UNIT 2 TESTS OF AGGREGATES FOR

CONCRETE
Structure
2.1 Introduction
Objectives

2.2 Tcsts for Aggregates

2.3 Tesls for Partical Size and Shape
2.3.1 Sieve Analysis
2.3.2 Detsrulinat~onof Materials Finer than 75 Mcrons
2.3.1 Determination of Flakiness Index
2.3.4 Determination of Elongation index
2.3.5 Determination of Angularity Number
2.4 Estimationsf Deleterious Materials and Organic Impurities
2.4.1 ~ e ifor
t Determination of Clay, Fine Silt and Fine Dust (Sedmentation Method)
2.4.2 Test for Determination of Organic Impurities
2.5 Specific Gravity, Densily, Voids, Absorption and Bulking
2.5.1 Test for Dctcrmination of Specific Gravity and Water Absorption
2.5.2 Test for Determination of Bulk Dcnsicy and Voids
2.5.3 Deternlination of Necessary Adjustment for Bulking of Fine Aggregate (Field Method)
2.5.4 Determination of Surface Moistiue in Fine Aggregate (Field Method)
2.6 Mechanical Properties
2.6.1 Test for Deterrninatiou of Aggregate Crushing Value
2.6.2 Test for Determination of 'Ten PercentFines Values'
2.6.3 Test for Determination of Aggregate Impact Value
2.6.4 Test for Determination of Aggregate Abrasion Value

2.7 Soundness
2.8 Alkali Aggregate Reactivity -
2.8.1 Mortar Bar Expans~onTest
282 Chemcal Method
2.9 Summary
2.10 Key Words
2.1 1 Answers to S AQs

2.1 INTRODUCTION
In Unit 1. you studied about'tests of various cement and water. Now, you will be studying
in this unit about the various tests required to maintain quality of aggregales for concrete.
Aggregates are thc important corlsliluents in concrete. They impart body to the concrete,
rcduce shrinkage and effect economy. The mere fact that aggregates occupy 80 percent of
thc volurne of concrete, is a pointer to the impact of properties of aggregates on various
properties and characteristics of concrete. In fact concrete is considered as two-phase
material. i.e. paste phase and aggregate phase. This itself proves llie importance of
aggregates in concrete. Therefore, one of the major contributing factors to the quality of
concrete is the quality of the aggregates. It is, therefore, essential for us to assess the
quality of aggregates being incorporated in the concrete. IS : 2386-1963 lays down thc
various methods of test for aggregates for concrete. We will be studying these methods of
Lests in this unit.
Objectives
At the end of this Unit, you should be able to:
describe the procedure of different tests,
distinguish the purpose of different tests, and
identify the apparatus used for different tests.
 - --
Testing for Conrrete Materials
2.2 TESTS FOR AGGREGATES
IS r 2386-1963 has grouped the test methods for aggregates into eight parts for
convenience of the engineers. These parts and their broad scope is given below
Part I Particle Size and Shape
Part I1 Estimation of Deleterious Materials (and Organic Impurities
Part 111 Specific Gravity. Density, Voids, Absorption and Bulking
Part IV Mechanical Properties
Part V Soundness
Part VI Measuring Mortar Making Properties of Fine Aggregate
Part VII Alkali Aggregate Reactivity
Part VIII Petrographic Examination
We will now exanline tliese methods of tests in general, though for detailed method, you
may refer to these codes directly when required in the field. We will be discussirig tests
listed in Part I to Part V and Part VII only.

