7 LAB TESTS ON AGGREGATE

TO CHECK QUALITY FOR USE

IN ROAD WORK
September 12, 2015 by Suryakanta

Tests on Aggregate
Aggregate plays an important role in pavement construction. Aggregates
influence, to a great extent, the load transfer capability of pavements. Hence it is
essential that they should be thoroughly tested before using for construction.
Not only that aggregates should be strong and durable, they should also possess
proper shape and size to make the pavement act monolithically. Aggregates are
tested for strength, toughness, hardness, shape, and water absorption.

In order to decide the suitability of the aggregate for use in pavement

construction, following tests are carried out:

1. Crushing test
2. Abrasion test
3. Impact test
4. Soundness test
5. Shape test
6. Specific gravity and water absorption test
7. Bitumen adhesion test

1.Crushing Test

Fig-1 Crushing Test Setup

One of the model in which pavement material can fail is by crushing under
compressive stress. A test is standardized by IS: 2386 part-IV and used to
determine the crushing strength of aggregates. The aggregate crushing value
provides a relative measure of resistance to crushing under gradually applied
crushing load.

The test consists of subjecting the specimen of aggregate in standard mould to a

compression test under standard load conditions (See Fig-1). Dry aggregates
passing through 12.5 mm sieves and retained 10 mm sieves are filled in a
cylindrical measure of 11.5 mm diameter and 18 cm height in three layers. Each
layer is tamped 25 times with at standard tamping rod. The test sample is
weighed and placed in the test cylinder in three layers each layer being tamped
again. The specimen is subjected to a compressive load of 40 tonnes gradually
applied at the rate of 4 tonnes per minute. Then crushed aggregates are then
sieved through 2.36 mm sieve and weight of passing material (W2) is expressed
as percentage of the weight of the total sample (W1) which is the aggregate
crushing value.

Aggregate crushing value = (W1/W2)*100

A value less than 10 signifies an exceptionally strong aggregate while above

35 would normally be regarded as weak aggregates.

Also Read: Crushing Test Procedure of Aggregate

Also read: Crushing Value Test Procedure of Aggregates

AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE

(IS:2386-Part 4-1963)
May 8, 2013 by Suryakanta

Objective
For determination of the aggregate crushing value of coarse aggregate, which
passes 12.5 mm. IS sieve and retained on 10 mm. IS sieve.

Reference Standard
IS: 2386 (Part IV)-1963 Methods of test for aggregate for concrete Part IV
Mechanical Properties.

Equipment & Apparatus

  Steel Cylinder
 Sieves (12.5mm,10mm)
 Cylindrical metal measure
 Tamping Rod
 Balance (0-10kg)
 Oven (3000c)
 Compression testing Machine (2000KN)

Aggregate Crushing
Value Test Appratus

Preparation of sample
Test sample consist of aggregate passing a 12.5mm IS sieve and retained on a
10mm IS sieve. The aggregate to be tested is dried in oven for a period of not
less than 4 hours.

Procedure
1. The cylindrical steel cup is filled with 3 equal layers of aggregate and each
layer is tamped 25 strokes by the rounded end of tamping rod and the
surplus aggregate struck off, using the tamping rod as a straight edge.
 2. The net weight of aggregate in the cylindrical steel cup is determined to
the nearest gram (WA) and this weight of aggregate is used for the
duplicate test on the same material.
3. The cup is fixed firmly in position on the base of the machine and the
whole of the test sample is added in thirds, each third being subjected to
25stokes from tamping rod.
4. The surface is leveled and the plunger is inserted so that it rests
horizontally on the surface. The whole assembly is then placed between the
platens of testing machine and loaded at a uniform rate so as to reach a
load of 40 tones in 10 minutes.
5. The load is then released and all aggregate is removed from the cup and
sieved on 2.36 mm. IS sieve until no further significant amount passes in
one minute.
6. The fraction passing the sieve is weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 g (W B)

Calculation
The ratio of the weight of fines formed to the total sample weight in each test is
to be expressed as a percentage, to the first decimal place.

