03AggregatesRID-ENSTP 2016

Road Infrastructures Design
L3 - Aggregates
ECOLE NATIONALE SUPERIEURE

DES TRAVAUX PUBLICS
Emiliano Pasquini, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF PADUA
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL, ARCHITECTURAL AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Introduction
Aggregate: main component of all commonly used road materials (granular mixtures)
Flexible Pavement Semi-rigid Pavement Rigid Pavement
Wearing course (AC) Wearing course (AC)

Concrete slab
Binder course (AC) Binder course (AC)
Base
Base course (AC) Base course (AC) Subbase (CTM)
(UM)
Subbase course Base course Subbase

(unbound mixtures) (cement treated mixture) (UM)
Subgrade Subbase course Subgrade

(unbound mixtures)
Subgrade
Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 2

Introduction
Aggregate: main component of all commonly used road materials (granular mixtures)
 EN 13043: Aggregates for bituminous mixtures and surface treatments for roads, airfields
and other trafficked areas
 EN 13242:Aggregates for unbound and hydraulically bound materials for use in civil
engineering work and road construction
 EN 12620: Aggregates for concrete

Definitions
Aggregate: granular material used in construction. Aggregates may be natural, manufactured
or recycled (EN 13242 – EN 13043). An aggregate is a granular particle which can be
separated by the mixture with no fragmentation action.
Aggregates can be used for structural layers to decrease the stress coming from the traffic to
the subgrade, for drainage layers to allow drainage of water and work as a filter, for cement
or bituminous mixtures to resist against the effects of traffic and weathering.
Diorite Limestone Granite

Definitions
Natural aggregate: aggregate from mineral sources which have been subjected to nothing
more than mechanical processing (EN13242 – EN13043).
Manufactured aggregate: aggregate of mineral origin resulting from an industrial process
involving thermal or other modification (EN13242 – EN13043).
Recycled aggregate: aggregate resulting from the processing of inorganic material previously
used in construction (EN13242 – EN13043).
Reclaimed asphalt: Asphalt reclaimed by milling of asphalt road layers, by crushing of slabs
ripped up from asphalt pavements or lumps from asphalt slabs and asphalt from reject and
surplus production (EN 13108-8).
Natural gravel
Reclaimed asphalt
Expanded clay
Steel slag
Crushed aggregate Reclaimed asphalt

Natural aggregates
Natural aggregates are obtained from quarries or riverbeds by blasting or dredging,
respectively. Parent rocks, which influence the aggregate fundamental characteristics, are
crushed to obtain aggregate sizes ranging from about 60 mm to less than 0.063 mm.
The production of aggregates consists of two primary phases: removal of rock and sizing
and separating different-sized particles using crushers and screens.
Geologically, natural rocks are classified into three groups depending on their origin: igneous,
sedimentary and metamorphic.
Quarry Riverbed Crushing&Screening

Natural aggregates

Natural aggregates

Natural aggregates
Igneous rocks are formed from magma and can be divided into extrusive (basalt, rhyolite) or
intrusive (granite, diorite). These kind of aggregates show good hardness and abrasion
resistance.
Sedimentary rocks are formed by consolidation of sedimentary materials (limestone). These
kind of aggregates show good affinity with bitumen.
Metamorphic rocks are formed by alteration (recrystallization) of igneous and sedimentary
rocks through high pressure and temperature.
Basaltic aggregates Porphyric aggregates Limestone aggregates

Natural sand and gravel are unconsolidated sedimentary materials which are formed from the
breakdown of rocks through the action of ice, wind or water and generally consist of smooth and
rounded particles. The nature of parent rocks dictates the quality of sand and gravel.

Remarks
For roadway construction purposes it is not usually necessary to have extensive geologic
information about the rocks. Moreover, it is important to understand that within the similar type
of rocks (such as igneous), there could be wide-ranging variations, such as in composition and
texture.
The important characteristics of the rocks relate to how well the material serve in the various
applications such as subbase, bases, or HMA courses used in pavement construction. Therefore,
for the most part, it is the physical properties of the rocks which are important for roadway
construction. The chemical properties, which are not well understood, are important to
ensure good bond between the asphalt and aggregate.
Cohesive failure Adhesive failure

Physical properties
The best aggregates for road pavement materials are generally required to be hard, tough, strong,
durable (sound), properly graded, cubical, with low porosity, clean, rough and hydrophobic in
order to fulfill their functions inside the pavement courses.
The suitability of aggregates for use in road pavement materials is generally determined by
evaluating the following characteristics:
 Size and gradation

 Particle shape and texture
 Specific gravity and absorption
 Cleanliness
 Toughness/hardness
 Durability/soundness
 Affinity for asphalt (related to chemistry)

Particle Size
The maximum particle size used in a mixture is important to ensure good performance.
If the maximum particle size is too small, the mix may be unstable; if it is too large, workability
and segregation may be problems.
Nominal maximum size: one sieve size larger than the first sieve to retain more than
10 percent of the aggregate. Mix designations generally use the nominal maximum size
of aggregate (between 90 to 100% passing the nominal maximum size sieve). It can be also
defined as the largest sieve that retains some aggregate particles but generally not more
than 10%.
Maximum size: one sieve size larger than the nominal maximum size. It can be also
defined as the smallest sieve though which 100% of the aggregate particles pass.
For a construction standpoint, the maximum aggregate size is normally limited to about one-half
of the lift thickness.