2.3 TESTS FOR PARTICLE SIZE AND SHAPE 11

The different tests for particle size and shape as laid down in IS : 2386(Part I) 1963 are :
a) Sieve Analysis,
h) Determination of materials finer than 75 - mcron,
c) Determination of flakiness index;
d) Determination of elongation index, arid
e) Determination of angularity number.
2.3.1 Sieve Analysis
The aggregates used for making concrete are riormally of the maximum size 80 mrn,
40 rnm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 rnm, 2.36 mrn, 600 micron, 300 micron and 150 nlicron.
The aggregate fraction from 80 rnrn to 4.75 mm are termed as coarse aggregate and
those fraction from 4.75 mm to 150 micron are termed as fine aggregate. The siz.e 4.75
mm is a common fraction appearing both in coarse aggregate and fine aggregate (C.A.
and F.A.).
Grading pattern of a satnple of C.A. or F.A. is assessed by sieving a sample successively
tlxough all the sieves mounted one over the other in order of size, with larger sieve on the top.
The material retained on each sieve after shalung, represents the fraction of aggregate coarser
than the sieve in question and finer than the sieve above. Sieving can be done either manually
or mechanically. In the manual operation tht: sieve is shaken giving nlovements in all possihlc
directions to give chance to all particles for passing through the sieve. Operation should be
continued till such time that almost no particle is passing through. Mechanical devices are
actually designed to-give motion in all possible directions, and as such, it is more systematic
and efficient than hand-sieving. For assessing the gradation by sieve analysis the quantity oS
materials to be taken on the sieve is given in Table 2.1.
Combining Aggregates to Obtain Specified Gradings
Sometimes aggregates available at sites may not be of specified or desirable grading. In
such cases two or more aggregates from different sources may be combined to get the
desired grading. Often, mixing of available fine aggregate with available coarse aggregate
in appropriate percentages may produce desirable gradings. But sometimes two or more
fractions of coarse aggregate is mixed first and then the combined coarse aggregate is
mixed with fine aggregate to obtain the desired gradings. Knowing the gradings of
available aggregates, proportions uf rnixing different sizes can be calculated, either
graphically or arith~i~etically.
 Table 2.1 :Minimum Weight of Sample for Sieve Analysis Tesb of
-
(IS :2386 (Part I) 1963) Aggregates for Concrete

Maximum Size Present in Minimum Weight of Sample

Substantial Proportions to be Taken for Sieve Analysis
S)

Reporting of Results : The results shall be calculated and reported as

a) the cumulative percentage by weight of the total sample passing each of the
. sieves to the nearest whole number (it is recornmendcd that cumulative
percentage figures should be used for comparison with specification
requirements or for reporting results graphically), and
b) the percentage by weight of the total sample passing one sieve and retained
on the next smaller sieve to the nearest 0.1 percent.
2.3.2 Determination of Materials Finer than 75 Microns
In this case the test sample weight shall be as given in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2 :Minimum Sample Weight

I I SI.No.
Maximum Nominal
Size of Aggregate
Approximate Minimum
Weight of Sample
I

4) 40 or over 5000

The test sample is placed in container, added water and agitate. The wash water
containing the suspended and dissolved solids is sieved through a nest of two sieves,
the lowcr bcing 75-micron IS sieve and upper approximately 1.18 mm IS sieve. All
material retained or nested sieves shall be returned to the washed sample. The washed
aggregate shall be dried to constant weight at a temperature not exceeding 110 C and
weight to nearest 0.1 percent. The amount of percentage of material finer than 75
micron.

where,
R = original dry weight, and
C = dry weight after washing.
I't\tinp for Corrcrete M;rte~Sals 2.3.3 Determination of Flakiness Index
The flakiness index of aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles in it whose least
dimension (thickness) is less than three-fifths ot their mean dimension. The test is not
applicable to slzes smaller than 6.3 mm.
Test for Determination of Flakiness Index
This test is conducted by using a rnetal thickness gauge, of the description shown in Figurc
2.1. A sufficient quantity of aggregate,is taken such that a minimum number of 200 picces
of any fraction can be tested. Each fraction is gauged in turn for thickness on the metal
gauge. The total amount passing in the gauge is weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 per cenl of
the weight of the samples taken. The flakiness index is taken as the total weight of the
material passing the various thickness gauges expressed as a percentage of the total
weight of the sample taken. Table 2.3 shows the standard dimensions of tllickness and
length gauges.
Table 2.3 : Dimensions of Thickness and Length Gauges
(IS :2386 (Part-I) 1963)
-
- - -.
Size of Aggregate
GaugeThickncss * Gauge Cenith* ** I
Sieve (mm) Sieve (mm) (mm) (m m) I

* The dimension is equal to 0.6 times the mean Sieve size.

