This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D4791 − 19 (Reapproved 2023)

Standard Test Method for

Flat Particles, Elongated Particles, or Flat and Elongated
Particles in Coarse Aggregate1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4791; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the per- 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
centages of flat particles, elongated particles, or flat and C136/C136M Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and
elongated particles in coarse aggregates. Two procedures, Coarse Aggregates
Method A and Method B, are presented in this standard. C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
Method A is a reflection of the original procedure as developed for Test Methods for Construction Materials
C702/C702M Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate
prior to Superpave and is intended for all non-Superpave
to Testing Size
applications. Method B is a comparison of the maximum
D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates
particle dimension to the minimum particle dimension and is E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
intended for use with Superpave specifications. Sieves
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical ASTM Test Methods
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
and are not considered standard. Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.2.1 Exception (regarding sieves, per Specification E11)— 3. Terminology
The values stated in SI units shall be considered standard for
the dimensions of the wire cloth openings and the diameter of 3.1 Definitions:
the wires used in the wire cloth. When sieve mesh sizes are 3.1.1 elongated particles of aggregate—those particles of
aggregate having a ratio of length to width greater than a
referenced, the alternate inch-pound designations are provided
specified value.
for information purposes and enclosed in parentheses.
3.1.2 flat and elongated particles of aggregate—those par-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the ticles having a ratio of length to thickness greater than a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the specified value.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.3 flat particles of aggregate—those particles of aggre-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- gate having a ratio of width to thickness greater than a specified
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. value.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.1.4 length—maximum dimension of the particle, as illus-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- trated in Fig. 1.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.5 thickness—minimum dimension of particle. It is the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
maximum dimension perpendicular to the length and width as
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
illustrated in Fig. 1.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.6 width—intermediate dimension of the particle. It is the
maximum dimension in the plane perpendicular to the length
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.51 on
2
Aggregate Tests. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as D4791 – 19. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D4791-19R23. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D4791 − 19 (2023)

FIG. 1 Particle Dimensions

and thickness. The width dimensions is greater than or equal to 7.2 Thoroughly mix the sample and reduce it to an amount
the thickness as illustrated in Fig. 1. suitable for testing using the applicable procedures described in
Practice C702/C702M. The sample for test shall be approxi-
4. Summary of Test Method mately the mass desired when dry and shall be the end result of
4.1 Individual particles of aggregate of specific sieve sizes the reduction. Reduction to an exact predetermined mass shall
are measured to determine the ratios of width to thickness, not be permitted. The mass of the test sample shall conform to
length to width, or length to thickness. the following:
Nominal Maximum Size Minimum Mass of
Square Openings, in. (mm) Test Sample, lb (kg)
5. Significance and Use 3⁄8 (9.5) 2 (1)
1⁄2 (12.5) 4 (2)
5.1 The particle shape of coarse aggregates influences the 3⁄4 (19.0) 11 (5)
properties of some construction materials and may affect their 1 (25.0) 22 (10)
placement and consolidation. 11⁄2 (37.5) 33 (15)
2 (50) 44 (20)
5.2 This test method provides a means for checking com- 21⁄2 (63) 77 (35)
pliance with specifications that limit such particles or to 3 (75) 130 (60)
31⁄2 (90) 220 (100)
determine the relative shape characteristics of coarse aggre- 4 (100) 330 (150)
gates. 41⁄2 (112) 440 (200)
5 (125) 660 (300)
6 (150) 1100 (500)
6. Apparatus
6.1 The apparatus used shall be equipment suitable for 8. Procedure
testing aggregate particles for compliance with the definitions 8.1 If determination by mass is required, oven dry the
in 3.1, at the dimensional ratios desired. sample to constant mass at a temperature of 230 6 9 °F (110
6.1.1 Proportional Caliper Device—The proportional cali- 6 5 °C). If determination is by particle count, drying is not
per devices illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 are examples of devices necessary.
suitable for this test method. The device illustrated in Fig. 2
8.2 Sieve the sample to be tested in accordance with Test
consists of a base plate with two fixed posts and a swinging
Method C136/C136M. Using the material retained on the 3⁄8 in.
arm mounted between them so that the openings between the
(9.5 mm) or No. 4 (4.75 mm), as required by the specification
arms and the posts maintain a constant ratio. The axis position
being used, reduce each size fraction present in the amount of
can be adjusted to provide the desired ratio of opening
10 % or more of the original sample in accordance with
dimensions. Fig. 2 illustrates a device on which ratios of 1:2,
Practice C702/C702M until approximately 100 particles are
1:3, and 1:5 may be set. The device illustrated in Fig. 3
obtained for each size fraction required. Size fractions contain-
contains several fixed posts and has the capability of measuring
ing less than 10 % by mass of the original total sample mass are
various ratios simultaneously. See Note 1.
not tested and can be discarded.
6.1.1.1 Verification of Ratio—The ratio settings on the
proportional caliper device shall be verified by the use of a 8.3 Method A—Test each of the particles in each size
machined block, micrometer, or other appropriate device. fraction, and place in one of four groups: (1) flat particles, (2)
6.1.2 Balance—The balance or scales used shall be accurate elongated particles, (3) particles that meet the criteria of both
to 0.5 % of the mass of the sample. Group 1 and Group 2, and (4) neither flat nor elongated
NOTE 1—Figs. 2 and 3 provide examples of possible devices that may particles that do not meet the criteria of either Group 1 or
be used for this test. Other devices may be found suitable if they are able Group 2. Each particle shall be subjected to the flat particle test
to meet the verification requirements listed in 6.1.1.1. and elongated particle test in accordance with 8.3.1.1 and
8.3.1.2. If the particle is determined to be flat but not elongated,
7. Sampling the particle is placed in the “flat” group. If is determined that
7.1 Sample the coarse aggregate in accordance with Practice the particle is not flat, but is elongated, the particle is placed in
D75/D75M. The mass of the field sample shall be the mass the “elongated” group. In some cases, it may be possible for a
shown in Practice D75/D75M. particle to meet the criteria of both a flat particle and an

