Mechanical Degradation of Aggregate by the Los Angeles-, the Micro-Deval- and the Nordic Test Methods

Abstract

The quality of aggregate used as buildings materials is defined by European Standard test methods. According to the agreement within the European Economic Area, each individual country decides test methods of current interest. Among the Nordic countries, the Los Angeles-, micro-Deval- and the Nordic test are the most common methods used to decide the mechanical properties of the aggregate. The three test methods are all drum test where the degradation of the material occur by rotation between the test material and steel balls together with, or without water. The mechanical test methods are empirical and are believed to express either resistance to fragmentation or wearing. The results of this study show that analysing the particle size distribution of a material after the drum testing give indication of which type and degree of degradation the test material is exposed to. Knowledge of the type of degradation for the test methods is important compared to the understanding of the real breakdown of the aggregate for instance used in road construction.