Aggregate crushing Value =(WB/WA) × 100

Record
The mean of the two results is reported to the nearest whole number as the
aggregate crushing value of the tested material.

Safety & Precautions:

 Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off
the oven.
 To wear safety shoes & helmet during the time of test.
 Before testing, machine should be checked.
 After test electric supply should be off.
 After test clean the sieve by brush.
  Keep all the exposed metal parts greased.
 Keep the guide rods firmly fixed to the base & top plate.
 Equipment should be cleaned thoroughly before testing & after testing.

2.Abrasion Test

Fig-2 Los Angeles Abrasion Test Setup

Abrasion test is carried out to test the hardness property of aggregates and to
decide whether they are suitable for different pavement construction works. Los
Angeles abrasion test is a preferred one for carrying out the hardness property
and has been standardized in India (IS: 2386 part-IV).

The principle of Los Angeles abrasion test is to find the percentage wear due to
relative rubbing action between the aggregate and steel balls used as abrasive
charge.

Los Angeles machine consists of circular drum of internal diameter 700 mm and
length 520 mm mounted on horizontal axis enabling it to be rotated (see Fig-2).
An abrasive charge consisting of cast iron spherical balls of 48 mm diameters and
weight 340-445 g is placed in the cylinder along with the aggregates. The
number of the abrasive spheres varies according to the grading of the sample.
The quantity of aggregates to be used depends upon the gradation and usually
ranges from 5-10 kg. The cylinder is then locked and rotated at the speed of 30-
33 rpm for a total of 500 -1000 revolutions depending upon the gradation of
aggregates.
After specified revolutions, the material is sieved through 1.7 mm sieve and
passed fraction is expressed as percentage total weight of the sample. This value
is called Los Angeles abrasion value.

A maximum value of 40 percent is allowed for WBM base course in Indian

conditions. For bituminous concrete, a maximum value of 35 percent is
specified.

Also read: Los Angeles Abrasion Value Test Procedure of Aggregates

AGGREGATE ABRASION VALUE

(IS:2386-Part 4-1963)
May 8, 2013 by Suryakanta

Objective
For determination of the aggregate abrasion value of coarse aggregate.

Reference Standards
IS: 2386 (Part IV)-1963 Methods of test for aggregate for concrete Part IV
Mechanical Properties.

Equipment & Apparatus

 Los Angeles machines
 Sieves (1.70mm)
 Cylindrical metal measure
 Tamping Rod
 Balance (0-10kg)
 Oven (3000c)

Preparation sample
Test sample is dried in oven for a period of four hours at a temperature of
100 to 110C.

Procedure
1. The required weight of test sample(A) is selected conforming to one of the
grading mentioned in Table II of IS : 2386 (Part IV) – 1963.
2. The test sample and the abrasive charge is to be placed in the machine and
rotated at a speed of 20 to 33 rev/min.
3. For grading A, B, C & D [as per Table II of IS : 2386 (Part IV)- 1963] the
machine is to be rotated for 1000 revolutions.
4. At the completion of the test, the material is discharged from the machine
and separation of the sample is made on 1.70 mm. IS sieve.
5. The material coarser than 1.70 mm. IS sieve is washed, dried accurately
weighed to the nearest gram (B).

Calculation
The difference between the original weight and the final weight of the test
sample is expressed as a percentage of the original weight of the test sample.

Report
The mean of the two results is reported to the nearest whole number as the
aggregate abrasion value of the tested material.

Safety & Precautions

 Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off
the oven.
  Use safety shoes, mask & aprons at the time of test.
 Before testing, machine should be checked.
 After test electric supply should be off.
 Thoroughly clean & dry the container before testing.
 The drum & the cover of the opening should be cleaned thoroughly before
& after every test.

