CRUSHING VALUE TEST

Object:
This method of test covers the procedure for determining the aggregate crushing value of
coarse aggregate. [As per IS: 2386 (Part 4) -1996]
Apparatus:
I. Compression Testing Machine
II. IS Sieves of size 12.5mm, 10mm, 2.36mm
III. Balance readable to an accuracy of 1 gm
IV. Measuring cylinder of 11.5 cm dia and 18 cm ht
V. Cylindrical mould of 15.2cm dia and 13cm ht
VI. Tamping Rod
VII. balance

Figure: aggregate crushing value test setup

Test Sample:
1. Take approximately 6.5 kg of sample which is passing through 12.5 mm and retained in
10mm sieve
2. Now fill the sample in the measuring cylinder in three layers, each layer being tamped 25
times
3. Now level the sample in the measuring cylinder
4. Note down the weight of the Sample (A)
Procedure:
1. Fix the Crushing Cylinder in the base plate and put the weighed sample in the mould in 3
layers and tamp for 25 strokes in each layer
2. Keep the plunger in position on top of the aggregate
3. Place the sample in Compression Testing Machine, Centre it and apply a uniform load of
40 T reached in 10 minutes
4. Release the load. Take the sample out of the mould and sieve through 2.36mm
5. The fraction passing through 2.36mm sieve shall be noted down (W2)
6. Calculate the crushing value of the Aggregate by using the formula
= (W2/ W1) x 10
7. Two trials shall be done and the mean value to be reported

IS Recommendations:
Table No: 1

Sr. No. Crushing Value Classification

1 <10 % Exceptionally strong
2 >35 % Weak for road Surface

Table No: 2 Recommended Aggregate crushing value.

Sr. Description Max. Crushing value

No.
1 Aggregate used for pavement as surface as a wearing course 30%

2 Aggregate used for other than wearing course 45%

Observation Table

Sr. No. Description Test-1 Test-2

1 Weight of oven drying aggregate passing 12.5mm
IS sieve and retain on 10mm IS sieve W1
2 Weight of sample passes 2.36 mm IS sieve after test W2
3 Weight sample retain 2.36 mm IS sieve after test W3
4 Aggregate crushing value =W2/W1 x 100 %
5 W1 = W2 + W3
6 Avg. aggregate crushing value
Results:
The mean of the crushing value obtained in the two tests is reported as the aggregate crushing
value.

Conclusion
 IMPACT VALUE TEST
Object:
This method of test covers the procedure for determining the aggregate impact value of
coarse aggregate. [As per IS: 2386 (Part 4) -1996]
Apparatus:
The apparatus consists of
I. Aggregate Impact Testing Machine
II. Steel measuring cup of dia 75 mm and height 50 mm
III. Cylindrical steel cup of dia 102 mm and height 50 mm
IV. Balance to an accuracy of 0.1 gm
V. Oven
VI. Sieves of sizes 12.5mm, 10mm, 2.36mm

Introduction:

Toughness is the property of a material to resist impact. Due to traffic loads the road stone
are subjected to the pounding action of impact and there is possibility of breaking into
smaller pieces. The road stone should therefore be tough enough to resists fracture under
impact. A test designed to evaluate the toughness of stones i.e. the resistance of the stones to
fracture under repeated impacts may be called an impact test for road stones.
The aggregate impact value indicates a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to a
sudden shock or an impact, which differs from its resistance to a slow gradually increasing
compressive load. The method of test covers the procedure for determining the aggregate
impact value of course aggregate.

