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Aggregates: Types, Properties and Gradation

In this lecture;
---------------------

A- Source and types.

B- Properties, Specifications and
Tests.

C- Gradation.
D Blending (Combining).
Information listed in this lecture is mainly taken from the Iraqi General Specifications
for Roads and Bridge (SCRB, 2007), Standard Specifications for Engineering Materials
and Methods of Sampling and Testing (AASHTO, 2013), Handbook of Highway
Engineering (Fwa, 2006), http://www.pavementinteractive.org (Accessed on 2015)
and Highways (OFlaherty, 2007) and Aggregate properties (NCHRP, Report 539,
2005).

A- Source and Types

In ASTM D8 (ASTM, 2003), aggregate is defined as a granular material of mineral
composition such as sand, gravel, shell, slag, or crushed stone, used with cementing
medium to form mortars or concrete or alone as in base courses, railroad ballasts,
etc. These aggregates can be divided into three main categories natural,
processed, and synthetic (artificial) aggregates.
Natural aggregates are mined from river or glacial deposits () . Gravels and
sands are examples of natural aggregates. According to the AASHTO Specs M146,
stone is crushed or naturally angular particles of rock while gravel is rounded
particles of rock; both should pass a 75-mm (3-in.) sieve and be retained on a 2.00mm (No. 10) sieve. In Iraq, the control sieve is No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve.

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Sand is granular material resulting from the disintegration, grinding, or crushing of

rock and that will pass the 2.00-mm (No. 10) sieve (No.4 in Iraq) and be retained on
the 0.075 mm (No. 200) sieve.
Silt-clay (minus 75-m (No. 200) material)fine soil particles that will pass the
0.075 mm (No. 200) sieve.
Processed materials include gravel or stones that have been crushed, washed,
screened, or otherwise treated to enhance the performance of the hot mix asphalt
concrete (HMAC). Processed materials tend to be more angular and better graded.
Synthetic (artificial) aggregates are not mined or quarried. Rather, they are
manufactured through the application of physical and/or chemical processes as
either a principal product or a by-product. They are often used to improve the skid
resistance of HMAC. Blast furnace slag, lightweight expanded clay, shale are
examples of artificial aggregates.
In addition to the use of traditional aggregates mentioned above, there has been an
increase in the use of waste products in HMAC. Scrapped tires and glass are the two
most commonly used waste products that have been disposed of in HMAC.

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B- Properties, Tests and Specifications

Mineral aggregates make up between 80% and 90% of the total volume or 94% to
95% of the mass of hot mix asphalt (HMA). For this reason, it is important to
maximize the quality of the mineral aggregates to ensure the proper performance of
our countrys roadways. The quality of mineral aggregates for road-paving materials
has been specified by the toughness, soundness (durability), cleanliness, particle
shape, angularity, surface texture, and absorption.
This section will mainly review the key aggregates properties considered by the
Superpave mix design method. The Superpave mix design method was recently
designed -1993- to replace the Hveem and Marshall methods. The important
aggregates physical properties, tests and specifications were determined by asking
an expert group in order to determine the consensus and source aggregate
properties. The consensus properties including coarse and fine aggregate
angularity, flat and elongated particles, and clay content were chosen to ensure
that the aggregate quality was sufficient to provide satisfactory HMA performance
for the design traffic level. In contrast, the source properties - including toughness
(Los Angeles abrasion), soundness, and deleterious materialswere to be set by the
agency. This was done to allow for variances in locally available materials.
In addition to the Superpave consensus and source properties, there are other
properties that may influence the performance of aggregates in HMA particle
index, plasticity index (PI), affinity ( )for asphalt, and absorption.
1- Consensus (required)

CAA; FAA;Flat & Elongated and Clay content

2- Source (optional)

Toughness; Soundness, and Deleterious

materials
Particle index; PI; Ashpalt affinity and
Absorbtion

3- Other properties

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1- Consensus aggregate properties (required)

a) Coarse Aggregate Angularity (CAA)
CAA is defined as the percent by weight of aggregates retained on the No. 4
(4.75 mm) sieve with one or more fractured face. This property is determined using
ASTM D5821 Standard Test Method for Determining the Percentage of Fractured
Particles in Coarse Aggregate. In this procedure, individual aggregates are manually
examined for the presence of fractured faces.
Once the aggregates are sorted by the number of fractured faces, their percentages
of aggregate with at least one or two fractured faces are calculated. A fractured face
is defined as any angular, rough, or broken surface of an aggregate particle that
occupies more than 25% of the outline of the aggregate particle visible in that
orientation.
The percent of fractured particles in coarse aggregate can provide an indication of
inter-particle shear friction or stability.

