Los Angeles Abrasion Tests

Objective : To determine the abrasion value of the aggregate.

Apparatus required
1. Steel spherical balls
2. Abrasion testing machine consists of hollow steel cylinder closed at both ends.
An opening in cylinder shall be provided for introducing the sample
3. Sieves
Theory
The Los Angeles test is a measure of degradation of mineral aggregates of standard
grading resulting from a combination of actions including abrasion or attrition, impact,
and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a specified number of steel spheres.
The Los Angeles abrasion test is a common test method used to indicate aggregate
toughness and abrasion characteristics. The principle of the test is to produce the
abrasive action by use of standard steel balls which when mixed with the aggregate
and rotated in a drum for specific number of revolution cause impact on aggregate.
The percentage wear due to rubbing with steel balls is determined and is known as
abrasion value.

Fig: Los Angeles Abrasion Testing Machine

28 Road Construction Material and Testing : Grade 11

Procedure
1. The sample was prepared by the portion of an aggregate sample retained on the
1.70 mm sieve and placed in a large rotating drum that contained a shelf plate
attached to the outer wall (abrasion-testing machine).
2. A specified number of steel spheres were then placed in the machine and the
drum was rotated for 500 revolutions at a speed of 30-33 revolutions per minute.
3. The material was then separated into material passing the 1.70 mm sieve and
material retained on the 1.70 mm sieve.
4. The sample was dried in an oven.
Calculation:
Percentage of loss due to abrasion was calculated by calculating the difference between
the retained material and the original sample weight. The difference in weight was
reported as a percent of the original weight and called the percent loss.
Conclusion: Thus, the abration test was conducted.

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