Impact Testing Machine:

The machine consists of a metal base with a plan lower surface, supported well on firm floor,
without rocking. A detachable cylindrical steel cup of internal diameter 10.2 cm and depth 5
cm is rigidly fastened centrally to the base plate A metal hammer cylindrical m shape, 10 cm
in diameter and 5 cm long, with 2 mm chamber at the lower edge is capable of sliding freely
between vertical guides, and fall concentric over the cup. There is an arrangement for raising
the hammer and allowing is to fall freely between vertical guides from a height of 38 cm on
the test sample in the cup, the height of fall being adjustable upto 0.5. A key is provided for
supporting the hammer while fastening or removing the cup. Refer Figure.
Measure:
A cylindrical metal measure having internal diameter 7.5 cm and depth 5 cm for measuring
aggregate.
Tamping Rod:
A straight metal temping rod of circular cross section 1 cm diameter and 25 cm long,
rounded at one end.
Sieve:
IS sieve of sizes 12.5 mm, 10 mm, and 2.36 mm for sieving the aggregates
Oven:
A thermostatically controlled drying oven capable of maintaining constant temperature
between 100° C and 110°
Balance:
A balance of capacity not less than 500 gm to weight accurate to 0.1 gm

Figure: Aggregate Impact Testing Machine

 Sample Quantity:
The test sample shall consist of aggregate passing through 12.5 mm IS sieve and retained on
a 10 mm IS sieve.
The metal measure shall be filled about one third full with the aggregate and tamped with 23
stocks of the rounded and of the tamping rod A further similar quantity of aggregate
shall be added and procedure repeated. The measure shall finally be filled to overflowing
capacity and after tamping surface material is struck off using temping rod weight of
aggregate in the measure is determined and same weight is taken for duplicate test.
Procedure:
1. Transfer the sample to the cylinder steel cup and tamp for 25 times and fix it is the impact
testing machine
2. The hammer of the impact testing shall be allowed to fall freely for 15 times in 15 sec
from a height of 380 mm
3. Take the sample out of the impact machine and the aggregate sample shall be sieved
through 2.36mm sieve and weigh the sample (W2)
4. Calculate the Aggregate Impact Value of the Aggregate by using the formula
𝑊2
= 𝑋100
𝑊1
Observations:

Sr. Description Sample - I Sample -II

No.
Original weight of the aggregate passing through
1.
12.5 mm IS sieve and retained on 10 mm IS
sieve
Weighti.e.ofweight W1
the aggregate passing through 2.36
2.
mm IS sieve after the test i.e. weight W2
Weight of the aggregate retained on 2.36 mm IS
3. sieve after the test
i.e. weight ->W3 = W1 - W2
4. W2 + W3

Impact Value5.= Impact Value = (W2/W1)*100

Aggregate Impact Value = % =

 Specifications:
Sr. No. Aggregate Impact Value Type of aggregate
1. Up to 10 % Exceptionally strong(too hard)
2. 10% to 20% Strong
3. 20% to 30% Satisfactory for road surface

4. > 35 % Weak for road surface

Table: Aggregate Impact Values

Calculations:
The aggregate impact value is expressed as the percentage of the fines formed in terms of the
weight of sample.
Let the original weight of the oven dry sample be = W1, g and the weight of fraction passing
2.36 mm IS sieve be W2 g.

Aggregate impact value =_________x 100 %

Conclusion:
 ABRASION VALUE TEST

Object: To determine abrasion value of aggregates.

Los Angeles Abrasion Test:
The principle of Los Angeles Abrasion Test is to find the percentage wear due to the relative
rubbing action between the aggregate and steel balls used as abrasive charge, pounding
action of these balls also exist while conducting the lest. Some investigators believe this test
to be more dependable as rubbing and pounding action simulate the field conditions where
both abrasion and impact occur. Los Angeles Abrasion Test has been standardized by the
ASTM, AASHO and also by the ISI Standard specifications of Los Angeles Abrasion
Values are also available for various types of pavement constructions.
Apparatus:
1. Abrasion Testing Machine
2. Abrasion charge of dia approximately 48 mm and weight (390 – 445) g.

