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Annex 7, page 475

2 Test procedures to determine the angle of repose and associated apparatus

2.1 Determination of angle of repose of fine-grained materials (size less

than 10 mm): "tilting box test". For use in laboratory or port of loading

2.1.1 Scope

The test provides for the determination of the angle of repose of fine-grained non-cohesive
materials (size less than 10 mm). The results so obtained may be used when interpreting
sections 5 and 6 of this Code for the materials in question.

2.1.2 Definition

The angle of repose obtained by this test is the angle formed between the horizontal and the
top of the testbox when the material in the box just begins to slide in bulk.

2.1.3 Principle of test

When measuring the angle of repose by this method, the material surface should initially be
level and parallel to the testbox base. The box is tilted without vibration and tilting is stopped
when the product just begins to slide in bulk.

2.1.4 Apparatus (see figure 2.1.4)

Apparatus is as follows:

.1 A framework, on top of which is attached an open box. Attachment of the box

to the frame is by means of a shaft passing through bearings affixed to both
the frame and the end of the box, enabling the box to be subjected to a
controlled tilt.

.2 The dimensions of the box are 600 mm long, 400 mm wide and 200 mm high.

.3 To prevent sliding of the material along the bottom of the box during tilting, a
tightly fitting grating (openings 30 mm x 30 mm x 25 mm) is placed on the
bottom of the box before filling.

.4 Tilting of the box is effected by a hydraulic cylinder fitted between the frame
and the bottom of the box. Other means may be used to obtain the required
tilting but in all cases vibration must be eliminated.

.5 To pressurize the hydraulic cylinder, a hydropneumatic accumulator may be

used, pressurized by air or gas at a pressure of about 5 kp/cm2.

.6 The rate of tilting should be approximately 0.3°/s.

.7 Range of tilt should be at least 50°.

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Figure 2.1.4 Basic sketch of tilting box

.8 A protractor is fitted to the end of the shaft. One lever of the protractor is fitted
so that it may be screw-adjusted to the horizontal.

.9 The protractor should measure the angle of the top of the box to the
horizontal to within an accuracy of 0.5°.

.10 A spirit level or some other levelling device should be available to zero
the protractor.

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2.1.5 Procedure

The box is filled with the material to be tested by pouring it slowly and carefully from the lowest
practical height into the box in order to obtain uniformity of loading.

The excess material is scraped off with the aid of a straight edge, inclined at about 45° towards
the direction of scraping.

The tilting system is then activated and stopped when the material just begins to slide in bulk.

The angle of the top of the box to the horizontal is measured by the protractor and recorded.

2.1.6 Evaluation

The angle of repose is calculated as the mean of three measurements and is reported to within
half a degree.

Notes: Preferably the test should be carried out with three independent samples.

Care should be taken to ensure that the shaft is adjusted to be horizontal before
testing.

2.2 Alternative or shipboard test method to be used for the determination of the
angle of repose when the tilting box is not available

2.2.1 Definition

According to this method the angle of repose is the angle between the cone slope and the
horizontal measured at half height.

2.2.2 Principle of test

To determine the angle of repose, a quantity of the material to be tested is poured very carefully
out of a flask onto a sheet of rough-textured paper, in such a way that a symmetrical cone is
formed.

2.2.3 Equipment

The necessary equipment to carry out this test is as follows:

- a horizontal table free from vibrations;

- a sheet of rough-textured paper onto which the material should be poured;

- a protractor; and

- a 3-L conical flask.

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2.2.4 Procedure

Put the sheet of paper on the table. Split 10 L of the material to be tested into three subsamples
and test each in the following way:

Pour two thirds of the subsample (i.e. 2 L) onto the sheet, producing a starting cone. The
remainder of this subsample is then poured very carefully from a height of a few millimetres on
top of the cone. Care should be taken that the cone will be built up symmetrically. This may be
achieved by revolving the flask slowly close around the top of the cone when pouring.

When measuring, care should be taken that the protractor does not touch the cone; otherwise
this may result in sliding of the material and spoil the test.

The angle has to be measured at four places around the cone, about 90° apart.

This test should be repeated on the other two subsamples.

2.2.5 Calculations

The angle of repose is taken as the mean of the 12 measurements and is reported to half a
degree. This figure can be converted to the tilting box value as follows:

at = as + 3° (2.2.5)

Where at = angle of repose according to the tilting box text

as = angle of repose according to the survey test

3 Standards used in test procedures

3.1 Standard flow table and frame*

3.1.1 Flow table and frame

3.1.1.1 The flow table apparatus shall be constructed in accordance with figure 3.
The apparatus shall consist of an integrally cast rigid iron frame and a circular rigid table
top, 10 inches + 0.1 inch (254 mm + 2.5 mm) in diameter, with a shaft attached perpendicular
to the table top by means of a screw thread. The table top, to which the shaft with its integral
contact shoulder is attached, shall be mounted on a frame in such a manner that it can be
raised and dropped vertically through the specified height, with a tolerance in height of + 0.005
inches (0.13 mm) for new tables and + 0.015 inches (0.39 mm) for tables in use, by means of a
rotated cam. The table top shall have a fine-machined plane surface, free of blowholes and
surface defects, and shall be scribed as shown in figure 3. The table top shall be of cast brass
or bronze having a Rockwell hardness number not less than HRB 25 with an edge thickness
of 0.3 inches (8 mm), and shall have six integral radial stiffening ribs. The table top and
attached shaft shall weigh 9 lb + 0.1 lb (4 kg + 0.05 kg) and the weight shall be symmetrical
around the centre of the shaft.

* Refer to Standard Specification for Flow Table for Use in Tests of Hydraulic Cement, Designation C230-68.
Reprinted by permission of ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken,
PA 19428-2959, USA, © ASTM 1977.

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