ASTM D6928 – Micro Deval Aggregate Abrasion

Introduction

Aggregate quality is critical for the durability of pavements, concrete, and base materials. The Micro Deval test, defined by ASTM D6928 (and AASHTO T 327), measures the abrasion resistance of coarse aggregates using water and rotational grinding.

Although the procedure is straightforward, many labs still rely on spreadsheets, handwritten worksheets, and manual calculations. These outdated tools slow down processing, introduce errors, and make reporting inconsistent.

Aldoa provides a digital workflow that connects sample intake, weight measurements, trial entries, and percent loss calculations. This helps CMT labs improve accuracy, traceability, and turnaround times for high volume aggregate work.

This article explains ASTM D6928, identifies common workflow issues, and shows how Aldoa modernizes aggregate abrasion testing.

Understanding ASTM D6928 Micro Deval Testing

The Micro Deval test evaluates the wear resistance of aggregates by measuring their mass loss after being rotated in a steel drum with water and abrasive charge.

The procedure includes:

• Sample preparation
• Oven drying
• Initial mass measurement
• Drum rotation for a defined time and speed
• Washing and drying the sample
• Final mass measurement
• Calculation of percent loss

Results indicate durability and help determine whether aggregates meet project or DOT specifications.

Challenges with Traditional Micro Deval Workflows

Labs running ASTM D6928 often face the following:

Manual transcription of weights

Handwritten weights can be misread or logged incorrectly.

Spreadsheet inconsistencies

Different spreadsheets lead to calculation differences across technicians.

Poor traceability

Auditors often need to dig through printed notes or personal files.

Difficulty scaling

High volume aggregate labs struggle with throughput when documentation is manual.

Disconnected sample tracking

Samples move through multiple steps without centralized oversight. Aldoa solves these problems by providing a full digital workflow.

Aldoa’s End to End ASTM D6928 Workflow

Step One: Sample Intake

CMT labs log incoming aggregate samples in Aldoa with:

• Project details
• Material type
• Gradation or size
• Photos
• GPS (if taken in the field)
• Technician notes

A barcode or ID keeps the sample traceable throughout the process.

Step Two: Digital Test Setup

Technicians open the ASTM D6928 test form and enter:

• Initial dry mass
• Sieve size classification
• Preparation details
• Expected run time and rotation speed

Aldoa standardizes all inputs so every technician follows the same procedure.

Step Three: Running the Micro Deval Test

After placing the sample, water, and abrasive charge into the drum, technicians begin the rotation. Aldoa can track:

• Start time
• Expected finish time
• Technician assignment

Supervisors can see what is in progress and plan workflows around drum availability.

Step Four: Final Weight Entry and Automatic Calculations

Technicians wash, dry, and weigh the remaining aggregate. They enter the final mass into Aldoa.

Aldoa automatically calculates:

• Mass loss
• Percent loss
• Acceptability based on specifications

No manual spreadsheet formulas are needed.

Step Five: Supervisor Review

Supervisors can review:

• Initial and final weights
• Technician notes
• Percent loss
• Compliance with project or DOT requirements

Aldoa stores all revision history and approvals for audit purposes.

Step Six: One Click Reporting

Aldoa generates a clean, professional ASTM D6928 report containing:

• Sample information
• Initial and final weights
• Percent loss
• Technician and reviewer signatures
• Notes and photos

Reports follow a consistent template across projects and clients.

Key Features Aldoa Provides for Aggregate Labs

• Consistency Across Technicians: Standardized forms prevent spreadsheet discrepancies.
• Faster Throughput: Technicians spend less time documenting and more time testing.
• Better Traceability: Every step is logged in Aldoa for auditing and internal review.
• Integrated Reporting: No need for manual formatting or external templates.
• Improved Accuracy: Automatic calculations prevent math errors or formula mistakes.

Why CMT Labs Prefer Aldoa for Micro Deval Testing

Compared to spreadsheets

Aldoa eliminates formula variations and version control.

Compared to paper workflows

Everything is centralized and digital for better QA.

Compared to MetaField

Aldoa offers a more modern and flexible aggregate workflow.

Compared to SpectraQEST

Aldoa offers similar testing capabilities but with faster adoption and a cleaner interface.

Conclusion

ASTM D6928 Micro Deval abrasion testing is essential for evaluating aggregate durability. Aldoa provides an end to end digital workflow that improves speed, accuracy, and consistency across high volume CMT labs.

From sample intake through final percent loss reporting, Aldoa helps labs reduce errors and deliver professional results to clients with confidence.