Yarmouk University

Al-Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology

Civil Engineering Department

Materials of Construction Laboratory CE 326/Spring Semester 2023-2024

Experiment Name: Unit Weight and Abrasion Resistance

Student Name:Eman Qasem Alqudah

Student Number:202199007

Submitted to: Eng. Saeed K. Thiabat

Submission Date:25.apr.24
Introduction*

This test method covers the determination of unit weight a compacted or loose condition of fine and
coarse aggregates. The procedure yields values based on aggregates in a dry condition. Unit weight values of
aggregates are necessary for use in many methods of selecting proportions for concrete mixtures. They may
also be used for determining mass/volume relationships for conversions and calculating the percentages of
voids in aggregates. Voids with him particles, either permeable or impermeable, are not included in voids as
determined by this test method. The second part of this experiment is testing aggregate concerning its
resistance to wear or degradation (hardness), it is an important test for aggregate to be used for roads, and on
floor surfaces subjected to heavy traffic. This test method covers a procedure for testing sizes of small coarse
aggregate for resistance to degradation using the Los Angeles testing machine. This test has been widely
used as an indicator of the relative quality or competence of various source of aggregate having similar
mineral compositions.This test is both an abrasion and impact test and appears to be more suitable for
.aggregates used in the wearing course/surface dressing than for asphalt concrete in other layers

Objectives*
The objective of this experiment first is to determine the unit weights of voids in a sample of
coarse, fine, or mixed aggregate. then investigate the relationship between the unit weight of the aggregate
and its abrasion resistance. Unit weight refers to the density of the material, and abrasion resistance indicates
.its ability to withstand wear and tear from friction

*Materials
1.Course Aggregate.
2.Fine Aggregate.

*Apparatus
1.Containers.
2.Sample spiltter.
3.Spatula.
4.Sieves.
5.Los Angeles testing machine.
6.Steel balls
7.Balance
8.Pan

*Procedure
First part :

.Fill the measuring container with water that's not too hot or too cold .1

.Find out the weight of the water in the container.2

.Fill the container with the aggregate until it's really full but not overflowing .3

.Make sure the top of the aggregate is flat.4

Write down the weight of container and its contents are, and then the weight of empty .5
.container

.Figure out the density of the aggregate is when it's not packed together tightly (compact) .6

Put some of the aggregate in the container until it's 1/3 full, then flatten the top with your .7
.hand

.Tap the aggregate down evenly with a special tool about 25 times.8

Add more aggregate until the container is 2/3 full, flatten it again, and tap it another 25 .9
.times

Fill the container to the very top with more aggregate and tap it 25 more times and make .10
.sure the top is flat

Write down the weight of container and its contents are, and then the weight of empty .11
.container is

: Second part
.Get an oven dried small course aggregate .1

.Once dry, get the sample ready and weigh it carefully, noting down the weight .2
 Place the sample into the Los Angeles testing machine and let it spin a 500 turns at a speed .3
.of 15 r/min

When the test is done, take out the material from the machine and sift it roughly using a .4
.sieve bigger than No. 12

.Then, sift the finer part using a No. 12 sieve and weight it.5

*Data and Results

Calibration for the Vessels

Vessel Volume before Weight of empty Weight of vessel + water (g) Real Volume of the Vessel
calibration vessel (g) (Volume after calibration)
3
3 L (3000 cm ) 897.2 3882.6 2985.4㎝³
3
7 L (7000 cm ) 1602.4 8619.1 7016.7㎝³
Note: Use ρwater = 1000 kg/m3

Real Volume = weight of water filling the vessel / water density

Agg. Vessel Empty Mass: Mass: c L Void

Ratio
Void
Used Vessel (Vessel + (Vessel + "Compa- "Loose Ratio
Mass Compacted Loose (Compa- (Loose
cted Unit cted
(g) Aggregate) Aggregate) Unit Weight" Aggregate)
Aggregate)
(g) (g) Weight" (Kg/m3)
(Kg/m3)

Coarse Vessel 7 L 1633.6 11911.7 10848.4 1464.88 1313.26 27.48％ 34.98％

Fine
Vessel 3 L 891.6 5939.2 5373.5 1690.76 1501.27 12.50％ 22.31％

40% FA +
60% CA Vessel 7 L 1633.6 13093.2 12431.1 1633.18 1538.82 17.68％ 22.44％

60% FA
+ Vessel 7 1633.6 13425.2 12508.8 1680.50 1549.92 14.54％ 21.18％
40% CA L
Assume : BSG(D)CA = 2.02 , BSG(D)FA = 1.9325

