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Flakiness and Elongation Index Test

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14 views5 pages

Flakiness and Elongation Index Test

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jacquarleo
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© All Rights Reserved
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Experiment No: 01

AGGREGATE SHAPE TEST


Objective:
To determine the combined flakiness and elongation Index of the given coarse aggregate
sample.

Equipments:

1. Weighing Balance: A Balance of suitable capacity accurate to 0.1% of the mass of the
weight of the test sample.
2. Elongation and Flakiness index gauges
3. Test Sieves: IS Sieves of the sizes and apertures appropriate to the specification of the
material to be tested with square holes with appropriate sizes of lids and receivers

Figure 2: Length Gauge


Figure 1: Plate Gauge

Theory:

Flakiness Index: Flakiness index is the percentage of particles in a sample that have a thickness
less than 0.6 times their average dimension. It's a measure of how flaky an aggregate is. To
calculate the flakiness index, the flaky particles are separated out and their mass is expressed
as a percentage of the total mass of the sample. Flakiness index is important because flaky
aggregates can produce seals with fewer voids, which means they require less binder. This can
reduce the amount of paste needed to coat the aggregates, which makes the concrete more
economical and easier to work with. Sizes of the sieves used for this purpose are :- 63 mm, 50
mm, 40 mm, 31.5 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm and 6.3 mm. The test is
not applicable to material passing a 6.30 mm test sieve and also for aggregates retained on
63mm sieve.

Elongation Index: The elongation index is a measurement of the percentage of particles in an


aggregate that are elongated, or have a greatest dimension that is more than 1.8 times their
mean dimension. It's a key test in civil engineering and construction to assess the elongation
characteristics of coarse aggregates. Sizes of the sieves used for this purpose are :- 50 mm, 40
mm, 31.5 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm and 6.3 mm. The test is not
applicable to material passing a 6.30 mm test sieve and for aggregates retained on 50 mm sieve.

Combined Flakiness and Elongation Index: It is the sum of the flakiness index of a given
aggregate sample and the elongation index of the non-flaky particles of the sample.
Experiment procedure:

1) To obtain the combined flakiness index and elongation index, flakiness test was conducted
first and the non- flaky particles of the samples will be used for elongation index test.
2) Sieve analysis was carried out on the samples of aggregate using sieves of sizes 25 mm,
20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5 mm and 10 mm.
3) A minimum of 50 pieces was taken for each fraction and then weighed.
4) The particles belonging to a particular size group (for eg: passing through 25 and retained
in 20) were passed through their corresponding slot ( 25mm – 20mm ) from the plate gauge
(Flakiness Index Test) as shown in Figure 1.
5) The particles passing through the specified slot of the thickness gauge are “flaky” and was
weighed and similarly with the non- flaky aggregates.
6) Similarly, flakiness test was done for other size groups and weights of flaky and non-flaky
aggregrates were determined.
7) The weights of flaky aggregates were summed and then total aggregate weights were
summed.
8) Then, Flakiness index was calculated by:-
Flakiness index = Sum of flaky aggregates x 100
Sum of total aggregates
9) After Flakiness index test, Elongation test was performed.
10) The aggregates belonging to a particular size group (for eg: aggregates that passes through
25mm and retained in 20 mm) were passed through their corresponding the gap of the
corresponding size ( 25mm – 20mm ) from the Length Gauge (Elongation Index Test) as
shown in Figure 2.
11) The aggregates retained through the gap were termed as “elongated” and was weighed and
similarly with non-elongated aggregates.
12) The weights of elongated aggregates were summed and then total aggregate weights were
summed.
13) Then, Elongation index was calculated by:-
Elongation index = Sum of elongated aggregates x 100
Sum of total aggregates
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Table 1. Flakiness Index

Aggregated
Non Flaky
Retained on Flaky Aggregates Total Aggregates
Aggregates
Sieve Size

20 36 68 104
16 22 114 136
12.5 68 538 606
10 254 558 812
Sum= 380 1278 1658

Table 2. Flakiness Index

Aggregated
Flaky Non Flaky
Retained on Total Aggregates
Aggregates Aggregates
Sieve Size

20 72 38 110
16 140 188 328
12.5 306 304 610
10 210 604 814
Sum= 728 1134 1862
Calculations:

Flakiness Index = 380 X 100 = 22.92%


1658

Elongation Index = 728 X 100 = 39.09%


1862
Combined flakiness and elongation index (%) = 22.92+39.09 = 62.01%

Result:
Hence, the flakiness index and elongation index of the given sample of the aggregates was
found to be 22.92% and 39.09% respectively.

Discussion:
The main objective of this lab experiment is to determine the flakiness index and the elongation
index of the given samples of aggregates. These properties of aggregates are important as it
impacts the quality as well as performance of concrete for road construction. The flakiness
index evaluates thin, flat particles that reduce workability, durability, and strength, while the
elongation index measures elongated particles that hinder interlocking, compaction, and load
resistance.
Flakiness index denotes the percentage of aggregate particles that have thickness less than 0.6
times the mean dimension. Flaky particles are weaker and less durable when they are used as
aggregates in concretes or other road materials. In this experiment, the flakiness index of the
aggregates was found to be 22.92%. According to standard guidelines, aggregates having
flakiness index below 25% are considered suitable for road constructions application. Higher
values could indicate great number of flaky particles, which directly affects the workability and
strength of the concrete or other materials.
Elongation Index denotes the percentage of aggregates particles that have length greater than
1.8 times the last dimension. It affects the workability and the strength of the material in road
pavements and concrete structures. Elongated particles creates void during mixing of concrete
reducing the strength of the concrete mix. The Elongation index of the aggregates was found
to be 39.09%. According to the standard guidelines, the elongation index shouldn’t exceed
35%. Higher values of elongation index is not ideal for road construction. But the elongation
value is relatively high, it indicates it is not suitable for road construction.

