Standard Method of Test for

Determining Aggregate Shape Properties

by Means of Digital Image Analysis

AASHTO Designation: TP 81-12

1. SCOPE
1.1. This standard covers the measurement of aggregate shape properties using the Digital Image
Analysis techniques.

1.2. This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does
not purport to address all of the safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of
the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
2.1. AASHTO Standards:
 M 92, Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Purposes
 M 231, Weighing Devices Used in the Testing of Materials
 T 2, Sampling of Aggregates
 T 11, Materials Finer Than 75-m (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
 T 27, Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
 T 84, Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
 T 85, Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
 T 248, Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size

2.2. ASTM Standards:

 C 670, Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for
Construction Materials
 C 802, Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Test Program to Determine the
Precision of Test Methods for Construction Materials

2.3. Other Document:

 National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 555, Test Methods for
Characterizing Aggregate Shape, Texture, and Angularity

3. TERMINOLOGY
3.1. aggregate size—sieve size in which material is retained after passing the next larger sieve.

3.1.1. fine aggregate—aggregate material passing a 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve. Sieve sizes are 2.36 mm
(No. 8), 1.18 mm (No. 16), 0.60 mm (No. 30), 0.30 mm (No. 50), 0.15 mm (No. 100), and
0.075 mm (No. 200).

TS-1c TP 81-1 AASHTO

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3.1.2. coarse aggregate—aggregate material retained on a 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve. Sieve sizes are
25.0 mm (1 in.), 19.0 mm (3/4 in.), 12.5 mm (1/2 in.), 9.5 mm (3/8 in.), and 4.75 mm (No. 4).

3.2. Shape Properties for Each Retained Sieve (x):

3.2.1. gradient angularity (GA)—applies to both fine and coarse aggregate sizes and is related to
the sharpness of the corners of 2-dimensional images of aggregate particles. The gradient
angularity quantifies changes along a particle boundary with higher gradient values indicating
a more angular shape. Gradient angularity has a relative scale of 0 to 10,000 with a perfect circle
having a value of 0.
Gradient Angularity:
n 3

   (1)
1
GA  i i 3
n
1 i 1
3

where:
θ = angle of orientation of the edge points
n = the total number of points
i = denoting the ith point on the edge of the particle

3.2.2. texture or microtexture (TX)—applies to coarse aggregate sizes only describing relative
smoothness or roughness of surface features less than approximately 0.5 mm in size that are too
small to affect the overall shape. Texture has a relative scale of 0 to 1000 with a smooth polished
surface approaching a value of 0.
3 N 2

  D  x, y  
1 (2)
TX n  i, j
3N
i 1 j 1

where:
D = decomposition function
n = decomposition level
N = total number of coefficients in an image
i = 1, 2, or 3 for detailed images
j = wavelet index
x, y = location of the coefficients in transformed domain

3.2.3. sphericity (SP)—applies to coarse aggregate sizes only and describes the overall three-
dimensional shape of a particle. Sphericity has a relative scale of 0 to 1. A sphericity value of
one indicates a particle has equal dimensions (cubical).
dS  dI (3)
SP  3
d L2

where:
dS = particle shortest dimension
dI = particle intermediate dimension
dL = particle longest dimension

Note 1—The term “sphericity” has been used for many years in research to describe this
measurement. In principle, a cube does not have a sphericity of one because the diagonal is

TS-1c TP 81-2 AASHTO

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 considered to be the longest dimension. A digital image acquisition and analysis system would
measure a value of one for a cube because it would be sitting in front of the camera on one of its
faces and the longest dimension will be measured as the width.

3.2.4. Form 2D—Applies to fine aggregate sizes only and is used to quantify the relative form from 2-
dimensional images of aggregate particles. Form 2D has a relative scale of 0 to 20. A perfect circle
has a Form 2D value of zero.

360
 R  R 
Form 2D  
0

 R


(4)

where:
Rθ = the radius of the particle at an angle of θ
∆θ = the incremental difference in the angle

3.2.5. flat and elongated—those particles having a ratio of longest dimension to shortest dimension
greater than a specified value.

