BS EN 933-3:2012

What is BS EN 933-3 - Flakiness index of aggregates about?

BS EN 933 is a European Standard on tests for geometrical properties of aggregates. The main aim of the BS EN 933 series is to provide the best industry guidance to ensure construction materials contribute to the structural integrity of civil engineering works.

BS EN 933-3 is the third part of the BS EN 933 series that describes the reference method, used for type testing and in case of dispute, for determination of the flakiness index of aggregates.

For other purposes, in particular, production control, other methods may be used, provided that an appropriate working relationship with the reference method has been established.

BS EN 933-3 applies to natural, manufactured or recycled aggregates.

Note: The test procedure specified in BS EN 933-3 is not applicable to particle sizes less than 4 mm or greater than 100 mm.

Who is BS EN 933-3 - Flakiness index of aggregates for?

BS EN 933-3 on particle shape of aggregates is useful for:

• Construction materials manufacturers and suppliers
• Construction industry
• Civil engineers
• Contractors
• Cement production companies
• Quality control and testing authorities

Why should you use BS EN 933-3 - Flakiness index of aggregates?

The flakiness index test is used to determine the particle shape of the aggregate and each particle shape that is preferred under specific conditions. Flaky or elongated materials, when used in the construction of pavement, may cause the pavement to fail due to the preferred orientation that the aggregates take under repeated loading and vibration. Thus, it is important that the flakiness and elongation of the aggregate are contained within permissible levels.

In this regard, BS EN 933-3 provides the requirements for apparatus, reagents, test preparation and test procedure to evaluate the particle shape of aggregates.

The overall flakiness index is calculated as the total mass of particles passing the bar sieves expressed as a percentage of the total dry mass of particles tested.

As a result, if you are a manufacturer of aggregates, conforming to BS EN 933-3 can demonstrate the performance and credibility of your products. By determining the flakiness index, you can ensure of proper compaction, adequate deformation resistance and workability of materials.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN 933-3:2012 supersedes EN 933-3:1997. BS EN 933-3:2012 includes some technical changes with respect to EN 933-3:1997. These include:

• The CEN Technical Specification has been adopted as European Standard
• The document has been editorially revised