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 D4791 − 19 (2023)

Metric Equivalents
in. (mm) in. (mm
1⁄8 (3.2) 15⁄8 (41.0)
3⁄16 (4.8) 13⁄4 (44.5)
1⁄4 (6.3) 2 (50.8)
5⁄16 (7.9) 21⁄2 (64.0)
3⁄8 (9.5) 27⁄8 (72.0)
3⁄4 (19.1) 33⁄4 (96.0)
7⁄8 (21.2) 8 (207.0)
1 (25.4) 12 (304.8)
11⁄16 (27.0) 13 (330.2)
11⁄2 (38.0) 16 (414.0)

FIG. 2 Proportional Caliper

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 D4791 − 19 (2023)

FIG. 3 Proportional Caliper

elongated particle. In this case the particle is placed in the 9. Calculation

“particles that meet the criteria of both Group 1 and Group 2”
9.1 Calculate the percentage of particles in each group to the
group. If the particle is not flat and is not elongated, it is placed
nearest 1 % for each size fraction tested greater than 3⁄8 in.
in the “particles that do not meet the criteria of either Group 1
(9.5 mm) or No. 4 (4.75 mm), as required.
or Group 2” group.
8.3.1 Use the proportional caliper device, positioned at the
10. Report
proper ratio, shown in Fig. 4, as follows:
8.3.1.1 Flat Particle Test—Set the larger opening equal to 10.1 Include the following information in the report:
the maximum particle width. The particle is flat if the maxi- 10.1.1 Identification of the coarse aggregate tested, and
mum thickness can be placed though the smaller opening. 10.1.2 Grading of the original aggregate sample, showing
8.3.1.2 Elongated Particle Test—Set the larger opening percentage retained on each sieve.
equal to the maximum particle length. The particle is elongated 10.1.3 For Method A:
if the maximum width can be placed through the smaller
10.1.3.1 Number of particles in each sieve size tested,
opening.
8.3.2 After each of the particles has been classified into one 10.1.3.2 Percentages, calculated by number or by mass, or
of the groups described in 8.3, determine the proportion of the both, for each group: (1) flat particles, (2) elongated particles,
sample in each group by either count or by mass, as required. (3) particles that meet the criteria of both Group 1 and Group
2, and (4) particles that do not meet the criteria of either Group
8.4 Method B—Test each of the particles in each size 1 or Group 2, and
fraction and place in one of two groups: (1) flat and elongated, 10.1.3.3 The dimensional ratios used in the tests.
or (2) not flat and elongated.
10.1.4 For Method B:
8.4.1 Use the proportional caliper device, set at the desired
ratio as shown in Fig. 4, as follows. 10.1.4.1 Number of particles in each sieve size tested,
8.4.1.1 Flat and Elongated Particle Test—Set the larger 10.1.4.2 Percentages, calculated by number or by mass, or
opening equal to the maximum particle length. The particle is both, for flat and elongated particles for each sieve size tested,
considered flat and elongated if the maximum thickness can be 10.1.4.3 The dimensional ratio used in the tests, and
placed through the smaller opening. 10.1.5 When required, weighted average percentages based
8.4.2 After the particles have been classified into the groups on the actual or assumed proportions of the various sieve sizes
described in 8.4, determine the proportion of the sample in tested. Report the grading used for the weighted average if
each group by count or mass, as required. different from that in 10.1.2.

