CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
Road controlling authorities are progressively moving towards minimal use of
traditional aggregates. Because of this, the need for improved, more accurate, costeffective methods to predict the performance of pavement materials is increasing. This is
of particular concern when considering the use of materials in Indian pavements, as they
typically consist of a thin surface overlying unbound granular materials. Surface rutting is
of greatest concern for the thin-surfaced unbound granular pavements that are common in
India.
Hence, a key parameter that governs pavement longevity is the granular materials
resistance to rutting within the pavement layer. Any alternative pavement materials used
will be required to resist rutting from within (i.e. resistance to deformation). In existing
IRC specifications, more focus has been placed on limits determined by a range of
empirical performance tests (such as grading, broken faces, crushing resistance, amount
of fines etc) than on a direct measure of deformation resistance. It is therefore unlikely
that materials and aggregate will meet the requirements of the specification and thus their
use is disallowed. However, these pavement materials may, in fact, be resistant to
deformation and perform adequately in the pavement. Over recent years, a
disproportionate number of new pavements have failed with unacceptable rutting within
the first few years of construction. A recurring theme of these failures is that all the
rutting occurs within the top 200 mm of aggregate. Traffic volumes, meanwhile, are
higher than ever before (in the past ten years, the volume of heavy commercial vehicles
has doubled). Research at Canterbury Accelerated Pavement Testing Indoor Facility
(CAPTIF) has also shown up to 70% of rutting can be determined to occur
in the top unbound granular layers (Arnold et al. 2001). Nearly half the rutting was
attributed to the sub-base layer in the American Association of State Highway Officials
road test (Benkelman 1962). Results at CAPTIF also showed that increasing the granular
pavement depth did not increase the pavement life obtained (i.e. number of wheel passes
required to form a 20 mm rut). However, it was shown that the type of granular material

used did have an effect on pavement life. Rounded aggregates had the lowest life, while a
lightly cemented recycled crushed concrete aggregate had twice the life of premium
virgin aggregates.
The current specification for base course aggregate (IRC: 019-2005), owing to its
empirical/recipe approach to selecting aggregates, cannot distinguish differences in
performance between aggregate types. Furthermore, it is expected that a modified
aggregate with small quantities of cement or lime will provide superior performance in
terms of rut resistance in wet conditions to that of traditional compliant aggregates where
premature failures have occurred in the past. Current methods of design do not recognize
the superior rut resistance of a local modified material which is not affected by moisture.
Currently, project specific specifications are required to use local modified aggregate.
The outputs of this research project are a repeated load tri-axial test procedure and
associated analysis to predict the magnitude of rutting and allowable design loading.
This will enable us to:

Reduce the number of early rutting failures in new pavements through the
selection of aggregates based on performance testing using the apparatus and

associated analysis;
Develop a performance test using the apparatus and associated analysis to

enable a traffic loading limit to be determined for use in aggregate specifications;

Enable the use of aggregates modified with cement through calculation of their

expected performance (traffic loading limit) from testing; and

Enable the use of waste materials and previously discarded aggregates in
appropriate traffic and environmental conditions determined from performance
testing using the apparatus.

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 AGGREGATES
Construction aggregate, or simply "aggregate", is a broad category of coarse
particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag,
recycled concrete and geo-synthetic aggregates.
Aggregates are the most mined materials in the world. Aggregates are a
component of composite materials such as concrete and asphalt concrete; the aggregate
serves as reinforcement to add strength to the overall composite material. Due to the
relatively high hydraulic conductivity value as compared to most soils, aggregates are
widely used in drainage applications such as foundation and French drains, septic drain
fields, retaining wall drains, and road side edge drains. Aggregates are also used as base
material under foundations, roads, and railroads. In other words, aggregates are used as a
stable foundation or road/rail base with predictable, uniform properties (e.g. to help
prevent differential settling under the road or building), or as a low-cost extender that
binds with more expensive cement or asphalt to form concrete.

2.2 TYPES OF AGGREGATES

Aggregates are classified into two types. They are:

Aggregates based on size

Aggregates based on shape

2.2.1 AGGREGATES BASED ON SIZE

According to size the aggregates are classified as:

Fine Aggregate

Coarse Aggregate

All in Aggregate

1. FINE AGGREGATE
It is the aggregate most of which passes 4.75 mm IS sieve and contains only so much
coarser as is permitted by specification. According to source fine aggregate may be
described as:

Natural Sand it is the aggregate resulting from the natural disintegration of rock

and which has been deposited by streams or glacial agencies

Crushed Stone Sand it is the fine aggregate produced by crushing hard stone.
Crushed Gravel Sand it is the fine aggregate produced by crushing natural
gravel.

