Which test is used to assess the resilience of an aggregate?

The Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) test evaluates the resilience of an aggregate by determining its resistance to sudden impact or shock loads. This test simulates conditions where aggregates may experience sudden forces, such as those from moving vehicles or machinery. During the AIV test, a sample of aggregates is subjected to a specified number of blows from a falling weight, and the amount of material that passes through a sieve after impact is measured to calculate the impact value.

Aggregates that can withstand a higher impact value are considered more resilient, indicating their ability to endure harsh conditions without degrading. This property is vital for materials used in road construction and other applications where aggregates are subject to dynamic loads. The AIV test, therefore, provides essential insight into the toughness and durability of the aggregate when faced with impact forces, making it a valuable tool for engineers and inspectors in evaluating material suitability for construction purposes.

The other tests listed serve different functions: the Los Angeles abrasion test assesses the wear resistance of aggregates, the California bearing ratio test evaluates the strength and load-bearing capacity of subgrade soils, and hydrometer analysis determines the particle size distribution of fine-grained soils. Each of these tests focuses on specific properties rather than directly measuring resilience to impact.