Mechanical properties

How well does an aggregate resist breaking and wearing, and how much grip does it keep under tyres? The Los Angeles machine and the Micro-Deval answer the first question; the accelerated polishing machine and the TRRL pendulum, the second. We build this aggregate abrasion test equipment to EN and ASTM, along with abrasion testers for terrazzo and ceramic tiles. Ask for a price with no obligation.

Micro-Deval

Los Angeles Machine

Machine to determinate the wear distance on paving tiles

Abrasimeter

Accelerated polishing machine CPA

Friction pendulum slip resistance

The machines and what each one measures

Equipment	What it measures	Standard
Los Angeles machine	Resistance to fragmentation by impact: Los Angeles coefficient (LA)	EN 1097-2, ASTM C131
Micro-Deval	Resistance to wear by attrition, wet: Micro-Deval coefficient (MDE)	EN 1097-1
Accelerated polishing machine	How much the aggregate is polished by passing tyres: polished stone value (PSV)	EN 1097-8
TRRL pendulum	Slip resistance of pavements, floors and polished aggregate	EN 16165, EN 13036-4, ASTM E303
Abrasion machine	Abrasion wear of terrazzo tiles	EN 13748
Abrasimeter	Abrasion resistance of glazed ceramic tiles	EN ISO 10545-7

Machine features

Los Angeles machine: steel drum with an internal diameter of 711 mm and an internal length of 508 mm, rotating at 31-33 rpm, with a push button to position the loading opening. Supplied without balls, so you can order the charge your standard requires. 230 V, 750 W.
Micro-Deval: frame for 4 cylinders of Ø200 × 154 mm, 2 of Ø200 × 400 mm, or 2 small and 1 large, with control panel, digital revolution counter and automatic stop.
Accelerated polishing machine: wheel with a solid rubber tyre pressed by springs, automatic abrasive feed from two hoppers and water feed with regulator.
TRRL pendulum: for laboratory and site use, with a standard rubber slider.
Abrasimeter: three test stations, with wet or dry abrasive charge, at 300 rpm, with a CE safety guard.
Terrazzo abrasion machine: Ø200 × 70 mm disc, 14 kg counterweight and 10-litre hopper.

Slip resistance: the classes in the Spanish Building Code

In Spain, the Technical Building Code (CTE, DB SUA 1) classifies floors by their slip resistance, Rd, measured with the friction pendulum. Architects, flooring manufacturers and laboratories use it to check the class each area requires:

Class	Slip resistance (Rd)
Class 0	Rd ≤ 15
Class 1	15 < Rd ≤ 35
Class 2	35 < Rd ≤ 45
Class 3	Rd > 45

Why buy your testing machines from Proeti?

Manufacturer since 1985. We design and build our equipment in Algete (Madrid, Spain).
Built to your standard. Each product page lists the EN, ASTM or BS standards the equipment meets, and we can tell you which one you need.
ENAC-accredited calibration in our calibration department.
In-house technical service: installation, repair and training.

To get a price, click Budget on each product page and send one request with everything you need. If you would rather talk to us, write to us or call +34 916 28 29 40.

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Frequently asked questions about mechanical properties

What are the mechanical properties of aggregates?

Resistance to fragmentation (Los Angeles coefficient, EN 1097-2), to wear (Micro-Deval, EN 1097-1), to polishing (EN 1097-8) and to abrasion by studded tyres (EN 1097-9). For pavements and floors, slip resistance is also measured.

What is the difference between fragmentation and wear?

Fragmentation is particles breaking under impact, as happens during compaction or under heavy traffic; wear is the loss of material through attrition, especially in the presence of water. An aggregate may perform well in one and poorly in the other, which is why road specifications usually require both tests.

Why is the polishing of road aggregates tested?

Tyres gradually polish the stone in the surface course, and polished stone grips less on a wet road. The polished stone value shows how much roughness the aggregate keeps, and specifications demand a higher minimum the heavier the traffic on the road.

Which slip resistance class does the Spanish Building Code require?

Under the Spanish Technical Building Code (CTE): class 1 in dry indoor areas with a slope of less than 6%, and class 2 if the slope is steeper or there are stairs. In wet indoor areas, such as entrances, bathrooms or kitchens, class 2, or class 3 with a slope or stairs. In outdoor areas, garages and swimming pools, class 3.

For the grading, shape and chemistry of the same aggregates, see aggregates and rocks.