EXPERIMENT # 03
Standard Method of Test for determination of Particles Shape
(Flakiness Index & Elongation Index of Coarse Aggregates)
Designation:
BS 812-105.1: 1989
BS 812-105.2: 1990
Scope:
To determine the elongation index and flakiness index of the given aggregates.
Apparatus:
The apparatus for the shape tests consists of the following
A standard thickness gauge
A standard length gauge
IS sieves of sizes 63, 50 40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5,10 and 6.3mm
A balance of capacity 5kg, readable and accurate up to 1 gm.
Introduction:
The particle shape of aggregates is determined by the percentages of flaky and elongated
particles contained in it. For base course and construction of bituminous and cement concrete
types, the presence of flaky and elongated particles are considered undesirable as these cause
inherent weakness with possibilities of breaking down under heavy loads. Thus, evaluation of
shape of the particles, particularly with reference to flakiness and elongation is necessary.
Definitions:
The Flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by weight of particles whose least
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dimension (thickness) is less than three- fifths (0.6times) of their mean dimension. This
test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm.
The Elongation index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles whose
greatest dimension (length) is greater than nine-fifths (1.8times) their mean dimension.
This test is not applicable for sizes smaller than 6.3mm.
Theory:
The particle shape of aggregates is determined by the percentages of flaky and elongated
particles contained in it. For base course and construction of bituminous and cement
concrete types, the presence of flaky and elongated particles are considered undesirable
as these cause inherent weakness with possibilities of breaking down under heavy loads.
Thus, evaluation of shape of the particles, particularly with reference to flakiness and
elongation is necessary.
The Flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by weight of particles whose least
dimension (thickness) is less than three- fifths (0.6times) of their mean dimension. This
test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm.
The Elongation index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles whose
greatest dimension (length) is greater than nine-fifths (1.8times) their mean dimension.
This test is not applicable for sizes smaller than 6.3mm.
Procedure for Flakiness Index
Sieve the sample through the IS sieves (as specified in Table 3.1).
The minimum mass requirements for each fraction has been presented in the table 3.1 for
Flakiness Index calculation.
Sum the masses of all the fractions as M1
From the sums of the masses of the factions in the tray (M1) calculate the individual
percentage retained on each of the various test sieves. Discard any fraction whose mass is
5% or less of the mass M1. Record the mass remaining as M2
In order to separate the flaky materials, gauge each fraction for thickness on a thickness
gauge (Figure 3.1)
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Sum the masses of all the flaky material passing the gauge as M3
Calculate the Flakiness Index as follows;
Flakiness Index =
Where,
M2 is the sum of the masses of fractions that have a mass greater than 5% of the total
mass
M3 is the mass of Flakey particles
Express the flakiness index to the nearest whole number.
Table 3.1: Data for the determination of Flakiness Index
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Figure 3.1: Thickness gauge
Procedure for Elongation Index
Sieve the sample through the IS sieves (as specified in Table 3.2).
The minimum mass requirements for each fraction has been presented in the table 3.2 for
Elongation Index calculation.
Sum the masses of all the fractions as M1
From the sums of the masses of the factions in the tray (M1) calculate the individual
percentage retained on each of the various test sieves. Discard any fraction whose mass is
5% or less of the mass M1. Record the mass remaining as M2
In order to separate the Elongated particles, gauge each fraction for length on a length
gauge (Figure 3.2)
Sum the masses of all the elongated particles passing the gauge as M3
Calculate the Elongation Index as follows;
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Elongation Index =
Where,
M2 is the sum of the masses of fractions that have a mass greater than 5% of the total
mass
M3 is the mass of Elongated particles
Express the elongation index to the nearest whole number.
Table 3.2: Data for the determination of Elongation Index
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Figure 3.2: Length gauge
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Recommended Value:
The shape tests give only a rough idea of the relative shapes of aggregates. Flaky and elongated
particles should be avoided in pavement construction, particularly in surface course. If such
particles are present in appreciable proportions, the strength of pavement layer would be
adversely affected due to possibility of breaking under loads. Workability is reduced for cement
concrete. IRC recommendations for maximum limits of flakiness and elongation index are as
given.
Sr. No: Type of pavement Maximum limits of flakiness /
elongation index, %
1 Bituminous carpet 30
2 (i) Bituminous / Asphaltic concrete
(ii) Bituminous Penetration macadam
Bituminous surface dressing (single coat, 25
(iii)
two coats & pre-coats)
(iv) Built up spray grout
3 (i) Bituminous macadam
15
(ii) WBM base course and surface course
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