** X s dmension is equal to 1.8 times the mean Sieve size.

These sizes marked on gauge

I

A l l dimensions ~n mm 1.6mmthickness sheet

rolled over 8mm bar

Figure 2.1 :Thickness Gauge

 L
k .
i 2.3.4 Determination of EIongatioil Index ~
l esls of
Aggregates for Concrete
'The elongation index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles whose
grealcsl dimerlsion (length) is greater than 1.8 times their mean dimension. The elongation
irlticx is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3 rnm.
Test for Determination of Elongation Index
This test is conducted by using metal length gauge of the description shown in Figure 2.2.
A suf'icienl quantily of aggregate is taken to provide a minimum number of 200 pieces of
any fraction lo be tested. Each fraction shall be gauged individually for length on the metal
gauge.
The gauge length used shall be that specified in column 4 of Table 2.3 for the appropriate

Passing
of sieve-
Retain~d-
1
' 1 1
0 112.5 '5 20
6 3 , 10 .12.5, 1 1
1 1 25

4
All d m e n s i o n s in mm
I Figure 2.2 :Length Gauge
i
!
I size of matenal. The total amount retained by the gauge length shall be weighed to an
accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the weight of the test samples taken. 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.
2.3.5 Determination of Angularity Number
One of the methods of expressing the angularity qualitatively is by a figure called
Angularity Number, as suggested by Shergold. This is based on the percentage voids in the
aggregate after compaction in a specified manner. The test gives a value termed the
angularity number. The method of determination is described in IS : 2386 (Part 1)-1963.
A quantity of single sized aggregate is filled into metal cylinder of three litres capacity.
The aggregates are compacted in a standard manner and the percentage of void is found
out. If the void is 33 percent the angularity of such aggregate is considered zero. If the void
is 34 percent the angularity number of such aggregate is considered 11. In other words, if
the angularity number is zero, the solid volume of the aggregate is 67 percent and if
angularity number 1s 11, the solid volume of the aggregate is 56 percent. The normal
aggregates which are suitable for making the concrete may have angularity number
anylhing from zero to 11. Angularity number zero represents the most practicable rounded
aggregates and the angularity number 11 indicates the most angular aggregates that could
be tolerated for making concrete not so unduly llarsh and uneconomical.
Thc angularity number shall be calculated from the formula:
lOOW
An'gularity number = 67 - -
c GA
where,
W = mean weight in gm of [he aggregate in the cylinder,

C = weight of water in gm rcquired fill the cylinder, and

(& = specific gravity of the aggregate.
Testing for Concrete Materials
2.4 ESTIMATION OF DELETERIOUS MATERIALS
AND ORGANIC IMPURITIES
Though IS : 2386 (Part 11)-1963gives five different tests in this regard, but the two most
important tests only will be discussed here below.
2.4.1 Test for Determination of Clay, Fine Silt and Fine Dust
(Sedimentation Method) [IS : 2386 (Part 11) - 19631
This is a gravimetric method for determining the clay, fine silt and fine dust which
includes particles upto 20 microns.
Thc sample for test is prepared from the main sample, taking particular care that the test
sample contains a correct proportion of the finer material. The amount of sample taken for
the test is in accordance with Table 2.4.
Table 2.4 :Weight of Sample for Determination of
Clay, Fine Silt and Fine Dust

Maximum Size Present in Approximate Weight of

Substantial Proportions Sample for Test
(mm) (kg)

4.75 or smaller 0.3

Figure 2.3 :Sedimentation Pipette for Determination of Clay and Silt Content

Sedimentation pipette of the description shown in Figure 2.3 is used for determination of
clay and silt content. In the case of fine aggregate, approximately 300 gm of samples in the
air-dry condition, passing the 4.75 rnm IS Sieve, is weighed and placed in the screw
topped glass jar, together with 300 ml of the diluted sodium oxalate solution. The rubber
washer and cap are fixed. Care is taken to ensure water tightness. The jar is then rotated
about its long axis, with this axis horizontal, at a speed of 80 +_ 20 revolutions per minute
for a period of 15 minutes. At the end of 15 minutes the suspension is poured into 1000 ml
measuring cylinder and the residue washed by gentle swirling and decantation of
successive 150 ml portions of sodium oxalate solution, the washings being added to the Tests of
Aggregates for Concrete
cylinder until lhe volume is made upto 1000 ml. I

