CHAPTER 4

AGGREGATES:
 Aggregate are the important constituent in concrete.
Aggregate are granular material, derived from the most part
from the natural rocks, crushed stone, or natural gravels and
sands.
 Aggregate generally occupy abut 70% to 80% of the volume
of concrete and can therefore be expected to have an
important influence on it properties.
 They may also be by-products or waste material from an
industrial process or mining operation.
 The term aggregates generally refers to mineral particles
which have rock as their origin unless otherwise specified.
These include sand, gravel, fieldstone, boulders, and
crushed rock, because all are derived from rock by the
forces of nature or, in the case of crushed rock, by a
manufacturing process.
 Aggregate sizes vary from several inches to the size of the
smallest grain of sand.
 CLASSIFICATION OF AGGREGATES
A. Classification Based on Size
1. Coarse Aggregate – Aggregate which retained on the No. 4 (4.75mm) sieve. The function of
the coarse aggregate is act as the main loadbearing component of the concrete.
2. Fine Aggregate – Aggregate passing No. 4 (4.75mm) sieve and predominately retained on
the No. 200 (75𝜇) sieve. The fine aggregate serve the purpose of filling all open space in
between the coarse particles.
 CLASSIFICATION OF AGGREGATES
B. Classification Based on Source
1. Natural aggregates – this kind of aggregate is taken from natural deposits without changing
their nature during the process production such as crushing and grinding.
2. Manufactured (Synthetic) aggregates – this is a kind of man-made materials produced as a
main product or an industrial by-product. Some example are blast furnace slag, air cooled
slag and broken bricks. Synthetic aggregates are produced by thermally processed materials
such as expanded clay and shale use for making light weight concrete.
 CLASSIFICATION OF AGGREGATES
C. Classification Based on Unit Weight
Aggregates are classified as Light-weight, Heavy-weight
and Normal-weight aggregate depending on weight and specific
gravity.

AGGREGATE SPECIFIC UNIT WEIGHT BULK DENSITY EXAMPLE

GRAVITY (kN/m3) (kN/m3)

NORMAL - 2.5 - 2.7 23 – 26 15.20 – 16.80 Sand

WEIGHT

HEAVY - 2.8 – 2.9 25 – 29 > 20.80 Scrap Iron

WEIGHT

LIGHT – 2.85 12 < 11.20 Dolomite

WEIGHT
 CLASSIFICATION OF AGGREGATES
D. Classification Based on Shape
The shape of aggregates is an important characteristic, since it affect the workability of
concrete.
CLASSIFICATION EXAMPLE

ROUNDED RIVER OR SHORE GRAVELS

PARTLY ROUNDED PIT SANDS & GRAVELS

ANGULAR CRUSHED ROCKS

FLAKY LAMINATED ROCKS

 CLASSIFICATION OF AGGREGATES
E. Classification Based on Surface Texture
Surface texture is a measure of the smoothness and roughness of aggregate. The
grouping of aggregate is broad and is based on visual examination of the specimen. As per IS:
383-1970 the aggregates are classified into five groups, namely: Glassy, Smooth, Granular,
Crystalline, Honeycombed and Porous.
CLASSIFICATION EXAMPLES
A. GLASSY BLACK FINT
B. SMOOTH GRAVEL , MARBLE

C. GRANULAR SANDSTONE

D. ROUGH BASALT

E. CRYSTALLINE GRANITE

F. HONEYCOMBED BRICK

G. POROUS SLAG
 GOOD QUALITIES OF AN IDEAL AGGREGATE

An ideal aggregate used for the manufacturing of concrete and mortar, should meet the
following requirements.
1. It should consist of natural stones, gravels and sand or in various combinations of these
materials
2. It should be hard, strong and durable.
3. It should be dense, clear and free from any coating.
4. It should be free from injurious vegetable matters.
5. It should not contain flaky and elongated pieces.
6. It should not contain any material liable to attack steel reinforcement in case of reinforced
concrete.
 FINE AGGREGATES

 Fine aggregate is the essential ingredient in concrete that consists of natural sand or crushed
stone.
 The concrete or mortar mixture can be made more durable, stronger and cheaper if you made
the selection of fine aggregate on basis of grading zone, particle shape and surface texture,
abrasion and skid resistance and adsorption and surface moisture.