Figure: Loss Angeles Abrasion Testing Machine

Sample Quantity:
Sieve the sample of aggregate and refer to the "Grades of Test sample" to decide the grade
and the weight of the aggregate to be taken. Take little more than the required quantity and
pH it in the oven at 105 °C to 110 °C for 24 hours for drying. Allow it to cool to room
temperature. From this sample, weigh the required quantity for the test
Procedure:
1. The Aggregate shall be taken as per the grading of Table 2 in IS: 2386 Part – IV Clause
5.3.3. and kept in oven for 24 hours and weighed (W1)
2. The sample to be tested shall be put in Abrasion Testing Machine and the number of
abrasive charge shall be put according to the grading requirement of the aggregate
3. The machine shall be allowed to rotate for 500 revolutions for grading A, B, C, D and
1000 revolutions for grading E, F and G
4. After the completion of the test, the sample shall be taken out of the machine and sieved
thro’ 1.7 mm sieve (W2).
5. Calculate the aggregate abrasion value using the formula
𝑊2
= 𝑋100
𝑊1
Observation Table:
Sr. Description Sample -1 Sample - II
No.
1. Original weight of aggregate W1
gms.
Weight of material retain on 1.70
2.
mm IS-sieve after test W2
3. Weight of passing (W1 - W2)
gms.
Abrasion Value in %
4.
𝑊1−𝑊2
= 𝑋100
𝑊1

Applications of Los Angeles Abrasion Test:

Los Angeles Abrasion test is very widely accepted as suitable test to assess the hardness of
aggregate used in pavement construction. Many agencies have specified the desirable limits
of the test, for different methods of pavement construction. The maximum allowable Los
Angeles Abrasion values of aggregates as specified by Indian Roads Congress for different
methods of construction are given below:
 Sr. Max. Los Angeles
Type of surface
No. Abrasion Value %
Water Bound Macadam and surface treated
1. 40
WBM (Wear at 500 revolutions)
2. Bituminous surface dressing - BM 40
3. Bituminous dam macadam 35
4. DBM,SDBC 35
5. Bituminous concrete 30
6. Cement Concrete 16

The difference between the original and final weights of the sample expressed as a
percentage of the original weight of the sample is reported as the percentage wears.
Weight of
Grad Weight in grams of each lest sample in the size range mm No. of
charge
-ing (passing and retained on square holes) spheres
gms.
50-40, 20- 12.5- 10- 6.3- 4.75-
80-63 63-50 25-20
40-25 12.5 10 6.3 4.75 2.36
A - - - 1250 1250 1250 1250 - - - 12 5000±25
В - - - - - 2500 2500 - - - 11 4584±25
С - - - - - - - 2500 2500 - 8 3330±20
D - - - - - - - - - 5000 6 2500+15
E 2500' 2500 5000 - - - - - - - 12 5000+25

F - »- 5000 5000 - - - - - 12 5000±25

G - - "- *
5000 5000 - 1- - - 12 5000+25
Table: *Specification for Los Angeles Test
Tolerance of ±2 percent is permitted.
Let the original weight of aggregate = W1 gm.
Weight of aggregate retained on 1.70 mm IS sieve after the test = W2 gm.
Loss in weight due to wear = (W1 – W2) gm
𝑊1−𝑊2
Percentage wear = 𝑋100
𝑊1
Calculation:
1 Original Wt Of aggregate, W1 =______gms
2 Weight of material retained 1.7 mm IS Sieve after test, W2 =______gms.
3. Weight of passing, W1 -W2 =______gms.
 𝑊1−𝑊2
4 Abrasion value in % = 𝑋100 =______
𝑊1
Result:
Average Abrasion value in % =

Conclusion:
 FINENESS MODULUS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATE

Object:
To determine the fineness modulus of given fine and coarse aggregates.
Apparatus:
I. IS test sieves,
II. Square hole perforated plate 75mm, 40mm, 20mm, 10mm,
III. Fine wire cloth of 4.75mm, 2.4mm, 1.2mm, 600, 300, and 150 Microns.
IV. Weighing balance (Sensitivity 0.1 percent)
V. Sieve shaker,
VI. Tray plates.
Introduction:
Fine aggregate is sand used in mortars. Coarse aggregate is broken stone used in concrete.
The size of the fine aggregate is limited to maximum 4.75 mm beyond which it is known as
coarse aggregate. Fineness modulus is only a numerical index of fineness, giving some idea
about, the mean size of the particles in the entire body of concrete.

