Aggregate testing
The WRSC has an extensive inventory of aggregate preparation and testing equipment and facilities. Approximately 1,000 square feet of existing laboratory space is devoted to aggregate/soil preparation, testing and batching. Extensive outside storage is available for bulk aggregate stockpiles.
We offer the following tests:
- Petrographic analysis of aggregates: provides identification and quality of types and varieties of rocks/minerals present in aggregates.
- Aggregate Imaging System (AIMS): Automated system to analyze the fractured faces, flat and elongated, angularity, and texture of aggregates.
- Consensus properties of aggregate: Includes sand equivalent, percent of fractured faces, percent of flat and elongated particles, and uncompacted void content.
- Aggregate specific gravities: Measures the specific gravities (bulk, SSD, and apparent) and absorption of coarse and fine aggregates.
- Aggregate particle size distribution: Includes wash sieve analysis and dry sieve analysis.
- Los Angeles (LA) abrasion test: Analyses aggregate toughness and abrasion characteristics.
Applicable test methods
| Test description | AASHTO standards | ASTM Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporable moisture content | T255 | C566 |
| LA abrasion | T96 | C131 |
| Percent of fracture | T335 | D4791* |
| Percent of flat and elongation | D5821* | |
| Sand equivalent | T176* | D2419 |
| Sieve analyses | T27*, T11*, T30* | C136, C117 |
| Specific gravities | T84*, T85* | C127, C128 |
| Uncompacted void content of fine aggregates | T304* | C1252 |
* Denotes WRSC is AASHTO resource accredited for the test method