 ROLE OF FINE AGGREGATE IN CONCRETE MIX

 Fine aggregates provide dimensional stability to the mixture.
 The elastic modulus and abrasion resistance of the concrete can be influenced with fine
aggregate
 Fine aggregates quality also influence the mixture proportions and hardening properties.
 The properties of fine aggregates also have a significant impact on the shrinkage of the
concrete.
 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES
A. Size
 The largest size that falls under the limit of the exact set is 4.75 mm.
 Using the largest size will give more dense concrete, but a mixture of all sizes is more
desirable and more economical.
 If cement mortar is prepared for masonry work or plastering work, very fine types of sand of
similar size is used.
B. Specific Gravity
 The specific gravity of aggregates is the ratio of the density of water to its density.
 It is used for concrete mix design and if not specified the specific gravity is taken as 2.7
because the specific gravity of most aggregates obtained from different sources falls between
2.6 and 2.8.
C. Density
 It refers to the amount of voids or spaces between particles, as well as the total density of
aggregates considered.
 The density of sand is between 17 and 25 kN/m3.
 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES
D. Water Absorption
 Typically, for sand, water absorption is negligible, it is desirable that water absorption should
be kept to a minimum.
E. Bulking
 Bulking is a phenomenon that causes the aggregates to swell by absorbing moisture from the
humid air.
 The concrete mix design may be inaccurate and enough additional sand is always added to
compensate for this swelling when this bulk sand will return to normal state.

 TEST ON FINE AGGREGATE

 Fineness modulus and grading zone of sand by sieve analysis.

 Silt content in sand and their specification as per IS 383.
 Bulking in sand
 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES
 1. FINE MODULUS OF SAND AND GRADING OF SAND
 Grain size distribution for concrete mixes that will provide a dense strong mixture. Ensure that
the voids between the larger particles are filled with medium particles.
 The remaining voids are filled with still particles until the smallest voids are filled with small
amount of fines.
 PROCEDURE:
Sample Preparation
 Take a sample of fine aggregate in pan and placed it in dry oven at a temperature of 100 -
110℃. After drying take the sample and note down its weight.
Test Procedure :
a. Take the sieves and arrange them in descending order with the largest sieve on top.
b. If mechanical shaker is using then put the ordered sieves in position and pour the sample in
the top sieve and then close it with sieve plate.
c. Then switch on the machine and shaking of sieves should be done at least 5 minutes.
 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES

Test Procedure :
d. If shaking is done by hands then pour the sample in the top sieve and close it then hold the top
two sieves and shake it inwards and outwards, vertically and horizontally.
e. After some time shake the 3rd and 4th sieves and finally the last sieves.
f. After sieving, record the sample weights retained on each sieve.
g. Then find the cumulative weight retained.
h. Finally determine the cumulative weight retained.
i. Finally determine the cumulative percentage retained on each sieves.
j. Add the all cumulative percentage values and divide with 100 then we will get the value of
fineness modulus.
 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES
 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES
Calculation of Fineness modulus of Sand:
 Let us say the dry weight of sample = 1000g. After sieve analysis the values appeared are
tabulated.
Sieve Size Weight Retained Cumulative Weight Cumulative Percentage Cumulative Percentage Weight
(mm) (g) Retained (g) Weight Retained (g) Passing

4.75 mm 10 10 1 99

2.36 mm 112 122 12.2 87.8

1.18 mm 108 230 23 77

0.60 mm 220 450 45 55

0.30 mm 250 700 70 30

0.15 mm 300 1000 100 0

 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES

FINENESS MODULUS LIMITS FOR VARIOUS ZONES OF SAND ACCORDING TO IS 383-

1970 ARE TABULATED BELOW
SIEVE SIZE ZONE -1 ZONE 2 ZONE - 3 ZONE - 4

10 mm 100 100 100 100

4.75 mm 90-100 90-100 90-100 95-100

2.36 mm 60-95 75-100 85-100 95-100

1.18 mm 30-70 55-90 75-100 90-100

0.6 mm 15-34 35-59 60-79 80-100

0.3 mm 5-20 8-30 12-40 15-50

0.15 mm 0-10 0-10 0-10 0-15

Fineness modulus 4.0-2.71 3.37-2.1 2.78-1.71 2.25-1.35

 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES

RESULTS:
 Therefore, fineness modulus of aggregate = (cumulative % retained)/100

= (251.2/100) = 2.512
 Fineness modulus of fine aggregate is 2.512. It means the average value of aggregates is in
between the 2nd sieve and 3rd sieve.
 It means the average aggregate size is in between 0.3mm to 0.6mm as shown in below figure.
 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES

VALUES OF FINENESS MODULUS OF SAND:

 Fineness modulus of fine aggregate varies from 2.0 to 3.5mm. Fine aggregate having fineness
modulus more than 3.20 should not considered as fine aggregate. Various values of fineness
modulus for different sands are detailed below.