3.Impact Test

Fig-3 Impact Test Setup

The aggregate impact test is carried out to evaluate the resistance to impact of
aggregates. Aggregates passing 12.5 mm sieve and retained on 10 mm sieve is
filled in a cylindrical steel cup of internal dia 10.2 mm and depth 5 cm which is
attached to a metal base of impact testing machine. The material is filled in 3
layers where each layer is tamped for 25 numbers of blows (see Fig-3). Metal
hammer of weight 13.5 to 14 Kg is arranged to drop with a free fall of 38.0 cm by
vertical guides and the test specimen is subjected to 15 numbers of blows. The
crushed aggregate is allowed to pass through 2.36 mm IS sieve. And the impact
value is measured as percentage of aggregates passing sieve (W2) to the total
weight of the sample (W1).

Aggregate impact value = (W1/W2)*100

Aggregates to be used for wearing course, the impact value shouldn’t exceed
30 percent. For bituminous macadam the maximum permissible value is 35
percent. For Water bound macadam base courses the maximum permissible
value defined by IRC is 40 percent.

Also read: Impact Value Test Procedure of Aggregates

AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE

(IS:2386-Part IV-1963)
May 7, 2013 by Suryakanta

Objective
For determination of the aggregate impact value of coarse aggregate, which
passes 12.5 mm. IS sieve and retained on 10 mm. IS sieve.

Reference Standards
IS: 2386(Part IV)-1963 Methods of test for aggregate for concrete Part IV
Mechanical Properties.

Equipment & Apparatus

 Aggregate Impact Test Machine
 Sieves (12.5mm,10mm)
 Cylindrical metal measure
 Tamping Rod
 Balance (0-10kg)
  Oven(3000c)

Agg
regate Impact Value Test Apparatus

Preparation Of Test Sample

Test sample consist of aggregate passing a 12.5mm IS sieve and retained on a
10mm IS sieve. The aggregate to be tested is dried in oven for a period of not
less than 4hours.

Procedure
 1. The cylindrical steel cup is filled with 3 equal layers of aggregate and each
layer is tamped 25 strokes by the rounded end of tamping rod and the
surplus aggregate struck off, using the tamping rod as a straight edge.
2. The net weight of aggregate in the cylindrical steel cup is determined to
the nearest gram (WA) and this weight of aggregate is used for the
duplicate test on the same material.
3. The cup is fixed firmly in position on the base of the machine and the
whole of the test sample is placed in it and compacted by a single tamping
of 25 strokes of tamping rod.
4. The hammer is raised until its lower face is 380 mm. above the upper
surface of the aggregate in the cup, and allowed to fall freely onto the
aggregate 15 times, each being delivered at an interval of not less than one
second.
5. The crushed aggregate is removed from the cup and sieved on 2.36 mm. IS
sieve until no further significant amount passes in one minute.
6. The fraction passing the sieve is weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 g (W B)

Calculation
The ratio of the weight of fines formed to the total sample weight in each test is
to be expressed as a percentage, to the first decimal place.

Aggregate impact Value = (WB / WA) × 100

Precautions
 Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off
the oven.
 To wear safety shoes & goggles at the time of testing.
 Before testing, machine should be properly checked.
 Special care should be taken that no outer air enters when using the
balance.
 After test clean the sieve by a smooth brush.
 Keep all the exposed metal parts greased.
 Keep the guide rods firmly fixed to the base & top plate.
 Equipment should be clean thoroughly before testing & after testing.
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4.Soundness test
Soundness test is intended to study the resistance of aggregates to weathering
action, by conducting accelerated weathering test cycles. The Porous aggregates
subjected to freezing and thawing is likely to disintegrate prematurely. To
ascertain the durability of such aggregates, they are subjected to an accelerated
soundness test as specified in IS: 2386 part-V.

