Empirical methods to predict the abrasion resistance of rock aggregates

The possibility of predicting the Los Angeles ( L. A.) abrasion loss from the Schmidt hammer, point load and porosity tests was investigated using 9 igneous, 11 metamorphic and 15 sedimentary rocks with L. A. values ranging from 10 to 76%. Regression analysis indicated a strong correlation (r(2) = 0.72) between L. A. abrasion loss and point load and a good correlation (r(2) = 0.62) between L. A. abrasion loss and Schmidt hammer value. When the samples were divided according to porosity (n < 1% and n > 1%), stronger correlations were obtained, especially for the point load index. The predictions from the Schmidt hammer results were not as good but within acceptable limits.