Aggregate particle dimensions in an x, y, z coordinate system:

dS = particle shortest dimension
dI = particle intermediate dimension
dL = particle longest dimension
dS
Flatness Ratio (S/L): Flatness  (5)
dI
dI
Elongation Ratio (I/L): Elongation  (6)
dL
dL
Flat and Elongated Value (F&E): L / S  (7)
dS

3.2.6. flat or elongated—those particles having a ratio of intermediate dimension to shortest dimension
or longest dimension to intermediate dimension greater than a specified value.
dI d
Flat or Elongated Value (F or E): or L  Ratio (i.e., 1, 2, 3…) (8)
dS dI

4. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

4.1. Shape, angularity, and surface texture of aggregates have been shown to directly affect the
engineering properties of highway construction materials such as hot mix asphalt concrete,
portland cement concrete, and unbound aggregate layers. This standard provides direct
measurement of aggregate shape, angularity, and texture. For coarse aggregates, the shape
properties include: Gradient Angularity, Sphericity, Texture, and Flat and Elongated value. For
fine aggregates the shape properties include: Gradient Angularity and Form 2D.
Note 2—The National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 555 provides background
information relevant to characterizing aggregate shape, texture, and angularity.

4.2. This test method may be used to characterize and monitor the shape properties of aggregate
material sizes 0.075 mm (No. 200) through 25.0 mm (1 in.). This method may be used to
characterize a single size within a material source or all sizes within the source.

TS-1c TP 81-3 AASHTO

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5. APPARATUS
5.1. Digital Image Acquisition and Analysis System—A computer controlled electromechanical
instrument for capturing digital images at variable magnification and software for image analysis.
Instrumentation and analysis software shall include algorithms for Gradient Angularity, Form 2D,
Flat and Elongated, Sphericity, and Texture.

5.1.1. A camera and optic system capable of providing the required resolutions over the range of
particles being analyzed.

5.1.2. A system for positioning the particle for imaging. This can be a movable camera, a movable
support tray, or a combination thereof.

5.1.3. A system for auto-focusing the image.

5.1.4. A system for determining particle three-dimensional measurements x, y, z in millimeters.

5.1.5. A system for detecting and removing touching particles from the analysis.

5.1.6. A system for presenting the particles for imaging consisting of trays or other support surface for
aggregate sizes from 0.075 mm (No. 200) through 25.0 mm (1 in.). The particles shall be
presented for imaging on a flat surface. A small recess for aligning particles is acceptable.

5.1.7. A variable lighting system for backlighting or top lighting, or both, the material sample.
Note 3—The Aggregate Image Measurement System (AIMS) and the associated AIMS Software
algorithms for image analysis computations have proven to be an acceptable system for a Digital
Image Acquisition and Analysis System.

5.2. Balance—A balance meeting the requirements of M 231, Class G 5, for determining the mass of
aggregates.

5.3. Oven—An oven of appropriate size capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 110 ± 5°C
(290 ± 9°F).

5.4. Miscellaneous—Equipment to perform sample preparation methods according to one or more of

the following: T 2, T 11, T 27, or T 248.

6. HAZARDS
6.1. Use standard safety precautions and protective clothing when handling materials and preparing
material samples.

7. STANDARDIZATION
7.1. Confirm the digital image acquisition system has been standardized. Frequency and method of
standardization shall follow manufacturer’s instructions.

TS-1c TP 81-4 AASHTO

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8. PREPARATION OF APPARATUS
8.1. Confirm the system has been standardized by verifying the standardization date.

8.2. Confirm the machine operation settings are correct for the analysis to be performed.

9. SAMPLE PREPARATION
9.1. Obtain sample of the aggregate according to procedures in T 2.
Note 4—Material samples obtained for T 84 and T 85 specific gravity determinations have
proven to be acceptable.

9.2. Thoroughly mix the sample and reduce it to the approximate quantity needed using the applicable
procedures in T 248.