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b) Fine Aggregate Angularity (FAA)

FAA is defined as the percent of air voids present in a loose uncompacted aggregate
sample that passes the No. 8 (2.36 mm) sieve. This property is determined using
AASHTO T304 Standard Method of Test for Uncompacted Void Content of Fine
Aggregate Method A. In this procedure, a nominal 100 cm3 calibrated cylinder
measure is filled with fine aggregate through a funnel placed at a fixed height above
the measure. When the measure is overfilled, it is struck off ( ) and the mass
of aggregate inside the measure is determined by weighing.

The uncompacted void content is the difference between the volume of the
cylindrical measure and the absolute volume of the fine aggregate (calculated from
its mass and bulk dry specific gravity). For fine aggregate with a given gradation, the
higher the void content, the higher the assumed angularity and rougher the surface.
High angularity results in high internal friction of aggregate and hence high shear
strength ( = c + tan ).
Generally, angular aggregates are harder to compact due to the aggregate-interlock
(low workability), which gives the mix greater shear strength. These mixes tend to
be more stable and resistant to rutting.
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c) Flat and Elongated Particles

Flat or elongated particles are defined as aggregate having a ratio of width to
thickness or length to width greater than a specified value. This property is
determined using ASTM D4791 Standard Practice for Flat Particles, Elongated
Particles, or Flat and Elongated Particles in Coarse Aggregate.
This test is conducted on aggregates retained on the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve. In this
procedure, a proportional calliper ( ) is used to measure the
dimensional ratio of a representative sample of coarse aggregate. Aggregates
exceeding the 5 to 1 ratio are considered flat and elongated in the Superpave mix
design system. The percent of flat or elongated aggregates is reported as a
percentage of total aggregates tested.

Aggregates used in HMA mixes should be cubicle rather than disproportionate in

their dimensions. Aggregates particles that are significantly longer in one dimension
than in the other one or two dimensions have a propensity to break during the
construction process or under traffic loading.

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d) Clay content
Clay content is defined as the percentage of clay material contained in the aggregate
fraction that passes the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve. This property is determined using
AASHTO T176 Standard Method of Test for Plastic Fines in Graded Aggregates and
Soils by Use of the Sand Equivalent Test.
In this procedure, a sample of fine aggregate is placed in a graduated cylinder with a
flocculating solution. The cylinder is then agitated to loosen the clayey fines within
and surrounding the aggregate particles. After allowing the constituents to
settle for a specific length of time, the height of suspended clay and sedimented
aggregate is measured. The sand equivalent value is the ratio of the sand reading to
the clay reading as a percentage.
A low sand equivalent value, or high clay content, means that there is dirt on the
surface of the aggregates. This dirt can reduce the bond between the aggregate
and asphalt cement. Consequently, the mix would have a greater tendency for
stripping. Cleaner aggregate with higher sand equivalent values will enhance the
performance of HMA. According to SCRB (2009) sand equivalent value should not be
less than 45%

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2- Source aggregate properties (optional)

a) Toughness
Toughness is the percent loss of material from an aggregate blend during the Los
Angeles Abrasion ( / ) test. This property is determined using AASHTO T96
(ASTM C131) Standard Method of Test for Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size
Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine. The Los
Angeles (L.A.) abrasion test is a common test method used to indicate aggregate
toughness (impact resistance) and abrasion characteristics (hardness). These
characteristics are important because the aggregate in HMA must resist crushing
, degradation and disintegration it might face during stockpiling,
producing (in plant), placing, and compacting. Aggregates not adequately resistant
to abrasion and polishing may cause premature structural failure and/or a loss of
skid resistance.

