Experiment No: 01
AGGREGATE SHAPE TEST
Objective:
To determine the combined flakiness and elongation Index of the given coarse aggregate
sample.
Equipments:
1. Weighing Balance: A Balance of suitable capacity accurate to 0.1% of the mass of the
weight of the test sample.
2. Elongation and Flakiness index gauges
3. Test Sieves: IS Sieves of the sizes and apertures appropriate to the specification of the
material to be tested with square holes with appropriate sizes of lids and receivers
Figure 2: Length Gauge
Figure 1: Plate Gauge
Theory:
Flakiness Index: Flakiness index is the percentage of particles in a sample that have a thickness
less than 0.6 times their average dimension. It's a measure of how flaky an aggregate is. To
calculate the flakiness index, the flaky particles are separated out and their mass is expressed
as a percentage of the total mass of the sample. Flakiness index is important because flaky
aggregates can produce seals with fewer voids, which means they require less binder. This can
reduce the amount of paste needed to coat the aggregates, which makes the concrete more
economical and easier to work with. Sizes of the sieves used for this purpose are :- 63 mm, 50
mm, 40 mm, 31.5 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm and 6.3 mm. The test is
not applicable to material passing a 6.30 mm test sieve and also for aggregates retained on
63mm sieve.
Elongation Index: The elongation index is a measurement of the percentage of particles in an
aggregate that are elongated, or have a greatest dimension that is more than 1.8 times their
mean dimension. It's a key test in civil engineering and construction to assess the elongation
characteristics of coarse aggregates. Sizes of the sieves used for this purpose are :- 50 mm, 40
mm, 31.5 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm and 6.3 mm. The test is not
applicable to material passing a 6.30 mm test sieve and for aggregates retained on 50 mm sieve.
Combined Flakiness and Elongation Index: It is the sum of the flakiness index of a given
aggregate sample and the elongation index of the non-flaky particles of the sample.
Experiment procedure:
1) To obtain the combined flakiness index and elongation index, flakiness test was conducted
first and the non- flaky particles of the samples will be used for elongation index test.
2) Sieve analysis was carried out on the samples of aggregate using sieves of sizes 25 mm,
20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5 mm and 10 mm.
3) A minimum of 50 pieces was taken for each fraction and then weighed.
4) The particles belonging to a particular size group (for eg: passing through 25 and retained
in 20) were passed through their corresponding slot ( 25mm – 20mm ) from the plate gauge
(Flakiness Index Test) as shown in Figure 1.
5) The particles passing through the specified slot of the thickness gauge are “flaky” and was
weighed and similarly with the non- flaky aggregates.
6) Similarly, flakiness test was done for other size groups and weights of flaky and non-flaky
aggregrates were determined.
7) The weights of flaky aggregates were summed and then total aggregate weights were
summed.
8) Then, Flakiness index was calculated by:-
Flakiness index = Sum of flaky aggregates x 100
Sum of total aggregates
9) After Flakiness index test, Elongation test was performed.
10) The aggregates belonging to a particular size group (for eg: aggregates that passes through
25mm and retained in 20 mm) were passed through their corresponding the gap of the
corresponding size ( 25mm – 20mm ) from the Length Gauge (Elongation Index Test) as
shown in Figure 2.
11) The aggregates retained through the gap were termed as “elongated” and was weighed and
similarly with non-elongated aggregates.
12) The weights of elongated aggregates were summed and then total aggregate weights were
summed.
13) Then, Elongation index was calculated by:-
Elongation index = Sum of elongated aggregates x 100
Sum of total aggregates
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:
Table 1. Flakiness Index
Aggregated
Non Flaky
Retained on Flaky Aggregates Total Aggregates
Aggregates
Sieve Size
20 36 68 104
16 22 114 136
12.5 68 538 606
10 254 558 812
Sum= 380 1278 1658
Table 2. Flakiness Index
Aggregated
Flaky Non Flaky
Retained on Total Aggregates
Aggregates Aggregates
Sieve Size
20 72 38 110
16 140 188 328
12.5 306 304 610
10 210 604 814
Sum= 728 1134 1862
Calculations:
Flakiness Index = 380 X 100 = 22.92%
1658
Elongation Index = 728 X 100 = 39.09%
1862
Combined flakiness and elongation index (%) = 22.92+39.09 = 62.01%
Result:
Hence, the flakiness index and elongation index of the given sample of the aggregates was
found to be 22.92% and 39.09% respectively.
Discussion:
The main objective of this lab experiment is to determine the flakiness index and the elongation
index of the given samples of aggregates. These properties of aggregates are important as it
impacts the quality as well as performance of concrete for road construction. The flakiness
index evaluates thin, flat particles that reduce workability, durability, and strength, while the
elongation index measures elongated particles that hinder interlocking, compaction, and load
resistance.
Flakiness index denotes the percentage of aggregate particles that have thickness less than 0.6
times the mean dimension. Flaky particles are weaker and less durable when they are used as
aggregates in concretes or other road materials. In this experiment, the flakiness index of the
aggregates was found to be 22.92%. According to standard guidelines, aggregates having
flakiness index below 25% are considered suitable for road constructions application. Higher
values could indicate great number of flaky particles, which directly affects the workability and
strength of the concrete or other materials.
Elongation Index denotes the percentage of aggregates particles that have length greater than
1.8 times the last dimension. It affects the workability and the strength of the material in road
pavements and concrete structures. Elongated particles creates void during mixing of concrete
reducing the strength of the concrete mix. The Elongation index of the aggregates was found
to be 39.09%. According to the standard guidelines, the elongation index shouldn’t exceed
35%. Higher values of elongation index is not ideal for road construction. But the elongation
value is relatively high, it indicates it is not suitable for road construction.
Conclusion:
Hence, flakiness and elongation index of the given coarse aggregate sample was determined.
Flakiness index was within acceptable range but elongation index exceed the standard value
indication that the sample may not be suitable for great applications.
Precautions:
1) The sieving of the particles should be done properly.
2) Gauge should be cleaned thoroughly and dried before testing.
3) All parts of equipment should be kept clean.
4) After the end of test, the sieve should be cleaned with brush.