Bulk Density
Void Ratio (%) = 1– BSG ( D )∗unit mass of water *100%

BSG ( D )−Bulk Density /1000

= BSG( D)
 1
BSGaverage = P1
+
P2
+
P3
BSG 1 BSG 2 BSG 3

Hardness (Abrasion Resistance) – Los Angeles Test

Original Weight (W1) g 5000

Weight passing Sieve # 12 (W2) g 1340
Abrasion Resistance % = (W2/W1)*100% % 26.8

:Discussion
?What is the significance and usage of unit weight test )1

The unit weight of concrete is a crucial parameter in construction engineering. It represents the weight of a specific volume of
:concrete. Here’s why it matters
Structural Design and Assessment: Knowing the unit weight helps engineers determine the overall weight of a structure. This
.assessment is essential for evaluating stability, load-bearing capacity, and potential impacts on the foundation
Dead Load Calculation: The unit weight is vital for calculating the dead load on a structure. Dead load refers to the static, non-
moving forces exerted by the structure itself (e.g., beams, columns, slabs). Understanding this weight aids in designing
.foundations and selecting appropriate materials
Logistics and Planning: During construction, knowing the unit weight helps estimate the concrete quantity needed for a
.project. This information affects budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning

Which combination of coarse and fine aggregate satisfies higher unit weight value (60% CA & 40% FA) or )2
? (60%FA & 60%CA) ? Why

The combination of coarse and fine aggregates significantly influences the unit weight of concrete. Let’s compare the two
:scenarios
:Coarse Aggregate (CA) & 40% Fine Aggregate (FA) 60%
.Higher CA content tends to increase unit weight due to its denser nature
:FA & 60% CA 60%
.This balanced mix may yield a similar unit weight, as the increased FA compensates for the lighter CA
So,Both combinations can achieve comparable unit weights, but the specific aggregate properties (density, particle shape,
.gradation) play a crucial role

?What are the factors affecting the value of unit weight )3

:Many factors impact the unit weight of concrete

.Aggregate Properties: Density, shape, and gradation of aggregates
.Water-Cement Ratio: Higher water content increases unit weight
.Air Content: Air-entrained concrete is lighter
.Mix Design: Proportions of cement, aggregates, and water
.Curing Conditions: Proper curing affects concrete density

What is the gradation of aggregate which is used in grade B in Los Angeles test? And how many balls shall be )4
?used in grades A, B, C and D
:The Los Angeles Abrasion Test assesses the resistance of aggregates to abrasion and wear. In this test
:Number of Balls (Steel Spheres)
Grade A: 12 steel balls
Grade B: 11 steel balls
Grade C: 8 steel balls
Grade D: 6 steel balls

?Is the %Abrasion for the aggregate sample tested acceptable? Why )5

The percentage of abrasion loss depends on the specific project requirements. Acceptability varies based
on the intended use of the concrete. Engineers compare the test results with project specifications to
.determine acceptability

:Sample of Calculations

c Loose=mass of loose aggregate/real volume=((12508.8-1633.6)÷7.0157)= 1549.92㎏/㎥

c Compacted=mass of compacted aggregate/real volume=(13425.2-1633.6)/7.0157=1680.50 ㎏/㎥

1
BSGaverage = P 1 P2 P 3 =1/[(60%/1.9325)+(40%/2.02)]=1.96657
+ +
BSG 1 BSG 2 BSG 3

BSG ( D )−Bulk Density /1000

Void Ratio L= =((1.96657-[1549.92/1000])/1.96657)=14.54%
BSG( D)

BSG ( D )−Bulk Density /1000

Void Ratio C= =((1.96657-[1680.50/1000])/1.96657)=21.18%
BSG( D)

Real Volume = weight of water filling the vessel / water density

L 7.0167=1000÷)8619.1-1602.4(=

*Conclusion
In summary, the unit weight test plays a crucial role in construction engineering. It provides insights into material density,
especially for aggregates. Understanding unit weight is vital for structural design, load calculations, and project planning.
By studying the relationship between aggregate unit weight and abrasion resistance, engineers can optimize material choices
for durable concrete structures. The Los Angeles abrasion test, a standardized method, assesses aggregate hardness—critical
for road construction and high-traffic areas. Rigorous testing and thoughtful analysis empower engineers to make informed
.decisions, ensuring quality and longevity in construction projects