In the case of coarse aggregate the weighed sample is placed in a suitable container,
covered with a measured volume of sodium oxalate solution (0.8 gm per litre), agitated
vigorously to remove all f i e material adhered and the liquid suspension transferred to the
1000 ml measuring cylinder. This process is repeated till all clay material has been
transferred to the cylinder. The volume is made upto 1000 ml with sodium oxalate solution.
The suspension in the measuring cylinder is thoroughly mixed. The pipette A is then
gently lowered until the pipette touches the surface of the liquid, and then lowered a
further 10 cm into the liquid. Three minutes after placing the tube in position, the pipctte A
and the bore of tap B is filled by opening B and applying gentle suction at C. A small
surplus may be drawn up into the bulb between tap B and tube C, but this is allowed to run
away and any solid matter is washed out with distilled water from E. The pipette is then
removed from the measuring cylinder and its contents run into a weighed container. The
contents of the container IS dried at 100°C to 110' C to constant weight, cooled and
weighed.
The percentage of the f i e silt and clay or fine dust is calculated from the formula

where,
W, = weigh1 in gm of the original sample,

W, = weight in gm, of the dried residue,

V = volume in ml of the pipette, and
08 = weight in gm of sodium oxalate in ,one litre of diluted solution.
2.4.2 Test for Determination of Organic Impurities
This lest is an approximate nlethod for estimating whether organic compounds are present
in the natural sand in an objectionable quantity or within the permissible limit. The sand
from the natural source is tested as delivered and without drying. A 350 ml graduated clear
glass bottle is filled to the 75 ml mark with 3 percent solution of sodium hydroxide in
water. The sand is added gradually until the volunle measured by the sand layer is 125 rnl.
The volume is then made upto 200 ml by adding more solution. The bottle is then
stoppered and shaken vigorously. Rodding also may be permitted to dislodge any organic
matter adhering lo lhe natural sand by using glass rod. The liquid is then allowed to stand
for 24 hours. The colour of this liquid after 24 hours is compared with a standard soluhon
freshly prepared, as follows :
Add 2.5 ml of 2 percent solution of tannic acid in 10 per cent alcohol, to 97.5 ml of a
3 per cent sodium hydroxide solution. Place in a 350 ml bottle, stopper, shake vigorously
and allow to stand for 24 hours before comparison with the solution jibove and described
in the preceding paragraph. Alternatively, an instrument or coloured acetate sheets for
making the comparison can be obtained, but it is desirable that these should be verified on
receipt by comparison with the standard solution.

2.5 SPECIFIC GRAVITY,-DENSITY, VOIDS,,

ABSORPTION AND BULKING
IS : 2386 (Part 111)-1963 covers four niethods of testing the above properties, which can be
discussed now.
2.5.1 Test for Determination of Specific Gravity and Water
Absorption
Indian Standard Specification IS : 2386 (Part111) of 1963 gives various procedures to find
out the specific gravity of different sizes of aggregates. The following procedure is
applicable to aggregate size larger than 10 rnm.
A sample of aggregate not less than 2 kg is taken. It is thoroughly washed to remove the
finer particles and dust adhering to the aggregate. It is then placed in a wire basket and
TestingforConcreteMateri4s immersed in distilled water at a temperature between 22' to 32OC. Immediately after
irllrnersion, thc entrapped air is removed from the sample by lifting the basket containing it
25 mm above the hase of the tank and allowing it to drop 25 times at the rate of about one
drop per sec. During the operation, care is taken that the basket and aggregate remain
, 1
completely immersed in water. They are kept in water for a period of 24 1 - hours
2
afterwards. The basket and aggregate are the11jolted and weighed (weight A,) in water at a
temperature 22' to 32OC. The basket and the aggregate are thcn removed from water and
allowed to drain for a few minutes and then the aggregate is taken out from the basket and
placed on dry cloth and the surface is gently dried with the cloth. The aggregate is
transferred to the second dry cloth and further dried. The empty basket is again immersed
in water, jolted 25 times and weighed in water (weight A,). The aggregate is exposed to
atmosphere away from direct sunlight for not less than 10 minutes until it appears
completely surface dry. Then the aggregate is weighed in air (weight B). Then the
aggregate is kept in the oven at a temperature of 100 to 110 O C and maintained at this
temperature for 24 + 1
-hours. It is then cooled in the air-tight container, and weighed
2 /