In this procedure, aggregate is degraded (broken apart to smaller sizes) through

abrasion, impact, and grinding ( ) in a rotating steel drum ( ) containing steel
spheres. The LA abrasion loss is the difference between the original and final mass
of the sample after washing off the No. 12 (1.70 mm) screen. Typical test values
range from 10% for extremely hard rocks (e.g. basalt) to 60% for soft rocks (e.g.
limestone).
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b) Soundness
The soundness test determines an aggregates resistance (durability) to
disintegration by weathering and, in particular, freeze-thaw cycles. Aggregates that
are durable are less likely to degrade in the field and cause premature HMA
pavement distress and potentially, failure.
Soundness is the percent loss of material from an aggregate blend during the
sodium sulfate Na2SO4 or magnesium sulfate MgSO4 soundness test. This property is
determined using AASHTO T104 Standard Method of Test for Soundness of
Aggregate by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate. In this procedure,
aggregate samples are put through repeated cycles of immersion in saturated
solutions of sodium or magnesium sulfate followed by oven drying. The percent loss
of material is determined by taking the difference between the original and final
masses expressed as a percentage of the original mass. This test evaluates the
aggregates ability to resist breaking down or disintegrating due to weathering (i.e.,
wetting and drying and/or freezing and thawing). ASTM D692 Standard
Specification for Coarse Aggregate for Bituminous Paving Mixtures specifies a 5cycle weighted loss of not more than 12% when sodium sulfate is used or 18% when
magnesium sulfate is used.

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c) Deleterious Materials
The percentage of deleterious materials in blended aggregate is determined
using AASHTO T112 (ASTM C142) Standard Method of Test for Clay Lumps
and Friable Particles in Aggregate. In this procedure, aggregates are individually
subjected to finger pressure (while soaking) to determine materials that are friable
or clay lumps. The percent of clay lumps and friable particles is determined by taking
the difference between the original and final mass retained on a No. 200 (0.075
mm) sieve, after wet sieving, expressed as a percentage of the original mass. The
percent of deleterious materials can range from 0.2 to 10%.
=========================
3- Other properties
a) Particle Index (Shape and Texture)
Particle index is an overall measure of aggregate particle shape and texture. This
property is determined using ASTM D3398 Standard Test Method for Index of
Aggregate Particle Shape and Texture. In this test method, the percent voids in the
aggregate compacted in two stages according to a specified procedure is used to
calculate the particle index (Ia) value. Typically, rounded particles with smooth
surface textures may have a particle index of 6 or 7 while a highly-angular crushed
particle with rough surface textures can have particle indices of 15 to 20 or higher.
Surface texture, similar to particle shape, influences the workability and strength of
HMA. Aggregates with rough textures, such as crushed limestone or gravel, tend to
form stronger bonds with asphalt cement and increases the strength and asphalt
cement demand of a mix. On the other hand, aggregates with smooth textures, such
as river gravels and sands, tend to form weaker bonds with asphalt cement which

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leads to reduced strength and decreased asphalt cement demand. However, smooth
aggregate surface textures may provide more workability.
b) Plasticity Index
The Plasticity Index (PI) is a measure of the degree of plasticity of fines (material
passing the No. 200 sieve). It can provide an indication of the amount and type of
fines. This property is determined using ASTM D4318 Standard Test Method for
Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils. The PI is defined as the
difference between the liquid limit (LL) and plastic limit (PL).
c) Affinity for Asphalt
An aggregates affinity for asphalt cement is its propensity to attract and remain
attached to asphalt cement. Asphalt cement must coat the aggregate, stick to the
aggregate, and resist stripping of the asphalt film in the presence of water. It is
important to recognize that some aggregates appear to have a greater affinity for
water than for asphalt cement. These hydrophilic (water-loving) aggregates have a
tendency to get stripped (asphalt film gets detached from the aggregate) with
exposure to water. On the other hand, hydrophobic (water-hating) aggregates have
a greater affinity for asphalt cement. Limestone and dolomite are examples of
hydrophobic aggregates.
d) Absorption
Absorption is a measure of an aggregates porosity. While porosity is generally
associated with the absorption of water, a porous aggregate also tends to absorb
asphalt cement. Porous aggregates have a greater asphalt cement demand and
require additional asphalt cement for a comparable mix. Therefore, highly porous
aggregates are generally not used for HMA unless the aggregates possess certain
desirable qualities that outweigh the cost of additional asphalt cement.
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C Aggregates gradation
According to Iraqi roads specifications, Coarse Aggregate is that portion of the
combined aggregate retained on the 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve used for asphalt
concrete. Fine Aggregate is that portion of the combined aggregate passing the 4.75
mm (No. 4) sieve shall consist of stone screenings (dust) and natural sand. Natural
sand shall not exceed 25% of the portion fines than 2.36 mm for surface and binder
courses. Mineral Filler shall consist of limestone or other stone dust, portland
cement, hydrated lime or other non-plastic mineral matter from approved sources.
It shall conform to the grading requirements shown in Table R9/1.
The plasticity index as determined by ASSHTO T90 shall not be greater than 4. The
amount of filler to be added shall be only that amount which is necessary to the
grading requirements for the completed mixture prescribed.

