Los Angeles (LA) Abrasion Machine

LA Abrasion Test Machine — Proven Aggregate Durability Testing Solution

The Los Angeles Abrasion test, also known as LA Abrasion test for short, is used as an indicator of aggregate quality. It’s one of several abrasion tests in civil engineering that test material durability and wear resistance. The test measures degradation of standard gradings of aggregates subjected to abrasion and impact in a rotating drum with an abrasive charge of steel spheres. Up to twelve steel spheres are used depending on the gradation of test samples. The LA Abrasion test is used to test aggregate toughness and aggregate’s resistance to abrasion and impact. La abrasion testing is a standardized method to evaluate aggregate durability and toughness. The test helps to determine the relative quality of aggregates for construction. During sample preparation the aggregate is separated into individual size fractions before testing. After the test the material is sieved to separate particle sizes. Abrasion loss is calculated using the original mass, original sample mass and original weight to determine the percentage of material lost.

The Deval Test and Micro Deval Test are other important abrasion tests to test aggregate resistance to abrasion. The Deval Test uses a rotating drum to simulate field conditions and test aggregate durability, while the Micro Deval Test is a wet grinding test that polishes and smooths aggregate particles, giving additional insights into aggregate toughness and durability. Both tests along with LA Abrasion Test help to predict aggregate performance but it’s important to note that laboratory abrasion tests may not always predict field performance. So both lab and field results should be considered when selecting materials for construction projects.

The Los Angeles (LA) Machine has safety features integrated with user controls on the outside of the built-in sound enclosure. An electrical interlock allows the machine to operate only when the double-hinged lid is closed and a safety key is inserted. No moving parts are exposed during operation. Drum is positioned for loading and unloading using a jog button while watching through a viewing window in the enclosure. The 1in (25mm) thick steel shelf of ASTM “preferred design” extends the width of the drum. A wear-resistant shelf of hardened steel is optional. Sound is absorbed by the heavy, painted steel enclosure with sound attenuating foam and membrane lining.1hp electronically controlled gear-motor rotates the drum at 30—33rpm via enclosed chain drive. Drum assembly rotates in flanged ball bearings with dust seals and grease fittings. Controller console with overload protection has large JOG and On/Off push button controls, and automatic counter stops rotation after a preset number of revolutions. Abrasive charge of twelve hardened steel balls 46-48mm in diameter and 390-445 grams are included.

Features:

• Electronic safety interlocks allow operation only with doors secured

• 1hp motor rotates drum through slip-clutch protected chain drive

• Enclosure lined with sound attenuating foam

Included Items:

• Los Angeles (LA) Abrasion Machine

• Catch Pan

• Abrasive charge of twelve hardened steel balls

Revolutions per Minute          30-33

Electrical         230V, 60Hz, 5.8 Amps, 1 Phase

Diameter           28in (711mm)

Product Dimensions   38 x 40 x 46.5in (965 x 1,016 x 1,181mm), WxDxH

Meets Test Methods: AASHTO T96, ASTM C 131, ASTM C 535, ASTM C 143, Steel Concrete Slump Cone, Metric Equivalent, Mini Slump Cone

The Los Angeles Abrasion Machine is a high quality product for the Los Angeles Abrasion test. This test is used to determine the quality of aggregates by measuring their degradation when subjected to abrasion and impact. The machine has safety features integrated with user controls on the outside of the built-in sound enclosure.

Safety is paramount with this machine, it only operates when the double-hinged lid is closed and a safety key is inserted. During operation no moving parts are exposed, maximum safety for the user. The machine allows for easy loading and unloading of samples through a viewing window in the enclosure, and it comes with a 1in (25mm) thick steel shelf of ASTM “preferred design” that extends the width of the drum. A wear-resistant shelf of hardened steel is optional. Sound is absorbed by the heavy, painted steel enclosure with sound attenuating foam and membrane lining.The drum of the Los Angeles Abrasion Machine is rotated by a 1hp electronically controlled gear-motor, slip-clutch protected chain drive. Drum assembly rotates in flanged ball bearings with dust seals and grease fittings. Controller console with overload protection has large JOG and On/Off push button controls, and automatic counter stops rotation after a preset number of revolutions. Abrasive charge of twelve hardened steel balls 46-48mm in diameter and 390-445 grams are included.

Twelve hardened steel balls 46-48mm in diameter and 390-445 grams are included

Meets Test Methods: AASHTO T96 ASTM C 131 ASTM C 535. For cement fineness testing and No. 325 sieve correction, see the NIST 46H Portland Cement Fineness Standard, SRM (10/Pk).

The Los Angeles Abrasion Machine is a high quality product for the Los Angeles Abrasion test. This test is used to determine the quality of aggregates by measuring their degradation when subjected to abrasion and impact. The machine has safety features integrated with user controls on the outside of the built-in enclosure.

Safety is paramount with this machine, it only operates when the double-hinged lid is closed and a safety key is inserted. During operation no moving parts are exposed, maximum safety for the user. The machine allows for easy loading and unloading of samples through a viewing window in the enclosure, and it comes with a 1in (25mm) thick steel shelf of ASTM “preferred design” that extends the width of the drum. A wear-resistant shelf of hardened steel is optional. Sound is absorbed by the heavy, painted steel enclosure with sound attenuating foam and membrane lining.

About Abrasion Testing

Abrasion testing is an essential process in the testing of construction materials, particularly in mineral aggregates used in infrastructure projects. The Los Angeles Abrasion Test, also known as the LA Abrasion Test, is one of the most popular methods to assess the abrasion characteristics and toughness of aggregates. By simulating the wear and tear that materials experience in real-world conditions, this abrasion test determines an aggregate’s resistance to degradation. The results of the LA Abrasion Test are critical for quality control, guiding the selection of suitable aggregates that will ensure the durability and longevity of construction projects. Whether for roadways, pavements or other structures, understanding how aggregates respond to abrasion is important for maintaining high standards in construction materials and ensuring the overall quality and safety of finished works.

Aggregate Properties

The performance of materials is dependent on the properties of the aggregates they contain abrasion resistance being key. The LA Abrasion Test is designed to evaluate these properties by subjecting an aggregate sample to abrasion and impact in a rotating steel drum with steel balls. As the drum rotates the aggregate particles are repeated grinding and impact simulating the wear they would experience in service. The degree is measured as the abrasion loss value, calculated as a percentage of the original sample mass. Aggregates with lower abrasion loss value are more resistant to wear and are therefore preferred for demanding construction projects. This test gives a measure of an aggregate’s ability to withstand mechanical stresses of construction and long term use, helping engineers and material specialists select the most suitable aggregate testing equipment and materials for their needs.