Sieve analysis
Aggregate gradation is the distribution of particle size expressed as a percent of the total
volume or weight. The gradation by volume and weight is approximately the same as long as
the density of aggregates are approximately equal. The gradation should be expressed as a
percent of total volume if there are large differences in the density of aggregates being
used.
Gradation is determined by sieve analysis by passing material through a
series of sieves stacked with progressively smaller openings from top to
bottom and weighing the material retained on each sieve.
Gradation of an aggregate blend can be graphically represented by a
gradation curve for which the ordinate is the total percent by weight
passing a given size (arithmetic scale), while the abscissa is the particle
size (logarithmic scale).

Sieve analysis

Aggregate gradation
The aggregate gradation is the relative proportion of different-sized particles in an aggregate
blend and it can be determined by sieving. Washed sieve analysis provides a more accurate
indication, in particular when the amount of material passing 0.063 mm sieve is not low.
Generally, a quarry produces specific aggregate sizes which are then combined in the mix-
plant to produce a specific gradation.
Passing [%]
100
80
60
40
20
0
0,01 0,1 1 10 Sieve size [mm]
10/16 Gc90/10 0/4 Gf 90 All-in aggrgeate

Particle shape and texture
Aggregate particles can be cubical, thin, elongated, angular-shaped, rounded, flat, rough.
In compacted mixtures, angular-shaped cubical particles show good interlock and internal
friction and, consequently, good mechanical stability. Mixtures containing rounded particles
(natural gravels or sands) have good workability and require less compactive effort but they
may continue to densify under traffic leading to plastic flow.
Rough surface texture increases strength but requires more lubricant liquid (bitumen, water,
emulsion) to be compacted as compared to smooth surface aggregates. Rough aggregates
could require more bitumen than smooth aggregates because they are no easy to be coated.
However, bitumen forms stronger mechanical bonds with rough-texture aggregates.

Particle density
Volumetrics are the relationships between mass and volume.
The particle density (specific gravity) is defined as the ratio of the weight of an aggregate
sample and its volume. This parameter is need to calculate the volumetric characteristics in a
mixture. The particle density takes into account the effect of aggregate pores and absorption.
Volume Mass (Weight)

Water
permeable voids
Aggregate solids
+
impermeable voids

Aggregate pores
Aggregate
Bitumen
Impermeable voids
Permeable voids

Particle density, definitions
The density is calculated as a ratio of mass to volume. The mass is determined by means of
the weight of the sample (granular blend) and the volume is determined through the mass of
the displaced water by the sample. Voids between particles are not included.
The density is useful in making weight-volume conversion and in calculating the volumetric
properties in a mixture.
There are three different aggregate specific gravities used for aggregates based on the method
used to define the volume of the aggregate particles:
Bulk density (bulk specific gravity) Gsb: ratio of the oven dry aggregate sample (in air) to its
volume (occupied in water) including internal voids (impermeable voids) and external voids
(permeable voids).
Apparent density (apparent specific gravity) Gsa: ratio of the oven dry aggregate sample (in
air) to its volume (occupied in water) including internal voids (impermeable voids). Therefore
permeable voids are not considered. It includes only the volume of the aggregate particle.
Effective specific gravity Gse: ratio of the oven dry weight (in air) of aggregate and the
volume of the aggregate and external voids excluding larger voids permeable to bitumen.
Density of saturated surface dry aggregate (bulk specific gravity SSD) Gssd: ratio of the
saturated surface dry aggregate weight (in air) to its volume (occupied in water) including
internal voids (impermeable voids) and external voids (permeable voids).

Bulk density
Bulk density (bulk specific gravity): ratio of the oven dry aggregate sample to its volume
occupied in water including internal voids (impermeable voids) and external voids (permeable
voids).
Mass, oven dry
Surface Voids
Gsb =
Vol. of agg. + surface voids
Vol. of impermeable voids Vpi
Vol. of water-permeable surface voids Vpp

Apparent density
Apparent density (apparent specific gravity): ratio of the oven dry aggregate sample to its
volume occupied in water including internal voids (impermeable voids). Therefore permeable
voids are not considered.
Mass, oven dry agg.

Gsa =
Vol of agg.

Effective specific gravity
Effective density (effective specific gravity): calculated as the bulk density but excluding
voids permeable to asphalt.
Mass, oven dry agg.

Surface Voids Gse =
Vol. of agg. + voids between bitumen and aggregate
Vpp
Vpi
Vol. of bitumen-perm. surface voids Vpb

Density of saturated surface dry aggregate
Density of saturated surface dry aggregate: ratio of the saturated surface dry aggregate to
its volume occupied in water including internal voids (impermeable voids) and external voids
(permeable voids).
Mass, oven dry agg. + mass perm. water
Surface Voids
Gssd =
Vol. of agg. + surface voids

Water absorption
Water absorption: water content of the aggregate in its saturated surface dry condition. This
parameter indicates how much of the total bitumen is absorbed in the aggregates and hence
how much remains on the surface as effective binder. Generally the water absorption is
used as indicator of the bitumen absorption.
Surface Voids
Mass, SSD - Mass, oven dry
Wa (%) = × 100
Mass, oven dry

Remarks on the aggregate densities
The difference between apparent and bulk density is the volume of aggregate used in the
calculations. The difference between these volumes is equal to the volume of absorbed water
in the permeable voids.
The difference between bulk and SSD density is the weight of the aggregate (the volume is
identical for both densities). The difference in weights is equal to the absorbed water in the
permeable voids.
The apparent density is always equal or higher than the effective specific gravity which is
always equal or higher than the bulk density. When the aggregate absorption is zero, all three
types of aggregate density are theoretically equal.
The SSD density is always equal or larger than the bulk density.

Cleanliness
Cleanliness refers to absence of certain foreign or deleterious materials that make aggregates
undesirable for a specific road pavement mixture.
Typical objectionable materials include plastic fines, vegetation, shale, soft particles, clay
lumps, clay coating on aggregate particles and sometimes excess dust from the crushing
operation.