According to size the fine aggregate may be described as coarse sand, medium sand and
fine sand. IS specifications classify the fine aggregate into four types according to its
grading as fine aggregate of grading Zone-1 to grading Zone-4. The four grading zones
become progressively finer from grading Zone-1 to grading Zone-4. 90% to 100% of the

fine aggregate passes 4.75 mm ISsieve and 0 to 15% passes 150 micron
IS sieve depending upon its grading zone.
2. COARSE AGGREGATE
It is the aggregate most of which is retained on 4.75 mm IS sieve and contains only so
much finer material as is permitted by specification. According to source, coarse
aggregate may be described as:

Uncrushed Gravel or Stone it results from natural disintegration of rock

Crushed Gravel or Stone it results from crushing of gravel or hard stone.

Partially Crushed Gravel or Stone it is a product of the blending of the above

two aggregate.

According to size coarse aggregate is described as graded aggregate of its nominal size
i.e. 40 mm, 20 mm, 16 mm and 12.5 mm etc. for example a graded aggregate of nominal
size 20 mm means an aggregate most of which passes 20 mm IS sieve.
A coarse aggregate which has the sizes of particles mainly belonging to a
single sieve size is known as single size aggregate. For example 20 mm single size
aggregate mean an aggregate most of which passes 20 mm IS sieve and its major portion
is retained on 10 mm IS sieve.
3. ALL IN AGGREGATE
It is the aggregate composed of both fine aggregate and coarse aggregate. According
to size All-in-aggregate is described as all-in-aggregates of its nominal size, i.e. 40mm,
20mm etc. For example, all in aggregate of nominal size of 20mm means an aggregate
most of which passes through 20 mm are IS sieve and contains fine aggregates also.

2.2.2 AGGREGATES BASED ON SHAPE

According to shape the aggregate is classified as

Rounded aggregate

Irregular or partly rounded aggregate

Angular aggregate

Flaky aggregate

Elongated aggregate

Flaky and elongated aggregate

Aggregates of different shape

1. ROUNDED AGGREGATE
The aggregate with rounded shape has the minimum percentage of voids ranging
from 32 to 33%. It gives minimum ratio of surface area to given volume and hence
requires minimum water for lubrication. It gives good workability for the given amount
of water and hence needs less cement for a given water cement ratio. The only
disadvantages is that the interlocking between its particles is less and hence the
development of bond is poor. This is why rounded aggregate is not suitable for high
strength concrete and for pavements subjected to tension.
2. IRREGULAR OR PARTLY ROUNDED AGGREGATE
The aggregate with irregular shape has higher percentage of voids ranging from
35 to 37%. It gives lesser workability than rounded aggregate for the given water content.
Water requirement is higher and hence more cement is needed for constant water cement
ratio. The interlocking between aggregate particles is better than rounded aggregate but
not adequate to be used for high strength concrete and pavements subjected to tension.
3. ANGULAR AGGREGATE
The aggregate with angular shape has the maximum percentage of void ranging
from 38 to 45%. It requires more water for lubrication and hence it gives least
workability for the given water cement ratio. For constant water cement ratio and
workability the requirement of cement increase. The interlocking between the aggregate
particles is the best and hence the development of bond is very good. This is why angular
aggregate is very suitable for high strength concrete and for pavements subjected to
tension.
4. FLAKY AGGREGATE
The aggregate is said to be flaky when its least dimension is less than 3/5th (or
60%) of its mean dimension. Mean dimension is the average size through which the

particles pass and the sieve size on which these are retained. For example, mean size of
the particles passing through 25 mm sieve and retained on 20 mm sieve is
(20+25)/2=22.5 mm. if the least dimension is less than 3/5 x (22.5) = 13.5 mm, then the
material is classified as flaky. Flaky aggregate tends to be oriented in one plane which
affects the durability.
5. ELONGATED AGGREGATE
The aggregate is said to be elongated when its length is greater than 180% of its
mean dimension.
6. FLAKY & ELONGATED AGGREGATE
Aggregate is said to be flaky and elongated when it satisfies both the above
conditions. Generally elongated or flaky particles in excess of 10 to 15% are not
desirable.

