CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING

1. TESTS DONE ON CONCRETE

a. Moisture Content of Aggregates
b. Relative Density and Water Absorption
c. Flakiness Index (FI) and Average Least Dimension (ALD)
d. Elongation Index
e. Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV)
f. Los Angeles Abrasion Test (LAA)
g. Slump Test
h. Los Angeles Abrasion Test
i. Marshal Test

(a) MOISTURE CONTENT OF AGGREGATE

0bjective
To determine the amount of total water present in a sample of aggregate
expressed as a percentage of the dry mass. This is termed the moisture content
of the aggregate.

Main Principles
The oven-drying method provides a measure of the total water present in a
sample of aggregate and is the definitive procedure, and is regarded as
standard laboratory practice.

Required equipment
a drying oven with temperature of 105 ± 5°C
a balance readable to 0.5 g
a metal container
a scoop
a riffle box
Sample Preparation
Reduce the laboratory sample to produce a test portion complying with
Table 1 below appropriate to the nominal size of the aggregate.

1
Test Procedure
Step 1: Clean and dry the container, then weigh it to the nearest 0.1 g (ml)

Step 2: Place the sample in the container using the scoop and weigh the whole
(m2).
Step 3: Place container with the test portion in the oven to dry at 105 °C for
minimum 12 hours.
Step 4: After drying, weigh the container and the contents (m3)

Calculations
Calculate the Moisture Content of the aggregate, w, as a percentage of the dry
soil mass to the nearest 0.1%, from the equation:
𝑚2 − 𝑚3
𝑊= ∗ 100%
𝑚3 − 𝑚1

Where:
M1 is the mass of the container (in g)
M2 is the mass of the container and wet test portion (in g)
M3 is the mass of the container and dry test portion (in g)

Report
The test report shall include the following:
a) Type of material and sample identification b) Reference to this procedure
c) Test results, individual values and average value
d) The final moisture content (w) is reported to the nearest 0.1 %.

(b) RELATIVE DENSITY AND WATER ABSORPTION

0bjective
This procedure specifies two methods for the determination of the relative
density and water absorption of aggregates. The methods are used for
aggregates intended for road construction or concrete mixes.

Relative density on a saturated surface-dry basis, p, are used for pavement

materials to be tested for mechanical properties and for calculations in
concrete mix design.

Water absorption, wabs, is used for calculations in concrete mix design.

Apparent relative density, p , may be used in production control to check if the
density of the aggregate varies.

2
 Main Principles
The preferred method described is a glass vessel method for aggregates
between 5 mm and 40 mm size.
A subsidiary wire basket method for aggregates larger than 10 mm is
also described.

Method for aggregates between 5 mm and 40 mm

Preferred method

Required equipment
A drying oven with temperature of 105 ± 5°C A balance readable to 0.5 g
A wide mouthed glass vessel of 1.0 litres to 1.5 litres capacity, with
A flat ground lip and a plane ground glass disc to cover it giving a watertight
fit.
Two dry soft absorbent cloths
A shallow tray
An airtight container large enough to take the sample
A 5 mm test sieve
Water free of impurities (e.g. dissolved air). Freshly boiled tap water cooled to
room temperature may be used.

Sample Preparation
A sample of about 1 kg of the aggregate shall be used. The sample shall be
thoroughly washed on the 5 mm test sieve to remove finer particles, e.g. clay,
silt and dust and drained.

Two tests shall be made.

Test Procedure
Step 1: Immerse the test sample in water in the glass vessel/jar for 24 ± 0,5
hours. The vessel shall be gently agitated to remove entrapped air. This may be
achieved by rapid clockwise and anti clockwise rotation of the vessel between
the operator's hands.

Overfill the vessel by adding water and slide the plane ground glass disc over
the mouth so as to ensure that no air is trapped in the vessel. Then dry the
vessel and weigh it (mass B).

Step 2: Empty the vessel and allow the aggregate to drain while the vessel is
refilled with water, sliding the glass disc into position as in Step 1. Then dry
the vessel and weigh it (mass C).

Step 3: Place the aggregate on a dry cloth and gently surface-dry it with the
cloth.

3
Step 4: Spread the aggregates out not more than one stone deep on the second
dry cloth and leave it exposed to air away from direct sunlight until all visible
films of water are removed, but the aggregate still have a damp appearance.
Then weigh the aggregates (mass A).

Step 5: Place the aggregates in the shallow tray in the oven to dry at 105°C for
24 ± 0, 5 hours.

Step 6: Cool the sample in the airtight container and weigh it (mass D).

