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Scope: Flat and Elongated Particles in Coarse Aggregate Fop For Astm D 4791

This document provides a procedure for determining the percentage of flat and elongated particles in coarse aggregates according to ASTM D 4791. The procedure involves sampling and preparing coarse aggregate fractions, then using a proportional caliper device to separate particles into flat/elongated and not flat/elongated categories. The percentage of flat/elongated particles is calculated for each sieve fraction by mass. A sample report shows results for several sieve sizes.

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256 views4 pages

Scope: Flat and Elongated Particles in Coarse Aggregate Fop For Astm D 4791

This document provides a procedure for determining the percentage of flat and elongated particles in coarse aggregates according to ASTM D 4791. The procedure involves sampling and preparing coarse aggregate fractions, then using a proportional caliper device to separate particles into flat/elongated and not flat/elongated categories. The percentage of flat/elongated particles is calculated for each sieve fraction by mass. A sample report shows results for several sieve sizes.

Uploaded by

mido_20067581
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Quality Assurance Idaho FOPs 580.

00

FLAT AND ELONGATED PARTICLES IN COARSE AGGREGATE


FOP FOR ASTM D 4791

Scope

This FOP covers the determination of the percentage, by mass, of flat and elongated particles in
coarse aggregates for comparison with specification limits.

This FOP can be performed in conjunction with AASHTO T 27/T 11.

Flat and elongated particles of aggregates, for some construction applications, may interfere with
consolidation and result in harsh, difficult to place materials and a potentially unstable mixture.

Apparatus

• Balance or scale: Capacity sufficient for the principal sample mass, accurate to 0.1 percent
of the sample mass or readable to 0.1 g. Meets the requirements of AASHTO M 231.

• Sieves, meeting requirements of AASHTO M 92.

• Proportional Caliper Device, meeting the requirements of ASTM D 4791. The device
typically consists of a base plate with two fixed posts and a swinging arm mounted between
them so that the openings between the arm and the posts maintain a constant ratio. The
numbers on the arm represent the ratios for which the apparatus can be set. For example, the
number 5 represents the 5:1 ratio.

Terminology

Flat and elongated particles are defined as those coarse aggregate particles that have a ratio of length
to thickness equal to or greater than a specified value such as 5:1.

Sample and Sample Preparation


1. Sample the aggregate in accordance with the FOP for AASHTO T 2. When the sample
contains both coarse (+ #4) and fine (- #4) material, the fine portion must be removed to
determine the minimum sample size from Table 1.
2. Mix the sample and reduce to sample size in accordance with the FOP for AASHTO T 248.
See Table 1 for minimum required sample mass.

Table 1 Coarse Sample Size


Nominal Coarse Sample
Maximum Mass, min.
Size kg lb
3/8” 1 2
1/2” 2 4
3/4” 5 11
1” 10 22
1½” 15 33

1/13 ASTM D 4791


Quality Assurance Idaho FOPs 580.00

3. Dry the sample to constant mass.


4. Sieve the aggregate according to the FOP for AASHTO T 27/11.
5. If an individual sieve size fraction is not represented by at least 10% of the coarse portion
(+No. 4) aggregate material, combine that sieve size fraction with the next smaller fraction
for all sieves except the 3/8” sieve. If the 3/8” sieve is not represented by at least 10% of the
course portion (+No. 4), combine the 3/8” sieve material with the next larger sieve size
material.
6. Reduce each individual sieve size fraction through and including the 3/8” sieve to
approximately 100 particles per T-248 (Reduction to an exact amount is not permitted).

Procedure

From Step 6, perform the following for each sieve size fraction:

1. Determine the total dry mass of each fraction to the nearest 0.1 g. This mass is
designated as T in the calculation.

2. Set the proportional caliper device to the ratio required in the contract specifications:
(2:1, 3:1, or 5:1).

3. Expedite testing through preliminary visual separation of all material which obviously is
not flat and elongated.

4. Test each questionable particle by setting the larger opening of the proportional caliper
device equal to the maximum dimension of the particle’s length. Determine the
dimension which represents the particle thickness (the smallest dimension). Pull the
particle horizontally through the smaller opening without rotating, maintaining contact of
the particle with the fixed post at all times. If the entire particle thickness can be pulled
through the smaller opening, the particle is flat and elongated. Develop two categories of
aggregate for each size fraction, flat and elongated and not flat and elongated.

5. Determine the dry mass of the flat and elongated particles in each size fraction to the
nearest 0.1 g. This mass is designated as F in the calculation.

Calculations

1. Calculate the percentage of flat and elongated particles in each size fraction to the nearest
0.1% according to the equation shown below.

1/13 ASTM D 4791


Quality Assurance Idaho FOPs 580.00

F
Pi = x 100
T

where:
Pi = percent flat & elongated of individual size fraction
F = mass of flat and elongated particles in fraction
T = total mass of particles in fraction

Example –

• Individual Percent Flat & Elongated for 3/4” Sieve Size Fraction:

196.4
P= x 100 = 16.7, report 17%
1178.0

Sample Report

Total Mass Mass of Flat & Flat &


Sieve
in Size Fraction Elongated Particles Elongated
Size
(Mass) (Mass) (Percent) *
1” 1640.9 589.2 36
3/4” 1178.0 196.4 17
1/2” 825.7 70.1 8
3/8” 277.0 23.3 8

* Report to the nearest 1 percent.

1/13 ASTM D 4791


Quality Assurance Idaho FOPs 580.00

PERFORMANCE EXAM CHECKLIST

Flat Particles, Elongated Particles, or Flat and Elongated Particles in Coarse Aggregate Fop for
ASTM D 4791
Participant Name:__________________________ Exam Date:_____________________
Record the symbols “P” for passing or “F” for failing on each step of the checklist.

Procedure Element Trial 1 Trial 2

Sample Preparation
1. Sample obtained, mixed and reduced in accordance with AASHTO
T 2 and AASHTO T 248 to approximately the amount required for
testing? For combined samples fine portion (- # 4) removed?
2. Minimum dry sample mass meets requirements of Table 1?

Procedure
1. Sample sieved according to AASHTO T 27?
2. Each coarse aggregate size fraction present in amount of 10% or
more of original coarse sample reduced according to T 248 until
approximately 100 particles obtained?

Flat and Elongated Particle Test:


3. Each particle in each size fraction tested and placed into one of two
groups: (1) flat and elongated or (2) not flat and elongated?
4. Proportional caliper device positioned at proper ratio? ________ _______
5. Larger opening set equal to particle length?
6. Particle is flat and elongated if the thickness can be placed in the
smaller opening?
8. Proportion of sample in each group determined by count or by mass,
as required?

Calculation
1. Percentage of flat and elongated particles calculated to nearest 1%
for each sieve size greater than No. 4?
2. When weighted average for sample is required, sieve sizes not
tested (those representing less than 10% of sample) assumed to have
same percentage of flat particles, elongated particles, or flat and
elongated particles as the next smaller or the next larger size?
Or if both are present, is average for next smaller and larger
sizes used?

Comments and Score: First Attempt: Pass Fail Second Attempt: Pass Fail

Signature of Examiner:

1/13 ASTM D 4791

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