(weight C).
C
Specific Gravity = --
B-A
C
Apparent Sp. Gravity = -
C-A
Water absorption
= lOO(B-C)_
(Per cent of dry weight)
C
where,
A = the weight in gm of the saturated aggregate in water (A, -A,),
B = the weight in gm of the saturated surface-dry aggregate in air, 'and
C = the weight in gm of oven-dried aggregate in air.
2.5.2 Test for Determination of Bulk Density and Voids
Bulk density is the weight of material in a given volume. It is normally expressed in kg per
litre. A cylindrical rneasure preferably machined to accurate internal dimensions is used
for measuring bulk density. The size of the container for measuring bulk density is shown
in Table 2.5.
, Table 2.5: Size of Container for Bulk Density Test
Size of Largest Nominal Inside Inside Thickness
Particles Capacity Diameter Height of Metal
(cm) (cm)
4.75 and under 1s 17

Over 4.75to 40 I IS

Over 40 1 30

The cylindrical measure is filled about 113 each time with thoroughly mixed aggregate and
tamped with 25 strokes by a bullet ended tamping rod, 16 mm diameter and 60 cm long.
The measure is carefully struck off level using tamping rod as a straight edge. The net
weight of Uie aggregate in thc measure is determined and the bulk density is calculated in
kgllitre.
Net weight of the aggregate in kg
Bulkdensity =
Capacity of the container in litre

Percentage of voids = -
G s - y x 100
GJ
where,
G, = Specific gravity of aggregate, and
 Tests of
y = bulk density in kgllitre.
Aggregates for C o ~ ~ c r e i e
2.5.3 Determination of Necessary Adjustment for Bulking of Fine
Aggregate (Field Method)
,The volume of sand increases when moisture is present and this phenomena is known as
bulking. The extent of bulking can be estimatcd by a simple field test. A sample of moist
fine aggregate is Cilled into a measuring cylinder in the normal manner. Note down the
level, say hi. Pour water into the measuring cylinder and completely inundate the sand and
shake it. Since the volume of the saturated sand is the same as that of the dry sand. the
inundated sand completely offsets the bulking effect. Note down the level of the sand say,
h,. Then h l - h2 shows the bulking of the sample of sand under test.

h i - h2
Percentage of bulking = -x 100
h2
The field test to find out the percentage of bulking is so simple that this could be
conducted in a very shoit time interval and the percentage of bulking so found out could be
employcd for correcting the volume of fine aggregate to be used. This can be considered as
'one of the important methods of field control to produce quality concrete. Since volume
hatching is not adopted for controlled concrete, the determination of the percentage of
moisture content is not normally required. The quantity of water could be controlled by
visual exanlination of the mix and by experience. The percentage of free moisture content
is required to be determined and correction made only when weigh hatching is adopted for
production of quality concrete.
2.5.4 Determination of Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate (Field
Method)
In this test the container is filled upto the mark with water and the weight in grams
determined. It is now emptied and enough water is placed to cover the sample. The sample
of fine aggregate is now introduced into the container and the entrained air is removed.
The container is then filled to the original mark and weight in grams determined.
Then V,=Mc+Ms-M
where,
Vs = weight in gm of water displaced by the sample,
M,. = weight in gm of container filled upto the, mark with water,
M, = weight in gm of the sample, and
M = weight in gm of the sample and container filled to the mark with water.

Then,

where,
PI = %age surface moisture in terms of saturated surface dry fine aggregate,
V , = weight in gm of water displaced,
Vd = the weight of sample (M,) divided by the specific gravity on saturated
and surface dry basis, determined as prescribed, and
P?, = %age surface moisture in terms of the weight of wet fine aggregate.