Method for aggregates all larger than 10 mm

Subsidiary method
Required equipment
A drying oven with temperature of 105 ± 5°C
A balance readable to 0.5 g, and of a type to permit the basket containing the
sample to be suspended from the beam and weighed in water.
A wire mesh basket having apertures not larger than .5 mm, with wire hangers
suspending it from the balance.
A watertight container in which the basket may be freely suspended
Two dry soft absorbent cloths
A shallow tray
An airtight container large enough to take the sample

4
A 10 mm test sieve
Water free of impurities (e.g. dissolved air). Freshly boiled tap water cooled to
room temperature may be used.

Sample Preparation
A sample of about 2 - 2.5 kg of the aggregate shall be used. The sample shall
be thoroughly washed on the 10 mm test sieve to remove finer particles, e.g.
clay, silt and dust and drained.
Two tests shall be made.

Test Procedure
Step 1: Place the sample in the wire basket and immerse it in water for 24 ± 0,
5 hours. The water level shall be minimum 5 cm above the top of the basket.
Remove the entrapped air from the sample by lifting the basket slightly up and
down under water with gentle agitation to remove entrapped air.

Step 2: Weigh the basket with the sample in water. If it is necessary to transfer
them to a different tank for weighing, remove any entrapped air as described in
Step 1 before weighing (mass B).

Step 3: Remove the basket and sample from the water and allow them to drain
for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Empty the aggregate on a dry cloth, and return the empty basket to the
water. Jolt it to remove entrapped air and weigh it in water (mass C).

Step 5: Gently surface-dry the aggregate placed on the dry cloth.

Step 6: Spread the aggregates out not more than one stone deep on the second
dry cloth and leave it exposed to air away from direct sunlight until all visible
films of water are removed, but the aggregate still have a damp appearance.
Then weigh the aggregates (mass A).

Step 7: Place the aggregates in the shallow tray in the oven to dry at 105 °C for
24 ± 0,5 hours.

Step 8: Cool the sample in the airtight container and weigh it (mass D).

Calculations

5
6
 (c) FLAKINESS INDEX (FI)

0bjective
Flakiness Index is one of the tests used to classify aggregates and stones.
In Pavement Design there are specific requirements regarding the
Flakiness Index of materials.

For base course and wearing course aggregates the presence of flaky
particles are considered undesirable as they may cause inherent
weakness with possibilities of breaking down under heavy loads.
Aggregates are classified as flaky when they have a thickness of less than
0 % of their mean sieve size.

The objective of the test is to determine the Flakiness Index of coarse

aggregates.

Main Principles
The Flakiness Index of an aggregate sample is found by separating the
flaky particles and expressing their mass as a percentage of the mass of
the sample. The test is applicable to material passing a 6 mm sieve and
retained on a 0.6 mm sieve.

Required equipment
A sample divider, a riffle box
Drying oven with temperature of 105 °C ± 5 °C.
Balance readable to 1.0 g.
Test sieves - Ref. Table 1
A sieve shaker (optional)
Metal trays
A Metal thickness Gauger of a pattern shown in Figure 1.

7
Sample preparation
Step 1: Reduce the sample to produce a test portion complying with Table 2
below.
Step 2: The test sample shall be washed, if necessary, and oven-dried at 105
°C to 110 °C to substantially constant weight.
Step 3: Allow the sample to cool and weigh the sample to the nearest 1g.

Test Procedure
Step 1: Carry out a sieve analysis using the sieves given in Table 1.
Step 2: Discard all aggregates retained on the 6 mm sieve and all aggregate
passing the 0.6 mm sieve.
Step 3: Weigh each of the individual size-fractions retained on the sieves, and
store them in trays with their size marked on the trays.
Step 4: From the sums of masses of the fractions in the trays (m1), calculate
the individual percentage retained on each of the various sieves. Discard any
fraction whose mass is 5 % or less of mass m1. Record the mass remaining (m2)
Step 5: Gauge each fraction using the thickness gauge. Select the gauge
appropriate to the size-fraction under test and gauge each particle of that size-
fraction separately by hand.
Step 6: Combine and weigh all the particles passing each of the gauges. (m3 ).

Calculations
The value of the Flakiness Index is calculated from the expression:
𝑚3
Flakiness Index, FI =
𝑚2

8
 (d) AVERAGE LEAST DIMENSION (ALD)

0bjective
The average least dimension (ALD) is a useful parameter to describe the
available voids in a layer of chipping for surface dressing. The required basic
spray rate of bitumen to hold the chipping in place is determined in the surface
design (Pavement and Materials Design Manual) as a function of the ALD and
traffic loading.

Main principles
The average least dimension (ALD) of chipping can be determined by directly
measuring the smallest size of 200 particles in a representative sample using
callipers and calculating the average. However, a more practical method is the
one described below, whereby ALD is estimated as a function of the average
size of the chipping, as determined by normal square mesh sieves, and the
degree of flakiness. Such estimates using established relationships expressed
in the enclosed nomograph are considered sufficiently accurate for the purpose
of surface design.

