Approximate Test Time

30 minutes.

If particle mass rather than particle count is to be used, sample preparation will take at
least 12 hours or overnight because the aggregate needs to be oven dry before it is
weighed to ensure accuracy.

Basic Procedure
1. Sieve a sample of coarse aggregate and collect those particles retained on the
specified sieve size(s); usually the 0.375 inch (9.5 mm) or No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve are
specified. Reduce each specified size fraction until approximately 100 particles are
obtained for each specified size fraction.

2. Checking for flatness OR elongation. Test each of the particles in each of the
size fractions and place them into one of three groups: flat, elongated, or neither flat
nor elongated.

 Testing for flatness (Figure 6). Set the larger opening of the proportional caliper
equal to the particle width. The particle is flat if the thickness fits in the smaller opening.

 After all particles are tested, determine the proportion of the sample in each
group by either count or mass.

3. Checking for flatness AND elongation (Video 1). Use the proportional caliper
device to check flat and elongation of the particles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-FRkiJ4DLcVideo 1: Flat and elongated particle

test.

 Set the larger opening of the caliper equal to the length of the particle. The
particle is considered flat and elongated if the particle, when oriented to measure
its thickness, can pass completely through the smaller opening of the caliper.
 After all particles are tested, determine the proportion of the sample in each
group by either count or mass.

Results
Parameters Measured
Percentage or coarse aggregate particles of a specified size or sizes that are considered
flat, elongated or flat and elongated according to a specified ratio.

Specifications