MATERIALS

Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV)

Percentage fines under a standard gradual crushing load — aggregate strength

Also calledaggregate crushing valueACVcrushing value testaggregate strength test
Related on InfraLens
CODES
IS 2386
Definition

The Aggregate Crushing Value, per IS 2386 Part 4, measures an aggregate's resistance to a gradually applied crushing (compressive) load. A standard 10-14 mm sample in a cylindrical mould is loaded to 40 tonnes over 10 minutes; ACV is the percentage of the sample passing the 2.36 mm sieve after loading. Lower ACV = stronger aggregate.

Unlike the impact test (sudden shock), this assesses behaviour under static/rolling load, relevant to pavement layers and concrete under sustained stress. IS 2386/MORTH typically limit ACV to ≤30% for concrete and wearing courses and ≤45% for lower base/sub-base layers. ACV, AIV and Los Angeles abrasion are usually reported together to qualify a quarry source; soft, high-ACV stone degrades under compaction and traffic, generating fines that weaken layers and block drainage.

Where used
  • Concrete + pavement aggregate acceptance
  • Quarry/source qualification + comparison
  • Base/sub-base material specification (MORTH)
  • Structural-concrete coarse-aggregate selection
  • Aggregate-strength dispute resolution
Acceptance / threshold
Per IS 2386 Part 4; commonly ACV ≤30% for concrete + wearing course, ≤45% for sub-base/base layers per IS 383/MORTH.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between crushing value and impact value?
Crushing value (ACV) measures resistance to a slowly applied compressive load; impact value (AIV) measures resistance to sudden shock. Both are reported as % fines produced — lower is stronger.
What ACV is acceptable for concrete aggregate?
Generally ≤30% per IS 2386/IS 383 for concrete and wearing-course aggregate; up to ~45% may be permitted for lower pavement layers under MORTH.
Related terms
Aggregate Impact Value (AIV)
Percentage fines produced under standard impact — toughness of aggregate
Silt Content of Sand
Proportion of clay/silt fines in sand that weakens cement bond if excessive
Water Absorption (Aggregate & Brick)
Percentage water a porous material soaks up — a durability + mix-control index
Flakiness & Elongation Index
Percentage of flat/elongated particles — controls aggregate particle shape
Los Angeles Abrasion Value
Wear resistance of aggregate measured by tumbling with steel charge
Aggregates (Fine & Coarse)
Coarse (10-40mm) and fine (sand) aggregates per IS 383
Bulking of Sand
Volume increase of damp sand due to moisture films separating particles
Fineness Modulus
Single index of aggregate coarseness from cumulative sieve retention
Fineness of Cement
Particle fineness of cement controlling its rate of hydration + strength gain
Sand (River / M-Sand)
Fine aggregate. River sand or manufactured sand.