Flakiness and Elongation Test (BS 812: Part 3)

1.0 Introduction
The type of rocks and the type of crushing machine highly determine the shape and size of the
aggregates produced. Elongated and flaky stones are normally not very suitable for road works since
the shape and the size make them difficult to compact. As such the flakiness and elongation test must
be carried out to determine the suitability of the material.
2.0 Objective
To determine the flakiness index of aggregates.
3.0 Apparatus
a.

A metal gauge plate

Figure 3.1: A metal gauge plate

4.0 Methodology
a. Three samples of aggregates weighing 2.5kg each are prepared.
i. Aggregates passing 50mm BS sieve and retained on 37.5mm BS sieve.
ii. Aggregates passing 37.5mm BS sieve and retained on 28mm BS sieve.
iii. Aggregates passing 28mm BS sieve and retained on 20mm BS sieve.
b. Each sample is gauge in turn of thickness on metal gauge.
c. The passing material of each sample is weighed.

5.0 Result

PASSING
SIEVE
(mm)
20
14

RETAINED
SIEVE
(mm)
14
10

Flakiness index (%) =

SAMPLE

PASSING

RETAINED

(kg)
1
1

(kg)

(kg)

Nos. passing
Total Nos. Aggregate

Average Flakiness Index (%) = Summation of all fractions

No. of fractions

X 100

FLAKINESS ELONGATION
INDEX
INDEX
(%)
(%)

Elongation index (%) =

Nos. passing
Total Nos. Aggregate

X 100

Average Elongation Index (%) = Summation of all fractions

No. of fractions

Specific gravity of coarse aggregates

AIM
To determine the specific gravity of given sample of coarse aggregates
Apparatus
1. A balance or scale of capacity not less than 3 kg, readable and accurate to 0.5 g and of such a
type and shape as to permit the basket containing the sample to be suspended from the beam
and the weighed in water.
2. A well ventilated oven thermostatically controlled to maintain a temperature of 100oC to
110oC.
3. A wire basket of not more than 6.3 mm mesh or a perforated container of convenient size.
4. A stout water tight container of convenient size.
5. Two dry soft absorbent cloths each not less than 7545 cm
6. A shallow tray of area no less than 650 cm2
7. An air tight container of capacity similar to that of the basket.
Procedure
1. Take 2 kg of aggregate. Sample larger than 10mm
2. Wash the sample thoroughly to remove finer particle and dust.
3. Place the sample in a wire basket and immerse it in distilled water at a temperature between
22oC and 32oC with a cover of at least 5 cm of water above the top of the basket.
4. Remove the entrapped air by lifting the basket containing the sample 25 mm above the base
of the tank and allowing it to drop per second, care being taken to see that the sample is
completely immersed in water during the operation.
5. With the sample in water at a temper of 220C-32oC (W).
6. Remove the basket and aggregate from water and allow to drain for a few minutes.
7. Empty the aggregate from the basket to a shallow tray.
8. Immerse the empty basket in water jolt 25 times and then the weight in water (w2).
9. Place the aggregates in oven at a temperature of 100oC to 110oC for 24+- 0.5 hours.
10. Remove it from the oven and cool it and find the weight. (w2)
Calculations
Apparent Specific Gravity

= (Weight of a substance/ weight of an equal volume of water)

= W3/ (W3- (w1-w2))

Result
Specific gravity of given coarse aggregate=