Toughness/hardness & Durability/soundness
Aggregate, through internal friction, must transmit the wheel loads to the underlying layers
and also be resistant to abrasion and polishing duet to traffic.
Polishing is defined as the loss of microtexture and gradual smoothing and rounding of
exposed aggregates. High potential of polishing in aggregate by traffic is undesirable as it
leads to lowering of friction and hence decrease in skid resistance or frictional resistance.
Moreover, aggregates are subjected to crushing and abrasive wear during manufacturing,
placing, and compaction of road pavement mixtures.
They must be also hard and tough to resist crushing, degradation and disintegration when
stockpiled, fed through an asphalt concrete facility, placed with paver, compacted with rollers
and traveled over with trucks.
Aggregate must be resistant to breakdown or disintegration under action of wetting and drying
and/or freezing and thawing (weathering).

Chemical and mineral composition
Bitumen must wet the aggregate surface, stick to the aggregate
and resist stripping in the presence of water.
The electric charges on the aggregate surface when in contact
with water significantly influence the adhesion between
aggregate and bitumen.
Aggregates having a greater affinity for water than for
bitumen are called hydrophilic (water-loving) and they can be
stripped after exposure to water. They are acid in nature (negatively
charged in presence of water).
Aggregates having affinity for bitumen are called hydrophobic
(water-hating). They are basic in nature (positive charge in presence
of water).
Content of Silica [%]
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Basalts Porphyries
Silica
Sandstone
Limestone Diorites Granites
POSITIVE MIXED NEGATIVE
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
Content of alkaline [%]

The aggregate filler
The filler “fills” the intergranular voids, with the bitumen generates the mastic, prevents
stripping, bleeding and gives stability to the mixture.
Fillers can be distinguished into mineral and active fillers. Lime
Passing [%]
100
80
60
Mineral filler
40
20
0
0,01 0,1 1 10 Sieve size [mm]
Cement

Reclaimed asphalt (RA)
From the outside of a RA particle it is difficult to suggest its composition, which can be very
different (single coated aggregate, two major aggregates with some mastic, conglomerate of
small aggregate particles and mastic).
A single particle of RA may include several granular elements and the old bitumen keeps
them bound together. Therefore a single particle of RA can contain intergranular voids
and bitumen (which has a lower density than aggregates) causing lower particle density than
virgin aggregates. Moreover the old bitumen seals the superficial aggregate porosity
determining a low water absorption.

Aggregate properties
The Construction Products Directive 89/106/EEC aims to ensure the free movement of
construction products with the European Union by introducing a common technical language
to express the performance of products in the market.
The harmonized European Standards indentify the aggregates properties using specific codes
and regulate the quality control.
EN 13043: Aggregates for bituminous mixtures and surface treatments for roads, airfields and
other trafficked areas (This standard does not cover the use of reclaimed bituminous
mixtures). It also specifies that a quality control system is in place for use in factory
production control and it provides for the evaluation of conformity of the products to this
European Standard. The Tables in this standard include categories which are common across
the four main aggregate standards: EN 12620, EN 13043, EN 13139 and EN 13242.
EN 13242: aggregates for unbound and hydraulically bound materials for use in civil
engineering work and road construction
EN 12620: Aggregates for concrete
EN 13139: Aggregates for mortar

Properties (EN 13043 and EN 13242)
EN 13242 specifies the properties of aggregates obtained by processing natural or
manufactured or recycled materials for hydraulically bound and unbound materials for
civil engineering work and road construction. Aggregates used in construction should comply
with all the requirements of this European Standard.
EN 13043 specifies the properties of aggregates and filler aggregates obtained by
processing natural, manufactured or recycled materials and mixtures of these aggregates
for use in bituminous mixtures and surface treatments for roads, airfields and other
trafficked areas.
Geometrical requirements
Physical requirements
Chemical requirements
Durability requirements
Requirements for filler aggregate (only 13043)
Evaluation of conformity

Size (designation d/D) and grading (Gc 90/10…).
Category
Category
UPPER SIEVE
Passing
Passing
Sieve Size Passing
LOWER SIEVE
Sieve Size Sieve Size

Fines content and quality (f0.5..., MBF10...), shape (FI10..., SI15...), percentage of crushed
particles and of totally rounded particles (C100/0...).
L
G DEF.: G
Physical requirements
• Mechanical properties (fragmentation LA15..., resistance to polish PSV68..., resistance to wear
MDE10...),
• particle density (apparent, dry saturated surface, …),
• water absorption (WA1),
• affinity to bituminous binder.

Chemical requirements
• Acid-soluble sulfate (AS0.2...),
• Total sulfur (S1...)
• EN 932-3 Procedure and terminology for simplified petrographic description,
• EN 1744-1 Chemical analysis.
Limestone Basalt Porphiry Diorite

Durability requirements
• Water absorption (WA241...),
• Freezing-Thawing resistance (F1...)
• Magnesium sulfate test (MS18...)

Evaluation of conformity
The manufacturer shall undertake initial type tests and Factory Production Control to
ensure that the product conforms to this European Standard and to declared values as
appropriate. The manufacturer shall have in place a system of factory production control.
Designation and description: Aggregates shall be identified in terms of source and

manufactures, type of aggregate, aggregate size. The necessity for other information depends
on the situation and end use.
Marking and labeling: The delivery ticket shall contain at least the designation, date of
dispatch, serial number of the ticket, reference to this EN.