9.3. Determine the amount of material finer than 0.075 mm (No. 200) by T 11.

9.4. Dry the sample to a constant mass at a temperature of 110 ± 5°C (230 ± 9°F).

9.5. Determine the sample grading on the washed, dry sample in accordance with T 27. Calculate
the percentage of material in each size fraction. Maintain sample material as separate retained
sieve sizes.

9.6. Obtain the required aggregate of each size from the sample using the procedures described
in T 248.

9.7. Maintain the necessary size fractions obtained in a dry condition in separate containers for
each size.

9.7.1. The following list provides approximate sample mass to achieve the required minimum particle
count for each size fraction:

Minimum Number
Size Approx. Mass of Particles
0.075 mm (No. 200) 200 g 150
0.15 mm (No. 100) 200 g 150
0.3 mm (No. 50) 200 g 150
0.6 mm (No. 30) 200 g 150
1.18 mm (No. 16) 200 g 150
2.36 mm (No. 8) 200 g 150
4.75 mm (No. 4) 2 kg 50
9.5 mm (3/8-in.) 2 kg 50
12.5 mm (1/2-in.) 2 kg 50
19.0 mm (3/4-in.) 2 kg 50
25.0 mm (1-in.) 5 kg 50

10. PROCEDURE FOR COARSE AGGREGATE

10.1. Position the coarse aggregate sample for digital image acquisition by size fraction. Each size
fraction of retained material may be run separately.

TS-1c TP 81-5 AASHTO

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10.2. Distribute the coarse aggregate sample over the support surface in a manner that provides
separation of at least 1.0 mm between particles. Particle orientation shall be determined by
permitting them to come to rest randomly.

10.3. Initiate the digital image acquisition sequence and analysis algorithms. This process is typically
automated. The operator inputs the material size and the system automatically captures the
required images and calculates the shape properties for each particle.

10.4. Each characterization requires the minimum number of particles for each size fraction listed in
Section 9.7.1 to be analyzed. If the required particle count is not achieved in one sequence, repeat
the sequence with additional particles until the required number of images is acquired.

10.4.1. For sizes that contain inadequate percent retained mass to achieve minimum particle count, use the
shape value obtained from the next larger or the next smaller size, whichever is present.

11. PROCEDURE FOR FINE AGGREGATE

11.1. Position the fine aggregate sample for digital image acquisition by size fraction. Each size fraction
of retained material may be run separately.
Note 5—Most fine aggregate materials are analyzed using backlighting. However, some
translucent materials may require a dark background and top lighting to achieve the appropriate
image contrast. If the system fails to capture usable images with backlighting, use a dark
background and top lighting. A dark background is typically required for 0.30 mm (No. 50) and
smaller sizes.

11.2. Distribute the fine aggregate sample over the support surface in a manner that provides separation
between particles. Typically, only a very light coating is needed. Particles’ orientation shall be
determined by permitting them to come to rest randomly.

11.3. Initiate the digital image acquisition sequence and run the analysis routines. This process is
typically automated. The operator selects the material size and the system automatically captures
the required images and calculates the shape properties for each particle.

11.4. Each characterization requires the minimum number of particles for each size fraction listed in
Section 9.7.1 to be analyzed. If the required particle count is not achieved in one sequence, repeat
the sequence until the required number of images is acquired.

11.4.1. For sizes that contain inadequate percent retained mass to achieve minimum particle count, use the
shape value obtained from the next larger or the next smaller size, whichever is present.

12. CALCULATIONS
12.1. Calculate gradient angularity value for each fine and coarse aggregate particle.

12.1.1. Calculate the gradient angularity mean and standard deviation for each size fraction.

12.2. Calculate the texture (TX) value for each coarse particle.

12.2.1. Calculate the texture mean and standard deviation for each coarse size fraction.

TS-1c TP 81-6 AASHTO

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12.3. Calculate the sphericity (SP) for each coarse aggregate particle.