TYPE OF SAND FINENESS MODULUS RANGE

FINE SAND 2.2 – 2.6

MEDIUM SAND 2.6 – 2.9

COARSE SAND 2.9 – 3.2

 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES
 2. BULKING OF SAND
 Bulking in sand occurs when dry sand interacts with the atmospheric moisture. Presence of
moisture content forms a thin layer around sand particles. This layer generates the force
which makes particles to move aside to each other. This results in the increase of the volume
of sand.
 Excessive presence of moisture content in the sand makes concrete to less durable and lose
its strength. Remember, excessive presence of moisture content increase the workability of
concrete but loses its strength.
 As per IS2386-3 Bulking of Sand, Presence of 4% of moisture content in sand increases
25% of its volume.
 The extent of sand bulking depends on the grading of sand. Finer sand possesses more
bulking than the medium and coarse sand. Thus, Bulking in the sand is high for fine sand
and low for coarse sand. An increase of bulking in sand effects concrete mix and results in
harsh behavior while placing.
 Moisture content less than 5% should be preferred for construction purposes.
 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES
 2. BULKING OF SAND
 In order to calculate the bulking of sand or percentage of moisture content in the sand, the
moisture content of sand is further increased by adding some more water. Due to this, the
sand particles pack close to each other and the bulking of sand is gradually decreased.
Therefore this helps in finding the actual volume of sand (dry sand). In simple words, the dry
sand and fully saturated sand have the exact volume.

% OF MOISTURE CONTENT PERCENTAGE OF BULKING WITH

RESPECT TO VOLUME
2% 15%

3% 20%

4% 25%

5% 30%
 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES
 2. BULKING OF SAND
Test Procedure :
a. Take a simple container and add 2/3 part of sand
in it.
b. Measure the exact height of sand using the scale
and note it down. (H1)
c. Now fill the container up to 2/3 part with water.
(Same height of sand)
d. Now add the measured sand to the container and
wait for some time to settle down.
e. Now calculate the height of sand in water. (H2)
 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES
 2. BULKING OF SAND
 PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATES
 2. BULKING OF SAND
 BULKING OF SAND SIGNIFANCE
3.) OBJECT : To find out the silt content in sand
APPARATUS : A measuring cylinder (250mL), Water, and Sand
Test Procedure :
a. Firstly, a 50mL solution of 1% salt and water is prepared in the
measuring cylinder. The addition of salt increases the settlement time
of silt.
b. The sample of sand to be tested is then added to the cylinder until the
level reaches 100mL.
c. 50mL of the solution of salt and water is again added to the measuring
cylinder.
d. Close the open end of the measuring cylinder and shake it well.
e. After a period of 3-4 hours, you will notice a layer of silt settled over
the sand. Now note down the volume V1 of the silt layer settled over
the and.
f. Note down the volume V2 of the settled sand.
g. Repeat the procedure a couple more times to get the average.
h. The permissible value of silt content in and is 8%, hence the sand
sample is ok and can be used for construction purposes.
 COARSE AGGREGATES

 Coarse aggregate is stone which are broken into small sizes and irregular in shape. In
construction work the aggregate are used such as limestone and granite or river aggregate.
 Aggregate which has a size bigger than 4.75 mm or which retained on 4.75 mm IS Sieve are
known as coarse aggregate.

