The most common method used for determining the abrasion value of a material, particularly in the construction industry, is the Los Angeles (LA) Abrasion Test. This test is a widely used indicator of aggregate toughness and abrasion resistance.
The LA Abrasion Test involves placing a predetermined amount of the material inside a rotating steel drum along with a set of steel balls. This drum is then rotated a certain number of times. During rotation, the aggregate is subjected to impact and grinding by the bouncing steel balls, causing particles to fragment and wear away.
The extent of wear is determined by comparing the mass of the original sample with the mass of the sample after the test; the amount worn away is expressed as a percentage loss, called the LA Abrasion value. A higher LA Abrasion value indicates a lower quality aggregate that is likely to undergo significant wear and tear in use.
While the LA Abrasion Test is the most common method used to determine the abrasion value of aggregate materials, other methods like the Micro-Deval Abrasion Test or the Nordic Abrasion Test may be used, depending on the type of material and the specific requirements of the application.