12.3.1. Calculate the sphericity mean and standard deviation for each coarse size fraction.

12.4. Calculate the Form 2D value for each fine particle.

12.4.1. Calculate the Form 2D mean and standard deviation for each fine size fraction.

12.5. Calculate the percent distribution of Flat and Elongated at the following ratios:
≥1:1, >2:1, >3:1, >4:1, >5:1

%L/S (≥1)x = % of Particles with dL/dS ≥ 1

%L/S (>2)x = % of Particles with dL/dS > 2

%L/S (>3)x = % of Particles with dL/dS > 3

%L/S (>4)x = % of Particles with dL/dS > 4

%L/S (>5)x = % of Particles with dL/dS > 5

where:
x designates the retained sieve size

12.6. Calculate the percent distribution of Flat or Elongated at the following ratios:
≥1:1, >2:1, >3:1, >4:1, >5:1

%F or E (≥1)x = % of Particles with dI/dS or dL/dI ≥ 1

%F or E (>2)x = % of Particles with dI/dS or dL/dI > 2

%F or E (>3)x = % of Particles with dI/dS or dL/dI  3

%F or E (>4)x = % of Particles with dI/dS or dL/dI > 4

%F or E (>5)x = % of Particles with dI/dS or dL/dI > 5

where:
x designates the retained sieve size

13. REPORT
13.1. Report the following information:

13.1.1. Procedure used;

13.1.2. Date of the analysis;

13.1.3. Material Sample Identification—type, source, and size;

TS-1c TP 81-7 AASHTO

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13.1.4. Number of particles analyzed; and

13.1.5. Material shape property mean and standard deviation. Graphical representations of the property
distributions may be included.

13.2. A sample report format is presented in Appendix X1.

14. PRECISION AND BIAS

14.1. Precision—An Interlaboratory Study (ILS) was conducted in 2009 in accordance with ASTM
C 802. The ILS results were used to develop a precision statement for the test method using
ASTM C 670. The ILS featured eight systems, 32 laboratories, and three material sources.

Table 1—Precision for Sizes 25 mm, 19 mm, 12.5 mm, 9.5 mm, 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.30 mm,
and 0.15 mm
Within Laboratory Between Laboratories
Aggregate Shape Coefficient of Variation, Acceptable Range of Two Coefficient of Variation, Acceptable Range of Two
Characteristic % of Mean Test Results, % of Mean % of Mean Test Results, % of Mean
Angularity 2.9 8.3 4.3 12.2
Texture 4.5 12.7 7.1 20.0
Dimensional Ratio 1.2 3.4 2.6 7.4
Flat or Elongated 2.1 5.9 3.4 9.7
2D Form 2.7 7.7 3.5 10.0

Table 2—Precision for Size 0.075 mm

Within Laboratory Between Laboratories
Acceptable Range of Two
Aggregate Shape Coefficient of Variation, Acceptable Range of Two Coefficient of Variation, Test Results,
Characteristic % of Mean Test Results, % of Mean % of Mean % of Mean
Angularity 10.8 30.6 14.2 40.2
2D Form 5.0 14.2 6.2 17.6

14.2. Bias—Because there is no accepted reference device suitable for determining the bias in this
method, no statement of bias is made.

15. KEYWORDS
15.1. Aggregate; angularity; consensus property; elongated; form; shape; texture.

TS-1c TP 81-8 AASHTO

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APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. SAMPLE REPORT

Material Information

Date: 5/20/09
Project: Coarse Aggregate Sample
Technician: TEC
Workbook Name: AIMS_Shape_3.6.xlsm

Description:

Include Samples Size Comment

 12.5 (0.50)_33_LS_1 12.5
 12.5 (0.50)_41_GRT_1 12.5
 12.5 (0.50)_41_GRV_1 12.5
 12.5 (0.50)_17_GRT_1 12.5
 12.5 (0.50)_17_ GRV _1 12.5
 12.5 (0.50)_17_LS_1 12.5

AIMS Material Summary Project Name: Coarse Aggregate Sample Date: 5/20/09

Workbook: AIMS_Shape_3.6 xlsm Technician: TEC

Description:

Form2D
Particles Standard Low (≤6) (≤6) Medium (6–12) (≤12) High (12–20) (≤20) Out of Range
Sample Size Average
in Range Deviation # % Cum % # % Cum % # % Cum % #

Angularity
Particles Standard Low (≤3300) (≤3300) Medium (3300–6600) (≤6600) High (6600–10000) (≤10000) Out of Range
Sample Size Average
in Range Deviation # % Cum % # % Cum % # % Cum % #
12.5 (0.50)_33_LS_1 12.5 50 2784.3 669.0 37 74.0% 74.0% 13 26.0% 100.0% 0 0.0% 100.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_41_GRT_1 12.5 50 3138.7 597.3 28 56.0% 56.0% 22 44.0% 100.0% 0 0.0% 100.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_41_GRV_1 12.5 50 2791.7 978.7 35 70.0% 70.0% 15 30.0% 100.0% 0 0.0% 100.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_17_GRT_1 12.5 50 3118.7 655.3 33 66.0% 66.0% 17 34.0% 100.0% 0 0.0% 100.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_17_GRV_1 12.5 50 2623.1 862.9 40 80.0% 80.0% 10 20.0% 100.0% 0 0.0% 100.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_17_LS_1 12.5 50 2670.4 726.4 42 84.0% 84.0% 8 16.0% 100.0% 0 0.0% 100.0% 0

Texture
Particles Standard Low (≤260) (≤260) Medium (260–550) (≤550) High (550–1000) (≤1000) Out of Range
Sample Size Average
in Range Deviation # % Cum % # % Cum % # % Cum % #
12.5 (0.50)_33_LS_1 12.5 50 281.8 98.1 22 44.0% 44.0% 28 56.0% 100.0% 0 0.0% 100.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_41_GRT_1 12.5 50 455.5 119.8 1 2.0% 2.0% 41 82.0% 84.0% 8 16.0% 100.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_41_GRV_1 12.5 49 211.8 131.9 35 71.4% 71.4% 14 28.6% 100.0% 0 0.0% 100.0% 1
12.5 (0.50)_17_GRT_1 12.5 50 457.4 88.6 0 0.0% 0.0% 43 86.0% 86.0% 7 14.0% 100.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_17_GRV_1 12.5 50 224.4 141.9 35 70.0% 70.0% 14 28.0% 98.0% 1 2.0% 100.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_17_LS_1 12.5 50 252.3 84.4 32 64.0% 64.0% 17 34..0% 98.0% 1 2.0% 100.0% 0

TS-1c TP 81-9 AASHTO

© 2013 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
AIMS Material Summary Project Name: Coarse Aggregate Sample Date: 5/20/09

Workbook: AIMS_Shape_3.6 xlsm Technician: TEC

Description:

Sphericity
Particles Standard Low (≤0.3) (≤0.3) Medium (0.3–0.7) (≤0.7) High (0.7–1.0) (≤1.0) Out of Range
Sample Size Average
in Range Deviation # % Cum % # % Cum % # % Cum % #
12.5 (0.50)_33_LS_1 12.5 50 0.69 0.10 0 0.0% 0.0% 28 56.0% 56.0% 22 44.0% 100.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_41_GRT_1 12.5 49 0.62 0.09 0 0.0% 0.0% 37 75.5% 75.5% 12 24.5% 100.0% 1
12.5 (0.50)_41_GRV_1 12.5 49 0.69 0.08 0 0.0% 0.0% 24 49.0% 49.0% 25 51.0% 100.0% 1
12.5 (0.50)_17_GRT_1 12.5 50 0.63 0.11 0 0.0% 0.0% 37 74.0% 74.0% 13 26.0% 100.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_17_GRV_1 12.5 50 0.69 0.08 0 0.0% 0.0% 27 54.0% 54.0% 23 46.0% 100.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_17_LS_1 12.5 50 0.69 0.09 0 0.0% 0.0% 27 54.0% 54.0% 23 46.0% 100.0% 0