CHAPTER 3
MIX DESIGN OF CONCRETE

CHAPTER 4
METHODOLOGY
4.1TESTS ON COARSE AGGREGATE
Aggregate plays an important role in construction. Aggregates influence, to a
great extent, the load transfer capability. Hence it is essential that they should be
thoroughly tested before using for construction. Not only that aggregates should be strong
and durable, they should also possess proper shape and size to make the pavement act
monolithically. Aggregates are tested for strength, toughness, hardness, shape, and water
absorption.
In order to decide the suitability of the aggregate for use in construction, following tests
are carried out:
1.

Crushing test

2.

Abrasion test

3.

Impact test

4.

Soundness test

5.

Shape test

6.

Specific gravity and water absorption test

1. CRUSHING TEST

Fig-1 Crushing Test Setup

One of the model in which construction material can fail is by crushing under
compressive stress. A test is standardized by IS: 2386 part-IV and used to determine the
crushing strength of aggregates. The aggregate crushing value provides a relative
measure of resistance to crushing under gradually applied crushing load.
The aggregate crushing value gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate crushing
under gradually applied compressive load. With aggregate crushing value 30 or higher the result
may be anomalous and in such cases the ten percent fines value should be determined instead.

APPARATUS
1. A steel cylinder 15 cm diameter with plunger and base plate.
2. A straight metal tamping rod 16mm diameter and 45 to 60cm long rounded at one
end.
3. A balance of capacity 3 kg readable and accurate to one gram.
4. IS sieves of sizes 12.5mm, 10mm and 2.36 mm.
5. A compression testing machine.
6. Cylindrical metal measure of sufficient rigidity to retain its from under rough
usage and of 11.5cm diameter and 18cm height.

7. Dial gauge

Fig-2 Crushing Test Mould

SAMPLING

Coarse aggregate passing 12.5 mm IS sieve and retained on a10 mm. IS sieve and
heated at 100 to 110C for 4 hours and cooled to room temperature.

The quantity of aggregate shall be such that the depth of material in the cylinder,
after tamping as described below shall be 10 cm.

The appropriate quantity may be found conveniently by filling the cylinder.

Measure in three layers of approximately equal depth, each layer being tamped 25
times with the tamping rod and finally leveled off using the tamping rod as
straight edge, care being taken in the case of weaker materials not to break the
particles. The weight of the material comprising the test sample shall be
determined (weight A) and the same weight of sample shall be taken for the repeat
test.

PROCEDURE
1. Put the cylinder in position on the base plate and weigh it (W)
2. Put the sample in 3 layers ,each layer being subjected to 25 strokes using the
tamping rod ,care being taken in the case of weak materials not to break the
particles and weigh it (

W1

3. Level the surface of aggregate carefully and insert the plunger so that it rests
horizontally on the surface, care being taken to ensure that the plunger does not
jam in the cylinder.
4. Place the cylinder with plunger on the loading platform of the compression testing
machine.
5. Apply load at a uniform rate so that a total load of 40T is applied in 10 minutes.
6. Release the load and remove the material from the cylinder.
7. Sieve the material with 2.36mm IS sieve, care being taken to avoid loss of fines.
8. Weigh the fraction passing through the IS sieve (

W2

CALCULATIONS
The ratio of weight of fines formed to the weight of total sample in each test shall be
expressed as a percentage, the result being recorded to the first decimal place.

Aggregate crushing value =

W2

W 2 100
W 1 W

=Weight of fraction passing through the appropriate sieve

W 1W

=Weight of surface dry sample.

The mean of two results to nearest whole number is the aggregate crushing value.

2. ABRASION TEST

Fig-3 Los Angeles Abrasion Test Setup

Abrasion test is carried out to test the hardness property of aggregates and to
decide whether they are suitable for different pavement construction works. Los Angeles
abrasion test is a preferred one for carrying out the hardness property and has been
standardized in India (IS: 2386 part-IV).
The principle of Los Angeles abrasion test is to find the percentage wear due to relative
rubbing action between the aggregate and steel balls used as abrasive charge.
Los Angeles machine consists of circular drum of internal diameter 700 mm and length
520 mm mounted on horizontal axis enabling it to be rotated (see Fig-2). An abrasive
charge consisting of cast iron spherical balls of 48 mm diameters and weight 340-445 g is
placed in the cylinder along with the aggregates. The number of the abrasive spheres
varies according to the grading of the sample. The quantity of aggregates to be used
depends upon the gradation and usually ranges from 5-10 kg. The cylinder is then locked