Aggregates of specified size are subjected to cycles of alternate wetting in a

saturated solution of either sodium sulphate or magnesium sulphate for 16 – 18
hours and then dried in oven at 105 to 110 0C to a constant weight. After five
cycles, the loss in weight of aggregates is determined by sieving out all
undersized particles and weighing.

The loss in weight should not exceed 12 percent when tested with sodium
sulphate and 18 percent with magnesium sulphate solution.

Also Read: Soundness Test Procedure of Aggregates

SOUNDNESS TEST OF
AGGREGATES (IS-2386-PART-5)
June 19, 2014 by Suryakanta

Objective
This test is intended to study the resistance of coarse and fine aggregates to
weathering action and to judge the durability of the coarse aggregate.

Apparatus
Name Capacity Least count

Balance 500 g 0.1 g

Balance 5000 g 1g

Oven 105 to 1100C

80 mm, 63 mm, 40 mm, 31.5 mm,

25 mm, 20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5 mm,
Sieves 10 mm, 8.0 mm, 4.75 mm, 4.0 mm,
2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 micron,
300 micron, 150 micron

Wire mesh basket

container

Chemicals and wire

mesh basket
Chemical Solution
 Sodium Sulphate Solution
 Magnesium Sulphate Solution

Preparation of Test Sample For Fine

Aggregate
 Wet sieve the sample through a nest of IS sieves, the lower being 300
micron and the upper being 10 mm size.
 The material passing 10 mm sieve and retained on 300 micron sieve is then
dried and taken for the test.
 The sample collected as above is again sieved through a series of sieves
such as 10 mm, 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 micron and 300 micron.
 The amount of sample to be taken for sieving is such that, it will yield not
less than 100 g of each of the following sizes.
Passing Retained

10 mm 4.75 mm

4.75 mm 2.36 mm

2.36 mm 1.18 mm

1.18 mm 600 micron

600 micron 300 micron

 Weigh 100 g of sample from each of the separated fraction and place it in
separate containers for the test.
 Note- Fine aggregates sticking in the meshes of the sieves is not used in
preparing the sample.
Preparation of Test Sample For Coarse
Aggregate
 Wash the coarse aggregate through 4.75 mm IS sieve and dry the material
retained on the sieve in an oven maintained at a temp of 105 to 110 0C, till it
attains a constant mass.
 Sieve the dried sample to separate it into different size fractions using
sieves of sizes 80 mm, 63 mm, 40 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm.
 The sample should be of such an amount that it will yield not less than the
following amount of the different sizes, which shall be available in amounts
of 5 percent or more.

Size Yield

10 mm to 4.75 mm 300 g

1000 g (consisting of 12.5 mm to 10 mm = 33% and 2

20 mm to 10 mm
mm to 12.5 mm = 67%)

1500 g (consisting of 25 mm to 20 mm = 33% and 40

40 mm to 20 mm
mm to 25 mm = 67%)

3000 g (consisting of 50 mm to 40 mm = 50% and 63

63 mm to 40 mm
mm to 50 mm = 50%)

80 mm and larger 3000 g

 Take proper weight of sample from each fraction and place it in separate
containers for the test.

Procedure
 1. Take individual samples in a wire mesh basket and immerse it in the
solution of sodium sulphate or magnesium sulphate for not less than 16
hours nor more than 18 hours, in such a manner that the solution covers
them to a depth of at least 15 mm.
2. After completion of the immersion period, remove the samples from
solution and allow it to drain for 15 minutes and place it in drying oven.
3. Dry the sample until it attains a constant mass and then remove it from
oven and cool it to room temperature.
4. After cooling again immerse it in the solution as described in step-1.
5. The process of alternate immersion and drying is repeated until the
specified number of cycles as agreed between the purchaser and the
vendor is obtained.
6. After completion of the final cycle and after the sample has been cooled,
wash it to free from sodium sulphate or magnesium sulphate solution. This
may be determined when there is no reaction of the wash water with
barium chloride.
7. Then dry each fraction of the sample to constant temp of 105 to 110 0C and
weigh it.
8. Sieve the fine aggregates over the same sieve on which it was retained
before test.
9. Sieve the coarse aggregate over the sieve shown below for the appropriate
size of particles.
Size of Aggregate Sieve used to determine loss