 PROPERTIES OF COARSE AGGREGATE

 SIZE & SHAPE
 Size and shape of the aggregate particles greatly influence the quantity of cement
required in concrete mix and hence ultimately the economy of concrete. IS: 456
recommended the below choose the maximum size of coarse aggregate to be used in
PCC and RCC mix.
 The maximum size of coarse aggregate in concrete making should be less than,
 1/5 th of the minimum dimension of the RCC member. Example: beam 300mm (1/4)* 200 = 50mm
 1/5 th of the minimum dimension of the RCC member.
 COARSE AGGREGATES
 PROPERTIES OF COARSE AGGREGATE
 SURFACE TEXTURE:
 The development of hard bond strength between coarse aggregate and cement paste
depends upon the surface roughness, surface texture, and porosity of coarse aggregate.
 In case the surface is but porous, the maximum bond strength will develop in concrete. In
porous surface aggregates, the bond strength of aggregate increase as cement paste
start setting.
 SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
 The ratio of the weight of oven-dried aggregate which is kept for 24 hrs at a temperature
of 100 to 110 ℃ , to the weight of an equal volume of water displaced by saturated dry
surface aggregate is called the specific gravity of aggregates.
 Specific gravity is mainly of two types:
a. Apparent specific gravity b. Bulk Specific gravity
c. The specific gravity of major aggregates falls within the range of 2.6 to 2.9.
 COARSE AGGREGATES
 PROPERTIES OF COARSE AGGREGATE
 BULK DENSITY:
 Bulk density of aggregate can be defined as the weight of coarse aggregate required to fill
the unit volume of the container. It is generally expressed in kg/liter.
 Bulk density of aggregates particles depends upon the following 3 factors which are:
 Degree of Compaction
 Grading of Aggregates
 The Shape of Aggregate Particles
 WATER ABSORPTION:
 The holes produced in the rocks at the same time of the solidification of the molten
magma, due to air bubbles, are known as pores.
 Water absorption may be defined as the difference between the weight of the saturate
aggregates with the surface dry condition.
 COARSE AGGREGATES
 PROPERTIES OF COARSE AGGREGATE
 SOUNDNESS:
 The soundness of coarse aggregates, as determined by the sodium or magnesium sulfate
soundness test described in AASHTO T 104, is important for hardened PCC and is
directly related to freeze/thaw durability (as is entrained air in the paste.
 Characteristics Requirements for Good Quality Coarse Aggregate
 Aggregate must be strong and hard to resist the crushing action.
 They should not have cover of organic materials, clay, and dust otherwise it will affect
the bonding strength of concrete and aggregate.
 The aggregates used for concrete must be durable.
 Coarse aggregates for concrete should be chemically inactive.
 They should not contain excessive amount of angular, sharp, and hard particles.
 The aggregate shape should be ideally spherical or cubical.
 Characteristics Requirements for Good Quality Coarse Aggregate
 It must be chemically inert material.
 They should be free from any hygroscopic salt.
 Aggregate should not have water absorption more than 5% of their actual weight.
 They should be soft and porous in nature.
 The ideal size of coarse aggregates should be such that it should pass through IS 63 mm
sieve and retains on 4.75 mm IS sieve.
 Aggregate used for construction must be free any disintegrated pieces, alkalis,
vegetable matter, etc.
 TEST ON COARSE AGGREGATES
a. Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregates and Grading of Aggregate
b. Determine Crushing Value e. Flakiness Index
c. Determine Impact Value f. Elongation Index
d. Determine Abrasion Value
 A. FINENESS MODULUS OF COARSE AGGREGATES AND GRADING OF AGGREGATES
 Fineness modulus of coarse aggregates represents the average size of the particles in
the coarse aggregate by an index number. It is calculated by performing sieve analysis.
The cumulative percentage retained on each sieve is added and subtracted by 100 gives
the value of fine aggregate. Higher the aggregate size higher the fineness modulus hence
fineness modulus of coarse aggregate is higher than fine aggregates.
 Coarse aggregate means the aggregate which is retained on 4.75 mm sieve when it is
sieved through 4.75 mm. To find fineness modulus of coarse aggregate we need sieve
size of 80 mm, 40 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.30 mm
and 0.15 mm. Fineness modulus is the number at which the average size of particle is
known when we counted from lower-order sieve to higher-order sieve. So, in the
calculation of coarse aggregate we need all sizes of sieves.
 DETERMINATION OF FINENESS MODULUS OF COARSE AGGREGATES
 To find fineness modulus we need to perform sieve analysis and for that above mentioned
sieve sizes, mechanical shaker and digital weigh scale are required.
 SAMPLE PREPARATION
 Take a sample of coarse aggregate in pan and placed it in dry oven at a temperature of
100 – 110 ℃. After drying take the sample weight to nearest gram.
 TEST PROCEDURE FOR FINENESS MODULUS OF COARSE AGGREGATES
• Arrange the sieves in descending order and put the arrangement on mechanical shaker. It
is suggested that, to know the exact value of fineness modulus for coarse aggregate,
mechanical shaker will give better value than hand shaking because of more no. of sieves
and heavy particles. After proper sieving, record the sample weights retained on each
sieve and find out the cumulative weight of retained particles as well as cumulative %
retained on each sieve. Finally add all cumulative percentage values and divide the result
with 100. Then we get the value of fineness modulus.
 EXAMPLE FOR FINNESS MODULUS CALCULATION
• Let us say dry weight of coarse aggregate = 5000 g values after sieve analysis
 RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS
 Therefore, fineness modulus of coarse aggregates = sum (cumulative% retained)/100
= (717/100) = 7.17
 LIMITS OF FINENESS MODULUS

