Evaluation of the Retsch Technology Camsizer P4 to assess the shape of crushed particles proposed to be added to natural sand fine aggregate used in Portland Cement Concrete - 20-SPR1-001

(2021) Evaluation of the Retsch Technology Camsizer P4 to assess the shape of crushed particles proposed to be added to natural sand fine aggregate used in Portland Cement Concrete - 20-SPR1-001. Transportation, Department of

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Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine the angularity and roundness of particles for use in fine aggregate for Portland Concrete. To develop a new test method for evaluation of fine aggregate in Portland Cement concrete, an instrument called the “Camsizer P4” was used for fine-particle size and shape analyses. This instrument uses advanced image analysis technologies to measure particles between 0.02 to 30.0 mm in diameter. Samples were analyzed from glacial and river sand pits, crushed carbonate manufactured sands, crushed rhyolites, and frac sands. The natural sands (deposits from erosional processes) were from established sand pits from multiple rivers and streams in Iowa flowing through multiple Iowa landforms. Analyses of uncrushed, crushed, and mixes were evaluated to determine particle shape. The aspect ratio and roundness, along with other shape and size characteristics were determined for each particle. The image analysis of particle shape from the Camsizer P4 was compared to Fine Aggregate Angularity results using AASHTO T 304 “Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregate”. A geologic application of particle shape was also investigated to determine the influence of river travel distance and Iowa landforms on particle shape. The Camsizer P4 was found to be a very powerful and useful tool to evaluate particle shape (angularity and roundness) of fine-aggregate sands for use in Portland Cement Concrete. Particle shape is known to directly relate to the flowability and workability of concrete.