Test Procedure
A grading analysis is performed on a representative sample of the chipping in
accordance with CML test 2.6 (BS 812 : 1985).

Determination of the Median Size

The sieve size through which 50 % of the chipping pass is determined
(known as the "median size").

Determination of the Average Least Dimension

The Flakiness Index is determined in accordance with the procedure outlined
above. The ALD is read off from the enclosed nomograph by joining the scale
for the Median Size to the scale for Flakiness Index.
The Average Least Dimension (ALD) is reported in mm with one decimal.

Form for the test

9
10
 (e) ELONGATION INDEX

0bjective
Elongation is a means of classifying coarse aggregates.

Aggregate particles are classified as elongated when they have a length

(greatest dimension) of more than 1.8 of their mean sieve size.

The objective of the test is to determine the Elongation Index of coarse

aggregates.

For base course and wearing course aggregates the presence of elongated
particles are considered undesirable as they may cause inherent weakness
with possibilities of breaking down under heavy loads.

Main Principles
The Elongation Index of an aggregate sample is found by separating the
elongated particles and expressing their mass as a percentage of the mass of
the sample. The test is applicable to material passing a 50 mm sieve and
retained on a .6 mm sieve.

Required equipment
A sample riffle box

11
Drying oven with temperature of 105 ± 5 °C.
Balance readable to 1.0 g.
Test sieves - Ref. Table 1
A sieve shaker (optional)
Metal trays
A Metal Length Gauger of a pattern shown in Figure 6.

Sample preparation

Step 1: Reduce the sample to produce a test portion complying with Table 2
below.
Step 2: The test sample shall be washed, if necessary, and oven-dried at 105 ±
5 °C to substantially constant weight.
Step 3: Allow the sample to cool and weigh the sample to the nearest 1g.

Test Procedure

Step 1: Carry out a sieve analysis using the sieves given in Table 1.
Step 2: Discard all aggregates retained on the 50 mm sieve and all aggregate
passing the 0.6 mm sieve.
Step 3: Weigh each of the individual size-fractions retained on the sieves, and
store them in trays with their size marked on the trays.
Step 4: From the sums of masses of the fractions in the trays (m1), calculate
the individual percentage retained on each of the various sieves. Discard any
fraction whose mass is 5 % or less of mass m1. Record the mass remaining (m2)
Step 5: Gauge each fraction using the length gauge. Select the gauge
appropriate to the size-fraction under test (see Table 6) and gauge each particle

12
of that size-fraction separately by hand. Elongated particles are those whose
greatest dimension prevents them from passing through the gauge, and these
are placed to one side.
Step 6: Combine and weigh all the elongated particles. (m3).

(f) AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE

0bjective
Aggregates used in road construction should be strong enough to resist
crushing under traffic wheel loads. If the aggregates are weak, the integrity of
the pavement structure is likely to be adversely affected. The strength of coarse
aggregates may be measured by the Aggregate Crushing test.

The Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) gives a relative measure of the resistance
of an aggregate to crushing under a gradually applied load.

Main Principles
The Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) is determined by measuring the material
passing a specified sieve after crushing under a load of 400 kN.

13
The test is applicable to a standard fraction aggregates passing a 14 mm sieve
and retained on a 10 mm sieve.

The method is not suitable for testing soft aggregates with an ACV higher than
60. In such cases the method for Ten Percent Fines Value (TFV) is applicable,

Required equipment
A Steel Cylinder, open ended of nominal 150 mm internal diameter with
Plunger and Base plate, ref. figure 1.
Test sieves - square-hole perforated-plate type of sizes 14 mm and 10 mm, and
a woven wire 2.6 mm sieve.
Tamping rod, steel bar 1 mm diameter and 600 mm long with both ends
hemispherical
Compression Testing Machine 500 kN capacity
Cylindrical Metal Measurer with internal diameter of 115 mm and
internal depth of 180 mm
A sample divider, a riffle box
Drying oven with temperature of 105 °C ± 5 °C.
Balance - min. 6 kg capacity readable to 1 g. Rubber mallet
Metal tray of known mass
Brush with stiff bristles.

Sample preparation
Step 1: Reduce the sample to produce a test portion of sufficient mass to
produce three test specimens of 14 mm to 10 mm size fraction, ref. Table 1
below.

Step 2: Sieve the entire surface dry test portion on the 14 mm and 10 mm
sieves to remove the oversize and undersize fractions.
Step 3: Divide the resulting 14 mm - 10 mm fraction to produce three test
specimens each of sufficient mass such that the depth of the material in the
Cylinder is approximately 100 mm after tamping.

