Soil abrasivity assessment using the LCPC testing device

A new approach to soil abrasivity testing was made focusing on the needs of underground excavation. The abrasivity assessment is based on the LCPC abrasivity test which was developed by the Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussées in the 1980ies. The LCPC Abrasivity Coefficient (A_BR or LAC) can be used as a measure for both the abrasivity of the soil material and the influence of the grain size. A calibration chart has been established using different artificial and natural soil materials, containing both rounded and angular grains, different rock materials and especially highly abrasive material such as quartz and non abrasive material such as limestone. This chart allows the classification of different soils using the background of tool wear and drillability problems. Applied in the correct framework of geological and geotechnical investigations, the LCPC test allows a reliable, quick and hence, cost effective assessment of the abrasivity of soils.