Definitions
Aggregate size: designation of aggregate in terms of lower (d) and upper (D) sieve sizes
expressed in terms as d/D. This designation accepts the presence of some particles which will
be retained on the upper sieve (oversize) and some which will pass the lower sieve
(undersize). The lower sieve size (d) can be zero.
Fine aggregate: designation given to size aggregates with d equal to 0 and D less than or
equal to 6,3 mm (EN 13043: D ≤ 4 mm).
Coarse aggregate: aggregates with d equal to or greater than 1 mm and D greater than 2
mm (EN 13043: only d ≥ 1 mm).
All-in aggregate: aggregate consisting of a mixture of coarse and fine aggregates with D
greater than 6,3 mm (EN 13043 D ≥ 4). It can be produced without separating into coarse and
fine fractions or it can be produced by combining coarse and fine aggregate.
Fines: particle size fraction of an aggregate which passes the 0,063 mm sieve
Filler (EN 13043): materials passing 2 mm and whose most part passing 0.063 mm (≥ 70 %).

Aggregate size
Grading: particle size distribution expressed as the percentage by mass passing a specified
number of sieves.
Undersize (d): part of the aggregate passing the smaller of the limiting sieves used in the
aggregate size description.
Oversize (D): part of the aggregate retained on the larger of the limiting sieves used in the
aggregate size description.
Oversize
Passing
Undersize
LOWER SIEVE d UPPER SIEVE D

Aggregate designation, EN 13242
All aggregates shall be described in terms of aggregate sizes using the designations d/D and
shall comply with the grading requirements.
Aggregate sizes shall be specified using the nominal sizes given in the Table 1 comprising the
basic set or the basic set plus set 1 or the basic set plus set 2. A combination of sieve sizes
from set 1 and set 2 is not allowed. Aggregate sizes shall be separated by a ratio between
their upper sieve size D and the lower sieve size d of not less than 1,4 (D/d ≥ 1,4).
NOTE 1: Greater than 90 mm sieve sizes

can be used for particular applications.
NOTE 2 Rounded sizes shown in
parentheses can be used as simplified
descriptions of aggregate sizes.

Aggregate grading requirements, EN 13242

Designation and category
100
Passing [%]
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1 10 100
4/6 Gc 80-20
Sieve size [mm]
12/20 Gc 80-20

Determination of the category, EN 13242
d: D D/d ratio D/d > 1.4 d: D D/d ratio D/d > 1.4
4 6 1.5 ok 12 20 1.7 ok
d/D: 4/6 d/D: 12/20
2D 1.4D D d d/2 2D 1.4D D d d/2
12 8.4 6 4 2 40 28 20 12 6
GC 85-15, max 100 100 99 15 5 GC 85-15, max 100 100 99 15 5
GC 85-15, min 100 98 85 0 0 GC 85-15, min 100 98 85 0 0
GC 80-20, max 100 100 99 20 5 GC 80-20, max 100 100 99 20 5
GC 80-20, min 100 98 80 0 0 GC 80-20, min 100 98 80 0 0
100 100
12/20
Passing [%]
Passing [%]
90 4/6 90
80 80
70 70
60 60
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
1 10 100 1 10 100
Gc 85-15 Gc 80-20 Sieve size [mm] Gc 85-15 Gc 80-20 Sieve size [mm]

Determination of the category, EN 13242
d: D D/d ratio
0 4
d/D: 0/4
2D 1.4D D d d/2
8 5.6 4 0 0
GF 85, max 100 100 99 - -
GF 85, min 100 98 85 - -
GF 80, max 100 100 99 - -
GF 80, min 100 98 80 - -
100
0/4
Passing [%]
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1 10
Gf 85 Gf 80 Sieve size [mm]

Aggregate designation, EN 13043

Aggregate grading requirements, EN 13043

Grading of added filler, EN 13043

Exercise, define designation and category
Determine designation and category of the following aggregates.
Select a sieve set
Select a designation respecting D/d ≥ 1.4
Determine the category
Basic set + set Aggregates

2 [mm] 1 2 3 4
63 100 100 100 100
40 100 100 100 100
32 95 100 100 100
20 18 97 100 100
16 4 93 100 100
14 2 65 98 100
12 0 20 75 100
10 0 5 26 100
8 0 1 3 100
6 0 0 0 100
4 0 0 0 99
2 0 0 0 86
1 0 0 0 65
Size 1 2 3 4 Category EN 13043
d 20 12 10 0 Gc 90/10 Gc 90/15 Gc 85/15 Gc 85/20 Gc 80/20 Gc 85/35 Gca 85/35
D 32 20 14 4 max min max min max min max min max min max min max min
2D 63 40 32 8 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
1.4D 40 32 20 6 100 98 100 98 100 98 100 98 100 98 100 98 100 98
D 32 20 14 4 99 90 99 90 99 85 99 85 99 80 99 85 99 85
d 20 12 10 0 10 0 15 0 15 0 20 0 20 0 35 0 35 0
d/2 10 6 6 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2 0
100
100
Passing [%]
20/32 Gc 90/??
90
Passing [%]
20/32 Gc 85/20
90
80
80
70
70
60
60
50
50
40
40
30
30
20
20
10
10
0
0
1 10 100
Gc 90/15 1 10 100
Sieve size [mm] Gc 85/20 Sieve size [mm]
20/32 Gc 90/??
20/32 Gc 85/20



Size Category EN 13043
d 12 Gc 85/20
D 20 max min
2D 40 100 100
1.4D 32 100 98
D 20 99 85
d 12 20 0
d/2 6 5 0

Size Category EN 13043
d 10 Gc 90/10
D 20 max min
2D 40 100 100
1.4D 32 100 98
D 20 99 90
d 10 10 0
d/2 4 2 0





Fines content, EN 13242
When the fines content (fraction passing 0.063 mm sieve) in the fine aggregate or in the all-in
aggregate with D < 8 mm is less than 3 %, a quality control is not required.