63 mm to 40 mm 31.5 mm

40 mm to 20 mm 16.0 mm

20 mm to 10 mm 8.0 mm

10 mm to 4.75 mm 4.0 mm

Report
The result should be reported giving the following particulars

 Type of solution used for the test

 Weight of each fraction of sample before the test.
 Material from each fraction of the sample passing through the specified IS
sieve, expressed as a percentage by weight of the fraction.
 In the case of particles coarser than 20 mm size before the test, the
number of particles in each fraction before the test and the number of
particles affected classified as to the number disintegrating, splitting,
crumbling , cracking, flaking etc.

Before and After Soundness Test

Reference
 IS-2386 (Part-5)-Methods Of Test For Aggregates For Concrete (Part-5-
Soundness)
5.Shape Tests

Fig-4 Flakiness Gauge

The particle shape of the aggregate mass is determined by the percentage of
flaky and elongated particles in it. Aggregates which are flaky or elongated are
detrimental to higher workability and stability of mixes.

The flakiness index is defined as the percentage by weight of aggregate

particles whose least dimension is less than 0.6 times their mean size.
Flakiness gauge (see Fig-4) is used for this test. Test procedure had been
standardized in India (IS: 2386 part-I).

The elongation index of an aggregate is defined as the percentage by weight of

particles whose greatest dimension (length) is 1.8 times their mean
dimension. This test is applicable to aggregates larger than 6.3 mm. Elongation
gauge (see Fig-5) is used for this test. This test is also specified in (IS: 2386 Part-
I). However there are no recognized limits for the elongation index.
Fig-5 Elongation Gauge
Also Read: Aggregate Flakiness Index Value Test Procedure
AGGREGATE FLAKINESS
INDEX VALUE (IS:2386-Part 1-
1963)
May 8, 2013 by Suryakanta

Objective
For determination of flakiness index of coarse aggregate, where the size of the
coarse aggregate are larger than 6.3mm .

Reference Standards
IS : 2386 (Part I) – 1963 – Method of test for aggregates for concrete (Part I)
Particle size and shape.

Equipment & Apparatus

 Thickness gauge
 Sieves [63, 50, 40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 & 6.3mm]
 Balance [0-10 kg]
 Thickness Gauge

Preparation sample
Surface dry samples is used for the test. A minimum number of 200 pieces of any
specified fraction is required to do the test.

Procedure
1. The sample is sieved through IS sieve specified in Table shown below.
Dimension of Thickness and Length Gauge
2. A minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction is taken and weighed.
3. In order to separate flaky materials, each fraction is then gauged
individually for thickness on a thickness gauge.
4. The total amount of flaky material passing the thickness gauge is weighed
to an accuracy of 0.1% of the weight of sample.

Calculation
In order to calculate the flakiness index of the entire sample of aggregates, first
the weight of each fraction of aggregate passing and retained on the specified
set of sieves is noted (Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4…..etc). Each piece of these are tried to be
passed through the slot of the specified thickness of the thickness gauge are
found and weighed (y1, y2, y3, y4…etc). Then the flakiness index is the
percentage of materials passed through the thickness gauge on the various
thickness gauges, expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample
gauged.
Report
Flakiness index is reported in percentage to the nearest whole number

Safety & Precautions

 Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off
the oven.
 Use safety shoes, mask & aprons at the time of test.
 Thoroughly clean & dry the container before testing.
 Special care should be taken that no outer air enters when using the
balance.
 All parts of the equipment should always be kept clean.
 After the end of the test sieve should be clean by smooth brush.

