Experiment number: 2

Experiment name: Angularity number test.

Aim of experiment: To determine the angularity number of coarse aggregate.
Relevant codes: IS 2386 (Part I) - 1963: Methods of test for aggregate for concrete, particle
size and shape.
Relevance and importance: The degree of packing of coarse aggregate depends upon the
angularity of aggregate. In bituminous pavements angular aggregates are preferred because of
high stability due to better interlocking and friction. Angularity test helps us to determine the
angularity of the coarse aggregate. Higher the angularity number, better is the interlocking of
the aggregate. Angularity number of aggregate along with flaky and elongation index helps us
to prepare bituminous mixes that would give satisfactory performance.
Test description: First the metal mould calibrated by filling it with water and determining
the weight of water in it. Then the mould is filled with clean dried aggregates in three layers.
The weight of aggregate in the mould is recorded. Determine the specific gravity of the
aggregate. Finally the angularity number of aggregate is calculated.
Apparatus required:
1. Metal cylinder: A cylinder with one end closed, having a capacity of about 3 litres and
approximately equal height and diameter.
2. Tamping rod: A straight metal circular tamping rod of 16 mm diameter and 60 cm long.
3. Balance of at least 10 kg capacity.
4. A metal scoop approximately 20 x 12 x 5 cm.
Procedure: For conducting the test, this steps are followed:
1. Calibration of cylinder: The cylinder is filled with water at 27C up to the rim without
forming meniscus and its weight is determined to nearest gram.
2. Preparation of test sample: At least 10 Kg of aggregate corresponding to each sieve size
shall be taken and dried for 24 hr.
3. The scoop shall be filled with aggregate to a overflowing condition and gently released in
the cylinder from the least possible height.

4. The cylinder will be filled with aggregate in three equal layer by applying 100 equally
distributed blows to each layers using the tamping rod and a 5 cm drop.
5. After tamping the third layer, the cylinder is filled to overflowing condition and the
aggregate struck off level with the top using the tamping rod as a straight edge.
6. Depressions, if any will be filled with individual pieces and rolled in with the help of
tamping rod. This finishing process is continued as long as the aggregate does not lift the rod
off the edge of the cylinder on either side.
7. The weight of the cylinder filled with aggregate is then measured.

Observation table:
Weight of the cylinder, g =
W, weight of aggregate required to fill the cylinder, g =
C, weight of water required to fill the cylinder, g =
G, Specific gravity of aggregate =
Calculations:
Angularity number = 67 -

Result and discussions:

100W
CG