and rotated at the speed of 30-33 rpm for a total of 500 -1000 revolutions depending upon
the gradation of aggregates.
After specified revolutions, the material is sieved through 1.7 mm sieve and passed
fraction is expressed as percentage total weight of the sample. This value is called Los
Angeles abrasion value.
A maximum value of 40 percent is allowed for WBM base course in Indian conditions.
For bituminous concrete, a maximum value of 35 percent is specified.
APPARATUS:
The apparatus as per IS: 2386 (Part IV) 1963 consists of:
1. Los Angeles Machine: It consists of a hollow steel cylinder, closed at both the
ends with an internal diameter of 700 mm and length 500 mm and capable of
rotating about its horizontal axis. A removable steel shaft projecting radially 88
mm into cylinder and extending full length (i.e.500 mm) is mounted firmly on the
interior of cylinder. The shelf is placed at a distance 1250 mm minimum from the
opening in the direction of rotation.
2. Abrasive charge: Cast iron or steel balls, approximately 48mm in diameter and
each weighing between 390 to 445g; six to twelve balls are required.
3. Sieve: 1.70, 2.36,4.75,6.3,10,12.5,20,25,40,50,63,80 mm IS Sieves.
4. Balance of capacity 5kg or 10kg
5. Drying oven
6. Miscellaneous like tray
PROCEDURE:

1. The test sample consists of clean aggregates dried in oven at 105 110C. The
sample should conform to any of the gradings shown in table 1.
2. Select the grading to be used in the test such that it conforms to the grading to be
3.
4.
5.
6.

used in construction, to the maximum extent possible.

Take 5 kg of sample for gradings A, B, C & D and 10 kg for gradings E, F & G.
Choose the abrasive charge as per Table 2 depending on grading of aggregates.
Place the aggregates and abrasive charge on the cylinder and fix the cover.
Rotate the machine at a speed of 30 33 revolutions per minute. The number of
revolutions is 500 for gradings A, B, C & D and 1000 for gradings E, F & G. The
machine should be balanced and driven such that there is uniform peripheral

speed.
7. The machine is stopped after the desired number of revolutions and material is
discharged to a tray.
8. The entire stone dust is sieved on 1.70 mm IS sieve.
9. The material coarser than 1.7mm size is weighed correct to one gram.
Sieve
size
(square
hole)

Weight
of test
sample
in gm

Passing Retained
(mm) on (mm)

80

63

63

50

50

40

40

25

1250

25
20

20
12.5

1250
1250

12.5

10

1250

10
6.3
4.75

6.3
4.75
2.36

E
2500
*
2500
*
5000
*

5000
*
5000
*

5000*
5000*

250
0
250
0
2500
2500

500
0
Table 1: Grading of Test Samples

*Tolerance of 12 percent permitted.

Gradin
g

No
of Weight
of
Steel balls charge in gm

12

5000 25

11

4584 25

3330 20

2500 15

12

5000 25

F
G

12
12

5000 25
5000 25

Table 2: Selection of Abrasive Charge

OBSERVATIONS:
Original weight of aggregate sample = W1 g
Weight of aggregate sample retained = W2 g
Weight passing 1.7mm IS sieve = W1 W2 g
Abrasion Value = (W1 W2 ) / W1 X 100
RECOMMENDED VALUE:
Los Angeles test is commonly used to evaluate the hardness of aggregates. The
test has more acceptability because the resistance to abrasion and impact is determined
simultaneously. Depending upon the value, the suitability of aggregates for different road
constructions can be judged as per IRC specifications as given:
Sl. No.

Type of Pavement

Max. permissible abrasion value in %

Water bound macadam sub base

60

course
WBM base course with

50

bituminous surfacing
3

Bituminous bound macadam

50

WBM surfacing course

40

Bituminous penetration macadam

40

Bituminous surface dressing,

35

cement concrete surface course

7

Bituminous concrete surface

30

course

3. IMPACT TEST

Fig-4 Impact Test Setup

The aggregate impact test is carried out to evaluate the resistance to impact of
aggregates. Aggregates passing 12.5 mm sieve and retained on 10 mm sieve is filled in a
cylindrical steel cup of internal dia 10.2 mm and depth 5 cm which is attached to a metal
base of impact testing machine. The material is filled in 3 layers where each layer is
tamped for 25 numbers of blows (see Fig-3). Metal hammer of weight 13.5 to 14 Kg is
arranged to drop with a free fall of 38.0 cm by vertical guides and the test specimen is
subjected to 15 numbers of blows. The crushed aggregate is allowed to pass through 2.36

