TEST 2: AGGREGATE SHAPE TEST (FLAKINESS INDEX)

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The particle shape of aggregates is determined by the percentages of flaky particles. Flaky particles are
considered undesirable as they cause weakness of the pavement. Rounded aggregates are preferred in
cement concrete pavements as the workability of concrete improves. Regular shapes of particles are
desirable for granular base course due to increased stability desired from better interlocking. When the shape
of aggregates deviates more from the spherical shape, as in the case of angular, flaky and elongation
aggregate the void content increase and hence the grain size distribution of the aggregates has to be suitable
altered in order to obtain minimum voids in the dry mix on the maximum density.
Aggregate particles are classified as flaky when they have a thickness (smallest dimension) of less than 0.6 of
their mean sieve size. The flakiness index of an aggregate sample is found by separating the flaky particles
and expressing their mass as a percentage of the mass of the sample tested. This test is not applicable to
aggregate passing 6.30mm sieve and retained as 63.0 mm sieve.
2.0 OBJECTIVE
To determine the flakiness index of the given aggregate sample.

3.0 APPARATUS
1. Metal thickness gauge (Figure 1.0)
2. Test sieve, balance, trays, ect.

Figure 1: Shape Test Apparatus

4.0 PROCEDURE
1. Prepared the sample about
kg.
2. Sieve the sample through I.S sieves specified in table. A minimum of 200 pieces aggregates of each
fraction is taken and weight.
3. In order to separate flaky materials, each fraction is then gauge for thickness on thickness gauge or in
bulk on sieves having elongated slots as specified in the table.
4. The total amount of flaky material passing the gauge is weighed to an accuracy of at least 0.1% of weight
of the test sample.

5. The weight of each fraction of aggregate passing and retained on specified sieves size are found: w1, w2,
w3..And the total weight of sample from each fraction passing on different thickness gauge are found:
x1, x2, x3.
6. The flakiness index is the total weight of the material passing on the various thickness gauges expressed
as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged.
(

5.0 RESULT AND CALCULATION

Size of aggregate
Passing
through IS
sieve, mm

Retained on
IS sieve, mm

63

50

50

37.5

37.5

28

28

20

20

14

14

10

10

6.3

Width of the friction

consisting of at last
200 piece, g
(w)

Weight on aggregate
in each fraction
passing thickness
gauge, g
(x)

Total

The flakiness index of a given sample of aggregate is%

6.0 DISCUSSION
7.0 CONCLUCION
8.0 PROBLEMS
1. Explain Flakiness Index.
2. Discuss the advantages and limitations of rounded and angular aggregates in different types of
pavements.
9.0 REFERENCES
2