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 D4791 − 19 (2023)

a. Test for flatness

b. Test for elongation

c. Test for elongation and flatness

FIG. 4 Use of Proportional Caliper

11. Precision and Bias analysis of the data; the details are given in ASTM Research
11.1 Precision, Method A—The precision of this test method Report No. RR:D04-1043.3
is based on an interlaboratory study of D4791, Standard Test 11.1.1 Repeatability Limit (r)—The difference between re-
Method for Flat Particles, Elongated Particles, or Flat and petitive results obtained by the same operator in a given
Elongated Particles in Coarse Aggregate, conducted in 2018. laboratory applying the same test method with the same
Twelve laboratories each tested particles of three different sizes apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test
at two different ratios. Every “test result” represents an
individual determination and all participants reported replicate 3
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
test results. This study only included test results for Method A be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D04-1043. Contact ASTM Customer
of D4791. Practice E691 was followed for the design and Service at service@astm.org.

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 D4791 − 19 (2023)
material within short intervals of time would, in the long run, 11.1.4 Any judgment in accordance with 11.1.1 and 11.1.2
in the normal and correct operation of the test method, exceed would have an approximate 95 % probability of being correct.
the following values only in one case in 20. 11.1.5 The precision statement was determined through
11.1.1.1 Repeatability can be interpreted as the maximum statistical examination of 576 test results, from twelve
difference between two results, obtained under repeatability laboratories, on particles with three different dimensions tested
conditions, that is accepted as plausible due to random causes at two different ratios. To judge the equivalency of two test
under normal and correct operation of the test method. results, it is recommended to choose the particle closest in
11.1.1.2 Repeatability limits are listed in Tables 1-6. characteristics to your test particle.
11.1.2 Reproducibility Limit (R)—The difference between 11.2 Precision, Method B—The precision values listed in
two single and independent results obtained by different Tables 7-9 are averages obtained from AMRL proficiency
operators applying the same test method in different laborato- samples used in the Aggregate Proficiency Sample Program
ries using different apparatus on identical test material would, (see Note 2). The 1S % and D2S % limits provided are
in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the test described in Practice C670.
method, exceed the following values only in one case in 20.
11.1.2.1 Reproducibility can be interpreted as the maximum NOTE 2—A 1:3 ratio was used.
difference between two results, obtained under reproducibility 11.3 Bias—Since there is no accepted reference material
conditions, that is accepted as plausible due to random causes suitable for determining the bias for this test method, no
under normal and correct operation of the test method. statement on bias is being made.
11.1.2.2 Reproducibility limits are listed in Tables 1-6.
11.1.3 The terms “repeatability limit” and “reproducibility 12. Keywords
limit” are used as specified in Practice E177. 12.1 aggregates; coarse aggregates; particle shape

TABLE 1 Percent Particles by Weight (%), Ratio 1:3, Particles Sized 4.75 mm (No. 4) to 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.)
Repeatability Reproducibility
Repeatability Reproducibility
Material AverageA Standard Standard
x̄ Limit Limit
Deviation Deviation
r R
Sr SR
Flat particles 10.5 3.8 6.7 10.5 18.7
Elongated particles 6.9 2.5 11.0 7.0 30.9
Flat and elongated particles 0.6 0.4 1.9 1.3 5.3
Neither flat nor elongated particles 81.9 4.6 11.8 12.9 33.0
A
The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.

