Aggregate Selection Guide
This guide will help you select the right aggregate testing equipment for your specific needs. Accurate aggregate testing is crucial for ensuring the quality and performance of construction materials like concrete, asphalt, and road base. Here’s a breakdown of common aggregate properties and the equipment used to test them:
Particle Size Distribution (Gradation):
o Test: Sieve Analysis
o Equipment: Sieves (various sizes), Sieve Shaker, Scales/Balances, Sample Splitter
o Considerations: Sieve sizes (mesh openings), shaker type (mechanical, vibratory), capacity of the shaker, accuracy of the scales, standards compliance (ASTM C136, EN 933-1).
Specific Gravity and Absorption:
o Test: Specific Gravity and Absorption Test
o Equipment: Wire Baskets, Water Tanks, Drying Oven, Scales/Balances
o Considerations: Capacity of the baskets, temperature control of the oven, accuracy of the scales, standards compliance (ASTM C127 for coarse aggregate, ASTM C128 for fine aggregate).
Abrasion Resistance:
o Test: Los Angeles Abrasion Test, Micro-Deval Test
o Equipment: Los Angeles Abrasion Machine, Micro-Deval Apparatus
o Considerations: Drum dimensions and rotation speed (for LA Abrasion), abrasive charge (steel spheres or rods), standards compliance
(ASTM C131, AASHTO T96 for LA Abrasion; EN 1097-1 for Micro-Deval).
Soundness (Resistance to Weathering):
o Test: Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate Soundness Test
o Equipment: Containers for soaking aggregates, Drying Oven, Scales/Balances
o Considerations: Solution concentration, number of cycles, temperature control of the oven, standards compliance (ASTM C88).
Shape and Texture:
o Tests: Flat and Elongated Particles, Angularity
o Equipment: Proportional calipers, Aggregate Shape Tester
o Considerations: Accuracy of measurement tools, standards compliance (ASTM D4791).
- Sample Splitters: For obtaining representative samples.
- Drying Ovens: For drying aggregates to a constant weight.
- Scales and Balances: For accurate weighing of samples.
- Containers and Trays: For handling and storing aggregates.
- Brushes and Cleaning Tools: For cleaning sieves and other equipment.