14
Step 4: The test specimens shall be oven-dried at 105 ± 5°C for not more than
4 hours. Allow to cool before testing. Record the mass of material comprising
the test specimens.

Test Procedure
Step 1: Place the cylinder of the test apparatus in position on the base- plate.
Place the test specimen in it in thirds, each third being compacted by 25
strokes of the tamping rod evenly distributed over the surface of the layer. The
tamping rod shall be dropped from a height of about 50 mm above the surface
of the aggregate.
Step 2: Carefully level the surface of the aggregate and insert the plunger so
that it rests horizontally on this surface.
Step 3: Place the apparatus with the specimen and plunger in position,
between the platens of the compression testing machine. Apply force at a
uniform rate so that the required force of 400 kN is reached in 10 min ± 60 s:
Step 4: Release the force and remove the crushed material aggregate by
holding the cylinder over a clean tray of known mass and hammering on the
outside with the rubber mallet until the particles are sufficiently loose to enable
the specimen to fall freely on to the tray. Use a brush to remove the fine
particles adhering to the inside of the cylinder, the base plate and the
underside of the plunger.
Step 5: Weigh the tray and the aggregate and record the mass of aggregate
used (Ml) to the nearest 1 g.
Step 6: Sieve the whole specimen in the tray on the 2.6 mm sieve until no
further significant amount passes. Weigh and record the masses of the fraction
passing and retained on the sieve to the nearest 1 g (M + M respectively). If the
total mass (M + M) differs from the initial mass (m1) by more than 10 g, discard
the result and test a further specimen.
Step 7: Repeat the complete test procedure using a second specimen of the
same mass as the first specimen.

Calculations
1. Calculate the Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) expressed as a percentage
to the first decimal place for each test specimen from the following
equation:
𝑚2
ACV = ∗ 100%
𝑚1
Where:
m1 - is the mass of the test specimen (in g)
m2 - is the mass of the material passing the 2.6 mm sieve (in g).
2. Calculate the mean of the two results to the nearest whole number.
3. Report the mean as the Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV).

15
If the individual results differ by more than 7 % of the mean value, the test
shall be repeated for two further specimens. The median value shall be
reported as the ACV.

(g) TEN PERCENT FINES VALUE – TFC (10% FACT)

0bjective
Aggregates used in road construction should be strong enough to resist
crushing under traffic wheel loads. If the aggregates are weak, the integrity of
the pavement structure may be adversely affected.

The strength of the aggregates may be measured in a crushing test. The Ten
Percent Fines Value (TFV) gives a relative measure of the resistance of an
aggregate to crushing under a gradually applied load. In Pavement design there
are specific requirements for the TFV of materials, tested both dry and soaked.

Main Principles
The 10 % Fines Value (TFV) is determined by measuring the load required to
crush a prepared aggregate sample to give 10 % material passing a specified
sieve after crushing. The test is also known as the 10% Fines Aggregate
Crushing Test - 10 % FACT.

The test can be performed in both a dry condition and in a soaked condition.
The test is applicable to both weak and strong aggregates. The standard size
fraction is passing a 14 mm sieve and retained on a 10 mm sieve.

(The TFV test resembles the determination of the Aggregate Crushing Value
(ACV), which requires a force equal to 400 kN to be applied on the test sample).

Required equipment
A Steel Cylinder, open ended of nominal 150 mm internal diameter with
Plunger and Base plate, ref. figure 1.
Test sieves - square-hole perforated-plate type of sizes 14 mm and 10 mm, and
a woven wire 2.36 mm sieve.
Tamping rod, steel bar 16 mm diameter and 600 mm long with both ends
hemispherical
Compression Testing Machine, 500 kN capacity
Cylindrical Metal Measure, with internal diameter of 115 mm and internal
depth of 1 0 mm
A sample divider, a riffle box
Drying oven with temperature of 105 °C ± 5 °C.
Balance min. 3 kg capacity readable to 1 g.
Rubber mallet
Metal tray of known mass
Brush with stiff bristles.

16
Additional for testing in a soaked condition

Drying cloths with two hand towels

Wire mesh baskets
Watertight container
Supply of clean water

Sample preparation
Step 1: Reduce the sample to produce a test portion of sufficient mass to
produce three test specimens of 14 mm to 10 mm size fraction, ref Table 1
below.

Step 2: Sieve the entire surface dry test portion on the 14 mm and 10 mm
sieves to remove the oversize and undersize fractions.
Step 3: Divide the resulting 14 mm - 10 mm fraction to produce three test
specimens each of sufficient mass such that the depth of the material in the
Cylinder is approximately 100 mm after tamping.
Step 4: The test specimens shall be oven-dried at 105 ± 5oC for not more than
4 hours. Allow to cool before testing. Record the mass of material comprising
the test specimens.

