Determination of Angularity Number for the

given aggregate sample.

This test is also carried out for determining shape of the aggregates.
Based upon shape the aggregates may be classified as Rounded,
Angular or Flaky. Angular particles possess well defined edges
formed at the intersection of roughly planer faces and are
commonly formed in aggregates prepared by crushing of rocks.
Angularity in general is the absence of rounding of particles of an
aggregate. This test is performed to determine the angularity
number i.e. the absence of roundedness or the degree of angularity
of the aggregate specimen.

RELATED THEORY
SHAPES OF PARTICLES
The usual shapes of the particles are;
Rounded (river gravel)
Flaky (laminated rock)
Elongated
Angular (crushed rock)

ANGULARITY
It is the absence of roundness. An aggregate particle, which is more
rounded, is less angular and vice versa.

ANGULARITY NUMBER
Angularity number of an aggregate is the amount (to the higher
whole number) by which the percentage of voids in it after
compacting in a prescribed manner exceeds 33.
Where, 33 is the percentage of volume of voids, in a
perfectly rounded aggregate. 67 is the percentage of volume of
solids in a perfectly rounded aggregate.
The value of angularity number generally lies between 0 & 11.
In road construction angularity number of 7 10 is generally
preferred.

SIGNIFICANCE
The degree of packing of particles of single sized aggregate
depends upon the angularity of aggregate.

 The angularity of the aggregate can be estimated from the

properties of voids in a sample of aggregate compacted in a
specified manner.
The angularity number ranges from 0 for a highly rounded
gravel to about 11 for freshly crushed angular aggregates.
Higher the angularity number, more angular and less workable
is the concrete mix.
In cement concrete roads (rigid pavements) rounded
aggregates are preferred because of better workability and
higher strength.
In bituminous or water bound macadam construction (like
flexible pavements), angular aggregates with high angularity
number are preferred because of high stability due to better
interlocking and friction.
Higher the angularity number, more angular and less workable
is the concrete mix.
In road construction, angularity number of 7 -10 is generally
preferred.

APPARATUS
A metal cylinder of about 3-liter capacity.
Temping rod of circular cross-section, 16mm , 60cm in length.
Rounded at one end.
A metal scoop.
A weighing balance.

PROCEDURE
This procedure is for aggregate size to No.4. If aggregate is
coarser than , a cylinder of large capacity shall be required but
amount of compactive effort or energy should be proportional to the
volume of the cylinder.
10 Kg of the sample is taken for the test. The material should
be oven dried. The aggregate is compacted in three layers, each
layer being given 100 blows using the standard tamping rod at a
rate of 2 blows/second by lifting the rod 5 cm above the surface of
the aggregate and then allowing it to fall freely. The blows are
uniformly distributed over the surface of the aggregate. After
compacting the third layer, the cylinder is filled to overflowing and
excess material is removed off with temping rod as a straight edge.
The aggregate with cylinder is then weighed. Three separate
determinations are made and mean weight of the aggregate in the
cylinder is calculated.

Calculations & Results

Method 1

Add measured quantity of water in the compacted

aggregate till all the voids are filled and water appears to the
surface. Volume of water added is approximately equal to the
volume of voids in the compacted aggregate.
Angularity Number

Volume of Water Added

100 33
Total Volume

Method 2
Angularity Number 67

100 W
CGs

where,
W = mean weight of the aggregate filling cylinder.
C = Weight/Volume of water that can completely fill the
cylinder
(= 3 liters = 3000 ml)
Gs = Specific Gravity of the aggregate.

Notes:
Method 1 determines the angularity number from the solids point
of view.
Method 2 determines the angularity number from the voids point
of view.

COMPUTATIONS & RESULTS

Specific gravity of the aggregate = 2.67
Total volume of the cylinder = 3 liters = 3000 ml

Empty
Cylinder

WEIGHT
(gm)
Cylinder + Cylinder Aggregat
Aggregate + Agg. + e
Water

COMMENTS

Volume
Water
Added
(ml)

of Angularity
Number
Method Method
#1
#2