MAXIMUM SIZE OF COARSE FINENESS MODULUS RANGE

AGGREGATES
20 MM 6.0 – 6.9

40 MM 6.9 – 7.5

75 MM 7.5 – 8.0

150 MM 8.0 – 8.5

TABLE : COARSE AGGREGATES
 B. DETERMINE CRUSHING VALUE
 Aggregate crushing value test on coarse aggregates gives a relative measure of the
resistance of an aggregate crushing under gradually applied compressive load.
 Coarse aggregate crushing value is the percentage by weight of the crushed material
obtained when test aggregates are subjected to a specified load under standardized
conditions.
 Aggregate crushing value is a numerical index of the strength of the aggregate and it is
used in construction of roads and pavements.
 APPARATUS
• A steel cylinder 15 cm diameter with plunger and base plate
• A straight metal tamping rod 16 mm diameter and 45 to 60 cm long rounded at one end.
• A balance of capacity 3 kg readable and accurate to one gram.
• IS sieves of sizes 12.5 mm, 10 mm and 2.36 mm
 APPARATUS
• A compression testing machine
• Cylindrical metal measure of sufficient rigidity to retain its from under rough usage and of
11.5 cm diameter and 18 cm height.
 PROCEDURE
• Coarse aggregate passing 12.5 mm IS sieve and retained on a 10 mm IS sieve are
selected and heated at 100 to 110℃ for 4 hours and cooled to room temperature.
• Put the cylinder in position on the base plate and weigh it (W).
• Put the sample in 3 layers, each layer being subjected to 25 strokes using the tamping
rod. Care being taken in the case of weak materials not to break the particles and weight
it.(W1)
• Level the surface aggregate carefully and insert the plunger so that it rests horizontally on
the surface. Care being taken to ensure that the plunger does not jam in the cylinder.
• Place the cylinder with plunger on the loading platform of the compression testing
machine.
• Apply load at a uniform rate so that a total load of 40T is applied in 10 minutes.
• Release the load and remove the material from the cylinder.
• Sieve the material with 2.36 mm IS sieve, care being taken to avoid loss of pines.
 PROCEDURE
• Weight the fraction passing through the IS sieve
(W2).
• Calculation of Aggregate Crushing Value.
• The ratio of weight of fines formed to the weight
of total sample in each test shall be expressed
as a percentage, the result being recorded to
the first decimal place.
• Aggregate Crushing Value = (W2 x 100) / (W1-
W)
W2 = Weight of fraction passing through the
appropriate sieve
W1 - W = Weight of Surface Dry Sample
• The aggregate crushing value shall not exceed
30%
 C. DETERMINE IMPACT VALUE
• The aggregate impact value gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to
sudden shock or impact.
• The property of a material to resist impact is known as toughness. Due to movement of
vehicles on the road the aggregates are subjected to impact resulting in their breaking
down into smaller pieces.
• The aggregates should therefore have sufficient toughness to resist their disintegration
due to impact. This characteristic is measured by impact value test.
• The aggregate impact value is a measure of resistance to sudden impact or shock, which
may differ from its resistance to gradually applied compressive load.
 APPARATUS
 The apparatus as per IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963 consists of:
 A testing machine weighing 45 to 60 kg and having a metal base with a painted lower
surface of not less than 30 cm in diameter. It is supported on level and plane concrete
floor of minimum 45 cm thickness. The machine should also have provisions for fixing its
base.
 APPARATUS
 A cylindrical steel cup of internal diameter 102 mm,
depth 50 mm and minimum thickness 6.3 mm.
 A metal hammer or tup weighing 13.5 to 14.0 kg the
lower end being cylindrical in shape, 50 mm long,
100.0 mm in diameter, with a 2 mm chamfer at the
lower edge and case hardened. The hammer should
slide freely between vertical guides and be concentric
with the cup. Free fall of hammer should be within 380
± 5 mm.
 A cylindrical metal measure having internal diameter
75 mm and depth 50 mm for measuring aggregates.
 Tamping rod 10 mm in diameter and 230 mm long,
rounded at one end.
 A balance of capacity not less than 500 g, readable
and accurate up to 0.1 g.
 PROCEDURE
 The test sample consists of aggregates sized 10.0 mm 12.5 mm. Aggregates may be
dried at 100-110 ℃ for a period of 4 hours and cooled.
 Sieve the material through 12.5 mm and 10.0 mm IS sieves. The aggregates passing
through 12.5 mm sieve and retained on 10.0 mm sieve comprises the test material.
 Pour the aggregates to fill about just 1/3 rd depth of measuring cylinder.
 Compact the material by giving 25 gentle blows with the rounded end of the tamping rod.
 Add to more layers in similar manner, so that the cylinder is full. Strike off the surplus
aggregates.
 Determine the net weight of the aggregates to the nearest gram (W1). Bring the impact
machine to rest without wedging or packing up on the level plate, block or floor, so that it
is rigid and the hammer guide columns are vertical
 .Fix the cup firmly in position on the base of machine and place whole of the test sample
in it and compact by giving 25 strokes with tamping rod.
 Raise the hammer until its lower face is 380 mm above the surface of aggregate sample
in the cup and allow it to call freely on the aggregate sample.
 PROCEDURE
 Give 15 such blows at an interval of not less than successive falls. Remove the crushed
aggregate from the cup and sieve it through 2.36 mm IS sieves until no further significant
amount passes in one minute.
 Weigh the fraction passing the sieve to an accuracy of 1 gram. Also, weigh the fraction
retained in the sieve. Compute the aggregate impact value.
 The mean of two observations, rounded to nearest whole number is reported as the
Aggregate Impact Value.
𝑊 5
 Aggregate Impact Value = 𝑊2 x 100 = 100
𝑥 100 = 5 %
1