mm IS sieve. And the impact value is measured as percentage of aggregates passing sieve
(W2) to the total weight of the sample (W1).
Aggregate impact value = (W1/W2)*100
Aggregates to be used for wearing course, the impact value shouldnt exceed 30 percent.
For bituminous macadam the maximum permissible value is 35 percent. For Water bound
macadam base courses the maximum permissible value defined by IRC is 40 percent.
APPARATUS:
The apparatus as per IS: 2386 (Part IV) 1963 consists of:
1. A testing machine weighing 45 to 60 kg and having a metal base with a painted
lower surface of not less than 30 cm in diameter. It is supported on level and plane
concrete floor of minimum 45 cm thickness. The machine should also have
provisions for fixing its base.
2. A cylindrical steel cup of internal diameter 102 mm, depth 50 mm and minimum
3. Thickness 6.3 mm.
4. A metal hammer or tup weighing 13.5 to 14.0 kg the lower end being cylindrical
in shape, 50 mm long, 100.0 mm in diameter, with a 2 mm chamfer at the lower
edge and case hardened. The hammer should slide freely between vertical guides
and be concentric with the cup. Free fall of hammer should be within 3805 mm.
5. A cylindrical metal measure having internal diameter 75 mm and depth 50 mm
6. For measuring aggregates.
7. Tamping rod 10 mm in diameter and 230 mm long, rounded at one end.
8. A balance of capacity not less than 500g, readable and accurate up to 0.1 g.
PROCEDURE:

1. The test sample consists of aggregates sized 10.0 mm 12.5 mm. Aggregates may
be dried by heating at 100-110 C for a period of 4 hours and cooled.
2. Sieve the material through 12.5 mm and 10.0mm IS sieves. The aggregates
passing through 12.5mm sieve and retained on 10.0mm sieve comprises the test
material.
3. Pour the aggregates to fill about just 1/3 rd depth of measuring cylinder.
4. Compact the material by giving 25 gentle blows with the rounded end of the
tamping rod.
5. Add two more layers in similar manner, so that cylinder is full.
6. Strike off the surplus aggregates.
7. Determine the net weight of the aggregates to the nearest gram (W).
8. Bring the impact machine to rest without wedging or packing up on the level
plate, block or floor, so that it is rigid and the hammer guide columns are vertical.
9. Fix the cup firmly in position on the base of machine and place whole of the test
sample in it and compact by giving 25 gentle strokes with tamping rod.
10. Raise the hammer until its lower face is 380 mm above the surface of aggregate
sample in the cup and allow it to fall freely on the aggregate sample. Give 15 such
blows at an interval of not less than one second between successive falls.
11. Remove the crushed aggregate from the cup and sieve it through 2.36 mm IS
sieves until no further significant amount passes in one minute. Weigh the fraction
passing the sieve to an accuracy of 1 gm. Also, weigh the fraction retained in the
sieve.
12. Compute the aggregate impact value. The mean of two observations, rounded to
nearest whole number is reported as the Aggregate Impact Value.

OBSERVATIONS
Sample 1

Sample 2

Total weight of dry sample (W1 gm)

Weight of portion passing 2.36mm sieve
(W2gm)
Aggregate Impact value (percent) = W1/W2
*100
Mean =
RECOMMENDED VALUES
Classification of aggregates using Aggregate Impact Value is as given below:
Aggregate
Impact Value
<20%
10-20%
20-30%
>35%

Classification
Exceptionally Strong
Strong
Satisfactory for road
surfacing
Weak for road surfacing

4. SOUNDNESS TEST
Soundness test is intended to study the resistance of aggregates to weathering action,
by conducting accelerated weathering test cycles. The Porous aggregates subjected to
freezing and thawing is likely to disintegrate prematurely. To ascertain the durability of
such aggregates, they are subjected to an accelerated soundness test as specified in IS:
2386 part-V.
Aggregates of specified size are subjected to cycles of alternate wetting in a saturated
solution of either sodium sulphate or magnesium sulphate for 16 18 hours and then
dried in oven at 105 to 1100C to a constant weight. After five cycles, the loss in weight of
aggregates is determined by sieving out all undersized particles and weighing.
The loss in weight should not exceed 12 percent when tested with sodium
sulphate and 18 percent with magnesium sulphate solution.
OBJECTIVE

