The objective of this study is to choose indices for the characterization of aggregate form and angularity for large scale application. For this purpose, several parameters for aggregate form and angularity featured in previous research are presented. Then, based on these established parameters, 200 coarse quartzite aggregates are analyzed herein by using image processing technology. This paper also analyzes the statistical distributions of parameters for aggregate form and angularity as well as the correlation between form and angularity parameters. It was determined that the parameters for form or angularity of coarse aggregates could be fitted by either normal distribution or log-normal distribution at a 95% confidence level. Some of the form parameters were influenced by changes in angularity characteristics, while aspect ratio and angularity using outline slope, area ratio and radius angularity index, and aspect ratio and angularity index were independent of each other, respectively; and consequently, the independent parameters could be used to quantify the aggregate form and angularity for the purpose to study the influence of aggregate shape on the mechanical behavior of concrete. Furthermore, results from this study’s in-depth investigations showed that the aspect ratio and the angularity index can further understanding of the effects of coarse aggregates form and angularity on concrete mechanical properties, respectively. Finally, coarse aggregates with the same content, type and surfaces texture, but different aspect ratios and angularity indices were used to study the influence of coarse aggregate form and angularity on the behavior of concrete. It was revealed that the splitting tensile strength of concrete increased with increases in the aspect ratio or angularity index of coarse aggregates.
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