For soaked condition

Step 5: Each of the three test specimens shall be placed in the wire basket and
immersed in water. The water level in the container shall be at least 50 mm
above the top of the baskets. Immediately after immersion remove entrapped
air by lifting the baskets 25 mm above the base of the container and allowing it
to drop 25 times. Keep the baskets immersed for 24 ± 2 hours.
Step 6: After soaking, remove the specimen of aggregate from the basket and
dry the free water from the surface. Carry out the test procedure immediately
after this operation.

17
Test Procedure

Dry condition
Step 1: Place the cylinder of the test apparatus in position on the base- plate.
Place the test specimen in it in thirds, each third being compacted by 25
strokes of the tamping rod evenly distributed over the surface of the layer. The
tamping rod shall be dropped from a height of about 50 mm above the surface
of the aggregate.
Step 2: Carefully level the surface of the aggregate and insert the plunger so
that it rests horizontally on this surface.
Step 3: Place the apparatus with the specimen and plunger in position,
between the platens of the compression testing machine. Apply force at a
uniform rate so as to cause a total penetration of the plunger in 10 min ± 30 s
of approximately
➢ 15 mm for rounded or partially rounded aggregates, e.g. uncrushed grave
➢ 20 mm for normal crushed aggregates
➢ 24 mm for honeycombed aggregates, e.g. some slags
Step 4: Record the maximum force (f) applied to produce the required
penetration. Release the force and remove the crushed material aggregate by
holding the cylinder over a clean tray of known mass and hammering on the
outside with the rubber mallet until the particles are sufficiently loose to enable
the specimen to fall freely on to the tray. Use a brush to remove the fine
particles adhering to the inside of the cylinder, the base plate and the
underside of the plunger.
Step 5: Weigh the tray and the aggregate and record the mass of aggregate
used (m1) to the nearest 1 g.
Step 6: Sieve the whole specimen in the tray on the 2.36 mm sieve until no
further significant amount passes. Weigh and record the masses of the fraction
passing and retained on the sieve to the nearest 1 g (m2 + m3 respectively). If
the total mass (m2 + m3) differs from the initial mass (m1) by more than 10 g,
discard the result and test a further specimen.
If the percentage of the material (m) passing the sieve calculated from:

𝑚2
m= ∗ 100%
𝑚1
does not fall within the range 7.5 % - 12.5 %, test a further specimen using an
adjusted maximum test loading to bring the percentage of fines within the
range and record the value of (m) obtained.
Step 7: Repeat the complete test procedure using a second specimen of the
same mass as the first specimen at the same force that gave a percentage fines
value within the range 7.5 % - 12.5 %.

Soaked Condition
Follow the test procedure described above, step 1 - 4, except that after the
specimen has been removed from the cylinder, it shall be oven-dried at a

18
temperature of 105 ± 5oC for at least 12 hours. Allow the material to cool and
weigh to the nearest 1 g and record the mass of the test specimen
(M1). Complete the procedure as described in steps 6 and 7 above.

It is recommended to prepare a control specimen to which the reported force (in

kN) is applied and the fines (passing 2.36 mm) after crushing are measured as
described above. This percentage of fines should be near 10 %.

19
 (h) AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE (AIV)
0bjective
Aggregates used in road construction should be strong enough to resist
crushing under traffic wheel loads.

The strength of the aggregates may be measured in crushing or impact tests.

The Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) gives a relative measure of the resistance of
an aggregate to sudden shock or impact.

Main Principles
The test can be performed in either a dry condition or in a soaked condition.
The test is applicable to a standard fraction aggregates passing a 14 mm sieve
and retained on a 10 mm sieve.

Required equipment
Aggregate Impact Testing Machine, ref. figure 1.
Test sieves - square-hole perforated-plate type of sizes 14 mm and 10 mm, and
a woven wire 2.36 mm sieve.
Cylindrical metal measure with an internal diameter of 75 mm and an internal
depth of 50 mm.
Tamping rod, steel bar 16 mm diameter and 600 mm long with both ends
hemispherical
A sample divider, a riffle box
Drying oven with temperature of 105 °C ± 5 °C.
Balance readable to 0.1 g.
Rubber mallet
Metal tray of known mass
Brush with stiff bristles.

Additional for testing in a soaked condition

Drying cloths towels
Wire mesh basket
Watertight container
Supply of clean water

Sample preparation
Step 1 Reduce the sample to produce a test portion of sufficient mass to
produce three test specimens of 14 mm to 10 mm size fraction, ref. Table 1
below.

