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AS 2758.

02009
AS 2758.02009

Australian Standard

Aggregates and rock for engineering


purposes

Part 0: Definitions and classification


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This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee CE-012, Aggregates and Rock for
Engineering Purposes. It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on
18 May 2009.
This Standard was published on 26 August 2009.

The following are represented on Committee CE-012:

ARRB Transport Research Ltd.


AUSTROADS
Australasian Railway Association
Australasian Slag Association
Australian Asphalt Pavement Association
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australian Geomechanics Society
Bureau of Steel Manufacturers of Australia
Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia
Engineering and Construction Laboratories Association
Institute of Quarrying Australia
National Association of Testing Authorities Australia

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 08100.

Standards Australia wishes to acknowledge the participation of the expert individuals that
contributed to the development of this Standard through their representation on the
Committee and through the public comment period.
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Keeping Standards up-to-date


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Standards may also be withdrawn. It is important that readers assure themselves they are
using a current Standard, which should include any amendments that may have been
published since the Standard was published.

Detailed information about Australian Standards, drafts, amendments and new projects can
be found by visiting www.standards.org.au

Standards Australia welcomes suggestions for improvements, and encourages readers to


notify us immediately of any apparent inaccuracies or ambiguities. Contact us via email at
mail@standards.org.au, or write to Standards Australia, GPO Box 476, Sydney, NSW 2001.
AS 2758.02009

Australian Standard

Aggregates and rock for engineering


purposes

Part 0: Definitions and classification


Accessed by WORLEYPARSONS SERVICES PTY LTD - LIBRARY on 16 Oct 2009

First published as AS 2758.02009.

COPYRIGHT
Standards Australia
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written
permission of the publisher.
Published by Standards Australia GPO Box 476, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia
ISBN 0 7337 9227 8
AS 2758.02009 2

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Standards Australia Committee CE-012, Aggregates and
Rock for Engineering Purposes.
This Standard is part of a series that covers specification of aggregate and rock. The other
parts are as follows:
AS
2758 Aggregates and rock for engineering purposes
2758.0 Part 0: Definitions and classification (this Standard)
2758.1 Part 1: Concrete aggregates
2758.2 Part 2: Aggregate for sprayed bituminous surfacing
2758.4 Part 4: Aggregate for gabion baskets and wire mattresses
2758.5 Part 5: Asphalt aggregates
2758.6 Part 6: Guidelines for the specification of armourstone
2758.7 Part 7: Railway ballast
This objective of this Standard is to present in one document the definitions and
information and guidance applicable to AS 2758 series of Standards, Aggregates and rock
for engineering purposes.
The term informative has been used in this Standard to define the application of the
appendix to which it applies. An informative appendix is only for information and
guidance.
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3 AS 2758.02009

CONTENTS

Page
1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 4
2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS.................................................................................. 4
3 DEFINITIONS............................................................................................................ 5

APPENDICES
A GUIDANCE ON TYPICAL SAMPLING.................................................................... 6
B AGGREGATE COMPOSITION, SHAPE AND TEXTURE ....................................... 7
C RECOMMENDED LIMITS FOR ESTABLISHING UNSOUND STONE................ 16
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AS 2758.02009 4

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

Australian Standard
Aggregates and rock for engineering purposes

Part 0: Definitions and classification

1 SCOPE
This Standard sets out essential definitions for aggregate specifications.
NOTES:
1 Guidance on typical sampling is given in Appendix A.
2 Information on aggregate composition, shape and texture is given in Appendix B.
3 Recommended limits for establishing unsound stone are given in Appendix C.

2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS
1141 Methods for sampling and testing aggregates
1141.3 Method 3: Methods for sampling and testing aggregatesSampling of
aggregates and rock
1141.14 Method 14: Particle shape, by proportional caliper
1141.15 Method 15: Methods for sampling and testing aggregatesFlakiness index
1141.16 Method 16: Methods for sampling and testing aggregatesAngularity number
1141.20.1 Method 20.1: Methods for sampling and testing aggregatesAverage least
dimensionDirect measurement (nominal size 10 mm and
greater)
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1141.20.2 Method 20.2: Methods for sampling and testing aggregatesAverage least
dimensionDirect measurement (nominal sizes 5 mm and 7 mm)
1141.20.3 Method 20.3: Methods for sampling and testing aggregatesAverage least
dimensionCalculation (nomograph)
1141.25.1 Method 25.1: Methods for sampling and testing aggregatesDegradation
factorSource rock
1141.26 Method 26: Methods for sampling and testing aggregatesSecondary
minerals content in igneous rocks
1141.28 Method 28: Methods for sampling and testing aggregatesBall mill value
1141.29 Method 29: Methods for sampling and testing aggregatesAccelerated
soundness index by reflux
1141.30.1 Method 30.1: Methods for sampling and testing of aggregatesCoarse
aggregate quality by visual comparison
1726 Geotechnical site investigations
ASTM
C295 Standard Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for Concrete
Aggregates

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5 AS 2758.02009

3 DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of AS 2758 series, the definitions below apply.
3.1 Aggregate
Granular material produced from crushed rock, gravel, sand, metallurgical slag, or
reclaimed material, used to make concrete, and more generally in construction work.
3.2 Coarse aggregate
Aggregate having a nominal size greater than or equal to 5 mm.
3.3 Fine aggregate
Aggregate whether formed naturally in sand deposits or purpose-made by crushing and
processing (manufactured sand), with a nominal size less than 5 mm.
3.4 Graded aggregate
1 An aggregate of which more than 15% (by mass) of the total material is retained on at
least three consecutive sieves in the set 75.0 mm, 37.5 mm, 26.5 mm, 19.0 mm,
13.2 mm, 9.5 mm, 6.7 mm, 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 0.600 mm and 0.075 mm.
2 Crushed rock that consists of a mixture of fine and coarse aggregates, the coarse
fraction being graded (which is considered a graded aggregate for the purpose of this
definition).
3.5 Nominal size
A designation of an aggregate which gives an indication of the largest size particle present.
NOTE: The concept of nominal size aggregate is for convenience of reference and ordering. The
nominal size is expressed as a whole number above the smallest sieve aperture size through which
nearly all of the aggregate passes (90% passing unless otherwise specified).
3.6 Proportion, ratio and percentage
Comparative relationships that are generally expressed on the basis of mass.
3.7 Recycled aggregate
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Aggregates derived from the processing of materials previously used in a product or from
construction activities that would otherwise be put into landfill.
NOTE: Where recycled aggregates are to be used in construction they should be subject to a
separate works specification under the AS 2758 series.
3.8 Sample
The material that is sampled in accordance with AS 1141.3 or as required by the works
specification and which is to be forwarded for examination or testing, or both.
3.9 Sample increment
The amount of the material taken directly from the conveyor, bin, truck or section of a
stockpile.
3.10 Single sized aggregate (also known as one sized aggregate)
An aggregate of which at least 60% of the mass of the total material passes a sieve selected
from the set 75.0 mm, 37.5 mm, 26.5 mm, 19.0 mm, 13.2 mm, 9.5 mm, 6.7 mm, 4.75 mm
and 3.35 mm, which is immediately less than the nominal size of the aggregate and is
retained on the sieve immediately following the selected sieve in the series.
3.11 Source rock
The in situ rock mass located in a quarry, which is used or proposed to be used in the
production of crushed rock, aggregate or manufactured sand.

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AS 2758.02009 6

APPENDIX A
GUIDANCE ON TYPICAL SAMPLING
(Informative)
The number of sample taken should be in accordance with the quantity to be represented, as
given in Table A1. Where variability within sections is evident, the number of samples may
be increased.

TABLE A1
MINIMUM NUMBER OF SAMPLES
1 251 501 1001 2001 4001 8001
Total mass to be represented
to to to to to to to
(tonnes)
250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 16 000
Minimum number of samples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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7 AS 2758.02009

APPENDIX B
AGGREGATE COMPOSITION, SHAPE AND TEXTURE
(Informative)

B1 IDENTIFICATION OF ROCK TYPES


Identification of the rock types to be used in the production of aggregate may provide an
initial indication of suitability for purpose. However, it should be emphasized that rock type
identification cannot substitute for the performance of the engineering tests detailed in the
AS 2758 series. Nor can it be implied that because two sources have a similar rock type
identification, they will have the same engineering properties.
In most rocks the engineering properties are influenced by the primary mineralogy, the
grain size and rock structure, secondary and adverse mineralogy, and the degree of
weathering.
Table B1 and Table B2 provide an aid to identification of sedimentary and igneous and
metamorphic rocks in sufficient detail for the purposes of the AS 2758 series of Standards.
These tables are slightly modified from similar tables in AS 1726. They follow general
geological practice, but are intended as a guide only; geological training is required for the
satisfactory identification of rocks. Engineering properties cannot be inferred from rock
names in the Table.
Table B3 provides a general description of the more common rock types that may be used
for aggregate in Australia.
For details on primary and secondary mineralogy and some information on the effects of
mineralogy on the engineering properties of aggregate, reference should be made to
ASTM C295.
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AS 2758.02009 8

TABLE B1
IDENTIFICATION OF ROCKS FOR ENGINEERING PURPOSES
SEDIMENTARY AND PYROCLASTIC ROCKS
Grain size
Bedded rocks (mostly sedimentary)
mm
More Grain At least 50% of
than size At least 50% of grains grains are of fine-
20 description are of carbonate grained volcanic
rock
CONGLOMERATE
20_ Rounded boulders, cobbles and Fragments of SALINE
gravel cemented in a finer matrix volcanic ejecta in a ROCKS
finer matrix
RUDACEOUS

Breccia
Irregular rock fragments in a Rounded grains
Calcirudite* Halite
6_ finer matrix AGGLOMERATE

Angular grains

LIMESTONE and DOLOMITE (undifferentiated)


VOLCANIC Anhydrite
BRECCIA
2_

SANDSTONE Cemented
Coarse

Angular or rounded grains, volcanic ash Gypsum


commonly cemented by clay,
0.6_ calcitic or iron minerals
ARENACEOUS

Medium

Quartzite
Quartz grains and siliceous
Calcarenite TUFF
cement

0.2_ Arkose
Many feldspar grains
Fine

Greywacke
Many rock chips
0.06_
Calcareous mudstone

Calcilutite
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ARGILLACEOUS

SILTSTONE
MUDSTONE Fine-grained TUFF
Mostly silt
CHALK

0.002_
Calcilutite
Less SHALE CLAYSTONE Very fine-grained
than Fissile Mostly clay TUFF
0.002_
Amorphous FlintOccurs as bands of nodules in the chalk COAL
or crypto-
ChertOccurs as nodules and beds in limestone and
crystalline LIGNITE
calcareous sandstone

Granular cementedexcept amorphous rocks

CARBON-
SILICEOUS CALCAREOUS SILICEOUS ACEOUS

SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
Granular cemented rocks vary greatly in strength and some sandstones are stronger than
many igneous rocks. Bedding may not show in hand specimens and is best seen in outcrop.
Only sedimentary rocks, and some metamorphic rocks derived from them, contain fossils.
Calcareous rocks contain calcite (calcium carbonate), which effervesces with dilute
hydrochloric acid.

* A more detailed classification is given in Clark, A.R. and Walker, B.F. Geotechnique , 1977, 27(1), 9399

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9 AS 2758.02009

TABLE B2
IDENTIFICATION OF ROCKS FOR ENGINEERING PURPOSES
METAMORPHIC AND IGNEOUS ROCKS
Obviously foliated rocks Rocks with massive structure and crystalline texture Grain size
(mostly metamorphic) (mostly igneous) mm

Grain Grain More


size size than
description description Pegmatite Pyroxenite 20

GNEISS MARBLE
Well-developed but _20
COARSE often widely spaced COARSE GRANITE 1 Diorite 1,2 GABBRO 3 Peridotite
foliation sometimes
with schistose bands QUARTZITE

Migmatite Granulite These rocks are sometimes porphyritic _6


Irregularly foliated: and are then described, for example, as
mixed schists and porphyritic granite
gneisses
HORNFELS
_2
1 1,2 3,4
MEDIUM SCHIST Amphibolite MEDIUM Microgranite Microdiorite Dolerite
Well developed
undulose foliation; _0.6
generally much mica Serpentine

These rocks are sometimes porphyritic


and are then described as porphyries _0.2

_0.06
4,5 4,5 4,5
PHYLLITE RHYOLITE ANDESITE BASALT
Slightly undulose
FINE foliation; sometimes _0.002
FINE
spotted
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SLATE These rocks are sometimes porphyritic


Well-developed plane and are then described as porphyries Less
cleavage (foliation) than
_0.002

Mylonite Amorphous
Found in fault zones, 5 or crypto-
Obsidian Volcanic glass
mainly in igneous and crystalline
metamorphic areas

CRYSTALLINE Pale colour


Dark
----------------------------

Mainly ACID INTERMEDIATE BASIC ULTRA


SILICEOUS SILICEOUS Much quartz Some quartz Little or BASIC
no quartz
METAMORPHIC ROCKS IGNEOUS ROCKS
Most metamorphic rocks are distinguished by Composed of closely interlocking mineral grains. Strong when fresh; not porous.
foliation, which may impart fissility. Foliation in
Mode of occurrence: 1 Batholiths; 2 Laccoliths; 3 Sills; 4 Dykes; 5 Lava flows;
gneisses is best observed in outcrop. Non-foliated
6 Veins
metamorphics are difficult to recognize except by
association. Any rock baked by contact
metamorphism is described as a hornfels and is
generally somewhat stronger than the parent rock.
Most fresh metamorphic rocks are strong although
perhaps fissile .

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AS 2758.02009 10

NOTES TO TABLES B1 AND B2:


1 Principal rock types (generally common) are shown in bold type in capitals, e.g. Granite.
Other rock types are shown in medium type, e.g. Greywacke.
2 Granular rocks may be distinguished from crystalline rocks by scratching with a knife which
should remove whole grains from cement matrix in the granular rocks. The separate grains
may be distinguished using a hand lens.
Siliceous rocks are harder and more resistant to scratching than calcareous rocks
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11 AS 2758.02009

TABLE B3
ROCK TYPES COMMONLY USED FOR AGGREGATES
Petrological term Description
Adamellite An acid intrusive rock that consists predominantly of quartz and equivalent
percentages of plagioclase and orthoclase; the coarse-grained equivalent of
rhyodacite.
Agglomerate A pyroclastic rock with fragments greater than 32 mm.
Amphibolite A metamorphic rock consisting of amphibole and plagioclase.
Andesite An intermediate extrusive or hypabyssal rock with sodic plagioclase and little or
no quartz. The fine-grained equivalent of diorite.
Arenite A sedimentary rock consisting of sand-sized particles, irrespective of mineralogy;
sandstone.
Argillite A sedimentary or meta-sedimentary rock consisting of clay or silt-sized particles
but generally more indurated than claystone or siltstone.
Arkose Sandstone consisting of more than 25% feldspar particles.
Basalt A basic extrusive or hypabyssal rock comprised primarily of calcic plagioclase
and pyroxene, with or without olivineThe fine-grained equivalent of a gabbro
or dolerite; olivene basalts contain no quartz; tholeiitic basalts contain no olivine
and may contain minor quartz.
Breccia A sedimentary or volcanic rock containing coarse angular fragments, such as
fault breccia, talus breccia and volcanic breccia.
Caliche (var. calcrete) Duricrust formed by groundwater deposition of calcium carbonate.
Chert Cryptocrystalline quartz formed by precipitation of silica.
Conglomerate Rounded, waterworn pebbles, cobbles or boulders, generally cemented in a
sandstone matrix.
Dacite An acid extrusive rock dominated by plagioclase and quartz; the fine grained
equivalent of granodiorite.
Diorite An intermediate intrusive rock dominated by sodic plagioclase; the coarse
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grained equivalent of andesite.


Dolerite A medium-grained equivalent of basalt and gabbro.
Dolomite Magnesian limestone (Ca partially replaced by Mg).
Duricrust A hardpan deposit formed by groundwater fluctuation (usually in a semi-arid
environment) resulting in the mobilization of silica (silcrete), calcium (calcrete or
caliche) or iron (ferricrete or laterite).
Felsite A rock with a cryptocrystalline groundmass of feldspar and quartz.
Ferricrete Duricrust formed by groundwater deposition of iron oxides.
Gabbro A basic intrusive rock comprised primarily of calcic plagioclase and pyroxene,
with or without olivine; the coarse-grained equivalent of basalt.
Gneiss A metamorphic rock with alternating granular and schistose bands and lenses.
Granite An acid-intrusive rock that consists predominantly of orthoclase and quartz; the
coarse-grained equivalent of rhyolite; also a field term for any light-coloured,
coarse-grained igneous rock.
Granodiorite An acid intrusive rock that consists predominantly of plagioclase and quartz; the
coarse grained equivalent of dacite; gradational to quartz diorite, which has a
lower quartz content.
Granulite A metamorphic rock featuring interlocking granular minerals; or high-grade
metamorphic facies dominated by mica and amphibole.
(continued)

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AS 2758.02009 12

TABLE B3 (continued)

Petrological term Description


Greywacke An impure type of sandstone or gritstone composed of poorly sorted fragments of
quartz, other minerals and rock; the coarser grains are usually strongly cemented
in a fine matrix.
Hornfels A fine-grained rock resulting from contact metamorphism. Also used as an
adjective (hornfelsed) if the parent rock/texture is discernible.
Ignimbrite A welded ash-flow tuff; generally acid or intermediate lava-like rock.
Laterite High strength, iron-rich duricrust horizon (ferricrete, ironstone).
Latite Trachy-andesite; an intermediate extrusive rock that contains equivalent
percentages of plagioclase and orthoclase and little or no quartz; the fine-grained
equivalent of monzonite.
Limestone A chemical or biogenic sedimentary rock comprised predominantly of calcium
carbonate; formed from calcareous ooze or sand, shell fragments and/or coral.
Marble Metamorphosed limestone, with a distinctly granular texture.
Marl Calcareous claystone or dirty limestone.
Monzonite An intermediate intrusive rock that contains equivalent percentages of
plagioclase and orthoclase and little or no quartz; the coarse grained equivalent
of latite or trachyandesite.
Pegmatite A very coarse-grained granitic rock formed by late stage crystallization.
Porphyry A field term for a rock with phenocrysts in a fine-grained groundmass; should be
prefixed by compositional name (e.g. dacite porphyry).
Quartzite Either quartzose sandstone that is cemented by silica (orthoquartzite); or a
granular metamorphic rock consisting essentially of quartz (metaquartzite).
Recycled aggregates Aggregates derived from the processing of materials previously used in a product
and/or from construction that would otherwise be put into landfill. Common
types are as follows:
(a) Recycled concrete aggregatesProduced by the reclamation, crushing and
screening of demolition concrete waste.
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(b) Reclaimed aggregates:


(i) Produced from unused fresh concrete returned to its manufacturer in a
state such that separation of the aggregates from the cement paste is
still possible by washing and or screening.
(ii) Produced from crushing selected surface rock from excavation works.
Rhyolite An acidic extrusive, dominated by orthoclase and quartz; the fine-grained
equivalent of granite.
Sandstone A sedimentary rock consisting of sand-sized particles, usually dominated by
quartz but may be dominated by feldspars and/or lithic fragments (see arenite,
arkose, greywacke, quartzite).
Schist A metamorphic rock in which the minerals are arranged in nearly parallel bands
or layers. Plate-like or elongated minerals such as mica or hornblende cause
fissility in the rock, which distinguishes it from a gneiss.
Serpentinite A metamorphic rock type consisting predominantly of serpentine. The rock is
derived from metamorphism of ultra-basic or silicified limestone parent rocks.
Silcrete Duricrust formed by groundwater deposition of silica; also known colloquially as
billy or gidgee stone.
Siltstone Sedimentary rock consisting predominantly of silt-sized particles.
(continued)

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13 AS 2758.02009

TABLE B3 (continued)

Petrological term Description


Slag Typically a silica and calcium rich residue of metal smelting process. For the
purposes of this Standard, slags are classified as ferrous or non-ferrous as
follows:
(a) Iron blast furnace slag aggregateSlag produced in the production of iron,
consisting essentially of silicates and alumino-silicates of calcium and other
bases. By influencing the cooling conditions and cooling rates, the molten
blast furnace slag can solidify to the following products with their own
distinctive physical properties:
(i) Crystalline slagResults from the solidification of molten slag under
atmospheric conditions in pits or bays. Cooling may be subsequently
accelerated by application of water to the solidified surface.
(ii) Granulated slagRefers to the glassy granular material formed when
molten slag is rapidly chilled by the impingement of and mixing with a
large volume of water.
(b) Non-ferrous metallurgical slag aggregateSlag produced from smelting
processes for metals such as copper, lead and nickel.
(c) Steel furnace flagSteel furnace slag is the non-metallic product consisting
essentially of calcium silicates and ferrites combined with fused oxides of
iron, aluminium, manganese, calcium and magnesium, which is developed
in a molten condition simultaneously with steel in a basic oxygen or electric
arc furnace.
Slate A rock derived from argillaceous sediments or volcanic ash by metamorphism,
characterized by cleavage planes independent of the original stratification.
Syenite An intermediate intrusive rock that consists predominantly of potassic feldspar
and little or no quartz; the coarse grained equivalent of trachyte.
Trachyte An intermediate extrusive or hypabyssal rock that consists essentially of potassic
feldspar with little or no quartz; the fine-grained equivalent of syenite.
Tuff A pyroclastic rock formed from an explosive eruption; generally acid-
intermediate in composition; two distinct and diverse types:
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(a) Ash-fall tuffResulting from aerial deposition of ash, usually associated


with volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks; and
(b) Ash-flow tuff (including ignimbrite)Formed from an ash avalanche;
particles are generally welded together; large, well developed crystals
and/or rock fragments are common.
Composed of crystals so fine that they can be resolved only with the aid of a high-power microscope

B2 PARTICLE SHAPE AND SURFACE TEXTURE OF AGGREGATE


The important external characteristics of the particles of mineral aggregates include their
shape and surface texture. To avoid lengthy descriptions, it is convenient to classify these
properties under a number of simple headings. The system shown in Tables B4 and B5 has
been devised for this purpose.
Characteristic specimens are illustrated in Figure B1 and tests for obtaining quantitative
assessment of particle shape are given in AS 1141.14, AS 1141.15, AS 1141.16,
AS 1141.20.1, AS 1141.20.2 and AS 1141.20.3.

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AS 2758.02009 14

TABLE B4
PARTICLE SHAPE (see Note)
Classification Description
Rounded Edges are completely abraded away to form curved surfaces.
Irregular Dimensions difficult to categorise.
Angular Sharp edges, very little or no evidence of attrition.
Cubical Roughly planar faces of approximately equal size (x y z).
Flaky Material of which the thickness is small relative to the other two dimensions
(z<<x and y platy).
Elongated Material, usually angular, in which the length is considerably larger than the
other two dimensions (z>>x and y rod-shaped).
Flaky and elongated Material having the length considerably larger than the width, and the width
considerably larger than the thickness (x>>y>>z).
NOTE: See also Figure B1.

TABLE B5
SURFACE TEXTURE
Surface texture group
Characteristics
(see Note)
Glassy Conchoidal fracture.
Smooth Water-worn or smooth due to fracture of laminated or fine-grained rock.
Granular Fracture showing more or less uniform rounded grains.
Rough Rough fracture of fine-grained or medium-grained rock containing no easily
visible crystalline constituents.
Crystalline Containing easily visible interlocking crystalline constituents.
Honeycombed With visible pores and cavities.
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NOTE: The surface texture grouping is broad, being based on the impression that would be gained by a
visual examination of hand specimens. It should be noted that different specimens of the same rock type
may not fall into the same group

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15 AS 2758.02009

Cubical Flat Elongated Irregular

Angular

Subangular

Subrounded

Rounded

FIGURE B1 TYPICAL PARTICLE SHAPES


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AS 2758.02009 16

APPENDIX C
RECOMMENDED LIMITS FOR ESTABLISHING UNSOUND STONE
(Informative)

C1 DEFINTIONS
C1.1 Marginal rock
That material, whether in the source or as spalls or as crushed particles, that
(a) in the case of igneous (except basic igneous) and metamorphic rock, has a range of
degradation factor-source rock values less than the minimum value for sound rock
specified in the works specification, but representing material quality still acceptable
in small quantities;
(b) in the case of basic igneous rock, has a range of secondary mineral content values
greater than the maximum value for sound rock or a range of accelerated soundness
values less than the minimum value for sound rock specified in the works
specification (see Note 1); or
(c) in the case of sedimentary rock, has a range of ball mill values greater than the
maximum value for sound rock specified in the works specification (see Note 1).
NOTES:
1 The range of values represents material quality still considered acceptable in small quantities.
2 In the absence of a works specification suitable values are recommended in Table C1 of this
document.
C1.2 Sound rock
Material, whether in the source or as spalls or as crushed particles, that
(a) does not include soft or friable material, or material composed of clay or weathered
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rock or matter that breaks up when alternately wetted and dried;


(b) in the case of igneous (except basic igneous) and metamorphic rock, has a
degradation factor-source rock equal to or less than the minimum value for sound
rock specified in the works specification;
(c) in the case of basic igneous rock, has a secondary mineral content equal to or less
than the maximum value or an accelerated soundness value equal to or less than the
minimum value for sound rock specified in the works specification; or
(d) in the case of sedimentary rock, has a ball mill value equal to or greater than the
maximum value for sound rock specified in the works specification.
NOTE: In the absence of a works specification suitable values are recommended in Table C1.
C1.3 Unsound rock
The material, whether in the source or as spalls, or as crushed particles, that
(a) is soft, friable or composed of clay or weathered rock, or which contains matter that
breaks up when alternatively wetted and dried;
(b) in the case of igneous (except basic igneous) and metamorphic rock, has a
degradation factor-source rock less than the minimum value for marginal rock
specified in the works specification;

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17 AS 2758.02009

(c) in the case of basic igneous rock, has a secondary mineral content greater than the
maximum value or an accelerated soundness value less than the minimum value for
marginal rock specified in the works specification; or
(d) in the case of sedimentary rock, has a ball mill value greater than the maximum value
for the marginal rock specified in the works specification.
NOTE: In the absence of a works specification, suitable values are recommended in Table C1.
Some rock sources contain secondary minerals or exhibit other properties that may affect
the long-term durability of the product and give rise to poor service performance.
AS 1141.30.1 provides a method for visual comparison with reference specimens to allow
quality assessments. Suggested values for a variety of rock types, using test procedures
found to be appropriate based on the experience of VicRoads and used to classify the
reference specimens are as Table C1 below.
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AS 2758.02009 18

TABLE C1
RECOMMENDED LIMITS FOR ESTABLISHING UNSOUND STONE
Minimum Maximum Maximum ball
Minimum
degradation secondary mill value
accelerated
Rock type factor mineral content (see Note 4)
soundness index
(see Note 1) (see Note 2)
(see Note 3)
% % %
Sound rock

Acid igneous
Granitic rocks 50
Other acid igneous 45
Intermediate igneous
Trachyte 50
Other intermediate igneous 45
Basic igneous 25 94
Metamorphic
Hornfels 40
Other metamorphic 45
Sedimentary
Argillaceous sediments 30
Arenaceous sediments 45
Marginal rock
Acid igneous
Granitic rocks 3549
Other acid igneous 3544
Intermediate igneous
Trachyte 3049
Other intermediate igneous 3544
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Basic igneous 2630 9093


(see Note 5)
Metamorphic
Hornfels 2039
Other metamorphic 3044
Sedimentary
Argillaceous sediments 3135
Arenaceous sediments 4655

NOTES:
1 The recommended test procedure is AS 1141.25.1.
2 The recommended test procedure is AS 1141.26.
3 The recommended test procedure is AS 1141.29.
4 The recommended test procedure is AS 1141.28.
5 Basic igneous source rock which does not comply with specified secondary mineral content requirements
but from which aggregates of proven satisfactory performance have been produced may be acceptable
based on records of acceptable field performance for comparable load and exposure conditions

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19

NOTES
AS 2758.02009
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AS 2758.02009
20

NOTES
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