Fines content, EN 13043
When the fines content (fraction passing 0.063 mm sieve) in the fine aggregate or in the all-in
aggregate with D < 8 mm is less than 3 %, a quality control is not required.

Fines quality, EN 933-8
Deleterious or undesiderable materials (negatively affect
mixture performance) can be of different types, such as
organic materials, vegetation (roots, sticks), clay lumps, clay
h2
coating of aggregates and metal oxides. For example clay can
SE = ⋅100
absorb water and lead to deterioration of the mixture or it h1
can affect the bond between binder and aggregate.
Therefore the amount of impurities shall be below a
maximum acceptable level depending on the layer.
The purpose of Sand Equivalent test method is to indicate,

under standard conditions, the relative proportions of clay-
like or plastic fines and dust in fine aggregates (and
granular soils). A representative sample (120 g) of fine
aggregate (or granular soil) passing 2 mm sieve and a small
quantity of flocculating solution are poured into a graduated
plastic cylinder and are agitated to loosen the claylike
coatings from the sand particles in the test specimen.
Flocculating solution is added forcing the claylike material
into suspension above the sand. After a prescribed
sedimentation period, the height of flocculated clay (h1) is
read and the height of sand (h2) in the cylinder is determined.
Flakiness index, EN 933-3
The sample is divided into classes di/Di by sieving. Any class is passed through a bar sieve with
parallel opening of Di/2. M2 is the total mass passing the bar sieve (M1 – Mretained to bar sieve Di/2)
and M1 is the initial total mass.
FI can be calculated for the overall sample and for any class.
M1 − M r
FI = ⋅100 =
M2
⋅100 (es.FI ≤ 35% )
M1 M1
Passing Bar sieve opening

Shape index, EN 933-4
The sample has to have d ≥ 4 and D ≤ 63. The length of an aggregate particle represents the
maximum dimension, while the thickness of an aggregate particle represents the minimum
dimension. M1 is the initial total mass, M2 is the mass of non cubic aggregates (passing at the
opening S, L > 3·S thus S < L/3) determined through a proportional caliper.
S
E
L
G DEF.: G
L S
SI =
M2
⋅100 (es.SI ≤ 35% )
M1

Flakiness and shape index, EN 13043

Crushed surfaces, EN 933-5
The sample has to have d ≥ 4 and D ≤ 63. The test involves the determination of percentage of
coarse aggregates with one or more fractured faces which is defined as a face that exposes
the interior surface of particle. A particle has a fractured face if at least 25 % of the area of
the surface is fractured.
A particle is totally fractured when more than 90 % of the area of the surface is fractured.
A particle is totally rounded when more than 90 % of the area of the surface is rounded.
The test has to be carried out on any class di/Di with Di ≤ 2·di.

Crushed surfaces, EN 13043

Resistance to fragmentation, EN 1097-2
The resistance against fragmentation (degradation) is the resistance against breaking down
of larger particles into smaller sizes.
A sample of 5000 g of coarse aggregate is placed in a steel drum, containing steel balls. The
drum is rotated for 500 revolutions, at a speed of 31-33 rpm. The aggregates and the steel
balls are lifted and dropped from a shelf within the drum. The brittle aggregates are
broken by impact or abrasion. At the end the aggregates are sieved (washed sieving) over a
1.6 mm sieve and the percentage of material passing is recorded (difference between
initial weight and retained weight).
A high value indicates the potential of generation of dust or breakdown during mixing,
transportation, construction.

Resistance to fragmentation, EN 1097-2
The gradation of the sample has to respect the following requirements: 10/14, material
passing 12.5 mm included between 60 and 70 % (or material passing 11.3 mm included
between 30 and 40 %). In this case 11 standardized steel balls are used (400÷445 g).
Different aggregate class can be tested changing also the type and the number of steel balls.

Los Angeles coefficient (LA), EN 1097-2
m: mass of material retained to 1.6 mm.
5000 – m = material passing the 1.6 mm sieve (broken particles)
5000 − m Material Typical LA value

LA = ⋅100 Basalt
5000 Dolomite
Gneiss
Granite
Limestone
Quartzite

Resistance to wear, EN 1097-1
The Micro-Deval test is used to specify the
resistance to wear for coarse aggregate. The test
is similar (but more severe) to the Los Angeles
abrasion test but it is conducted under water.
The test consists of placing 10/14 mm diameter
aggregates (500 g) in ajar with water (2.5 l) and
10 mm diameter steel balls (5000 g) and rotating
the jar at 100 rpm for 2 hours.
At the end of tumbling, the sample is washed and
dried and the amount of material passing the 1.6
mm sieve is determined.

Resistance to wear, EN 1097-1
m: mass of material retained to 1.6 mm.
5000 – m = material passing the 1.6 mm sieve (broken particles)
500 − m
M DE = ⋅100
500

Particle density, EN 1097-6
M2: weight of the picnometer with water (up to the reference level) and sample
M3: weight of the picnometer with water (up to the reference level)
M1: weight of the saturated surface dry (SSD) aggregates
M4: weight of the dry aggregates
γw: water density at the measured temperature (testing temperature)
M4
Gsa = ρ a = γ w
M 4 − (M 2 − M 3 )
M4
Gsb = ρ rd = γ w
M 1 − (M 2 − M 3 )
M1
Gssd = ρ ssd =γw
M 1 − (M 2 − M 3 )

Water density
Water has to be kept at constant temperature. The water temperature has to be recorded.
The water density has to be selected according to its temperature.