This test is intended to study the resistance of coarse and fine aggregates to weathering
action and to judge the durability of the coarse aggregate.
APPARATUS
Name

Capacity

Least count

Balance

500 g

0.1 g

Balance

5000 g

1g

Oven

105 to 1100C
80 mm, 63 mm,
40mm, 31.5 mm,
25mm, 20 mm,
16mm, 12.5 mm,

Sieves

10mm, 8.0 mm,

4.75mm, 4.0 mm,
2.36 mm, 1.18 mm,
600 micron, 300
micron, 150 micron

Wire mesh
basket
container

Chemicals and wire mesh basket

CHEMICAL SOLUTION
1. Sodium Sulphate Solution
2. Magnesium Sulphate Solution
PREPARATION OF TEST SAMPLE FOR FINE AGGREGATE
1. Wet sieve the sample through a nest of IS sieves, the lower being 300 micron and
the upper being 10 mm size.
2. The material passing 10 mm sieve and retained on 300 micron sieve is then dried
and taken for the test.
3. The sample collected as above is again sieved through a series of sieves such as
10 mm, 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 micron and 300 micron.
4.

The amount of sample to be taken for sieving is such that, it will yield not less
than 100 g of each of the following sizes.

Passing

Retained

10 mm

4.75 mm

4.75 mm

2.36 mm

2.36 mm

1.18 mm

1.18 mm

600 micron

600 micron

300 micron

5. Weigh 100 g of sample from each of the separated fraction and place it in separate
containers for the test.
6. Note- Fine aggregates sticking in the meshes of the sieves is not used in preparing
the sample.
PREPARATION OF TEST SAMPLE FOR COARSE AGGREGATE
1. Wash the coarse aggregate through 4.75 mm IS sieve and dry the material
retained on the sieve in an oven maintained at a temp of 105 to 110 0C, till it
attains a constant mass.
2. Sieve the dried sample to separate it into different size fractions using sieves of
sizes 80 mm, 63 mm, 40 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75mm.
3. The sample should be of such an amount that it will yield not less than the
following amount of the different sizes, which shall be available in amounts of 5
percent or more.
Size

Yield

10 mm to 4.75 mm

300 g

1000 g (consisting of 12.5

20 mm to 10 mm

mm to 10 mm = 33% and 20
mm to 12.5 mm = 67%)
1500 g (consisting of 25 mm

40 mm to 20 mm

to 20 mm = 33% and 40 mm
to 25 mm = 67%)
3000 g (consisting of 50 mm

63 mm to 40 mm

to 40 mm = 50% and 63 mm
to 50 mm = 50%)

80 mm and larger

3000 g

4. Take proper weight of sample from each fraction and place it in separate
containers for the test.

PROCEDURE
1.

Take individual samples in a wire mesh basket and immerse it in the solution of
sodium sulphate or magnesium sulphate for not less than 16 hours nor more than 18
hours, in such a manner that the solution covers them to a depth of at least 15 mm.

2.

After completion of the immersion period, remove the samples from solution and
allow it to drain for 15 minutes and place it in drying oven.

3.

Dry the sample until it attains a constant mass and then remove it from oven and
cool it to room temperature.

4.

After cooling again immerse it in the solution as described in step-1.

5.

The process of alternate immersion and drying is repeated until the specified
number of cycles as agreed between the purchaser and the vendor is obtained.

6.

After completion of the final cycle and after the sample has been cooled, wash it
to free from sodium sulphate or magnesium sulphate solution. This may be
determined when there is no reaction of the wash water with barium chloride.
Then dry each fraction of the sample to constant temp of 105 to 110 0C and weigh

7.
it.
8.

Sieve the fine aggregates over the same sieve on which it was retained before test.

9.

Sieve the coarse aggregate over the sieve shown below for the appropriate size of
particles.

Size of Aggregate

Sieve used to determine

loss

63 mm to 40 mm

31.5 mm

40 mm to 20 mm

16.0 mm

20 mm to 10 mm

8.0 mm

10 mm to 4.75 mm

4.0 mm

REPORT
The result should be reported giving the following particulars
1. Type of solution used for the test
2. Weight of each fraction of sample before the test.

3. Material from each fraction of the sample passing through the specified IS sieve,
expressed as a percentage by weight of the fraction.
4. In the case of particles coarser than 20 mm size before the test, the number of
particles in each fraction before the test and the number of particles affected
classified as to the number disintegrating, splitting, crumbling, cracking, flaking
etc.