Also Read: Aggregate Elongation Index Value Test Procedure

AGGREGATE ELONGATION
INDEX VALUE (IS:2386-Part 1-
1963
May 8, 2013 by Suryakanta

Objective
For determination of elongation index of coarse aggregate, where the size of
the coarse aggregate are larger than 6.3 mm.
Reference Standards
IS: 2386 (Part I) – 1963 – Method of test for aggregates for concrete (Part I)
Particle size and shape.

Equipment & Apparatus

 Length gauge
 Sieves (63mm,50mm,40mm,31.5mm,25mm,20mm,16mm,12.5mm,10mm)
 Balance (0-10kg)
 Oven (3000c)

Length Gauge

Test Sample Preparation

Surface dry samples is used for the test. A minimum number of 200 pieces of any
specified fraction is required to do the test.

Procedure
1. The sample is sieved through IS sieve specified in Table shown below.
 Dimension of Thickness and Length Gauge
2. A minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction is taken and weighed.
3. In order to separate elongated materials, each fraction is then gauged
individually for length in the length gauge.
4. The pieces of aggregate from each fraction tested which could not pass
through the specified gauge length with its long sides elongated are
collected separately to find the total weight of aggregate retained on the
length gauge from each fraction.
5. The total amount of elongated material retained by the length gauge is
weighed to an accuracy of 0.1% of the weight of sample.

Calculation
In order to calculate the elongation index of the entire sample of aggregates, first
the weight of each fraction of aggregate passing and retained on the specified
set of sieves is noted (Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4…..etc). Each piece of these are tried to be
passed through specified length of the gauge length with its longest side and
those elongated pieces which do not pass the gauge are separated and weighed
(y1, y2, y3, y4…etc). Then the elongated 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.

Reports
Elongation index is reported in percentage to the nearest whole number.

Safety & Precautions

 Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off
the oven.
 Use safety shoes, mask & aprons at the time of test.
 Thoroughly clean & dry the container before testing.
 Special care should be taken that no outer air enters when using the
balance.
 All parts of the equipment should always be kept clean.
 After the end of the test sieve should be clean by smooth brush

6.Specific Gravity and Water Absorption

The specific gravity and water absorption of aggregates are important properties
that are required for the design of concrete and bituminous mixes. The specific
gravity of a solid is the ratio of its mass to that of an equal volume of distilled
water at a specified temperature. Because the aggregates may contain water-
permeable voids, so two measures of specific gravity of aggregates are used:

1. Apparent specific gravity and

2. Bulk specific gravity.
Apparent Specific Gravity, Gapp, is computed on the basis of the net volume of
aggregates i.e the volume excluding water-permeable voids. Thus

Gapp = [(MD/VN)]/W

Where,

MD is the dry mass of the aggregate,

VN is the net volume of the aggregates excluding the volume of the absorbed
matter,

W is the density of water.

Bulk Specific Gravity, Gbulk, is computed on the basis of the total volume of
aggregates including water permeable voids. Thus

Gbulk = [(MD/VB)]/W

Where,

VB is the total volume of the aggregates including the volume of absorbed water.

Water Absorption: The difference between the apparent and bulk specific
gravities is nothing but the water permeable voids of the aggregates. We can
measure the volume of such voids by weighing the aggregates dry and in
a saturated surface dry condition, with all permeable voids filled with water.
The difference of the above two is MW.

MW is the weight of dry aggregates minus weight of aggregates saturated surface

dry condition. Thus,

Water Absorption = (MW/MD)*100

The specific gravity of aggregates normally used in road construction ranges
from about 2.5 to 2.9. Water absorption values ranges from 0.1 to about 2.0
percent for aggregates normally used in road surfacing.

Also read: Specific Gravity & Water Absorption Test Procedure of

Aggregates

SPECIFIC GRAVITY & WATER

ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATE
(IS:2386-Part 3-1963)
May 8, 2013 by Suryakanta

Objective
For determination of specific gravity & water absorption of aggregates.