Flat and Elongated Distribution

Particles L/S ≥ 1:1 L/S > 2:1 L/S > 3:1 L/S > 4:1 L/S > 5:1 Out of Range
Sample Size
in Range # % # % # % # % # % #
12.5 (0.50)_33_LS_1 12.5 50 50 100.0% 28 56.0% 6 12.0% 1 2.0% 0 0.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_41_GRT_1 12.5 49 49 100.0% 43 87.8% 21 42.9% 6 12.2% 1 2.0% 1
12.5 (0.50)_41_GRV_1 12.5 49 49 100.0% 29 59.2% 5 10.2% 1 2.0% 0 0.0% 1
12.5 (0.50)_17_GRT_1 12.5 50 50 100.0% 40 80.0% 22 44.0% 9 18.0% 1 2.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_17_GRV_1 12.5 50 50 100.0% 26 52.0% 4 8.0% 2 4.0% 0 0.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_17_LS_1 12.5 50 50 100.0% 33 66.0% 7 14.0% 1 2.0% 0 0.0% 0

Flat or Elongated Distribution

Particles F or E ≥ 1:1 F or E > 2:1 F or E > 3:1 F or E > 4:1 F or E > 5:1 Out of Range
Sample Size
in Range # % # % # % # % # % #
12.5 (0.50)_33_LS_1 12.5 50 50 100.0% 10 20.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_41_GRT_1 12.5 49 49 100.0% 23 46.9% 4 8.2% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 1
12.5 (0.50)_41_GRV_1 12.5 49 49 100.0% 8 16.3% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 1
12.5 (0.50)_17_GRT_1 12.5 50 50 100.0% 24 48.0% 5 10.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_17_GRV_1 12.5 50 50 100.0% 6 12.0% 1 2.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0
12.5 (0.50)_17_LS_1 12.5 50 50 100.0% 13 26.0% 1 2.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0

AIMS Angularity Project Name: Coarse Aggregate Sample Date: 5/20/09

Workbook: AIMS_Shape_3.6 xlsm Technician: TEC

Description:

# % Cum. % # %
Particles in Range 300 Low (≤3300) 215 71.7% (≤3300) 71.7% –σ < n < σ 210 70.0%
Average 2854.5 Medium (3300–6600) 85 28.3% (≤6600) 100.0% –2σ < n < 2σ 285 95.0%
Standard Deviation 786.4 High (6600–10000) 0 0.0% (≤10000) 100.0% –3σ < n < 3σ 296 98.7%
Median 2837.8 Out of Range 0 n < –3σ or n > 3σ 4 1.3%
Mode #N/A

AIMS Angularity Distribution 12.5 (0.50)_33_LS_1

Low Medium High 12.5 (0.50)_41_GRT_1

100 12.5 (0.50)_41_GRV_1

12.5 (0.50)_17_GRT_1

90 12.5 (0.50)_17_GRV_1

12.5 (0.50)_17_LS_1

80

70

60
Cummulative % of Particles

50

40

30

20

10

0
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000
AIMS Angularity Index

TS-1c TP 81-10 AASHTO

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AIMS Texture Project Name: Coarse Aggregate Sample Date: 5/20/09
Workbook: AIMS_Shape_3.6 xlsm Technician: TEC
Description:

# % Cum. % # %
Particles in Range 299 Low (≤260) 125 41.8% (≤ 260) 41.8% –σ < n < σ 202 67.6%
Average 314.2 Medium (260–550) 157 52.5% (≤ 550) 94.3% –2σ < n < 2σ 290 97.0%
Standard Deviation 152.9 High (550–1000) 17 5.7% (≤1000) 100.0% –3σ < n < 3σ 297 99.3%
Median 300.9 Out of Range 1 n < –3σ or n > 3σ 2 0.7%
Mode 175.6

AIMS Texture Distribution

12.5 (0.50)_33_LS_1

Low Medium High 12.5 (0.50)_41_GRT_1

100 12.5 (0.50)_41_GRV_1

12.5 (0.50)_17_GRT_1

90 12.5 (0.50)_17_GRV_1

12.5 (0.50)_17_LS_1

80

70
Cummulative % of Particles

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000
AIMS Texture Index

TS-1c TP 81-11 AASHTO

© 2013 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
AIMS Sphericity Project Name: Coarse Aggregate Sample Date: 5/20/09
Workbook: AIMS_Shape_3.6 xlsm Technician: TEC
Description:

# % Cum. % # %
Particles in Range 298 Low (≤0.3) 0 0.0% (≤0.3) 0.0% –σ < n < σ 202 67.8%
Average 0.669 Medium (0.3–0.7) 180 60.4% (≤0.7) 60.4% –2σ < n < 2σ 288 96.6%
Standard Deviation 0.096 High (0.7–1.0) 118 39.6% (≤1.0) 100.0% –3σ < n < 3σ 298 100.0%
Median 0.678 Out of Range 2 n < –3σ or n > 3σ 0 0.0%
Mode 0.694

AIMS Sphericity Distribution

Low Medium High 12.5 (0.50)_33_LS_1
100 12.5 (0.50)_41_GRT_1
12.5 (0.50)_41_GRV_1
90 12.5 (0.50)_17_GRT_1
12.5 (0.50)_17_GRV_1
80 12.5 (0.50)_17_LS_1
Cummulative % of Particles

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
AIMS Sphericity (SP) More Spherical

TS-1c TP 81-12 AASHTO

© 2013 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
AIMS Flat and Elongated Project Name: Coarse Aggregate Sample Date: 5/20/09
Workbook: AIMS_Shape_3.6 xlsm Technician: TEC
Description:

F&E Sphericity F&E Sphericity F&E Sphericity

Particles in Range 298 298 # % # % # % # %
Average 2.481 0.669 L/S ≥ 1:1 298 100.0% Low (≤0.3) 0 0.0% –σ < n < σ 219 73.5% 202 67.8%
Standard Deviation 0.818 0.096 L/S > 2:1 199 66.8% Medium (0.3–0.7) 180 60.4% –2σ < n < 2σ 282 94.6% 288 96.6%
Median 2.273 0.678 L/S > 3:1 65 21.8% High (0.7–1.0) 118 39.6% –3σ < n < 3σ 296 99.3% 298 100.0%
Mode 2.316 0.694 L/S > 4:1 20 6.7% Out of Range 2 n < –3σ or n > 3σ 2 0.7% 0 0.0%
L/S > 5:1 2 0.7%

12.5 (0.50)_33_LS_1
Elongation vs Flatness
12.5 (0.50)_41_GRT_1
12.5 (0.50)_41_GRV_1
1:6 1:5 1:4 1:3
1.0 12.5 (0.50)_17_GRT_1
12.5 (0.50)_17_GRV_1

0.9 12.5 (0.50)_17_LS_1

0.9
0.8
Elongation Ratio (Intermediate/Long)

0.8
0.7

0.6 0.7
Less Elongated

0.5

Particle Sphericity
0.6

0.4
0.5
0.3
0.4
0.2
0.3

0.1 0.2

0.0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
Flatness Ratio (Short/Intermediate) Less Flat

TS-1c TP 81-13 AASHTO

© 2013 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
AIMS Flat and Elongated Distribution Project Name: Coarse Aggregate Sample Date: 5/20/09
Workbook: AIMS_Shape_3.6 xlsm Technician: TEC
Description:

F&E
Ratio # Cum.%
L/S ≥ 1:1 298 100.0%
L/S > 2:1 199 66.8%
L/S > 3:1 65 21.8%
L/S > 4:1 20 6.7%
L/S > 5:1 2 0.7%

AIMS F & E Distribution 12.5 (0.50)_33_LS_1

12.5 (0.50)_41_GRT_1
100 12.5 (0.50)_41_GRV_1
12.5 (0.50)_17_GRT_1
90 12.5 (0.50)_17_GRV_1
12.5 (0.50)_17_LS_1
80

70

60
Cumulative % of Particles

50

40

30

20

10

0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0

AIMS F & E

TS-1c TP 81-14 AASHTO

© 2013 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.