ABRASION VALUE OF COARSE AGGREGATE BY LOS ANGLES ABRASION

TEST

(IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963) Reaffirmed 2002

AIM

To determine the abrasion value of coarse aggregates as per IS: 2386 (Part IV) - 1963.

APPARATUS

i) Los Angles abrasion testing machine

ii) IS Sieve of size - 1.7mm

iii) Abrasive charge - 12 nos. cast iron or steel spheres approximately 48mm dia. and each
weighing between 390 and 445g

iv) Oven

PREPARATION OF SAMPLE

The test sample should consist of clean aggregates which has been dried in an oven at 105 to
110ºC to a substantially constant weight and should conform to one of the grading shown in
the table below:

DISCUSSION

Apart from testing the aggregate with respect to its crushing value and impact resistance, the
aggregates must be tested with respect to its resistance to wear when used in construction of
roads, pavements, and warehouse floors. 1S 2386(part V) covers two methods for finding out
the abrasion value of coarse aggregate namely Deval and Los Angels abrasion testing
machine. However, use of Los Angels abrasion testing machine gives a better realistic picture
of the abrasion resistance of the aggregate. Following are the guidelines for grading of the
test sample and specifications for the abrasive charge to be used for the test.

APPARATUS

 Los Angels abrasion testing machine, abrasive charges, trowel, weighing balance,

 Weights, 1.7 mm, 12.5mm, 10rnm 1.S sieves.

 Los Angels Abrasion Testing Machine: Machine consists of hollow steel cylinder, 12
mm thick closed at both the ends having inside diameter 70cm and inside length 50
cm mounted on a shaft which rotates on horizontal axis, bearing of the shaft being
mounted on concrete piers.

 Abrasive Charge: It consists of cast iron or steel spheres approximately 48mm in

diameter weighing between 390 to 445 gms.
MATERIAL: Aggregate sample.

The test sample consists of clean aggregate which has been dried in an oven at 105-1100C

PROCEDURE:

1. Place the test sample and the abrasive charge in the Los Angeles Abrasion testing machine
and rotate the machine at a speed of 20 to 32 rpm. For grading A, B, C, and D the machine is
rotated for 500 revolutions and for grading E, F, and G it is rotated for 1000 revolutions.

2. After completing the revolutions, take out the material and separate sample on the sieve
coarser than 1.7rnm IS sieve.

3. Wash the material coarser than 1.7mm IS sieve, dry in an oven at 105 to 1100C and weigh
accurately to nearest gram.

4. The aggregate abrasion value is then the difference between the original weight and the
final weight of the test sample expressed as the percentage of the original weight of the test
sample.

5.0 Observations:

RESULTS

Original weight of aggregate sample = W1 g

Weight of aggregate sample retained = W2 g

Weight passing 1.7mm IS sieve = W1 - W2 g

Los Angeles Abrasion Value = (W1 - W2) / W1 X 100

6.0 Result: Aggregate abrasion value of given sample of aggregate is found to be % hence it
can be used for construction work.

7.0 Requirements:

As per IS specifications the aggregate abrasion value shall not exceed 16%.

8.0 Conclusion: The given sample of aggregate satisfies or does not satisfy I.S. requirement.
For Grading of Aggrgate