Method for determining the Average Least Dimension

Introduction:
The least dimension of an aggregate particle is the smallest perpendicular distance between two
parallel plates through which the particle will just past. The average least dimension is the
arithmetic mean of all the measured least dimensions of the aggregate particles measured.
This method describes a procedure to be followed to determine the Average Least Dimension of a
cover aggregate intended for use in a bituminous surface treatment or seal coat. The Average
Least Dimension of the cover aggregate is used to determine the starting spread rate for seal coat
operations.
Objectives:

Objective of this test is to determine the Average Least Dimension of a cover aggregate
intended for use in a bituminous surface treatment or seal coat.

Apparatus:
The following apparatus are required.
1) Set of Sieves including the following; 12.5 mm, 9.5 mm, 6.9 mm, 4.76 mm, 2.36 mm,
1.18 mm and pan (Figure 1).
2) A balance readable to at least 0.01 g.
3) A metal thickness gauge or special sieves having elongated apertures to determine the
Flakiness Index.

Procedure:

Figure 1 Set of Sieves

1) Procedure for determining the Median size of the cover aggregate

A surface-dry sample of the cover aggregate was weighed and determined the distribution
of particle sizes listed in Table 1 by means of sieves with square openings.
On completion of sieving, the material retained on each sieve was weighed on a balance
sensitive to 0.1 percent of weight of the test sample.
Data were recorded on a work sheet and calculated the weight passing each sieve,
expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample.
The results were recorded to the nearest 1 percent and plotted the grading curve on a
grading sheet.
The Median Size of the cover material was determined and recorded. The median size is
the theoretical sieve size in mm through which 50 percent of the cover material will pass.

Table 1 - Distribution of particle size

Standard
Sieve
Designation
Passing
12.5 mm
9.5 mm
6.9 mm
4.76 mm
2.36 mm
1.18 mm
Pan
2) Flakiness Index

The Flakiness Index was determined and recorded using BS 812: 105.

3) Average Least Dimension

The Average Least Dimension of the cover material was determined and recorded by
using the previously determined Median Size and Flakiness Index.
Figure 1 in Annex 1 was used and proceeded horizontally from the median size on the
vertical axis to the diagonal line representing the Flakiness Index for the sample. From this
intersection, proceeded vertically to the horizontal axis and read off and recored the Average
Least Dimension.
Observation:

Observations are given in Annex 1 & 2.

Calculations and result:

The average least dimension is reported to the nearest 0.1 mm.

Specimen Calculation:
Sieve
Size

Weight of
Sieve
(g)

Aggregate
wt.+ Sieve
(g)

Weight of
Aggregate
(g)

12.5 mm
9.5 mm
6.9 mm
4.76 mm
2.36 mm
1.18 mm
Pan

1161.4
1250.4
1157.8
528.0
524.4
478.4
503.2

1161.4
1285.0
3322.8
890.8
610.0
498.2
522.6

0
34.6
2165.0
362.8
85.6
19.8
19.4

As per the grading curve in Annex 2,

Median size of the cover aggregate = 9.0 mm

From Figure 1 in Annex 1,

Cumulativ
e
Weight
(g)
0
34.6
2199.6
2562.4
2648.0
2667.8
2687.2

Percent
Retained
(%)

Percent
Passing
(%)

0
1.29
81.85
95.35
98.54
99.28
100

100
98.71
18.15
4.65
1.46
0.72
0

Average Least Dimension = 7.2 mm

Discussion:
1) Discuss the importance of Average Least Dimension test in road construction.