5. Place sample in wire basket and determine weight in water.
6. Dry sample to constant weight.
7. Get oven dry weight.

Calculation:

S.G., bulk saturated surface dry = W1/(W1-W2)

Absorption , % = (W1-Wo)/Wo

Where:
Wo = weight in air of oven dry sample
W1= weight in air of saturated surface dry sample
W2= weight of sample in water

C. Wash on No. 200 sieve

1. Dry the test sample to constant weight at a temperature of about 105 degrees celsius; wait
sample after cooling to room temperature.
2. Place sample in a container large enough to permit vigorous agitation without spilling when
water is added.
3. Add water and agitate.
4. Pour wash water over the nested sieves, No. 10 over No. 200 sieve, avoiding decantation of
coarse particles. Repeat operation until wash water is clear.
Return all materials retained on the nested sieves to the washed sample.
5. Dry washed sample to constant weight and weigh after cooling to room temperature.

Calculation:

% materials passing No. 200 sieve by washing = {(original dry weight - dry weight after
washing) / original dry weight} x 100

D. Sieve analysis\

The sieve analysis is made on the materials coarser than No. 200 sieve after
performance of wash test. However, if the aggregate appears sufficiently clean, the sieve
analysis may be done on the original material without a wash test, as in the case of coarse
aggregate from processing plants, or if obtained under water in rivers.

1. Dry the sample of proper way to constant weight at a temperature of about 105 degrees
celsius.
2. Cool to room temperature and weigh.
3. Pass sample through a nested set of sieves.
4. Weigh material retained on each sieve.
5. Calculate cumulative percentage passing each sieve on the basis oven dry weight of original
sample, see illustrative example.

E. Soundness test (use of sodium or magnesium sulfate)

Size and weight of sample:

Fine aggregate (passing 3/8 inch)
Passing sieve. Retained on sieve. Weight of test fraction, g.
3/8” No. 4 100
No. 4 No.8 100
No.8 No. 16 1000
No. 16 No. 30 100
No. 30 No. 50 100

Coarse aggregate (retained on No. 4 sieve)

Passing sieve. Retained on sieve. Weight of test fraction, g.
2 ½” ` 1 ½” 3000
1 ½” ¾” 1500
¾” 3/8” 1000
3/8” No. 4 300

Larger sizes by 1-inch spread and sieve size, each test fraction 3000 g.
1. Wash thoroughly the sample and dry to constant weight. Separate into sizes as specified in
preceding item.
2. Cover the samples to a depth of at least one-half inch by a saturated solution of sodium or
magnesium sulfate for 16 to 18 hours at 21 +1 degrees celsius.
3. After immersion period remove samples from the solution, drain and dry to constant weight.
Allow sample cool and immerse again in the sulphate solution.
4. Repeat process of alternate immersion and drying until the required number of cycle is
obtained. After completion of the required cycles wash samples free of sodium sulfate and dry
to constant weight.
5. Weigh the dry, washed samples and sieve over the same sieve on which each was originally
retained.
6. Weigh the particles retained.
7. Compute percent soundness loss.

F. Organic test

1. Fill 12 oz bottle to the 4-1/2 oz mark with fine aggregate to be tested.

2. Add 3% solution of sodium hydroxide until the 7 oz mark.
3. Stopper the bottle, shake and allowed to stand for 24 hours.
4. after 24 hours, compare color of liquid above sample with a standard color plate or
with a solution prepared by adding 2.5 ml of a 2% solution of tannic acid in 10% alcohol to 97.5
ml of a 3% sodium hydroxide solution. Solutions darker in color than this standard means an
unsatisfactory result and it is a warning that further laboratory testing is required prior to
acceptance of the sand.

G. Mortar strength

1. Place cement and water in quantities that will give a water cement ratio of 0.6 by
weight in a basin or sauce pan and permit the cement to absorb water for 1 minute.
2. Mix the materials into a smooth paste with a spoon.
3. Beat into the mixture a known weight of the sand sample that has been brought to a
saturated surface dry condition. Mix until the material appears to be of the desired consistency.
Continue mixing for another 30 seconds.
4. Immediately determine the flow of placing the mortar in the flow mold in 2 layers,
each layer being tamped 20 times with the 1/2 by 1-inch tamper. Cut off the excess of mortal
flush with the top of the mold. Lift the mold away from the mortar 1 minute after completing the
mixing operation period immediately dropped the table through a height of 1/2 inch 10 times in
6 seconds. The right flow, measured on at least four diameters expressed as a percentage of
the original diameter, is 100 +5.
5. Place the mortar into inch cube molds in two layers, each layer rodded 25 times with
the 3/8” steel rod. Fill the molds to overflowing.
6. 3 to 4 hours after molding, strike off the specimens to a smooth surface. Store the
specimens in a moist closet which is at a temperature of 73.4+3 degrees fahrenheit. 20 to 24
hours after molding, remove the specimens from the molds and store in a water until tested.
7. Test for compressive strength with the use of the testing machine.
8. With the described method, repair at the same time as the specimens a standard
mortar using a standard sand having a fineness modulus of 2.40+0.1.
9. Compare the compressive strength of the aggregates to the compressive strength of
the standard mortar.

H. Abrasion test (Los Angeles Machine)

The test sample shall consist of a clean aggregate which has been oven dried to
constant weight at 105 degrees celsius and shall conform to one of the gradings in the
following table:

The abrasive charge shall consist of a cast-iron spheres or steel spheres

approximately 1-7/8 inch in diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g. The charge
depending upon grading of test sample shall be as follows:

Grading. Number of spheres. Weight of charge, g .

A 12 5,000 = 25
B 11 4584 = 25
C 8 3330 = 20
D 6 2500 = 15
E 12 5,000 = 25
F 12 5,000 = 25
G 12 5,000 = 25

1. Place test sample and abrasive charge in the Los Angeles abrasion machine rotated
at a speed of 30 to 33 rpm.
 For gradings a, b, c, and d, the machine shell rotate 500 revolutions; for grading c, f,
and g it shall rotate 1000
revolutions.
2. At completion of tests, discharge material from the machine. Make a preliminary
separation of the samples on a sieve coarser than No. 12.
3. Sieve finer portion on the No. 12 sieve, raising the standard procedure of sieving
aggregates.
4. Wash all materials coarser than No. 12, dry to constant weight at about 105 degrees
celsius and weigh accurately to the nearest g.
5. Express the difference between the original weight and the weight of material
coarser than No. 12 save as a percentage of the original weight of test sample. This value
represents the present abrasion loss.