Ali Amjad (2016-CIV-88) aliamjad.aa2917@gmail.
com
Experiment: 1
Determination of the Flakiness and Elongation Index of the given aggregates
sample
Date: Sep 2nd, 2019
Test Standard: BS-1241
1.1. Scope & Significance
• Flaky and elongated particles lower the workability of concrete mixes due to high ratio of
surface area to volume.
• The degree of packing of the particles of one size depends upon their shape.
• For concrete, the presence of flaky and elongated particles is considered undesirable as
they may cause inherent weakness with possibilities of breaking down under heavy loads.
• The particle shape is required to be as good as possible but British Standard practice makes
allowance for the fact that with normal crushing and screening the particles shape
deteriorates into smaller sizes.
➢ BS – 1241 specifies a Flakiness Index not exceeding 30% irrespective of the size of the
aggregates.
➢ Maximum permitted Elongated index is 35, 40 or 45% for aggregate sizes 2 ½’’ –
2’’, 1 ½’’ – ¾’’ & ½’’ – 3/8’’.
• Both flakiness and Elongation tests are not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm (1/4’’
sieve).
1.2. Related Theory
1.2.1. Shapes of Aggregates
The usual shapes of the particles are
1. Rounded (river gravel)
2. Flaky (laminated rock)
3. Elongated
4. Angular (crushed rock)
1) Rounded Aggregates
The rounded aggregates are completely shaped by attrition
and available in the form of seashore gravel. Rounded
aggregates result the minimum percentage of voids (32 –
33%) hence gives more workability. They require lesser
amount of water-cement ratio. They are not considered for
high strength concrete because of poor interlocking behavior
and weak bond strength. Fig 1.1 Rounded Aggregate
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2) Flaky Aggregates
When the aggregate thickness is small when compared with width and length of that aggregate it
is said to be flaky aggregate. Or in the other, when the least dimension of aggregate is less than
the 60% of its mean dimension then it is said to be flaky aggregate.
Fig 1.2 Flaky Aggregates Fig 1.3 Elongated Aggregates
3) Elongated Aggregates
When the length of aggregate is larger than the other two dimensions then it is called elongated
aggregate, or the length of aggregate is greater than 180% of its mean dimension.
4) Angular Aggregates
The angular aggregates consist well defined edges formed at the
intersection of roughly planar surfaces and these are obtained by
crushing the rocks. Angular aggregates result maximum
percentage of voids (38-45%) hence gives less workability. They
give 10-20% more compressive strength due to development of
stronger aggregate-mortar bond. So, these are useful in high
strength concrete manufacturing.
Fig 1.4 Angular Aggregates
1.2.2. Flakiness Index
It is the percentage by weight of flaky particles in a sample. The flakiness Index is calculated by
expressing the weight of flaky particles as a percentage of the total weight of the sample
Weight of Flaky Particle
Flakiness Index =
Total Weight of Sample
1.2.3. Elongation Index
It is the percentage by weight of elongated particles in a sample. The elongated Index is calculated
by expressing the weight of elongated particles as a percentage of the total weight of the sample.
Weight of Flaky Particle
Flakiness Index =
Total Weight of Sample
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1.2.4. Preferred Use of Each shape
➢ Rounded aggregates are preferred in concrete roads (rigid pavements) as the workability
of concrete increases due to the less friction between the surfaces.
➢ Angular shape of the particles is desirable in granular base course (flexible pavement) due
to better interlocking and increased stability.
➢ Flaky and Elongated particles are considered as a source of weakness.
1.3. Apparatus
1) Thickness/Flakiness Index Gauge
2) Length/Elongation Index Gauge
3) Aggregate sample to be tested
4) Coarse Sieve Shaker
5) Weighing Balance
Fig 1.5 Flakiness Index Gauge
Fig 1.6 Elongation Gauge
1.4. Procedure
1.4.1. For the Determination of the Flakiness Index
➢ The aggregates are first sorted on test sieves sizing as 2.5′′ - 2′′, 1.5 ′′ - 0.75 ′′, 0.5′′ - 0.375′′.
➢ Each group is weighted and tested for thickness on appropriate opening of the thickness
gauge by passing each particle through slot of specified thickness along the least dimension
repeat this for all the fractions.
➢ The weight of particles passing the thickness is recorded for each fraction. This is the
weight of flaky particles.
➢ Flaky Index is calculated by expressing the weight of flaky particles as a percentage of
total weight of the sample.
1.4.2. For the Determination of the Elongation Index
➢ The aggregates are first sorted on test sieves sizing as 2.5′′ - 2′′, 1.5 ′′ - 0.75 ′′, 0.5′′ - 0.375′′.
➢ Each group is weighted and tested for length in a length gauge. The pieces of aggregate
from each fraction, which do not pass through the specified length gauge with its long side,
are separated and weighed. They are termed as Elongated particles. Repeat this process for
all the fractions.
➢ Elongated Index is calculated by expressing the weight of Elongated particles as a
percentage of total weight of the sample.
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1.5. Precautions
• While sieving, care must be taken that the particles that are chocked in the sieve must not
be forced down into the next sieve. Such particles should be pushed back into the same
sieve.
• While placing different fractions on the table, place them some distance apart so that no
two fractions may get mixed.
• Be careful while selecting the opening of the flakiness and elongation gauges for any
fraction.
1.6. Observation & Calculation
1.6.1. Flakiness Index
Table 1.1 Observation and Calculation (Flakiness Index)
Sieve Size Weight Weight of Individual Weighted
Percentage
Retained Flaky Flakiness Flakiness
Passing Retained Retained
on Sieve Particles Index Index
(in.) (in.) (gm) (%) (gm) (%) (%)
2 1.5
1.5 1
1 0.75
0.75 0.5
0.5 0.375
0.375 0.25
1.6.2. Elongation Index
Table 1.2 Observation and Calculation (Elongation Index)
Sieve Size Weight Weight of Individual Weighted
Percentage
Retained Flaky Flakiness Flakiness
Passing Retained Retained
on Sieve Particles Index Index
(in.) (in.) (gm) (%) (gm) (%) (%)
2 1.5
1.5 1
1 0.75
0.75 0.5
0.5 0.375
0.375 0.25
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Ali Amjad (2016-CIV-88) aliamjad.aa2917@[Link]
1.7. Results
• Flakiness Index of the aggregate sample is ___________
• Elongation Index of the aggregate sample is __________
1.8. Comments
• ________________________________________________________________________
• ________________________________________________________________________
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