2.6 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

IS : 2386 (Part 1V)-1963 gives six different tests. However the four most commonly used
tests are described as fallows.
TestingforConcreteMateri*s 2.6.1 Test for Determination of Aggregate Crushing Value
The "aggregate crushing value" gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate
to crushing under a gradually applied compressive load. With aggregates of 'aggregate
crushing value' 30 or higher, the result may be anomalous and in such cases the "ten per
cent fines value" should be determined and used instead.
The standard aggregate crushing test is made on aggregate passing through 12.5 mm I.S.
Sieve and retained on 10 mm I.S. Sieve. If required, or if the standard size is not available.
other sizes upto,25 mm may be tested. But owing to the non-homogeneity of aggregates
the results will not be comparable with those obtained in the standard test.
About 6.5 kg material consisting of aggregates passing through 12.5 mm and retained on
10 m n ~view is taken. The aggregate in a surface dry condition is filled into the standard
cylindrical measure in three layers approximately of equal depth. Each layer is tamped 25
times w~ththc tamping rod and finally levelled off using the tamping rod as straight edge.
The weight of the sample contained in the cylinder is taken as A. The same weight of the
sample is taken for the subsequent repeat test.
The cylinder of the test apparatus with aggregate filled in a standatd manner is put in
position on the base-plate and the aggregate is carefully levelled and the plmger inserted
horizontally on this surface. The plunger should not jam in the cylinder.
The apparatus, with the test sample and plunger in position, is placed on the compression
testing machine and is loaded uniformly upto a total load of 4 0 tons is 10 minutes time.
The load is then released and the whole of the material removed from the cylinder and
sieved on a 2.36 mrn I.S. Sieve. The fraction passing through the sieve i s weighed and
taken as B.
B
The aggregate crushing value = - x 100
A
where, . ,

B = weight of fraction passing 2.36 mm sieve, and

A = weight of surface-dry sample taken in mould.
The aggregate crushing value should not be more than 45 per cent for aggregate used for
concrete other than for wearing surfaces, and 30 percent of concrete used for wearing
surfaces such as runways, roads and air field pavements.
2.6.2 Test for Determination of 'Ten Percent Fines Value'
The sample of aggregate for this test is the same as that of the sample used for aggregate
crushing value test. The test sample is prepared in the same way as described earlier. The
cylinder of the test apparatus is placed in position on the base plate and the test sample
added in three layers, each layer being subjected to 25 strokes-by tamping rod. The surface
of the aggregate is carefully levelled and the plunger inserted so that it rests horizontally
on this surface.
The apparatus, with the test sample and plunger in position is placed in the compression
testing machine. The load is applied at a uniform rate so as to cause a total penetration of
the plunger in 10 minutes of about:
15.00 mm for rounded or partially rounded aggregates (for example unmshed gravels)
20.00 mm for normal crushed aggregates, and
24.00 mm for honeycombed aggregates (for example, expanded shales and slags).
These figures may be varied according to the extent of the rounding or honeycombing.
After reaching the required maximum penetration, the load is released and the whole
sample material removed from the cylinder and sieved on a 2.36 mm I.S. Sieve. The fines
passing through the sieve is weighed and the weight is expressed as a percentage of the
weight of the test sample. This percentage would fall within the range 7.5 to 12.5, but if it
does not, a further test shall be made at a load adjusted as seems appropriate to bring the
percentage fines within the range of 7.5 to 12.5 per cent. Repeat test is made and the load
is found out, which gives a percentage of fines within the range of 7.5 to 12.5.
14x X
Load required for 10 percent fines = -
Y+ 4
 Tests o f
i where, Aggregates for Concrete