For coarse aggregates (d ≥ 4 mm; D ≤ 31.5 mm), a washed sample is dried, weighted and
immersed in water for 24 hours. The aggregates are then removed from water, drained and
surface dry (saturated surface dry, SSD) until there is no visible film of water on the surface,
and weighed. The SSD aggregates are then submerged underwater in a wire-mesh basket and
weighed. The sample is then dried in a oven and weighed.
Immerse the aggregate in water at room temperature for a period of 24 h. Remove the test
sample from the water and roll it in a large absorbent cloth until all visible films of water are
removed. The surfaces will still appear damp. Wipe the larger particles individually. Take care
to avoid evaporation of water from aggregate pores during the surface-drying operation.
Weigh the test sample in the saturated surface-dry condition (M1). Place the SSD test
sample in the sample container (picnometer) and determine its weight in water (M2).
Take care to remove all entrapped air before weighing by shaking the container while
immersed. Remove the sample and fill the picnometer with water (M3). Weigh the picnometer
with water. Dry the test sample to constant weight (M4).

For fine aggregates (d ≥ 0.063 mm; D ≤ 4 mm), a washed sample of about 1000 g is dried and
immersed in water in a picnometer (flask) with known weight. After 24 hours of immersion,
air bubbles have to be removed by shaking or applying vacuum. Weigh picnometer and
sample (M2). Remove aggregates from the picnometer, fill the picnometer with water and
weigh it (M3). The aggregate is then dried on a flat surface using warm air until SSD condition
is reached. The SSD condition is determined at that moisture content when a lightly
compacted mass (25 blows of specific hammer) of fine aggregate in a cone first slumps
when the cone is removed (M1). The aggregate has some cohesion as long as there is surface
moisture but has no cohesion when the surface moisture evaporates. Finally, the sample is
oven dried and weighed (M4).

Water absorption, EN 1097-6
If the water absorption is not over 2 %, the aggregate can be considered freeze-thaw resistant.
M1 − M 4
M1: weight of the saturated surface dry (SSD) aggregates WA24 = 100
M4: weight of the dry aggregates M4

Resistance to polishing, EN 1097-8
The test method allows determining the polished stone value (PSV) of a coarse aggregate used
in road surfacings. PSV is a measure of the resistance of coarse aggregate to the polishing
action (loss of microtexture and gradual smoothing and rounding) of vehicle tyres under
conditions similar to those occurring on the surface of a road.
The test is carried out on aggregate passing a 10 mm sieve and retained on a 7.2 mm grid sieve,
and is in two parts:
a) test specimens are subjected to a polishing action in an accelerated polishing machine;
b) the state of polish reached by each specimen is measured by means of a friction test. The
PSV is then calculated from the friction determinations.

The accelerated polishing machine shall include:
 a wheel having a flat periphery and clamping arrangements to hold the aggregate specimens.
It shall be of such a size and shape as to permit 14 of the specimens (36-46 aggregates) to be
clamped onto the periphery so as to form a surface of aggregate particles (406 ± 3) mm in
diameter and bounded by clamping rings (44,5 ± 0,5) mm apart;
 a means of rotating the road wheel about its own axis at a speed of (320 ± 5) rpm under test
conditions;
 two solid rubber-tyred wheels of (200 ± 3) mm diameter and with a width of (38 ± 2) mm.
 a lever arm and weight to bring the surface of the appropriate solid rubber-tyred wheel to
bear on the road wheel with a total free force of (725 ± 10) N;
 feed mechanism to feed the corn emery and water at the specified rates. The emery and
water shall be fed directly onto the road wheel near the point of contact with the rubber-
tyred wheel.
The accelerated polishing consists of:

 bringing the road wheel to a speed of (320 ± 5) rpm and using the appropriate feed
mechanism to feed the corn emery at a rate of (27 ± 7) g/min continuously with water onto
the road wheel for a period of (180 ± 1) min
 feeding mechanism for emery flour. Refitting the road wheel and operating the machine for
a further (180 ± 1) min. Feeding the emery flour at a rate of (3,0 ± 1,0) g/min continuously
with water at a rate of flow of twice the measured rate of flow of emery flour ± 1,0 g/min
The friction test:
 A thin film of water is applied over the sample and then a pendulum with a rubber shoe is
released such that it touches and goes over the sample. The pendulum goes past the sample
to a certain height depending on the friction offered by the aggregate sample.
PSV = S + 52,5 − C
S is the mean value for the four aggregate test specimens
C is the mean value for the four PSV control stone specimens (C = 50-60)

Durability (Freezing and thawing) EN 1367-1
Aggregates could be subjected to repeated cycles of weathering action (wetting and drying,
freezing and thawing) therefore the potential breakdown to such induced stresses has to be
determined. Tested aggregates are of split in 4/8 – 8/16 – 16/32 – 32/64 mm classes.
Aggregates are immersed in water and subjected to 10 freeze-thaw cycles (from -17.5 to 20 °C).
After completion of freeze-thaw cycles, the aggregates are examined for any changes (crack
formation, loss in mass, change in strength) and sieved on a d/2 mm sieve.
M1 is the initial dry mass, M2 is the final dry mass that is retained on a specific sieve (d/2).
M1 − M 2
F= ⋅100
M1
LA2 − LA1
∆LA = ⋅100
LA1
LA1: Los Angeles value
LA2: Los Angeles after freezing-thawing
treatment
Requirements for filler aggregate, EN 13043
 Grading
 Harmful fines
 Water content
 Particle density
 Stiffening properties
 Water solubility and susceptibility
 Carbonate, calcium carbonate and calcium hydroxide content
 …..