Before and After Soundness Test

REFERENCE

IS-2386 (Part-5)-Methods Of Test For Aggregates For Concrete (Part-5Soundness)

5. SHAPE TESTS

Fig-4 Flakiness Gauge

The particle shape of the aggregate mass is determined by the percentage of flaky
and elongated particles in it. Aggregates which are flaky or elongated are detrimental to
higher workability and stability of mixes.
The flakiness index is defined as the percentage by weight of aggregate particles
whose least dimension is less than 0.6 times their mean size. Flakiness gauge (see Fig-4)
is used for this test. Test procedure had been standardized in India (IS: 2386 part-I).
The elongation index of an aggregate is defined as the percentage by weight of particles
whose greatest dimension (length) is 1.8 times their mean dimension. This test is
applicable to aggregates larger than 6.3 mm. Elongation gauge (see Fig-5) is used for this
test. This test is also specified in (IS: 2386 Part-I). However there are no recognized
limits for the elongation index.

Fig-5 Elongation Gauge

THICKNESS GAUGE

The test apparatus consists of a standard thickness gauge (6.30 63.0 mm) is used
for this test. The flakiness index test (FI) is not applicable passing 6.30 mm or retaining
63.0 mm test sieve.
TESTING PROCEDURE
1. The dried aggregates sample is allowed to passing and retained on a set of sieve.
2. The weight of retained aggregate on each sieve is measured and determined the
percentage of retained.
3. Each of the particles fractions of aggregate is tried to passing through the slot of
the thickness gauge.
4. The weight of aggregates passing on each gauge is measured.
5. Discarded the fraction of aggregate if it has the percentage of retained is less than
or equal to 5 percent.
6. Then, the FI is the total weight of the material passing the various thickness
gauges expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged. The
flakiness index value of the aggregate should be below 35 % that recommended
for the road construction.
CALCULATION
Flakiness index value=

Weight of passing flaky particles 100

Remained retaining weight

PROCEDURE OF ELONGATION TEST

1. Take enough quantity of dry blended sample so that at least 200 pieces of any
fraction is present. This is not applicable for the biggest and smallest size.
2. Sieve the blended sample through all the sieves mentioned above starting from the
largest sieve i.e. 63mm.

3. Separate all the individual fractions 63mm to 50mm, 50mm to 40mm, 40mm to
25mm, 25mm to 20mm, 20mm to 16mm. 16mm to 12.5mm. 12.5mm to 10mm
and 10mm to 6.3mm.
4. Take all the fraction separately, gauge them one by one through the corresponding
slot provided in the gauge. Keep the particles retained by the length separately.
The aim should be to retain as much as possible to avoid testing bias.
5. Weigh the particles retained on length gauge.
6. Elongation index is the total weight of the material retained on the various length
gauges, expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged.
CALCULATIONS
Elongation index of aggregate in % is calculated as follows:
Ei =

W1
100
W2

Where, W1 = weight of particles retained in length gauge (grams).

W2 = weight of total sample taken for test (grams).
REPORTING OF TEST RESULTS
Report the elongation index in percentage rounded off to the nearest whole number.

6. SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER ABSORPTION

The specific gravity and water absorption of aggregates are important properties that are
required for the design of concrete and bituminous mixes. The specific gravity of a solid
is the ratio of its mass to that of an equal volume of distilled water at a specified

temperature. Because the aggregates may contain water-permeable voids, so two

measures of specific gravity of aggregates are used:
1.

Apparent specific gravity and

2.

Bulk specific gravity.

Apparent Specific Gravity, Gapp, is computed on the basis of the net volume of aggregates
i.e. the volume excluding water-permeable voids. Thus
Gapp = [(MD/VN)]/W
Where,
MD is the dry mass of the aggregate,
VN is the net volume of the aggregates excluding the volume of the absorbed matter,
W is the density of water.
Bulk Specific Gravity, Gbulk, is computed on the basis of the total volume of aggregates
including water permeable voids. Thus
Gbulk = [(MD/VB)]/W
Where,
VB is the total volume of the aggregates including the volume of absorbed water.
Water Absorption: The difference between the apparent and bulk specific gravities is
nothing but the water permeable voids of the aggregates. We can measure the volume of
such voids by weighing the aggregates dry and in a saturated surface dry condition, with
all permeable voids filled with water. The difference of the above two is MW.
MW is the weight of dry aggregates minus weight of aggregates saturated surface dry
condition. Thus,
Water Absorption = (MW/MD)*100
The specific gravity of aggregates normally used in road construction ranges from about
2.5 to 2.9. Water absorption values ranges from 0.1 to about 2.0 percent for aggregates
normally used in road surfacing.
7. BITUMEN ADHESION TEST
Bitumen adheres well to all normal types of road aggregates provided they are dry and
free from dust. In the absence of water there is practically no adhesion problem of
bituminous construction.

