Question 1 (Part 1) Aggregates are one of the fundamental materials used in the Construction Industry.

Aggregates can be obtained from a variety of sources; from natural sands and gravels of both land and sea origin to crushed rock and artificially produced materials. Malaysian Standards are developed through consensus by committees which comprise of balanced representation of producers, users, consumers and others. (Malaysian Standards Guide Book, 2004). These standards where appropriate are adoption of international standards. Approval of Standard as Malaysian Standard is governed by the Standards of Malaysia Act 1996 (act 549). Thus, for the testing of aggregates, it falls under M.S 30. Elongation and Flakiness Index In M.S 30: Part 5: 1995; Methods of testing aggregates: Part 5: Methods for determination of particle shape (First Revision), it describes on the steps to determine the Elongation Index (EI) and Flakiness Index (FI) of aggregates. The flakiness and elongation gauges are the aids used to determine the flakiness and elongation indices (FIs and EIs) of coarse aggregates. Flakey is the term applied to aggregate or chippings that are flat and thin with respect to their length or width. Aggregate particles are said to be flakey when their thickness is less than 0.6 of their mean size. The flakiness index is found by expressing the weight of the flakey aggregate as a percentage of the aggregate tested. Flat and elongated particles tend to impede compaction or break during compaction and thus, decrease strength. Therefore, they are typically restricted to some maximum percentage. They also affect the workability of concrete by interlock on one another rather than slip and that makes the placement and compaction much difficult. The choosing of proper aggregate helps in reducing the cost, by reducing the cement and admixtures used in making concrete. The flat and elongated aggregate particles should be limited to maximum 30% of the total aggregates. This requirement is important because such aggregates require more water during mixing and may affect the strength if the w/c is not adjusted. Water absorption Next, the water absorption test (AASHTO T84), which helps in determining the water absorption of coarse aggregates. The apparatus used in this test is a wire basket. It is carried by immersing the sample in distilled water and then, removed the entrapped air by lifting the basket up and down for 25 times in 25 seconds. The basket and sample should remain immersed for a period of 24 hours afterwards. The sample is then allowed to be dry: saturated surface dry (A) and oven-dry (B). The weights for both dry samples are taken and the water absorption of the sample is obtained by using the formula:

The limit obtained from the calculation which is not exceeding 1.5% is categorized as strong, good aggregates and it will be accepted. However, aggregate with high water absorption is unacceptable for road building materials. Besides, aggregates having a honeycombed structure need not to have high water absorption as well. Clay, Silt and Dust Aggregates must be clean when it is being used. Soft particles, clay lumps and excessive dust are not desirably there because they affect the performance of the aggregate by quickly degrading, they will also form coating on the aggregates, thus prevent binder-aggregate bonding. The sand equivalent test or silt test is a rapid field test to show the relative proportions of fine dust or claylike materials in aggregate (or soils). Small amount of salt water is poured into a cylinder and are agitated to loosen the silt coating from the sand particles. After few hours, the silt will suspend above the sand. The silt content can be calculated by:

This test is fully described in M.S 30, AASHTO T112 and ASTM C 142: Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregates. Organic Impurities Indirect indication of obtaining organic impurities is by comparative strength and setting time test, using either concrete or mortar mixes. M.S 30 provides maximum limits for organic impurities, of 0.4%. This organic material gives bad effect on concrete by affect the setting and hardening and thus may cause deterioration. Aggregates Crushing Value Referring to M.S 30: Part 8: 1995; Methods for determination of Aggregates Crushing Value (ACV), it describes a method to determine the ACV which gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to crush under a gradually applied compressive load. The apparatus involved in this test include cylindrical measure and plunger, compression testing machine and sieves. First, the sample passing through 12.5mm and retained on 10mm sieve are oven-dried for 3 to 4 hours. The cylinder is filled with sample in 3 layers, each layer tamped with 25 strokes of a tamping rod. Then, the weight is measured (A). The surface of sample is leveled and the plunger inserted. The apparatus is then placed in the compression testing machine. After that, the sample

is sieved through a 2.36mm sieve and the fraction passing through the sieve is weighed (B). ACV then being calculated by using:

Thus, the lower the figure, the stronger the aggregate. For example, the greater its ability to resist crushing. Soundness Test The method for soundness test of aggregates is describes in M.S 30: Part 17: 1995; Methods for testing soundness of aggregates. It is by subjecting the aggregates to cycle of immersion in saturated solution of magnesium sulfate followed by oven- drying. This is a test to stimulate weathering characteristics, or its ability to withstand aggressive exposure. After the aggregate has been subject to the testing, the remaining weight of the aggregate is expressed as a percentage of the original weight. The minimum amount of aggregate remaining after the test should not less than 12%. The higher the water absorption value of an aggregate, the lower the soundness test value. Chloride Content Chloride is the major cause of depassivation of the reinforcing steel bar, resulting in the corrosion of the steel bars. Chloride may be introduced in the form of natural ingredients found in some aggregates. Usually, chloride present as sodium or potassium salts in aggregates. Quantab Chloride Titrators is the aids practice to conduct the chloride test. The maximum percentage of chloride can remain in concrete should not exceeding 0.06% by weight of chloride ions. The higher percentage of chloride forms in concrete will result in the formation of efflorescence. This method is describes in British Standard 812 Part 4. Sulphate Content All sulfates are potentially harmful to concrete. They react chemically with cement pastes hydrated lime and hydrated calcium aluminate. In British Standard 1377 Test 9, it describes the methods for determining both the water-soluble sulphate content of aggregate and total sulphate content in aggregate. The presence of SO3 in aggregate should be less than 0.6% by weight of SO3 itself. Greater number of sulphate ion in aggregates may result in disruption of concrete. Thus, it is recommended in BS 5328 to do the sulphate content test whenever new aggregates are obtained.