20
Step 2 Sieve the entire dried test portion on the 14 mm and 10 mm sieves to
remove the oversize and undersize fractions.
Step 3 Divide the resulting 14 mm - 10 mm fraction to produce three test
specimens each of sufficient mass to fill the entire Cylindrical Metal Measure.
Step 4 The test specimens shall be oven-dried at 105 ± 5oC for not more than
4 hours. Allow to cool before testing.
Step 5 Fill the measure to overflowing with the aggregate. Tamp the aggregate
with 25 evenly distributed blows of the rounded end of the tamping rod, each
blow letting the tamping rod fall freely from about 50 mm above the surface of
the aggregate.
Step 6 Remove surplus aggregate by rolling the tamping rod across the
container. Remove by hand any aggregate which impedes its progress, and fill
any obvious depressions with added aggregate. Record the net mass of
aggregate in the measure and use the same mass for the second test specimen.

For soaked condition

Step 7 Each of the three test specimens shall be placed in the wire basket and
immersed in water. The water level in the container shall be at least 50 mm
above the top of the baskets. Immediately after immersion remove entrapped
air by lifting the baskets 25 mm above the base of the container and allowing it
to drop 25 times. Keep the baskets immersed for 24 ± 2 hours.
Step 8 After soaking, remove the specimen of aggregate from the basket and
dry the free water from the surface.

Test Procedure
Dry condition
Step 1 Place the impact machine upon the level plate, block or floor, so that it
is rigid and the hammer guide columns are vertical. Fix the cup in position and
place the test specimen in it and compact by 25 strokes of the tamping rod.

21
Adjust the height of the hammer so that it is 3 0 ± 5 mm above the upper
surface of the aggregate in the cup.
Step 2 Let the hammer fall freely on to the aggregate to achieve a total of 15
blows at intervals of not less than 1 s.
Step 3 Remove the crushed aggregate by holding the cup over a clean tray and
hammering on the outside with the rubber mallet until the particles are
sufficiently loose to enable the specimen to fall freely on to the tray. Use a
brush to remove the fine particles adhering to the inside of the cup and the
underside of the hammer.
Step 4 Weigh the tray and the aggregate and record the mass of aggregate used
(M1) to the nearest 0.1 g.
Step 5 Sieve the whole specimen in the tray on the 2.36 mm sieve until no
further significant amount passes. Weigh and record the masses of the fraction
passing and retained on the sieve to the nearest 0.1 g (m2 + m3 respectively). If
the total mass (m2 + m3 ) differs from the initial mass m1 by more than 1 g,
discard the result and test a further specimen.
Step 6 Repeat the procedure using a second specimen of the same mass as the
first specimen.

Soaked Condition
Step 7 Follow the test procedure described above in Steps 1 and 2, except that
the number of blows of the hammer is the number of blows that yield between
5 % and 20 % fines. However, 15 blows may also be used for the soaked
condition
Step 8 Remove the crushed specimen from the cup and dry it in the oven at a
temperature of 105 ± 5oC for at least 12 hours. Allow the material to cool and
weigh to the nearest 0.1 g and record the mass of the test specimen (M).
Complete the procedure as described in Steps 5 and 6 above.

22
For both the Dry condition and the oaked condition the mean of the two values
shall be determined to the nearest whole number. The mean is reported as the
Aggregate Impact Value, unless the individual results differ by more than 15 %
of the mean value. In this case the test shall be repeated for two more
specimens. The median value shall be reported as the AIV.

23
 (i) LOS ANGELES ABRASION TEST – LAA
0bjective
The objective of the test is to assess the hardness of coarse aggregates used in
pavement construction. Due to the movement of traffic, the road stones used in
the surface course are subjected to wearing action at the top. Resistance to
wear or hardness is hence an essential property for road aggregates, especially
when used in wearing course.

This test method covers a procedure for testing sizes of coarse aggregates, e.g.
for surface dressing, smaller than 37.5 mm for resistance to degradation using
the Los Angeles testing machine.

Main Principles
The Los Angeles test is a measure of degradation of mineral aggregates of
standard gradings resulting from a combination of actions including abrasion,
impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a specified number of
steel spheres. As the drum rotates, a shelf plate picks up the sample and the
steel spheres, carrying them around until they are dropped to the opposite side
of the drum, creating an impact/crushing effect. The contents then roll within
the drum with an abrading and grinding action until the shelf plate impacts
and the cycle is repeated.
After the prescribed number of resolutions, the contents are removed from the
drum and the aggregate portion is sieved to measure the degradation as a
percent loss.

Required equipment
Los Angeles Testing Machine - The machine consists of a hollow rotating steel
cylinder, closed at both ends, with an inside diameter of 711 mm and an inside
length of 50 mm. An opening with a dust tight cover are provided for the
introduction of the test sample. A steel shelf is extending the full length of the
cylinder and projecting inward 9mm.