Determination of fineness modulus is considered as a method of standardization of

grading of aggregates i.e. the main object of finding fineness modulus is to grade the given
aggregate for the most economical mix and workability with minimum quantity of cement. It
is obtained by sieving known weight of given aggregate in a set of standard sieves and by
adding the percent weight of material retained on all the sieves and dividing the total
percentage by 100.

Procedure:
Coarse aggregate:
1. Take 5Kgs of coarse aggregate (nominal size 20mm) from the sample by quartering.
2. Carry out sieving by hand, shake each sieve in order 75mm ,40mm, 20mm, 10mm, and
No's 480, 240, 120, 60, 30, & 15 over a clean dry tray for a period of not less than 2
minutes.
3. The shaking is done with a varied motion backward and forward, left to right, circular,
clockwise and anticlockwise and with frequent jarring.
4. So that material is kept moving over the sieve surface in frequently changing directions.
5. Find the weight retained on each sieve taken in order
Fine aggregate:
1. Take 1 Kg of sand from sample by quartering in clean dry plate.
2. Arrange the sieves in order of No. 480, 240, 120, 60, 30 and 15 keeping sieve 480 at top
and 15 at bottom.
3. Fix them in the sieve shaking machine with the pan at the bottom and cover at the top.
4. Keep the sand in the top sieve no 480, carry out the sieving in the set of sieves and
arranged before for not less than 10 minutes.
5. Find the weight retained in each sieve.
Observation:
Weight % Weight % Weight Cumulative
Sr. No. Sieve size
retained retained passing % Weight

1 40 mm retained

2 20 mm
3 10 mm
4 4.75 mm
5 2.36 mm
6 1.18 mm
7 600 micron
8 300 micron
9 150 micron

Fine aggregate: Wt. of fine aggregate taken: Kgs

Weight % Weight % Weight Cumulative

Sr. No. Sieve size
retained retained passing % Weight

1 4.75 mm retained

2 2.36 mm
3 1.18 mm
4 600 micron
5 300 micron
6 150 micron
Coarse aggregate: Wt. of coarse aggregate taken: Kgs.
Fineness Modulus: Sum of Cumulative percentage Wt. retained /100

Precautions:
1. The sample should be taken by quartering.
2. The sieving must be done carefully to prevent the spilling of aggregate.

Result:
The fineness modulus of given fine aggregate: The fineness modulus of given coarse
aggregate:
 SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER ABSORPTION TEST
Method – I (For Fine aggregate)
Objective: To determine specific gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate.
Reference: IS: 2386 (Part III) - 1963
Apparatus: Pycnometer, A 1 000-ml measuring cylinder, well-ventilated oven, Taping rod,
Filter papers and funnel, etc.
Figure:

Procedure:
1. A sample of about 500 g shall be placed in the tray and covered with distilled water at a
temperature of 22 to 32°C. Soon after immersion, air entrapped in or bubbles on the
surface of the aggregate shall be removed by gentle agitation with a rod. The sample shall
remain immersed for 24 ± l/2 hours.
2. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample, by decantation through a filter
paper, any material retained being return& to the sample. The fine aggregate including
any solid matter retained on the filter paper shall be exposed to a gentle current of warm
air to evaporate surface moisture and the material just attains a “free-running” condition.
The saturated and surface-dry sample shall be weighed (weight A).
3. The aggregate shall then be placed in the pycnometer which shall be filled with distilled
water. Any trapped air shall be eliminated by rotating the pycnometer on its side, the hole
 in the apex of the cone being covered with a finger. The pycnometer shall be dried on the
outside and weighed (weight B).
4. The contents of the pycnometer shall be emptied into the tray, care being taken to ensure
that all the aggregate is transferred. The pycnometer shall be refilled with distilled water
to the same level as before, dried on the outside and weighed (weight C).
5. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample by decantation through a filter
paper and any material retained returned to the sample. The sample shall be placed in the
oven in the tray at a temperature of 100 to 110°C for 24 f l/2 hours, during which period it
shall be stirred occasionally to facilitate drying. It shall be cooled in the air-tight container
and weighed (weight D).
6. Calculations— Specific gravity, apparent specific gravity and water &sorption shall be
calculated as follows:
𝐃
Specific gravity =
𝐀−(𝐁−𝐂)
𝐃
Apparent Specific gravity =
𝐃−(𝐁−𝐂)
𝟏𝟎𝟎 (𝐀−𝐃)
Water absorption =
𝑫

