Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Course Number: CVEN 210

Course Name: Properties and Testing of Materials (B01)
Lab Title: Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion
and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine (ASTM C 131)
Lab No. : 2
Total
Group Number in Blackboard: 1
Section: B01
/100
Student Name 1 : Omar Mustafa
ID Number : 202208460

Student Name 2 : Zarar Saadullah

ID Number : 202205272

Student Name 3 : Mubarak Al-Naemi

/100
ID Number : 202206280

Student Name 4 : Ali Alnabet

ID Number : 202009383

Student Name 5 : Yusuf Al-Janahi

ID Number : 202108078

Instructor: Eng. Nasser Alnohmi

Date of the Lab Performed: 23/9/2024

Date of the Report Submitted: 30/9/2024

Fall 2024
 CVEN 210 [PROPERTIES AND TESTING OF MATERIALS LAB]

Table of Contents

1.1: Introduction……………………………………………………………………………..……………………1
2.1: Summary………………………………………………………………………………….………….………2
3: Materials and Lab Procedures.…………………………………………………………………………………3
3.1: Materials and Tools…………………………………………………………………………………..3
3.2: Lab Procedures……………………………………………………………………………………….3
4.1: Detailed Test Results…………………………………………………………………………………………5
5.1: Discussion……………………………………………………………………………………………….........6
6.1: References...………………………………………………………..................................................................7
 CVEN 210 [PROPERTIES AND TESTING OF MATERIALS LAB]

List of Figures

Figure 1: Mechanical Shaker…………………………………………………………………………...…………2

Figure 2: Coarse aggregate………………………………………………………………………………..………2
Figure 3: Steel charges……………………………………………………….……………………………………2
Figure 4: Loss Angeles Machine.……………………………………………………………………………........2
Figure 5: Weighing Scale………………………………………………………………………………………….2
Figure 6: 1.70mm sieve per ATSM C131………………………………………………………….……………...2
Figure 7: Stainless Steel Scoop……………………………………………………………………………………2
Figure 8: Plastic Scoop…………………………………………………………………….……...……………....2
Figure 9: Loading around 2.5kg of aggregate……………………………………….…………………………….3
Figure 10: Weighing 2501.8g for first part of sample …………………………………...……………………….3
Figure 11: Weighing 2501.2g for second part of sample………………………………………………………….3
Figure 12: Loading around 5kg of aggregate into LA machine…………………………………………………...3
Figure 13: Adding 11 steel balls…………………………………………………………………………...……...3
Figure 14: Closing the LA machine Aggregates………………………………………………………………..…3
Figure 15: Extracting the sample from the machine……………………………………………............................4
Figure 16: Weighing sieve #12………………………………………………………………………………....…4
Figure 17: Mechanically shaking sample from sieve #12………………………………………………………...4
Figure 18: Weighing the aggregates retained Sieve ……………………………………………………………...4
 CVEN 210 [PROPERTIES AND TESTING OF MATERIALS LAB]

List of Tables

Table 1: Final calculated L.A abrasion percentage for sample of grade B according to (ASTM C131)................1
Table 2: Sieve size and used grading.......................................................................................................................5
Table 3: Minimum, actual and maximum L.A loss percentage……………………………………………….…..5
 CVEN 210 [PROPERTIES AND TESTING OF MATERIALS LAB]

1.1: Introduction

The experiment in this lab focuses on determining the resistance to degradation of small-size coarse
aggregates by abrasion and impact using the Los Angeles machine, as per ASTM C131. To achieve this objective,
we utilized a variety of equipment and followed specific procedures. The coarse aggregate, with a size smaller
than 1-1/2 inch (37.5 mm), was subjected to wear and impact inside the Los Angeles machine. This experiment
aims to assess the aggregates’ resistance to degradation and evaluate their durability by measuring the percentage
of wear after undergoing standardized abrasion and impact testing.

2.1: Summary

The Los Angeles Abrasion test, per ASTM C131, evaluates the resistance of aggregates to abrasion,
impact, and grinding. In this experiment, the L.A. Abrasion Loss was 13%, within the acceptable range of 10%
to 45%, indicating that the aggregate has adequate durability and resistance to degradation.

Allowable Limits for L.A. Abrasion Loss% as per ASTM C131

Minimum L.A. Loss% Actual L.A. Loss% Maximum L.A. Loss%
10 13 45
Table 1: Final calculated L.A abrasion percentage for sample of grade B

As shown in table 1 there exists an allowable limit for L.A. Abrasion Loss as defined by ASTM C131,
showing a minimum loss of 10% and a maximum allowable loss of 45%. The actual L.A. Abrasion Loss in this
experiment was 13%, which falls comfortably within the specified range. This indicates that the aggregate has
sufficient resistance to degradation through abrasion and impact, meeting the required durability standards for
construction purposes. The result is on the lower end of the acceptable range, suggesting the aggregate possesses
good mechanical strength and wear resistance.

1
 CVEN 210 [PROPERTIES AND TESTING OF MATERIALS LAB]

3: Materials and Lab Procedures

3.1: Materials and Tools

1. Mechanical shaker (Figure 1) 6. 1.70mm sieve per ATSM C131 (Figure 6)

2. Coarse aggregate (Figure 2) 7. Stainless steel scope (Figure 7)
3. Steel charges (Figure 3) 8. Plastic scope (Figure 8)
4. Los Angeles machine (Figure 4) 9. Brush
5. Weighing scale in grams (Figure 5) 10. Pan
6.

