Aggregate Testing

Limestone coarse aggregate

Limestone sand, microscopic view in cross polarised light

Aggregates are one of the fundamental materials used in the Construction Industry. Aggregates can be obtained from a variety of sources; from natural sands and gravels of both land and sea origin to crushed rock and artificially produced materials. They can be used in many ways; as major components of concrete, mortar or bituminous bound materials, as sub-base or capping, or for more specialised uses such as track ballast or filter media.

With this wide variety of sources and end uses, evaluation of the characteristics by aggregate testing is very important, providing information for:

• New source assessment
• Prediction of in-service behaviour
• Comparison between materials
• Specification compliance
• Quality control

All aggregate testing is undertaken by Sandberg's experienced technical staff operating from our well equipped UKAS accredited Laboratories. Sandberg also offer a thorough on-site source assessment and sampling service.

Sandberg offers a comprehensive package of physical, mechanical and chemical aggregate testing to determine the properties of aggregates. Testing can be carried out to the new BS EN Standards as well as ASTM Standards and superseded BS methods.

Aggregate testing can be carried out in the following fields:

• Physical: Grading, Shape, Relative Density, Bulk Density, Water Absorption
• Strength: AIV, ACV and TFV, Franklin Point Load
• Mechanical: AAV, PSV, Los Angeles Abrasion, Wet Attrition
• Durability: Sulphate Soundness, Frost Heave, Slake Durability Index, Methylene Blue, Drying Shrinkage
• Chemical: Organic Matter, Chloride, Sulphate or full analysis
• Specialist: AAR Assessment using Petrography, Gel Pat, Chemical Test, Mortar Bar and Accelerated Mortar Bar and Concrete Prism Method