f X = load in tons, causing 7 5 to 12.5 per cent fines, and

I Y = mean percentage fines from two tests at X tons load.
2.6.3 Test for Determination of Aggregate Impact Value
The aggregate impact value gives relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to
sudden shock or impact which in some aggregates differs from its resistance to a slow
compressive load.
The test sample consists of aggregate passing through 12.5 mm and retained on 10 mrn I.S.
Sieve. The aggregate shall be dried in an oven for a period of four hours at a temperature
of 100 to 110°C and cooled. The aggregate is filled about one-third full and tamped with
25 strokes by the tamping rod. Further, a similar quantity of aggregate is added and
tamped in the standard manner. The measure is filled to over- flowing and then struck off
level. The net weight of the aggregate in the measure is determined (weight A) and this
weight of aggregate shall be used for the duplicate test on the same material).
The whole sample is filied into a cylindrical steel cup firmly fixed on the base of the
machine. A hammer weighing about 14 kgs is raised to a height of 380 rnrn above the
upper surface of the aggregate in the cup and allowed to fall freely on the aggregate. The
test sample shall be subjected to a total 15 such blows each being delivered at an interval
of not less than one second. The crushed aggregate is removed from the cup and the whole
of it is sieved on 2.36 mm I.S. Sieve. The fraction passing the sieve is weighed to an
accuracy of 0.1 gm (weight B). The fraction retained on the sieve is also weighed
(weight C). If the total weight (B + C ) is less than the initial weight A by more than one
gm the result shall be discarded and a fresh test made. Two tests are made.
The ratio of Ule weight of fines formed to the total sample weight in each test is expressed
as percentage.
B
Therefore, Aggregate Impact Value = - x 100
A
where,
B = weight of fraction passing 2.36 mm I.S. Sieve, and
A = weight of oven-dried sample.
The aggregate impact, value should not be more than 45 per cent by weight for aggregates
used for concrete other than wearing surfaces and 30 per cent by weight for concrete to be
used as wearing surfaces, such as runways, roads and pavement.
2.6.4 Test for Determination of Aggregate Abrasion Value
Indian Standard 2386 (Part IV)of 1963 covers two methods for finding out the abrasion
value of coarse aggregates : namely, by the use of Deval abrasion testing machine and by
the use of Los Angeles abrasion testing machine. However, the use of Los Angeles testing
machine gives a better realistic picture of the abrasion resistance of the aggregate. This
method is only described herein.
Table 2.6 gives the detail of abrasive charge which consists of cast iron spheres or steel
spheres approximately 48 mm in diameter and each weighing between 390 to 445 gm.
Table 2.6 :Specified Abrasive Charge
-
S1.No. Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge
Testing for Concrete Materids The test sanlple consists of clean aggregale which has been dried in an oven at 105 lo
110 "C and it should conform to one of the gradings shown in Table 2.7.
Table 2.7 : Gradings of Test Samples
- - 7

Sieve Size Weight of Test Sample for ~ r a h in

e gm
S1.No.
B C

Test sample and abrasive chargc is placed in the Los Angeles abrasion testing machine and
the machine is rotatcd at a speed of 20 to 33 revlmui. For gradings A, B, C and D. the
machine is rotated for 500 revolubons. For gradings E, F and G , it is rotated 1000
revolutions. At the completion of the above number of revolution, the matcrial is
discharged from the machine and a preliminary separation of thc sample 11ladeon sieve
coarser than 1.7 rmn IS Sieve. Finer portion is then sieved on a 1.7 rnm IS sleve. The
material coarser than 1.7 mmIS Sieve is washed, dried in an oven at 105 to 110'C to a
substantially constant weight and accurately weighed to the nearest gram.
The difference between the original weight and the final weight or test sample is
expressed as a percentage of the original weight of the test sample. This value is reported
as the percentage of wear. The percentage of wear should not be more than 16 per cent for
concrete aggregates.
SAQ 1
i) What test is conducted to determine Soundness of aggregate'? HOWis it .
conducted?
ii) What is aggregate crushing value and how is it determined?
iii) How do you determine angularity number of aggregate?
iv) Descrihe the field method for determination of necessary adjustment for
bulking of fine aggregate.