Adhesion problem occurs 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. Further, the presence of water causes stripping of binder from the coated
aggregates. This problem occurs when bitumen mixture is permeable to water.
Several laboratory tests are conducted to arbitrarily determine the adhesion of bitumen
binder to an aggregate in the presence of water. Static immersion test is one specified by
IRC and is quite simple. The principle of the test is by immersing aggregate fully coated
with binder in water maintained at 400C temperature for 24 hours.
IRC has specified maximum stripping value of aggregates should not exceed 5%.
LIST OF IS CODES RELATED TO AGGREGATE TESTING
Tests for Aggregates with IS codes
Property of Aggregate

Type of Test

Test Method

Crushing strength

Crushing test

IS : 2386 (part 4)

Hardness

Los Angeles abrasion test

IS : 2386 (Part 5)

Toughness

Aggregate impact test

IS : 2386 (Part 4)

Durability

Soundness test

IS : 2386 (Part 5)

Shape factors

Shape test

IS : 2386 (Part 1)

Specific gravity and porosity

Adhesion to bitumen

Specific

gravity

test

and

water absorption test

Stripping value of aggregate

IS : 2386 (Part 3)
IS : 6241-1971

4.2 TESTS ON FINE AGGREGATES

1. Organic impurities test this test is conducted at the field, for every 20 cum or part
thereof.
2. Silt content test this is also a field test and to be conducted for every 20 cum.

3. Particle size distribution this test can be conducted at site or in laboratory for every
40 cum of sand.
4. Bulking of sand this test is conducted at site for every 20 cum of sand. Based on
bulking of sand, suitable water cement ratio is calculated for concrete at site.
1. Silt Content Test of Sand
The maximum quantity of silt in sand shall not exceed 8%. Fine aggregate
containing more than allowable percentage of silt shall be washed so as to bring the silt
content within allowable limits.
2. Grading of sand
On the basis of particle size, fine aggregate is graded into four zones. Where the
grading falls outside the limits of any particular grading zone of sieves, other than 600
micron IS sieve, by a total amount not exceeding 5 percent, it shall be regarded as falling
within that grading zone.
IS Sieve
10mm
4.75mm
2.36mm
1.18 mm
600 micron
300 microns
150 microns

Percentage passing for

Grading
Grading Zone I
Zone II
100
100
90 100
90 100
60 95
75 100
30 70
55 90
15 34
35 59
5 20
8 30
0 10
0 10

Grading

Grading Zone

Zone III
100
90 100
85 100
75 100
60 79
12 40
0 10

IV
100
90 100
95 100
90 100
80 100
15 50
0 15

3. Deleterious materials in sand:

Sand shall not contain any harmful impurities such as iron, pyrites, alaklies, salts,
coal or other organic impurities, mica, shale or similar laminated materials, soft
fragments, sea shale in such form or in such quantities as to affect adversely the
hardening, strength or durability of the mortar. The maximum quantities of clay, fine silt,

fine dust and organic impurities in the sand / marble dust shall not exceed the following
limits:
(a) Clay, fine silt and fine dust when determined in accordance within not more than 5%
by mass in IS 2386 (Part-II), natural sand or crushed gravel sand and crushed stone sand.
(b) Organic impurities when determined in colour of the liquid shall be lighter in lighter
in accordance with IS 2386 (Part II) than that specified in the code.
4. Bulking of sand:

Fig: Bulking of sand test

Fine aggregate, when dry or saturated, has almost the same volume but dampness causes
increase in volume. In case fine aggregate is damp at the time of proportioning the
ingredients for mortar or concrete, its quantity shall be increased suitably to allow for
bulkage. Table below gives the relation between moisture content and percentage of
bulking for guidance only.

Moisture content (%)

2
3
4
5

Bulking
volume)
15
20
25
30

percentage

(by

CHAPTER 5
DATA ANALYSIS

CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES