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| How are aggregates tested?
Introduction To ensure aggregates continually meet the required specification, and thus to ensure the end product is suitable for its intended use, a series of laboratory tests have been devised. A set of British Standards have been established for many years to ensure consistency across the industry and with effect from 1 January 2004 these were combined with standard tests throughout Europe. Table 1 shows a full list of the tests established by these new European standards, but some of the more commonly used are described below in more detail. The appropriate Standard document should be consulted if the full details of the tests and methods are required.  |
Apparatus for determination of Polished Stone Value (PSV). Commonly used tests described below are:Determination of particle size distribution – sieving method BS EN 933 Part 1 Determination of particle shape – flakiness index BS EN 933 Part 3 Determination of the resistance to wear (micro-Deval) BS EN 1097 Part 1 Determination of resistance to fragmentation BS EN 1097 Part 2 Determination of particle density and water absorption BS EN 1097 Part 6 Determination of polished stone value BS EN 1097 Part 8 Magnesium sulphate test BS EN 1367 Part 2 There are also European standards that specify the range of acceptable values under each test. Aggregates should fall within these ranges to be considered suitable for that use. The relevant standards are: BS EN 12620 Aggregates for concrete BS EN 13043 Aggregates for bituminous mixtures and surface treatments BS EN 13055 Lightweight aggregates BS EN 13139 Aggregates for mortar BS EN 13242 Aggregates for unbound and hydraulically bound materials BS EN 13383 Armourstone BS EN 13450 Railway ballast |
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Table 1 : European standard tests for aggregates
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