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Lab 7

This laboratory report investigates the resistance of aggregates to degradation through the Los Angeles abrasion test, highlighting the importance of aggregate durability in civil engineering structures. The study reveals that variations in aggregate composition, size, and strength significantly affect their performance against abrasion. The findings underscore the need for careful aggregate selection to enhance the longevity and sustainability of construction projects.

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Ron Paolo Acotina
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19 views4 pages

Lab 7

This laboratory report investigates the resistance of aggregates to degradation through the Los Angeles abrasion test, highlighting the importance of aggregate durability in civil engineering structures. The study reveals that variations in aggregate composition, size, and strength significantly affect their performance against abrasion. The findings underscore the need for careful aggregate selection to enhance the longevity and sustainability of construction projects.

Uploaded by

Ron Paolo Acotina
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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New Era University

College of Engineering and Architecture Civil


Engineering Department

CE 324L-18 SOIL MECHANICS


3CE-4

LABORATORY 7
RESISTANCE TO DEGRADATION OF AGGREGATES BY ABRASION AND IMPACT
IN THE LOS ANGELES MACHINE

SUBMITTED BY:

Charlene D. Calubag

SUBMITTED TO:
ENGR. Edna Lyn Ngo
Instructor

MAY 17, 2025


I. ABSTRACT
The durability and strength of aggregates play a crucial role in the performance and longevity
of civil engineering structures. This study investigates the resistance of aggregates to
degradation due to abrasion and impact using the Los Angeles (LA) abrasion test, a widely
adopted method for evaluating aggregate toughness and hardness. The experiment involved
subjecting different aggregate samples to controlled wear conditions in the LA machine,
measuring weight loss to quantify degradation levels. Results indicate significant variations in
aggregate performance based on composition, size, and inherent strength properties. Findings
emphasize the importance of selecting aggregates with superior resistance to abrasion for
infrastructure applications, particularly in high-traffic environments. These insights contribute
to improved material selection criteria, ensuring structural integrity and sustainability in
construction projects.
II. APPARATUS

• Los Angeles Abrasion Machine – A cylindrical steel drum equipped with an internal
shelf and rotating mechanism designed to simulate aggregate wear through abrasion and
impact forces.
• Abrasive Charge – Hardened steel balls used to exert grinding and impact forces on the
aggregates, mimicking real-world mechanical wear conditions.
• Standard Sieve Set – Mesh sieves used for particle size separation, ensuring only
aggregates of the desired gradation remain in the final assessment.
• Balance – A high-accuracy weighing instrument used to measure aggregate samples
before and after testing to determine mass loss.
• Oven – A temperature-controlled drying unit used to remove moisture from aggregates,
ensuring consistency in test results.
III. PROCEDURES

1. Sample Preparation:
o Obtain a representative aggregate sample, ensuring compliance with standard
grading requirements.
o Dry the sample in an oven at 105°C for 24 hours to remove moisture.
2. Test Setup:
o Weigh the dried aggregate sample accurately.
o Place the sample inside the LA Abrasion Machine along with steel spheres
(abrasive charge), according to standard specifications.
3. Abrasion Process:
o Rotate the LA machine for 500 revolutions at a speed of 30–33 rpm.
o The aggregates undergo impact and grinding forces from the steel spheres.
4. Sieving and Analysis:
o After completion, retrieve the sample and sieve it through the 1.70 mm sieve.
o Weigh the retained portion and calculate weight loss as a percentage of the
original sample.
IV. CONCLUSION

The results provide an assessment of aggregate durability and suitability for construction
applications. Aggregates with lower weight loss percentages demonstrate higher resistance
to abrasion, making them ideal for pavements and structural projects requiring longevity.
Factors such as mineral composition, particle shape, and surface texture influence the
degradation rate. The findings highlight the importance of proper aggregate selection to
ensure infrastructure resilience and sustainability.

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