Conclusion:

Hence, flakiness and elongation index of the given coarse aggregate sample was determined.
Flakiness index was within acceptable range but elongation index exceed the standard value
indication that the sample may not be suitable for great applications.
Precautions:
1) The sieving of the particles should be done properly.
2) Gauge should be cleaned thoroughly and dried before testing.
3) All parts of equipment should be kept clean.
4) After the end of test, the sieve should be cleaned with brush.

Common questions

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Flaky and elongated particles impact concrete mixes differently but both negatively affect the concrete's structural properties. Flaky particles, with their thin, flat shape, tend to compromise the mix's workability, leading to increased paste requirements and potential for voids, and thus decrease the mix's strength and durability. Conversely, elongated particles, due to their elongated shape, create voids during mixing, which hampers mix compaction and decreases structural strength due to a lack of density in the concrete matrix. Both types of particles hinder the intended performance of concrete structures, affecting load distribution and resistance over time .

The flakiness index measures the percentage of thin and flat particles within an aggregate sample. Higher flakiness indices indicate a greater proportion of such particles, which can negatively impact the workability and strength of cement concrete. Flaky particles reduce the concrete mix's ability to form a dense, interlocked structure, leading to reduced durability and strength. Standard guidelines suggest that aggregates used in road construction should have a flakiness index below 25% . In this experiment, the flakiness index was found to be 22.92%, which is within acceptable limits, suggesting that while the concrete would maintain reasonable workability, excessive flakiness could still reduce strength slightly .

The flakiness and elongation indices are critical in evaluating coarse aggregates because they provide insights into shape-related deficiencies that affect the aggregate's performance in construction. Flaky aggregates can lead to cement paste wastage, more voids, and lower strength due to poor interlocking capabilities. Meanwhile, elongated aggregates result in voids that compromise mix compaction and load resistance. Both shape characteristics play crucial roles in determining the aggregates' suitability for specific structural applications, such as roads and pavements, where surface flatness and structural integrity are paramount .

A combined flakiness and elongation index value of 62.01% indicates a significant presence of both flaky and elongated particles within the aggregate sample. Such a high value suggests that the aggregate may not provide adequate stability and durability when used in construction applications, notably in load-bearing structures like roads and pavements. The combined high indices mean potential challenges in achieving dense packing and optimal structural interlocking, leading to possible deficiencies in the material's mechanical properties such as reduced strength, increased wear, and higher susceptibility to cracking under load .

The size of the sieve plays a crucial role in the determination of flakiness and elongation indices by selecting specific particle size ranges that undergo testing. Aggregate particles must be sieved to isolate fractions of different sizes, and then these fractions pass through slot and length gauges. Sieving ensures that particles are assessed appropriately within their standardized size categories, allowing for accurate weight comparisons which are essential to calculating accurate indices. Sieve sizes used in the process typically range from 63mm to 6.3mm, ensuring that particles outside these ranges are not evaluated, thus maintaining the accuracy and relevance of index results .

Test results for flakiness and elongation indices guide the design process for concrete mixes by informing the choice and proportioning of aggregates to meet specific performance requirements. For applications requiring high load-bearing capacities, such as roads and bridges, aggregates with lower indices are preferred to ensure strong interlocking and minimal voids, thus enhancing workability and strength. Conversely, for less critical applications, aggregates with higher indices might be acceptable as they are often less expensive, provided they meet minimal structural requirements. Understanding these indices enables engineers to optimize mix design for cost-efficiency and performance balance .

To determine the combined flakiness and elongation index, the flakiness test is conducted first by sieving aggregate samples and passing particles through size-specific slots of a plate gauge. Particles passing through are defined as 'flaky'. The weight of flaky particles is divided by the total weight of the sample to find the flakiness index . Next, the elongation test involves passing the non-flaky particles through a length gauge. Those retained are considered 'elongated'. The elongation index is calculated similarly by comparing the mass of elongated particles to the total sample mass. The combined index is the sum of the flakiness and elongation indices .

Critical preparation steps before conducting flakiness and elongation index tests include ensuring that all equipment, such as sieves, plate gauges, and length gauges, are thoroughly cleaned and functional. The aggregates should be accurately weighed using a balance to the correct capacity. Particles should be properly sieved to isolate specific size fractions, which are critical for accurate gauging. This ensures that each size fraction is tested accurately, providing reliable data for index calculations . Thorough preparation minimizes contamination and ensures precise measurement, which is essential for reliable test outcomes.

An elongation index exceeding 35% suggests a high proportion of elongated particles within the aggregate sample. This condition can negatively impact construction projects, particularly those involving road pavements and concrete structures. Elongated particles can create voids during mixing and reduce the overall density of the concrete mix, leading to decreased strength and durability of the finished structure. In this experiment, the elongation index was determined to be 39.09%, indicating potential unsuitability for robust construction applications due to expected reductions in structural integrity and compromised load-bearing capacity .

Following standard guidelines is imperative to ensuring that aggregates used in road construction achieve the necessary strength, durability, and performance standards. Aggregates with a flakiness index below 25% and elongation index below 35% are desirable as they contribute to a mix with more uniform particle sizes that interlock well to provide the necessary load-bearing capability and reduce voids. Deviations from these standards could impair the structural integrity of the road, leading to maintenance issues, decreased lifespan, and potential safety hazards . These guidelines help in producing robust and durable road surfaces, minimizing costs related to repairs and ensuring public safety.

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