where, W1 is total weight of dry sample = 100 grams

W2 is weight of portion passing through 2.36 mm sieve = 5 grams
 RECOMMENDED AGGREGATE IMPACT TEST VALUES
AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE CLASSIFICATION
< 20 % EXCEPTIONALLY STRONG
10 – 20 % STRONG
20 – 30 % SATISFACTORY FOR ROAD SURFACING
> 35 % WEAK FOR ROAD SURFACING

 D. DETERMINE ABRASION VALUE

 The abrasion value of coarse aggregate may be determined by either Deval Machine or
Los Angeles Machine.
 The aggregate abrasion value gives a relative measure of resistance of an aggregate to
wear when it is rotated in a cylinder along with some abrasive charge.
 The percentage wear of the aggregates due to rubbing with steel balls is determined and
is known as Los Angeles Abrasion Value.
 Abrasive Charge – cast iron spheres or steel balls approximately 48 mm in diameter and
weighing between 390 to 445 gram.
 DETERMINE ABRASION VALUE
 DETERMINE ABRASION VALUE

PROCEDURE:
 The test sample consists of clean aggregates dried in oven at 105° - 110 °C. The sample
should conform to any of the grading shown in table 1.
 Select the grading to be used in the test such that it conforms to the grading to be used in
construction, to the maximum extent possible.
 Take 5 kg of sample for grading A, B, C and D and 10 kg for grading E, F & G.
 Choose the abrasive charge on the cylinder and fix the cover.
PROCEDURE:
 Place the aggregates and abrasive charge on the cylinder and fix the cover.
 Rotate the machine at a speed of 30 to 33 revolutions per minute. The number of
revolutions is 500 for grading A, B, C and D and 1000 for grading E, F and G. The
machine should be balanced and driven such that there is uniform peripheral speed.
 The machine is stopped after the desired number of revolutions and material is
discharged to a tray.
 The entire stone dust is sieved on 1.70 mm IS Sieve.
 The material coarser than 1.7 mm size is washed, dried in oven at 105 ° – 110 °C &
weighed correct to one gram.
 TABLE 2: SELECTION OF ABRASIVE CHARGE

