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Table of Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Definition ........................................................................................................................................ 2
Angularity number ...................................................................................................................... 2
Significance..................................................................................................................................... 2
Purpose............................................................................................................................................ 2
Standard reference .......................................................................................................................... 3
Equipment and materials................................................................................................................. 3
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Results ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Recorded data.............................................................................................................................. 3
Calculations................................................................................................................................. 4
Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Discussion ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Appendix ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction
The angularity number is determined from the proportion of voids in a sample of aggregate after
compaction in the specified manner. This property is used mainly in the design of mix
proportions and in research. Angularity or absence of rounding of the particles of an aggregate is
a property which is of importance because it affects the ease of handling of a mixture of
aggregate and binder (for instance, the workability of concrete) or the stability of mixtures that
rely on the interlocking of the particles. The least angular (most rounded) aggregates are found to
have about 33% voids and the angularity number is defined as the amount by which the
percentage of voids exceeds 33. The angularity number ranges from 0 to about 12.

Definition
Angularity number: Angularity number of an aggregate is the amount (to the higher whole
number) by which the percentage of voids in it after compacting in a prescribed manner exceeds
33.

Significance
The degree of packing of particles of single sized aggregate depends upon the angularity
of aggregate.

The angularity of the aggregate can be estimated from the properties of voids in a sample
of aggregate compacted in a specified manner.

The angularity number ranges from 0 for a highly rounded gravel to about 12 for freshly
crushed angular aggregates.

In cement concrete roads (rigid pavements), rounded aggregates are preferred because of
better workability and higher strength.

In bituminous or water bound macadam construction (like flexible pavements), angular


aggregates with high angularity number are preferred because of high stability due to
better interlocking and friction.

Higher the angularity number, more angular and less workable is the concrete mix.

Purpose
The aim of the experiment is to determine the angularity number of a sample aggregate to get an
idea of its suitability or workability for road construction.

2
Standard reference
Bs 812; Part 1 Clause: 7.5 & BS 812, Part 2 Clause: 5

Equipment and materials


1. A metal cylinder closed at one end of about 0.003 m3 volume, the diameter and height of the
cylinder was approximately equal (for instance, 150mm diameter and 150mm height). The
thickness of the cylinder was not less than 3mm and was sufficient to retain its shape under
rough usage.
2. Metal Temping rod
3. Weight machine
4. Metal scoop
5. Sieves: 19.0mm, 12.50mm, 9.50mm, 4.75mm

Procedure
1. The aggregate was dried for at least 24 hour in shallow trays in a well ventilated oven at a
temperature of 105C and then cooled in an air tight container before testing.
2. The materials, which passed through 19mm sieve and retained on 12.50mm, 9.50mm and
4.75mm sieve were taken for the experiment.
2. In the beginning of the experiment, the aggregate sample was filled in the metal cylinder in
three layers. The metal cylinder was weighted before starting to fill it. Each layer was being
temped 100 times with the temping rod about 50mm above the surface of the aggregate before
the next layer was put.
3. Excess material was struck off at level with top of the cylinder.
4. The weight of the aggregate with cylinder was determined.
5. Then the cylinder was emptied and filled up with water and weight of water was determined.
6. We assumed the specific gravity of the material as 2.6

Results
Recorded data
Weight of cylinder 0.62 kg
Weight of cylinder with water 3.76 kg
Weight of water 3.14 kg
Weight of cylinder with aggregate 5.52 kg
Weight of aggregate 4.90 kg
Angularity Number 7.0
Calculations
Formula for determining the angularity number
100
= 67

4.90 100
= 67
3.14 2.6

= 7.0

Conclusion
In this experiment, we used the method for determining angularity number from the voids point
of view. We only used the weight machine, therefore chances of machine error is less. We may
have some human error due to doing the compaction by hand using temping rod.

Discussion
From the test we got the angularity number as 7.0 which is within the standard range of value. In
road construction, generally 7-10 angularity number is preferred. Higher the angularity number,
more angular and less workable is the concrete mix.

As we know, in cement concrete roads (rigid pavements) rounded aggregates are preferred
because of better workability and higher strength and in bituminous or water bound macadam
construction (like flexible pavements), angular aggregates with high angularity number are
preferred because of high stability due to better interlocking and friction. Therefore, our test
material is perfect for road construction use.

Appendix
1. Pictures taken during the test
2. Data sheets of each group members
Fig1: Weight Machine

Fig 2: Metal Cylinder

Fig 3: sample materials with tamping rod

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