Los Angeles Abrasion Machine NABM-100 is a laboratory testing instrument used to measure the abrasion and impact resistance of coarse aggregates by rotating them with steel balls in a drum under controlled conditions.
It measures the percentage of wear (abrasion value) of aggregates after mechanical impact and friction testing.
This machine helps determine whether aggregates are suitable for use in roads, concrete, and infrastructure projects by evaluating their durability under mechanical stress.
Evaluating abrasion resistance of coarse aggregates
Testing aggregates for asphalt and concrete mixtures
Supporting construction material quality control
Assessing aggregate suitability for infrastructure
Conducting durability studies in laboratories
It rotates aggregates with steel spheres in a drum to simulate wear and calculates material loss after testing.
Aggregate sample is prepared as per standards
Steel spheres are added as abrasive charge
Drum rotates at 30–33 rpm
Aggregates undergo impact and abrasion
Sample is removed and sieved
Abrasion value is calculated as percentage loss
Abrasion value is the percentage of material lost during testing, indicating the aggregate’s resistance to wear and impact.
Rotating steel drum for abrasion simulation
Controlled speed for standardized testing
Compatible with steel abrasive charges
Integrated rotation counter
Stable structure for consistent operation
Easy sample handling
When testing aggregate durability for road construction
When evaluating materials for concrete production
When performing quality control in civil engineering labs
When checking compliance with ASTM or AASHTO standards
Civil engineering laboratories
Construction material testing facilities
Infrastructure project consultants
Research institutions studying aggregate performance
Pavement construction material testing
Concrete aggregate quality evaluation
Road infrastructure durability studies
Laboratory-based aggregate research
Aggregate Impact Tester
Micro-Deval Abrasion Tester
Crushing Value Apparatus
Sieve Shaker
ASTM C131
ASTM C535
AASHTO T96
IS 2386 (Part IV)
Measures aggregate wear and impact resistance
Uses rotating drum with steel balls
Outputs abrasion value (percentage loss)
Essential for construction material testing
Widely used in civil engineering laboratories
What does Los Angeles Abrasion Machine NABM-100 measure?
It measures the resistance of coarse aggregates to wear and impact by calculating the percentage of material loss after testing.
What materials can be tested?
Coarse aggregates used in asphalt, concrete, and pavement construction are typically tested.
What is the standard rotation speed?
The drum usually rotates at 30–33 revolutions per minute.
How is abrasion value calculated?
It is calculated as the percentage difference between the initial and final weight of the aggregate sample.
Why is this test important?
It ensures aggregates can withstand mechanical stress in real-world construction applications.
Which standards are followed?
ASTM C131, ASTM C535, AASHTO T96, and IS 2386 are commonly used.
This machine is essential for construction and civil engineering applications, helping ensure aggregates are suitable for roads, concrete, and infrastructure projects. It supports quality control, material selection, and compliance with standards such as ASTM, AASHTO, and IS.
Operating at 30–33 rpm, the NABM-100 performs standardized abrasion testing through a step-by-step process involving sample preparation, drum rotation, sieving, and result calculation.
With features like a heavy-duty steel drum, rotation counter, and stable structure, it is widely used in laboratories, construction testing facilities, and research institutions to ensure reliable and durable building materials.
