Which of the following is a test used to establish aggregate stability?

Which of the following is a test used to establish aggregate stability?

• A. Bulk specific gravity, LA abrasion, sulfate, crushing, freeze-thaw, and mineral hardness
• B. LA abrasion only
• C. Sieve analysis
• D. Permeability test

Answer: (A)

Aggregate stability is about how well an aggregate resists disintegration under the combined effects of vehicle traffic, weathering, and chemical exposure. To gauge this, a suite of tests looks at different ways the material can break down. The LA abrasion test simulates the grinding action and surface wear that aggregates endure in a road surface, giving a direct measure of abrasion resistance. The sulfate test assesses chemical durability against sulfate attack, which can cause expansion and cracking in susceptible aggregates. The crushing test evaluates resistance to crushing under load, a key factor in how the material will perform under traffic stresses. The freeze-thaw test subjects aggregates to cycles of freezing and thawing, which induce internal stresses and can lead to cracking and disintegration in climates where such cycles occur. Mineral hardness indicates how resistant the material is to abrasion and wear at the mineral level, influencing overall durability. Bulk specific gravity is included as part of evaluating aggregate properties and helps interpret performance-related characteristics, even though it isn’t a direct stability test on its own. Taken together, these tests cover the major modes of deterioration, so this combination best establishes aggregate stability.

Aggregate stability is about how well an aggregate resists disintegration under the combined effects of vehicle traffic, weathering, and chemical exposure. To gauge this, a suite of tests looks at different ways the material can break down. The LA abrasion test simulates the grinding action and surface wear that aggregates endure in a road surface, giving a direct measure of abrasion resistance. The sulfate test assesses chemical durability against sulfate attack, which can cause expansion and cracking in susceptible aggregates. The crushing test evaluates resistance to crushing under load, a key factor in how the material will perform under traffic stresses. The freeze-thaw test subjects aggregates to cycles of freezing and thawing, which induce internal stresses and can lead to cracking and disintegration in climates where such cycles occur. Mineral hardness indicates how resistant the material is to abrasion and wear at the mineral level, influencing overall durability. Bulk specific gravity is included as part of evaluating aggregate properties and helps interpret performance-related characteristics, even though it isn’t a direct stability test on its own. Taken together, these tests cover the major modes of deterioration, so this combination best establishes aggregate stability.