Aggregate Crushing Value{IS: 2386 (Part IV) 1963}

Aggregates used in the construction, should be strong enough to resist crushing. If the aggregates
are weak, the stability of the structure is likely to be adversely affected. The strength of coarse
aggregates is assessed by aggregate crushing test. The aggregate crushing value provides a
relative measure of resistance to crushing under gradually applied compressive load. Lesser
the aggregate crushing value stronger is the given sample of aggregates.
Object: To determine aggregate crushing value by compressive testing machine.
Apparatus required:
1. Steel cylinder open with both ends
2. Steel tamping rod
3. UTM (Universal Testing Machine)
4. Cylindrical measure and plunger
5. IS sieves of sizes- 12.5mm and 10mm
Procedure:
1)The aggregates are sieved using 12.5 mm IS sieve and those retained on 10 mm IS
sieve are taken and oven dried at 100-110 Celsius for 3-4 hrs.
2)The cylindrical apparatus (Open ended steel cylinder of nominal 150mm internal diameter with
plunger and base plate ) is then filled with coarse aggregate in 3 layers and each layer tamped 25
times (by a tamping rod with a 16mm diameter and 600mm long) such that there are minimum
voids occupied.
3)The weight of the aggregates is then weighed (Wt. A)
4)The top layer is leveled and the plunger is inserted.
5)The whole set up is then kept in the UTM (compression testing machine) and the
compressive loading is done at a uniform rate such that 40 tons (400kN) is achieved in
10 minutes.
6)The cylinder is taken out and the crushed aggregates are sieved through IS sieve 2.36 mm and
the weight of aggregates passing through this sieve is weighed Weight B.
Calculations: Aggregate Crushing Value = (B/A) * 100 %
* The value is higher when more percentage of aggregates crush and break into smaller
pieces which indicates the aggregates are of a lower quality.
* Aggregate crushing value < 45% for aggregates used for concrete for non wearing
surfaces and <25% for wearing surfaces like runways and roadways.