EXPERIMENT NO.

2
Determination of Angularity Number for the given aggregate
sample.
This test is also carried out for determining shape of the aggregates.
Based upon shape the aggregates may be classified as Rounded, Angular or
Flaky. Angular particles possess well defined edges formed at the
intersection of roughly planer faces and are commonly formed in aggregates
prepared by crushing of rocks.
Angularity in general is the absence of rounding of particles of an aggregate.
This test is performed to determine the angularity number i.e. the absence of
roundedness or the degree of angularity of the aggregate specimen.

RELATED THEORY
SHAPES OF PARTICLES
The usual shapes of the particles are;
i - Rounded (river gravel)
ii - Flaky (laminated rock)
iii - Elongated
iv - Angular (crushed rock)

ANGULARITY
It is the absence of roundness. An aggregate particle, which is more rounded,
is less angular and vice versa.

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.
Where, 33 is the percentage of volume of voids, in a perfectly
rounded aggregate. 67 is the percentage of volume of solids in a perfectly
rounded aggregate.

The value of angularity number generally lies between 0 & 11. In road
construction angularity number of 7 10 is generally preferred.

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
grave to about 11 for freshly crushed angular aggregates.
Higher the angularity number, more angular and less
workable is the concrete mix.
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.
In road construction, angularity number of 7 -10 is
generally preferred.

APPARATUS
1 - A metal cylinder of about 3-liter capacity.
2 - Temping rod of circular cross-section, 16mm , 60cm in
length. Rounded at one end.
3 - A metal scoop.
4 - A weighing balance.

PROCEDURE
This procedure is for aggregate size to No.4. If aggregate is coarser
than , a cylinder of large capacity shall be required but amount of
compactive effort or energy should be proportional to the volume of the
cylinder.
10 Kg of the sample is taken for the test. The material should be oven
dried. The aggregate is compacted in three layers, each layer being given
100 blows using the standard tamping rod at a rate of 2 blows/second by
lifting the rod 5 cm above the surface of the aggregate and then allowing it
to fall freely. The blows are uniformly distributed over the surface of the
aggregate. After compacting the third layer, the cylinder is filled to
overflowing and excess material is removed off with temping rod as a
straight edge.
The aggregate with cylinder is then weighed. Three separate
determinations are made and mean weight of the aggregate in the cylinder is
calculated.

Calculations & Results

Method 1
Add measured quantity of water in the compacted aggregate till
all the voids are filled and water appears to the surface. Volume of
water added is approximately equal to the volume of voids in the
compacted aggregate.
Angularity Number

Volume of Water Added

100 33
Total Volume

Method 2
Angularity Number 67

100 W
CGs

where,
W = mean weight of the aggregate filling cylinder.
C = Weight/Volume of water that can completely fill the cylinder
(= 3 liters = 3000 ml in our lab)

Gs = Specific Gravity of the aggregate.

Notes:
1- Method 1 determines the angularity number from the solids point of
view.
2- Method 2 determines the angularity number from the voids point of
view.

COMPUTATIONS & RESULTS

Specific gravity of the aggregate = 2.67
Total volume of the cylinder = 3 liters = 3000 ml

Empty
Cylinde
r

WEIGHT
(gm)
Cylinder Cylinde
+
r+
Aggrega Agg. +
te
Water

COMMENTS

Aggreg
ate

Volume of
Angularity
Water
Number
Added
Metho Metho
d#1
d#2
(ml)