A = Weight in g of saturated surface dry sample

B = weight in g of pycnometer or gas jar containing sample and filled with distilled
water,
C = weight in g of pycnometer or gas jar filled with distilled water only, and
D = weight in g of oven - dried sample.

Conclusion / Result:
I. The Specific Gravity of a given sample of course aggregate is found to be …….
II. The Water Absorption of a given sample of course aggregate is found to be ……. %
Method – II (For Coarse aggregate)
Object: To determine the specific gravity and water absorption of coarse aggregates by
perforated basket.
Reference: IS: 2386 (Part III) - 1963
Introduction:
The specific gravity of an aggregate is considered to be a measure of strength or quality of
the material. The specific gravity test helps in the identification of stone. Water absorption
gives an idea of strength of aggregate. Aggregates having more water absorption are more
porous in nature and are generally considered unsuitable unless they are found to be
acceptable based on strength, impact and hardness tests.

dry weight of the aggregate

Specific gravity =Weight of equal volume of water
dry weight of the aggregate
Apparent specific gravity =Weight of equal volume of water excluding air voids in aggregate

Apparatus:
I. A wire basket of not more than 6.3mm mesh or a perforated container of convenient
size with thin wire hangers for suspending it from the balance.
II. A thermostatically controlled oven to maintain temperature of 100° to 110°C.
III. A container for filling water and suspending the basket.
IV. An airtight container of capacity similar to that of the basket.
V. A balance of capacity about 5 kg to weigh accurate to 0.5 g. and of such a type and
shape as to permit weighing of the sample container when suspended in water.
VI. A shallow tray and two dry absorbent clothes, each not less than 750 X 450 mm.
Procedure:
1. A sample of not less than 2000 g of the aggregate shall be thoroughly washed to remove
finer particles and dust, drained and then placed in the wire basket and immersed in
distilled water at a temperature between 22°C to 32°C with a cover of at least 5 cm of
water above the top of the basket.
2. Immediately. after immersion the entrapped air shall be removed from the sample by
lifting the basket containing it 25 mm above the base of the tank and allowing it to drop
25 times at the rate of about one drop per second. The basket and aggregate shall remain
completely immersed during the operation and for a period of 24 ± l/2 hours afterwards.
3. The basket and the sample shall then be jolted and weighed in water at a temperature of
22°C to 32°C (weight A1).
4. The basket and the aggregate shall then be removed from the water and allowed to drain
for a few minutes, after which the, aggregate shall be gently emptied from the basket on
to one of the dry clothes, and the empty basket shall be returned to the water and weighed
in water ( weight A2 ).
5. The aggregate placed on the dry cloth shall be gently surface dried with the cloth,
transferring it to the second dry cloth when the first will remove no further moisture. The
aggregate shall then be weighed (weight B).
6. The aggregate shall then be placed in the oven in the shallow tray, at a temperature of 100
to 110°C and maintained at this temperature for 24 ± l/2 hours. It shall then be removed
from the oven, cooled in the airtight container and weighed (weight C).
7. Calculations— Specific gravity, apparent specific gravity and water &sorption shall be
calculated as follow:

Figure
 𝐂
Specific gravity =
𝐀−𝐁
𝐂
Apparent Specific gravity =
𝐂−𝐁
𝟏𝟎𝟎 (𝐁−𝐂)
Water absorption =
𝐂

A = Weight of saturated aggregate in water (A1 –A2)

B = Weight of the saturated surface - dry aggregate in air
C = Weight of oven dried aggregate in air.
A = Weight of aggregate and basket in water
A = Weight of empty basket in water