Aggregate gradation is the distribution of particle size expressed as a percentage of

the total sample weight. This property is determined using AASHTO T27 (ASTM
C136) Standard Method of Test for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregate.
In this test, aggregate passed through sieves with progressively smaller openings.
The mass of aggregate retained is then used to determine the percent of aggregate
retained on and/or passing each sieve. Gradations can be represented graphically
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using percent passing (by weight) as the ordinate and particle size as the abscissa.
Fuller and Thompson (1907) developed one of the best-known grading charts in the
early 20th century. The equation for Fullers maximum density curve is as follows:
P = (d/D)0.45 * 100
where d is the diameter of the sieve in question, P total percent passing or finer
than the sieve, and D is the maximum size of the aggregate. Maximum size is the
smallest sieve through which 100 percent of the aggregate sample particles pass.
For example, for surface course; P(#4) = (4.75/19)0.45 * 100 = 53.58 %
for surface course; P(#200) = (0.075/19)0.45 * 100 = 8.28 %
for binder course; P(#4)

= (4.75/25)0.45 * 100 = 47.36 %

for binder course; P(#200) = (0.075/25)0.45 * 100 = 7.32 %

--------------------------------------------------------Types of Aggregate Gradation
Dense or Well-Graded: The most common HMA and PCC mix designs in the U.S.
tend to use dense graded aggregate. Typical gradations are near the 0.45 power
curve but not right on it. Generally, a true maximum density gradation (exactly on
the 0.45 power curve) would result in unacceptably low VMA (voids in mineral
aggregate).

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Gap Graded: Refers to a gradation that contains only a small percentage of

aggregate particles in the mid-size range. The curve is flat in the mid-size range.
Some PCC mix designs use gap graded aggregate to provide a more economical mix
since less sand can be used for a given workability. HMA gap graded mixes can be
prone to ( ) segregation during placement.
Open Graded: Refers to a gradation that contains only a small percentage of
aggregate particles in the small range. This results in more air voids (permeable
aggregate) because there are not enough small particles to fill in the voids between
the larger particles. The curve is near vertical in the mid-size range, and flat and
near-zero in the small-size range.
Uniformly Graded: Refers to a gradation that contains most of the particles in a very
narrow size range. In essence, all the particles are the same size. The curve is steep
and only occupies the narrow size range specified.

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D Aggregate Blending (Combining)

The first phase in any asphalt mix design is the selection and combination of
aggregates to obtain a gradation within the specification limits. This sometimes is
referred to as mechanical stabilization.
Several aggregate gradations are usually proportioned for three reasons: (1) to
obtain the desired gradation; (2) single natural or quarried materials not enough and
(3) it is economical to combine natural and process materials.
According to the Iraqi specification (SCRB, 2007, R9), the asphalt concrete mixtures
for base course (type I), binder course (type II) and surface course (type IIIA or IIIB)
shall be composed basically of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, mineral filler (if
needed), and asphalt cement. The several mineral constituents shall be sized,
uniformly graded and combined in such proportions that the resulting blend meets
the grading requirements for the specific type under contract. The requirements for
the asphalt concrete mixtures shall conform to grading shown in the Table below.

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The Job Mix Formula (JMF)

Generally, a job-mix formula consists of two parts: (1) The combined gradation of
the aggregates to be used in the production of the asphalt concrete mixture; (2) The
asphalt content necessary to produce a satisfactory mix meeting all the specification
requirements (next lectures). The Iraqi SCRB (2009, R9) stated that contractor will
be allowed the tolerances from the approved job-mix formula shown in Table R9/4.

How to Combining Aggregates to Achieve the Target Blend?

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Proportioning Determinations

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(1) Combining Two Aggregates

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Figure 3.10 Trial-and-Error calculations for combining two aggregates.

(2) Combining Three Aggregates or More

The same procedure adopted in blinding two aggregates can be followed to
determine the adequate proportions for combining three or more aggregates. For
example, when three aggregates needs to be combined (Coarse agg. A, Fine Agg. B
and Mineral Filler C) the following Basic Formula and Trial-and-Error procedure
should be applied.
P = aA + bB + cC
a+b+c=1
===================================
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