Figure 1: Mechanical Shaker Figure 2: Coarse Aggregate Figure 3: Steel Charges Figure 4: Los Angeles Machine

Figure 5: Weighing scale Figure 6: 1.70mm sieve Figure 7: Stainless Steel Scope Figure 8: Plastic Scope

2
 CVEN 210 [PROPERTIES AND TESTING OF MATERIALS LAB]

3.2: Lab Procedures:

1. Sample Preparation
- The aggregate sample was first washed and then heated to eliminate impurities.

2. Particle Size Distribution (PSD)

- The particle size distribution was set according to the sizes specified for Type "B" aggregates, as it was the
available type. The two size fractions prepared were:
- Passing Sieve 19.0 mm (3/4 in.) and retained on Sieve 12.5 mm (1/2 in.)
- Passing Sieve 12.5 mm (1/2 in.) and retained on Sieve 9.5 mm (3/8 in.)

3. Weighing the Aggregates

- 2500 grams of each size fraction were weighed, resulting in a total of 5000 grams of aggregate.

Figure 10: Weighing 2501.8g for Figure 11: Weighing 2501.2g for
Figure 9: Loading around 2.5kg
first part of sample second part of sample
of aggregate

4. Loading the Los Angeles Machine

- The 5000 grams of aggregates were placed into the Los Angeles machine along with 11 steel balls as in figures
12 and 13 respectively, each of these ball charges is approximately 46.8 mm in diameter and weighing between
390 to 445 grams. The LA machine was then locked closed using the machine led.

Figure 12: Loading around 5kg

of aggregate into LA machine Figure 13: Adding 11 steel balls Figure 14: Closing the LA machine

3
 CVEN 210 [PROPERTIES AND TESTING OF MATERIALS LAB]

5. Running the Test

- The Los Angeles machine was operated for 500 revolutions at a speed of 30 to 33 revolutions per minute.

6. Sieve Analysis
- After completing the cycles, the sample was extracted and placed in Sieve No. 12. The sieving process was
performed for 10 minutes (five minutes in this experiment). The weight of the sieve was recorded beforehand to
exclude it from final weight calculations.

Figure 15: Extracting the Figure 16: Weighing sieve #12 Figure 17: Mechanically
sample from the machine shaking sample from sieve #12

7. Calculating the Los Angeles Ratio

- The retained aggregates on Sieve No. 12 were finally weighed, and the weight value was used to calculate
the Los Angeles abrasion value.

Figure 18: Weighing the

aggregates retained Sieve
4
 CVEN 210 [PROPERTIES AND TESTING OF MATERIALS LAB]

4.1: Detailed Test Results

Weight of Indicated Sizes, g

Sieve Size (mm)
Grading
Passing Retained on A B C D
37.5 mm (1-1/2 in.) 25.0 mm (1 in.) 1250 ± 25
25.0 mm (1 in.) 19.0 mm (3/4 in.) 1250 ± 25
19.0 mm (3/4 in.) 12.5 mm (1/2 in.) 1250 ± 25 2501.8
12.5 mm (1/2 in.) 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) 1250 ± 25 2501.2
9.5 mm (3/8 in.) 6.3 mm (1/4 in.) 2500 ± 10
6.3 mm (1/4 in.) 4.75 mm (No. 4) 2500 ± 10
4.75 mm (No. 4) 2.36 mm (No. 8) 5000 ± 10
Total 5000 ± 10 5003.0 5000 ± 10 5000 ± 10
Table 2: Sieve size and used grading

After conducting the experiment, with reference to table 2 we found:

Total Final Weight after experiment = 5748.9g (from figure 17)
Weight of Sieve = 1394.0g
Therefore, Final Weight of Aggregate = (Final Weight – Sieve Weight) which is

𝑨𝒈𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 = (5748.9 − 1394.0) = 4354.9 𝑔

We used the formula:

𝑂𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 – 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
𝐿. 𝐴 𝑎𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 (%) = ( ) × 100% =
𝑂𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
5003.0 – 4354.9
𝐿. 𝐴 𝑎𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 (%) = ( ) × 100% ≅ 𝟏𝟑%
5003.0

Allowable Limits for L.A. Abrasion Loss% as per ASTM C131

Minimum L.A. Loss% Actual L.A. Loss% Maximum L.A. Loss%
10 13 45
Table 3: Minimum, actual and maximum L.A loss percentage

5
 CVEN 210 [PROPERTIES AND TESTING OF MATERIALS LAB]

5.1: Discussion

This experiment successfully demonstrated the procedure for testing the resistance to degradation of small-size
coarse aggregate through abrasion and impact using the Los Angeles Machine, in accordance with ASTM C131.
The report outlined the sample's characteristics, the testing procedure, and the calculations performed to determine
the L.A. Abrasion Loss.

The experiment confirmed that the aggregate sample used met the ASTM C33 standard, with an L.A. Abrasion
Loss of 13%, falling within the acceptable range of 10% to 45%. This result indicates that the aggregate has
sufficient durability to resist degradation under the combined effects of abrasion, impact, and grinding, ensuring
it meets the necessary quality standards for construction use.

The ASTM C131 test is valuable in assessing the mechanical properties of aggregates under heavy loads,
simulating real-world conditions in construction environments. By applying both theoretical and practical
knowledge, this experiment provided insights into the behavior of aggregates when subjected to extreme stress.
Additionally, it emphasized the importance of quality control in material selection for ensuring structural integrity
and longevity in engineering applications.

Overall, this experiment deepened our understanding of the mechanical degradation process of aggregates and
the importance of following standardized testing procedures to assess their suitability for use in construction
projects.

6
 CVEN 210 [PROPERTIES AND TESTING OF MATERIALS LAB]

References

- ASTM C136. *Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates*. ASTM
International.
- ASTM C535. *Standard Test Method for Resistance to Degradation of Large-Size Coarse Aggregate by
Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine*. ASTM International.
- ASTM E11. *Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves*. ASTM International.