Reference Standards
IS : 2386 (Part 3) – 1963 – Method of test for aggregates for concrete (Part I)
Particle size and shape.

Equipment & Apparatus

 Wire basket
 Oven (3000c)
 Container for filling water and suspending the basket
 An air tight container
 Balance[0-10 kg]
 Shallow tray & absorbent clothes.

Preparation of sample
The sample to be tested is separated from the bulk by quartering or by using
sample divider.

Procedure
1. About 2kg of the aggregate sample is washed thoroughly to remove fines,
drained and then placed in the wire basket and immersed in distilled water
at a temperature between 22 to 320C with a cover of at least 50 mm of
water above the top of the basket
2. Immediately after the immersion the entrapped air is removed from the
sample by lifting the basket containing it 25 mm above the base of the
tank and allowing it to drop 25 times at the rate of about one drop per
second. The basket and the aggregate should remain completely immersed
in water for a period of 24±0.5 hours afterwards.
3. The basket and the sample are then weighed while suspended in water at a
temperature of 22 to 320C. The weight is noted while suspended in water
(W1) g.
4. The basket and the aggregate are then removed from water and allowed to
drain for a few minutes, after which the aggregates are transferred to one
of the dry absorbent clothes.
5. The empty basket is then returned to the tank of water, jolted 25 times and
weights in water (W2) g.
6. The aggregates placed in the dry absorbent clothes are surface dried till no
further moisture could be removed by this clothe.
7. Then the aggregate is transferred to the second dry cloth spread in a single
layer, covered and allowed to dry for at least 10 minutes until the
aggregates are completely surface dry. 10 to 60 minutes drying may be
needed. The surface dried aggregate is then weighed W 3 g.
8. The aggregate is placed in a shallow tray and kept in an oven maintained
at a temperature of 1100C for 24 hours. It is then removed from the oven,
cooled in air tight container and weighed W 4 g.

Calculation
Weight of saturated aggregate suspended in water with basket = W 1 g
Weight of basket suspended in water = W2 g

Weight of saturated aggregate in water = (W 1-W2)g = Ws g

Weight of saturated surface dry aggregate in air = W 4 g

Weight of water equal to the volume of the aggregate = (W3-Ws) g

Safety & Precautions

 Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off
the oven.
 Thoroughly clean & dry the container before testing.
 Special care should be taken that no outer air enters when using the
balance.
 Use apron & safety shoes at the time of testing.
 All parts of the equipment should always be kept clean.

7.Bitumen Adhesion Test

Bitumen adheres well to all normal types of road aggregates provided they are
dry and free from dust. In the absence of water there is practically no adhesion
problem of bituminous construction.
Adhesion problem occurs when the aggregate is wet and cold. This problem can
be dealt with by removing moisture from the aggregate by drying and increasing
the mixing temperature. Further, the presence of water causes stripping of binder
from the coated aggregates. This problem occurs when bitumen mixture is
permeable to water.

Several laboratory tests are conducted to arbitrarily determine the adhesion of

bitumen binder to an aggregate in the presence of water. Static immersion test is
one specified by IRC and is quite simple. The principle of the test is by immersing
aggregate fully coated with binder in water maintained at 40 0C temperature for
24 hours.

IRC has specified maximum stripping value of aggregates should not exceed 5%.

List of IS Codes Related to Aggregate Testing

Tests for Aggregates with IS codes

Property of Aggregate Type of Test Test Method

Crushing strength Crushing test IS : 2386 (part 4)

Hardness Los Angeles abrasion test IS : 2386 (Part 5)

Toughness Aggregate impact test IS : 2386 (Part 4)

Durability Soundness test IS : 2386 (Part 5)

Shape factors Shape test IS : 2386 (Part 1)

Specific gravity test and water

Specific gravity and porosity IS : 2386 (Part 3)
absorption test

Adhesion to bitumen Stripping value of aggregate IS : 6241-1971