AIMS: AGGREGATE IMAGING SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATE SHAPE PROPERTIES

The paper describes the design and development of a unified computer automated system for characterizing the shape and gradation of aggregates. The system, referred to as AIMS, is developed to have the ability to capture images and analyze the shape of a wide range of aggregate size, which covers those used in asphalt mixes, Portland cement concrete and unbound layers of pavements. The paper describes the experimental considerations that formed the basis for the system's design and its unique features. These considerations include the type of lenses, image resolution, field of view, and lighting scheme with respect to the aggregate size, and the shape characteristic under consideration (form, angularity, and texture). The angularity and texture are quantified using two-dimensional measurements, while form is quantified based on three-dimensional measurements. The paper also describes the components that constitute the system and the functionality of these components, which make it a simple and practical system in terms of its design and operations. A LabVIEW program was developed in order to control capturing images at specified resolution and field of view. The program is developed to be simple and minimize the user's interference in order to be used by engineers and technicians with very minimal training.