- -
2.7 SOUNDNESS
Soundness refers to the ability of aggregate to resist excessive changes in volume as a
result of changcs in physical conditions. These physical conditions that affect the
soundness of aggregate are the freezing and thawing, variation in temperature, alternate
wetting and drying under normal conditions and wetting and drying in salt water.
Aggregates which are porous, weak and containing any undesirable extraneous matters
undergo excessive volume change when subjected to the above conditions. Aggregates Terts of
Aggreg3tes for Co~~rrete
which undergo more than the specified amount of volume change is said to be unsound
aggregates. If concrete is liable to be exposed to the action of frost, the coarse and fine
aggregate wh~chare going to be used should be subjected to soundness test.
2.7.1 Soundness Test
The soundness test consists of alternative immersion of carefully graded and weighed test
sample in a solution of sodium or magnesium sulphate and oven drying it under specified
conditions. The accumulation and growth of salt crystals in the pores of the particles, is
thought to produce disruptive internal forces similar to the action of freezing of water or
crystallisation of salt. Loss in weight, is measured for a specifed number of cycles.
Soundness test is specified in IS 2386 (Part V). As a general guide. it can be taken that the
average loss of weight after 10 cycles should not exceed 12 percent and 18 percent when
tested with sodiun~sulphate and ~nagnesiumsulphate respectively.

2.8 ALKALI AGGREGATE REACTIVITY

Two tests prescribed by IS : 2386 (Part VII) - 1963 are now discussed.
2.8.1 Mortar Bar Expansion Test
Mortar Bar Expansion Test devised by Stanton has proved to be a very reliable test in
assessing Ule reactivity or otherwise of the aggregate. A specimen of size 25 mrn x 25 Inrn
'and 250 mm length is cast, cured and stored in a standard manner as specified in IS : 2386
(Part VII-1963). Measure the length of the specimens periodically, at the ages of 1,2,3, 6,
9 & 12 months. Find out the difference in the length of the specimen to the nearest 0.001
percent and record the expansion of the specimen. The aggregate under test is considered
harmful if it expands more than 0.05 percent after 3 months or more than 0.1 percent after
six months.
2.8.2 Chemical Method
The potential reactivity of aggregate can also be found out by chemical method. In this
method the potential reactivity of an aggregate with alkalies in Portland cement is
indicated by the amount of reaction taking place during 24 hours at 80 O C between Sodium
hydroxide solution and the aggregate that has been crushed and sieved to pass a
300 micron IS Sieve and retained on 150 micron IS Sieve. The solution after 24 hours is
analysed for silica dissolved and reduction in alkalinity, both expressed as n~llimolesper
litre. The values are plotted as shown in Figure 2.4 reproduced from IS : 2386 (Part

S i l i c a dissolved from 300 microns s i z e aggregate

m a t e r i a l (millimoles(litre by I N NZOk s o l u t i o n
( q u a n t ~ t ySc. )

Figurc 2.4 :Illustration of Division Between Imocuous and Deleterious Aggregates on Basis of Reduction in
Alkalinity Test
Te*tingforConcreteMaterids VIII-1963). Generally, a potentially deleterious reaction is indicated if the plotted test
result falls to the right of the boundary line of Figure 2.4 and if plotted result falls to the
left side of the boundary line, the aggregate may be considered as innocuous. The above
chemical test also be employed for finding out the effectiveness of adding a particular
proportion of pozzolanic material to offset the alkali-aggregate reaction.
SAQ 2
i) What do you understand by the term "Alkali Aggregate Reactivity" and how
is it determined by Chemical Method?
ii) Which sieves are used generally in sieve-analysis?
iii) How do you determine the aggregate abrasion value? What are the
recommended limits for different situations?
iv) What is "Sedimentation Method" and what is its objective?

I
2.9 SUMMARY
In this unit we have discussed about method of tests for aggregates for concrete. These
tests are given in great detail in IS : 2386 - 1963 in Parts I to V and VII and cover the
aspects of particle size and shape, deleterious materials and organic impurities, specific
gravity, density, voids, absorption and bulking, mechanical properties, soundness and
alkali aggregate reactivity. These tests are conduct to determine the suitablity of aggregate
for concrete.

2.10 KEY WORDS

Aggregate Crushing : Relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to crushing
Value under a gradually applied compressive long.
Soundness Ability of aggregate to resist excessive changes in volume as a
result of changes in physical conditions.

2.11 ANSWERS TO SAQs

Refer the preceding text for answers/solutions of all SAQs.