Conclusion / Result:
III. The Specific Gravity of a given sample of course aggregate is found to be …….
IV. The Water Absorption of a given sample of course aggregate is found to be ……. %
 FLAKINESS AND ELONGATION INDEX
Object:
To determine the value of Flakiness and Elongation Index of Coarse aggregates.
Reference: IS: 2386 (Part I) – 1963, IS: 383-1970, IS: 460-1962

Introduction:
The particle shape of aggregates is determined by the percentages of flaky and elongated
particles contained in it. In the case of gravel it is determined by its angularity number. For
base course and construction of bituminous and cement concrete types, the presence of flaky
and elongated particles are considered undesirable as they may cause inherent weakness with
possibilities of breaking down under heavy loads. Rounded aggregates are preferred in
cement concrete road construction as the workability of concrete improves. Angular shape of
particles is desirable for granular base course due to increased stability derived from the
better interlocking. Thus evaluation of shape of the particles, particularly with reference to
flakiness, elongation of angularity is necessary.

Flakiness Index:
The flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by weight of particles whose least
dimension (thickness) is less than three fifths (0.6) of their mean dimension. The test is not
applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3 mm.

Apparatus:
The apparatus consists of a standard thickness gauge shown in fig. 1. IS sieves of sizes 63,
50, 40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 mm and a balance to weigh the samples.

Procedure:
1. Sample - A quantity of aggregate shall be taken sufficient to provide the minimum
number of 200 pieces of any fraction to be tested.
2. Sieving - The sample shall be sieved in accordance with the method described in the
sieves specified in Table.
3. Separation of Flaky material- Each fraction shall be gauged in turn for thickness on a
metal gauge of the pattern shown in Fig., or in bulk on sieves having elongated slots.
The width of the slot used in the gauge or sieve shall be of the dimensions specified
in co1 3 of Table for the appropriate size of material.
4. Weighing of Flaky Material - The total amount passing the gauge shall be weighed to
an accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the weight of the test sample.
5. The flakiness index is the total weight of the material passing the various thickness
gauges or sieves, expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged.
6. Sieving - The sample shall be sieved in accordance with the method described in the
sieves specified in Table.
7. Separation of Elongated Material- Each fraction shall be gauged individually for
length on a metal length gauge of the pattern shown in Fig. The gauge length used
shall be that specified in co1 4 of Table for the appropriate size of material.
8. Weighing of Elongated Material - The total amount retained by the length gauge shall
be weighed to an accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the weight of the test sample.
9. The 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.
Thickness gauge
Observation:
1. Total weight of course aggregate . . . . . . . g (Flakiness Index)
Size of Aggregate Weight Percentage
Thickness
Passing Retain Retained on of Weight
Gauge Remark
through IS through IS Thickness Retained
mm
Sieves Sieves Gauge (%)
63 mm 50 mm 33.90
50 mm 40 mm 27.00
40 mm 31 mm 19.60
31 mm 25 mm 16.95
25 mm 20 mm 13.50
20 mm 16 mm 10.80
16 mm 12.5 mm 8.55
12.5 mm 10 mm 6.75
10 mm 6.3 mm 4.89
Total

2. Total weight of course aggregate . . . . . . . g (Elongation Index)

Size of Aggregate Weight Percentage
Thickness
Passing Retain Retained on of Weight
Gauge Remark
through IS through IS Thickness Retained
mm
Sieves Sieves Gauge (%)
63 mm 50 mm -
50 mm 40 mm 81.0
40 mm 31 mm 58.5
31 mm 25 mm -
25 mm 20 mm 40.5
20 mm 16 mm 32.4
16 mm 12.5 mm 25.6
12.5 mm 10 mm 20.2
10 mm 6.3 mm 14.7
Total
Calculation:
𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒈𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒆 (%)
The Flakiness index on an aggregate is = ( )
𝟏𝟎𝟎

𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 𝒈𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒆 (%)

The Elongation index on an aggregate is = ( )
𝟏𝟎𝟎

Conclusion / Result:
I. The flakiness index of a given sample of fine aggregate is ………. %
II. The elongation index of a given sample of fine aggregate is ……..%