Methylene blue test, EN 933-9
The Methylene blue test is used to determine the quality of fines by ascertaining the existence
of active clay minerals (sand equivalent test determines only the existence of clay particles).
The test is based on the absorption principle of clay minerals using Methylene blue dye. The
quantity of Methylene blue dye absorbed is related to the specific surface of the clay minerals.
Active minerals have a larger specific surface than inactive minerals thus absorbing more dye.
A sample of material (200 g of 0/2 mm or 30 g of 0/0.125 mm) is dispersed in 500 m of
distilled water using a magnetic stirrer and the methylene blue solution is titrated into the
dispersed mix until the sample cannot absorb any more reagent. This end point is indicated by a
persistent light blue ring of about 1 mm when a drop of the mix is placed on a filter paper.
The methylene blue value (MB) is expressed as grams of dye per kilograms of the test portion.
A maximum limit of MB is generally specified.

Voids of dry compacted filler, EN 1097-4
The test, also known as Rigden test since the Rigden apparatus is used, allows to determine the
filler ability to retain bitumen. This property is related to the space availability within the
compacted filler.
10 g of filler is placed in the Rigden apparatus and compacted by applying 100 blows at a rate
of 1 drop per second of a dropping load weighing 875 ± 25 g. After compaction, the height of
the compacted filler inside the cylinder h is determined (mm). Using the particle density of
filler ρf (g/cm3), the air void content v (%) of the compacted filler is calculated based on the
mass of the compacted filler m2 (g) and the inner cylinder diameter α (mm).
 4 × 10 3
× m2 

v = 1− ×100
 π ×α 2 × ρ × h 
 f 

Example of CE marking

Conformity expectancy

National specifications (e.g. Italian)
The European standards specify the product characteristics for the European market but the
acceptance of a particular aggregate depends on the national specifications.

Italian specifications: coarse aggregates
 Wearing course
AGGREGATO GROSSO
COARSE AGGREGATE
Parametro
Property Metodo di prova
Test method Valori richiesti
Required value Categoria
Category
UNI EN 13043
Resistenza alla
Resistance frammentazione
to fragmentation (Los
(Los Angeles)
Angeles) UNI EN 1097-2 ≤23% LA25
Percentuale
Crushed di particelle frantumate
surfaces UNI EN 933-5 100% C100/0
Dimensionesize
Maximum Max UNI EN 933-1 14mm -
Passing
Passantetoallo
0.063
0.063mm UNI EN 933-1 ≤1% f1
Resistance
Resistenza alto gelo
freezing and thawing
e disgelo UNI EN 1367-1 ≤1% F1
Flakiness Index
Coefficiente di appiattimento UNI EN 933-3 ≤20% FI20
Water absorption
Assorbimento d’acqua UNI EN 1097-6 ≤1,5% WA242
Resistance to polishing
Valore di levigabilità UNI EN 1097-8 ≥42% FL4242
PSV
 Base course
AGGREGATO GROSSO
COARSE AGGREGATE
Parametro
Property Metodo di prova
Test method Valori richiesti
Category
UNI EN 13043
Resistenza alla
Resistance frammentazione
to fragmentation (Los
(Los Angeles)
Angeles) UNI EN 1097-2 ≤30% LA30
Percentuale
Crushed di particelle frantumate
surfaces UNI EN 933-5 ≥ 70 C70/0
Dimensionesize
Maximum Max UNI EN 933-1 40mm -
Passantetoallo
Passing 0.063
0.063 mm UNI EN 933-1 ≤1% f1
Resistenza al
Resistance to gelo e disgelo
freezing and thawing UNI EN 1367-1 ≤1% F1
Coefficiente
Flakiness di appiattimento
Index UNI EN 933-3 ≤30% FI30
Assorbimento
Water absorption d’acqua UNI EN 1097-6 ≤1,5% WA242

Italian specifications: fine aggregates
AGGREGATO FINE
FINE AGGREGATE
Parametro
Property Norma
Testdimethod
prova Valori richiesti
Category
UNI EN 13043
Sand equivalent
Equivalente in sabbia UNI EN 933-8 ≥70% -
Crushed
Quantità surfaces
di frantumato ≥50% -
Passanteto
Passing allo 0.063
0.063 mm UNI EN 933-1 ≤5% f5
FILLER
Property
Parametro Testdimethod
Norma prova Required value
Valori richiesti Category
Categoria
UNI EN 13043
Indice di plasticità
Plasticity Index UNI CEN ISO/TS N.P. -
17892-12
Voids of dry compacted filler (Rigden)
Porosità del filler secco compattato (Ridgen) UNI EN 1097-4 30-45% v38/45
Stiffening
“Delta ringPower - Rapporto
and ball” filler/bitume
(filler/bitumen ratio= =1,51.5) UNI EN 13179-1 ≥5% ∆R&B8/16

Reclaimed asphalt, EN 13108-8

EN 13108-8: Bituminous mixtures – Material specifications – Part 8: Reclaimed asphalt
(EN 13108-1: Bituminous mixtures – Material specifications – Part 1: Asphalt concrete;
EN 13108-2: Part 2: Asphalt concrete for very thin layers; EN 13108-3: Part 3: Soft asphalt;
EN 13108-4: Part 4: Hot rolled asphalt; EN 13108-5: Part 5: Stone mastic asphalt;
EN 13108-6: Part 6: Mastic asphalt; EN 13108-7: Part 7: Porous asphalt)
The increasing use of recycling in asphalt production makes it necessary to specify reclaimed
asphalt sold as a constituent material in a way similar to that of aggregates and binders. In
the asphalt product standards EN 13108-1 up to and including EN 13108-7 the use of reclaimed
asphalt is permitted with requirements related to the percentage addition and in accordance with
the specifications for those mixtures.
The particle size of the aggregate, the properties of the binder, and foreign matter in the
reclaimed asphalt are relevant to the quality of the product. The size of the particles in the
reclaimed asphalt, which may range from large lumps to finely milled material, is relevant only
to the process to be used to mix into the fresh asphalt mixture (when hot recycling is applied).
Since the requirements for the asphalt mixtures are the same for mixtures with and without
reclaimed asphalt, the level of homogeneity of the material in practice determines the maximum
amount of reclaimed asphalt that may be used.
This European Standard specifies requirements for the classification and description of
reclaimed asphalt as a constituent material for asphalt mixtures (hot recycling technique).

