Testing unbound aggregates and hydraulically bound mixtures
Delivered crushed rock materials, recycled aggregates, and drainage gravels are all produced to specification. Loads are sampled at regular intervals to confirm deliveries are in order and to enable laboratory testing for compliance.
Primarily the sieve analysis (grading) and the moisture content are confirmed as these have the most immediate effect on the works into which the material is to be incorporated.
Sieve Analysis
Sieve Analysis or Gradation of Aggregate test is the process of splitting a sample of unbound material into decreasing sizes to identify the range of particles and the material’s likely characteristics. Using a set of calibrated sieves, a graphical representation known as a Particle Size Distribution graph (PSD) can be made and used to classify an in-situ material or confirm compliance of a bought-in, processed material.
This test is an integral part of quality control regimes in civil engineering works. Grading analysis for classification purposes is carried out to BS 1377-2, and aggregate compliance is carried out to BS EN 933-1.
Aggregate Testing Services
- Particle Size Distribution
- Water Content
- Fines Content
- Particle Density Water Absorption
- Particle Density
- Flakiness Index
- Shape Index
- LA Co-Efficient
- Ten Percent Fines Value
- Constituent Parts of Recycled Aggregate
- Magnesium Sulphate Soundness
- Micro Deval
Reference
The relevant UKAS* accredited aggregate laboratory tests, and the corresponding standard numbers are:
| Test | Standard Number |
|---|---|
Sampling from stockpiles |
BS EN 932-1:1997 |
Sample reduction using a riffle Box |
BS EN 932-2:1999 |
Sample reduction by quartering |
BS EN 932-2:1999 |
Particle size distribution - sieving method |
BS EN 933-1:2012 |
Flakiness index |
BS EN 933-3:2012 |
Classification test for the constituents of coarse recycled aggregate |
BS EN 933-11:2009 |
Resistance to fragmentation by the Los Angeles method –including Annex A – Railway Ballast |
BS EN 1097-2:2020 |
Water content |
BS EN 1097-5:2008 |
Particle density and water absorption - pyknometer method for aggregate particles between 4 mm and 31,5 mm |
BS EN 1097-6: 2013 |
Particle density and water absorption - pyknometer method for aggregates between 0.063 mm and 4 mm |
BS EN 1097-6: 2013 |
Magnesium Sulphate test |
BS EN 1367-2:2009 |
Uniformity coefficient |
BS EN 14688-2:2018 |
Below are the relevant UKAS* accredited laboratory tests for Unbound and Hydraulically Bound Mixture Tests, and their corresponding standard numbers:
| Test | Standard Number |
|---|---|
Laboratory reference density and water content - vibrating hammer |
BS EN 13286-4:2003 |
California bearing ratio, immediate bearing index and linear swelling |
BS EN 13286-47:2021 |
Manufacture of test specimens of hydraulically bound mixtures using vibrating hammer compaction |
BS EN 13286-51:2004 |
Curing of hydraulically bound mixtures |
BS EN 14227-1:2004 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a sieve analysis do?
How do you interpret sieve results?
What is the minimum sample size for sieve analysis?
The minimum sample size for sieve analysis depends on the particle size distribution of the material being tested and the specifications of the analysis method. Simtec can advise you further.
What is the British Standard for sieve analysis?
The British Standard sieve analysis is BS EN 933-1.
Is sieve analysis the same as a gradation of aggregate test?
Yes, sieve analysis and gradation of aggregate test refer to the same testing procedure.
What are the benefits of aggregate testing?
The main benefits of aggregate testing include complying with regulations, making informed decisions on aggregate usage, and quality control.