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TABLE 2 Percent Particles by Weight (%), Ratio 1:5, Particles Sized 4.75 mm (No. 4) to 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.)
Repeatability Reproducibility
Repeatability Reproducibility
Material AverageA Standard Standard
Limit Limit
x̄ Deviation Deviation
r R
Sr SR
Flat particles 1.2 2.9 3.6 8.2 10.0
Elongated particles 0.7 0.2 1.6 0.5 5.2
Flat and elongated particles 0.2 0.0 0.6 0.0 1.6
Neither flat nor elongated particles 97.9 2.9 4.1 8.2 11.6
A
The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.

TABLE 3 Percent Particles by Weight (%), Ratio 1:3, Particles Sized 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) to 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.)
Repeatability Reproducibility
Repeatability Reproducibility
Material AverageA Standard Standard
x̄ Limit Limit
Deviation Deviation
r R
Sr SR
Flat particles 9.6 2.4 4.4 6.8 12.2
Elongated particles 3.7 1.0 8.9 2.9 25.1
Flat and elongated particles 0.8 0.5 2.6 1.4 7.4
Neither flat nor elongated particles 86.0 2.6 9.1 7.4 25.5
A
The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.

TABLE 4 Percent Particles by Weight (%), Ratio 1:5, Particles Sized 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) to 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.)
Repeatability Reproducibility
Repeatability Reproducibility
Material AverageA Standard Standard
Limit Limit
x̄ Deviation Deviation
r R
Sr SR
Flat particles 0.7 0.5 0.6 1.3 1.8
Elongated particles 0.6 0.1 1.9 0.3 5.3
Flat and elongated particles 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Neither flat nor elongated particles 98.7 0.5 1.8 1.3 5.0
A
The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.

TABLE 5 Percent Particles by Weight (%), Ratio 1:3, Particles Sized 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.) to 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.)
Repeatability Reproducibility
Repeatability Reproducibility
Material AverageA Standard Standard
x̄ Limit Limit
Deviation Deviation
r R
Sr SR
Flat particles 6.9 1.2 2.7 3.5 7.6
Elongated particles 2.2 0.7 7.2 2.0 20.2
Flat and elongated particles 0.5 0.6 2.0 1.8 5.5
Neither flat nor elongated particles 90.3 1.2 7.2 3.3 20.1
A
The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.

TABLE 6 Percent Particles by Weight (%), Ratio 1:5, Particles Sized 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.) to 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.)
Repeatability Reproducibility
Repeatability Reproducibility
AverageA Standard Standard
Material x̄ Limit Limit
Deviation Deviation
r R
Sr SR
Flat particles 0.5 0.3 0.7 0.7 1.9
Elongated particles 0.3 0.6 1.1 1.6 3.1
Flat and elongated particles 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4
Neither flat nor elongated particles 99.1 0.6 1.3 1.6 3.5
A
The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.

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 D4791 − 19 (2023)
TABLE 7 19.0 mm to 12.5 mm Flat and Elongated (Percent)
Precision Test Result (%) (1S) % (D2S) %
Single Operator 2.7 51.2 144.8
Multilaboratory 88.5 250.3

TABLE 8 12.5 mm to 9.5 mm Flat and Elongated (Percent)

Precision Test Result (%) (1S) % (D2S) %
Single Operator 34.9 22.9 64.7
Multilaboratory 43.0 121.8

TABLE 9 9.5 mm to 4.75 mm Flat and Elongated (Percent)

Precision Test Result (%) (1S) % (D2S) %
Single Operator 24.1 19.0 53.6
Multilaboratory 46.1 130.3

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