The machine shall be so driven and counterbalanced as to maintain

a substantially uniform peripheral speed.
Test sieves - sizes 1.70 mm, 2.36 mm, 4.75 mm, 6.3 mm, 9.5 mm,
12.5 mm, 19.0 mm, 25.0 mm and 37.5 mm.
Drying oven - with temperature of 105 °C to 110 °C
Balance readable to 1.0 g.
Charge - The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 46.
mm (46.0 - 47.6 mm) in diameter and with mass between 390 g and 445 g.

The charge, depending on the grading of the sample as described in Table 12

shall be as follows

24
Table 12

Sample preparation
Step 1 The test sample shall be washed and oven-dried at 105 °C to 110 °C to
substantially constant mass.
Step 2 The sample shall be separated into individual size fractions and
recombined to the grading of Table 12 most nearly corresponding to the range
of sizes in the aggregate as furnished for the work.
Step 3 The mass of the sample shall prior to test be recorded to the nearest 1 g
(m1).

Test Procedure
Step 1 Place the test sample and the charge in the Los Angeles testing machine
and rotate the machine at a speed of 30 to 33 rpm for 500 revolutions.
Step 2 After the 500 revolutions, discharge the material from the machine and
make a preliminary separation of the sample in a sieve coarser than the 1.70
mm sieve. Sieve the finer portion on a 1.70 mm sieve.
Step 3 Wash the material coarser than 1.70 mm sieve.
Step 4 Oven-dry at 105 °C to 110 °C to substantially constant mass, and weigh
to the nearest 1 g (m2).

Calculations
1. Express the loss (difference between the original mass (m1) and the final
mass (m ) of the test sample as a percentage of the original mass of the
test sample, from the equation
𝑚1 − 𝑚2
LAA = ∗ 100%
𝑚1

Precision
The Los Angeles test has been widely used as an indicator of the relative
quality of various sources of aggregate having similar mineral compositions.
The results do not automatically permit valid comparisons to be made between
sources distinctly different in origin, composition or structure. Specifications
limits based on this test should be assigned with extreme care in consideration
of available aggregate types and their performance history in specific end uses.

25
 (j) SOUNDNESS OF AGGREGATES BY USE OF SODIUM SULPHATE

0bjective
The objective of the test is to provide a procedure for making a preliminary
estimate of the soundness of aggregates subject to weathering action for use in
concrete and road pavements.

Main Principles
The Soundness test by use of Sodium Sulphate covers the testing of aggregates
to estimate their soundness when subjected to weathering. This is
accomplished by repeated immersion in saturated solutions of sodium sulphate
followed by oven drying to partially or completely dehydrate the salt
precipitated in permeable pore spaces. The internal expansive force, derived
from the rehydration of the salt upon re-immersion, simulates the expansion of
water on freezing. The test method furnishes information helpful in judging the
soundness of aggregates when adequate information is not available from
service records of the material exposed to actual weathering conditions.

(k) SLUMP TEST

0bjective
The lump Test is one of several methods for determining the workability of
fresh concrete.

Main Principles
The slump test is carried out by filling a specified mould with freshly mixed
concrete and measuring the slump after removal of the mould.
The method applies to cohesive concrete of medium to high workability, and
with maximum aggregate size of 40 mm.

Required equipment
A slump mould of galvanized iron or steel. The mould shall be in the form of a
cut-off cone with the following internal dimensions
- diameter of base 200 ± 2 mm
- diameter of top 100 ± 2 mm
- height 300 ± 2 mm
coop sampling tray hovel
Tamping rod, made out of straight steel bar, 16 mm diameter and
600 mm long.
Rule, graduated from 0 mm to 300 mm at 5 mm intervals, the zero
point being at one end of the rule.

Sampling
The sample can be taken from a laboratory mix maximum 2 minutes after
mixing, and determination of slump should commence instantly.

26
If the concrete is delivered in a mixing truck, the slump may be measured
using a sample from the initial discharge.

Test Procedure
Step 1 Ensure that the inner surface of the mould is clean and damp or dry.
Place the bottom of the mould on a clean, smooth, horizontal, firm a non-
absorbent surface (e.g. a steel plate.
Step 2 While firmly holding the mould; fill it with fresh concrete within 2
minutes after mixing. The mould shall be filled in three layers, each
approximately one-third of the height of the mould when tamped.
Step 3 Tamp each layer with 25 strokes of the tamping rod, the strokes being
distributed uniformly over the cross-section of the layer. Tamp each layer to its
full depth.
Step 4 Heap the concrete above the mould before the top layer is tamped.
After the top layer have been tamped, strike off the concrete level with the top
of the mould with a sawing motion of the tamping rod.
Step 5 With the mould still held down, clean away excess concrete found the
outside of the mould.
Step 6 Remove the mould from the concrete by raising it vertically, slowly and
carefully, in 5 to 10 seconds. The entire operation from the start of filling to the
removal of the mould shall be carried out without interruption and shall be
completed within 2 minutes.
Step 7 Immediately after the mould is removed, measure the slump to the
nearest 5 mm by using the rule to determine the difference between the height
of the mould and of the highest point of the specimen being tested.