Reclaimed asphalt (RA) comprises asphalt, reclaimed by milling of asphalt road layers,
by crushing of slabs ripped up from asphalt pavements, lumps from slabs, and asphalt
from reject and surplus production.
Aggregate size: designation of the size of the aggregate in the reclaimed asphalt in terms
of lower (d) and upper (D) sieve sizes, expressed as d / D. For reclaimed asphalt, d will
almost invariably be 0.
D: upper sieve size of the aggregate in the reclaimed asphalt, in millimetres. D is the larger of:
 sieve M/1,4, where M is the smallest sieve with 100% passing
 smallest sieve with 85 % passing.
Particle size of reclaimed asphalt: Maximum size of the particles of reclaimed material
(agglomerate aggregates), expressed as a sieve size (U). U is the smallest sieve size in mm
through which 100 % of the RA particles pass (maximum size).

RA designation, EN 13108-8
U RA d / D size designation of the reclaimed asphalt: Reclaimed asphalt shall be designated
by the abbreviation RA, preceded by the asphalt particle size designation U and followed by
the aggregate (aggregate in RA) size designation d / D mm.
e.g.: 30 RA 0/10: Reclaimed asphalt, of which the aggregate has an upper sieve size of 10 mm
and the asphalt particles have a maximum size of 30 mm
100
Passante [%] .
90 Aggregate in RA
Aggregati estratti
Passing
RA
Fresato tal quale
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0.01 0.1 1 10
Dimension
Dimensione [mm]

RA requirements, EN 13108-8
This evaluation refers to the use of RA in hot recycling. Some properties could be not
necessary and other could be more appropriate (such as flakiness and shape index) for its use
in cold recycling.
This EN requires to specify: foreign matters, type of binder, properties of binder, aggregate
gradation, type of aggregate, homogeneity.
The RILEM TG6 on cold recycling is working to provide a new protocol for the
characterization of the RA for cold recycling.

Artificial aggregates
Artificial aggregates formed from waste products or as by-products of industrial processes.
The most commonly used artificial aggregates are lightweight aggregates or steel slags.
Synthetic lightweight aggregates are generally formed through intense heating (> 1000 °C)
of several materials, such as shale/clay/slate, which expand due to this heating process. The of
use of such aggregates leads to environmental benefits, less transportation costs, increased
skid resistance and reduced noise emissions.
Slag is a by-product of the iron and steel industry and it can be produced by basic oxygen
furnaces (BOF) or electric arc furnaces (EAF). Steel slags are able to provide increased
structural performances (rutting ad fatigue resistance) and skid resistance. On the other hand,
steel slags are heavier than natural aggregates thus enhancing transportation costs. Moreover,
the absorption of slag is often high leading to more asphalt binder required. Finally, steel slag
could be also subjected to expansion due to hydration of lime or magnesium oxide. Thus, the
volume stability of steel slag should be checked through the method described in EN 1744-1.

Volume stability (expansion) of steel slag
According to EN 1744-1, a compacted slag specimen is subjected to a flow of steam at 100 °C
in a steam unit at ambient pressure for 24 h or 168 h (7 days) depending on the slag type.
Any change in volume, owing to the reaction of moisture with free lime or magnesium oxide,
is recorded with the aid of a dial gauge. The result is expressed as a percentage increase of the
volume in relation to the initial volume of the compacted sample.

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Road Infrastructures Design

ECOLE NATIONALE SUPERIEURE

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD

Flexible Pavement Semi-rigid Pavement Rigid Pavement

Wearing course (AC) Wearing course (AC)

Binder course (AC) Binder course (AC)

Subbase course Base course Subbase

Subgrade Subbase course Subgrade

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 2

 EN 12620: Aggregates for concrete

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 3

Diorite Limestone Granite

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 4

Crushed aggregate Reclaimed asphalt

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 5

Quarry Riverbed Crushing&Screening

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 6

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 7

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 8

Basaltic aggregates Porphyric aggregates Limestone aggregates

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 9

Cohesive failure Adhesive failure

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 10

 Size and gradation

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 11

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 12

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 13

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 14

10/16 Gc90/10 0/4 Gf 90 All-in aggrgeate

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 15

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 16

Volume Mass (Weight)

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 17

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 18

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 19

Vol. of impermeable voids Vpi

Vol. of water-permeable surface voids Vpp

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 20

Mass, oven dry agg.

Vol. of impermeable voids Vpi

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 21

Mass, oven dry agg.

Vol. of bitumen-perm. surface voids Vpb

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 22

Vol. of agg. + surface voids

Vol. of impermeable voids Vpi

Vol. of water-permeable surface voids Vpp

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 23

Vol. of impermeable voids Vpi

Vol. of water-permeable surface voids Vpp

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 25

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 26

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 27

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 28

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 29

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 30

EN 12620: Aggregates for concrete

EN 13139: Aggregates for mortar

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 31

Requirements for filler aggregate (only 13043)

Emiliano Pasquini, PhD Aggregates 32

Sieve Size Passing

Sieve Size Sieve Size