GRADING NO. OF STEEL BALLS WEIGHT OF CHARGE IN

GRAMS
A 12 500± 25

B 11 4584± 25

C 8 3330± 20

D 6 2500± 15

E 12 5000± 25

F 12 5000± 25

G 12 5000± 25
TABLE 2: GRADING OF TEST SAMPLES – TOLERANCE OF ± 12 PERCENT
PERMITTED
SIEVE SIZE Weight of Test
(SQUARE HOLE) Sample in Grams
PASSING (MM) RETAINED ON (MM) A B C D E F G

80 63 2500
63 50 2500
50 40 5000 5000
40 25 1250 5000 5000
25 20 1250 5000
20 12.5 1250 2500
12.5 10 1250 2500
10 6.3 2500
6.3 4.75 2500
4.75 2.36 5000
 CALCULATIONS:
 Original Weight of Aggregate Sample = W1 = 10 KG,
 Weight of aggregate Sample Retained = W2 = 7. 2 KG
 Weight Passing 1.7 mm IS Sieve = W1 – W2 = 10 – 7.2 = 2.8 KG
(𝑊1 −𝑊2 ) 2.8
 Abrasion Value = x 100 = x 100 = 28%
𝑊1 10
 Maximum abrasion value ranges between 30% to 60% for various pavement types.

E. 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 of their mean dimension.
 The test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3 mm.
 Flakiness index of aggregate is the percentage by weight of aggregate particles whose
least dimensions is less than 0.6 mm of their mean dimensions. This test applicable to
aggregates having size larger than 6.3 mm.
E. FLAKINESS INDEX:

 To calculate the flakiness index of the given sample of aggregates, the weight of
each fraction of aggregates passing and retaining on the specified set of sieves is
noted first. The pieces of aggregates are made to pass through the slot of specified
thickness of gauge and then they are weighed. Then the flakiness index is calculated
as the total weight of material passed through various thickness gauges, expressed
as a percentage of total weight of the sample gauged.
𝑊
 Flakiness Index = 𝑊2 x 100
1

 Where, W2 = Weight passed from 0.6 x 𝑑𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 size

W1 = Total Weight of Aggregates
 Flakiness Index of Aggregates used in road construction should be less than 15%
and normally does not exceed 25%.
E. FLAKINESS INDEX:
 TABLE 3.18. SHOWS DIMENSIONS OF THICKNESS AND LENGTH GAUGES
(IS: 2386 PART I – 1963)
SIZE OF AGGREGATE THICKNESS LENGTH OF GAUGE GAUGET (MM)
PASSING THROUGH RETAINED ON IS SIEVE (MM)
IS SIEVE
63 mm 50 mm 33.90 _
50 mm 40 mm 27.00 81.0
40 mm 25 mm 19.50 58.5
31.5 mm 25 mm 16.95 _
25 mm 20 mm 13.50 40.5
20 mm 16 mm 10.80 32.4
16 mm 12.5 mm 8.55 25.6
12.5 mm 10.0 mm 6.75 20.2
10.0 mm 6.3 mm 4.89 14.7
 This dimension is equal to 0.6 times the mean sieve size.
 This dimension is equal to 1.8 times the mean sieve size.
F. ELONGATION INDEX:

 The elongation index on an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles whose

greatest dimension (length) is greater than 1.8 times their mean dimension.
 The elongation index is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3 mm.
 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. The
presence of elongated particles is excess of 10 to 15 percent is generally considered
undesirable, but no recognized limits are laid down.
 Elongation Index : Weight of Retained Particle / Weight of Sample Aggregate
𝑊1 260
x 100 = 1000 x 100 = 26%
𝑊
F. ELONGATION INDEX:
G. BULK DENSITY:

 The cylindrical measure is filled about 1/ 3 each time with thoroughly mixed
aggregate and tamped with 25 strokes by a bullet ended tamping rod, 16 mm
diameter and 160 cm long.
 The net weight of the aggregate in the measure is determined and the bulk density is
calculated in kg/liter.
Net Weight of the Aggregate in Kg
 Bulk Density = ;
Capacity of the Container in Liter
𝐺𝑠 −𝛾
 Percentage of Voids = x 100
𝐺𝑠
 Where, Gs = Specific Gravity of aggregate and
 𝛾 = Bulk density in kg/liter
 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF DIFFERENT SIZES OF AGGREGATES:

 Take a sample of 2 kg of aggregates. Wash the sample thoroughly to remove finer

particles and dust from it.
 After washing, place aggregates in the wire basket and immerse it in distilled water
at a temperature between 22℃ and 32℃ with a cover of at least 5 cm of water above
the top of the basket.
 Immediately, after immersion, remove the entrapped air from the sample by lifting the
basket containing aggregates 25 mm above from the base of the tank and allow it to
drop again. Continue this process at least 25 times at the rate of about one drop per
second. The basket and aggregates shall remain completely immersed during this
process as well as for a period of 24± hours afterwards.
 Then the basket and the sample are jolted and weighed in the water at a
temperature of 22 to 32℃. If it is necessary for them to be transferred to a different
tank for weighing, they are jolted 25 times as described above in the new tank before
weighing. Note down this weight of aggregates and basket in water as A1.
 CALCULATIONS:

 Calculations of specific Gravity, apparent specific gravity, and water absorption of

aggregates are as follows:
𝐶
 Specific Gravity = 𝐴−𝐵
𝐶
 Apparent Specific Gravity = 𝐶−𝐵
100 ( 𝐵 −𝐶 )
 Water Absorption = 𝐶
  QUALITY OF WATER
 Generally, quality of water for construction works are same as drinking water. This is to
ensure that the water is reasonably free from such impurities as suspended solids,
organic matter and dissolved salts, which may adversely affect the properties of the
concrete, especially the setting, hardening, strength, durability, pit value, etc. The water
shall be clean and shall not contain sugar, molasses or gut or their derivatives, or
sewage, oils, organic substances. If the quality of water to be used for mixing is in
doubt, cubes of 75 mm in cement mortar 1:3 mix with distilled water and with the water
in question shall be made separately. The latter type of cubes should attain 90% of the 7
days strength obtained in cubes with the same quantity of distilled water. Alternatively,
the water shall be tested in an approved Laboratory for its use in preparing
concrete/mortar. The water quality for construction shall be tested or monitored
regularly, as it affects the overall strength of concrete.
 PERMISSIBLE LIMITS FOR TYPE OF SOLID IN WATER FOR
CONSTRUCTION WORK
NAME OF IMPURITIES PERMISSIBLE LIMITS

1. Organic Matter 200 mg/ lit

2. Inorganic Matter 3000 mg/lit

3. Sulfates (as SO2) 400 mg/lit

4. Chlorides (as Cl)

a.) For Plain Concrete 2000 mg/lit
b.) For Reinforced Cement Concrete 500 mg/lit

5. Suspended Matter 2000 mg/lit

  USE OF SEA WATER FOR MIXING CONCRETE
 Sea water should not used for preparation of any concrete (PCC of RCC). It has a
salinity of about 3.5 percent. In that about 78% is sodium chloride and 15% in chloride
and sulphate of magnesium. Sea water also contain small quantities of sodium and
potassium salts. This can react with reactive aggregates in the same manner as alkalies
in cement. Therefore sea water should not be used for PCC if aggregates are known to
be potentially alkali reactive.
 The strength of concrete reduces when sea water is used for mixing. It can also corrode
the reinforcement in certain cases which can lead to massive structure failure. However
some research workers says that sea water can be used in un-reinforced concrete or
mass concrete. Sea water slightly accelerates the early strength of concrete. But it
reduces the 28 days strength of concrete by about 10 to 15 percent. This loss of
strength could be made up by redesigning the mix or by addition of proper admixtures.
Water containing large quantities of chlorides in sea water may cause efflorescence and
persistent dampness. When the appearance of concrete is important sea water may be
avoided. The use of sea water is also not advisable for plastering purpose which is
subsequently going to be painted.
 SEAWATER COMPOSITION (BY MASS)
(SALINITY = 3.5)
ELEMENT PERCENTAGE PRESENCE

OXYGEN (O2) 85.84

HYDROGEN (H2) 10.82
CHLORIDE (Cl-) 1.94
SODIUM (Na) 1.08
MAGNESIUM (Mg) 0.1292
SULFUR (Sa) 0.091
CALCIUM (Ca) 0.04
POTASSIUM (K) 0.04
BROMINE (Br) 0.0067
CARBON (C) 0.0028