Expression of results
The test is only valid if it yields a true slump. This being a slump in which the
concrete remains substantially intact and symmetrical as shown in Figure 1(a).
If the specimen shears, as shown in Figure 1(b), or collapses, as shown in
Figure 1(c), take another sample and repeat the procedure.
Record the slump to the nearest 5 mm.

Report
The test report shall include the following information
a. Reference to this procedure
b. Date, time and place of sampling and sample identification
c. Time and place of test
d. Time lapse from sampling to commencement of test e) Form of slump,
whether true, shear or collapse
e. Measured true Slump

27
 (l) MARSHAL TEST

Objective
The Marshall test is used to measure physical properties of asphalt specimens
that relate to plastic deformation properties of asphalt mixes.

Main principles
The Marshall test is used for asphalt mixes containing bitumen or bitumen
cutback where the maximum aggregate size is 25.4 mm or less. Asphalt
specimens are loaded on their cylindrical side-edges with a Marshall loading
head at specified loading rate and temperature. The resistance against plastic
flow is measured.

Required equipment
3 Specimen Molds - 101.6 mm in diameter by 76.2 mm high. Marshall
Compaction Apparatus.
Specimen Mold Holder.
Marshall Test Apparatus with a load and deflection measuring device.
Heating oven.
Automatic or manuals mixing equipment for asphalt mix specimens.
Water Bath and temperature control unit with minimum 1.0°C accuracy.
Heating gloves.
Slide caliper for measuring specimen thickness with an accuracy of ± 0.1 mm.

Test procedure

Preparation of test specimens

At least 3 parallel test specimens should be prepared. Each specimen requires
approximately 1200 g of bituminous material. The mass required should be
adjusted so that each test specimen has a height of 63.5 ± 1.3 mm after
compaction. If necessary, a preliminary specimen should be made to find the
right amount of material for the remaining specimens.
Step 1: Dried and preheated aggregate is mixed with preheated binder until a
homogeneous mixture is achieved. For asphalt concrete specimens (AC-mixes)
the mixing temperature should be equal to the temperature at which the binder

28
has a viscosity of 170 ± 20 mm2/s. See also test 3.12 "Mixing of Test
Specimens; Hot Bituminous Mixes".
Step 2: The specimen molds are preheated in an hot air oven to a temperature
in the range 93-149°C. The bituminous material should have a temperature
during compaction at which the binder has a viscosity of 280 ± 30 mm2/s.
Step 3: The mixture is transferred into the specimen molds and the surface is
leveled. The mold now containing asphalt mix is immediately placed into the
Marshall compaction apparatus.
Step 4: The specimen is compacted with 75 blows to each side.
Immediately after compaction, remove the compacted specimen from the mold
and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 5: Measure the thickness of the specimen to the nearest 0.1 mm.
Step 6: Place the samples in a preheated water bath holding the correct
temperature, see Test conditions.

Test conditions
The specimens are heated in the water bath to their testing temperature
according to the type of binder:

The load is applied with the Marshall breaking head at a constant rate of 50.8
mm/min. The Marshall breaking head should during testing be in the
temperature range of 21-38°C. Do not preheat the breaking head to 60°C.

Procedure
Step 7: After the required temperature equilibration time, remove the specimen
from the water bath and immediately place it in the testing-head of the
Marshall Test apparatus.
Step 8: Apply the load to the specimen at the specified loading rate until the
maximum load is reached and the load decreases. The flow value must be
recorded from the micrometer at the exact time of maximum load. The elapsed
time from removing the test specimen from the water bath to the maximum
load is detected should not exceed 30 seconds.

Results
Measurements
The following should be recorded during the test: Mixing temperature (°C)
Compacting temperature (°C) Number of blows during compaction
Height of test specimen to the nearest 0.1 mm Temperature of test specimen at
testing (°C) Flow value (1/10 mm)
Maximum load value (N), also called the Marshall stability value. This value
must be corrected according to the specimen height (see Calculations).

29
Calculations
The Marshall stability is calculated by multiplying the maximum load value
with a correction factor depending on the specimen height. Correction factors
are given in Table 3.18-1.

Table 3.18-1 Correction factors according to specimen height

30