Which term describes the breakdown of particles due to abrasion and attrition?

The term that describes the breakdown of particles due to abrasion and attrition is degradation. Degradation specifically refers to the process where materials lose their integrity and structural soundness as a result of mechanical forces acting upon them. Abrasion and attrition involve the grinding and wearing down of material surfaces, leading to smaller particle sizes and ultimately impacting the material's overall performance in applications such as asphalt or concrete mixtures.

In the context of aggregate and mixture development, understanding degradation is crucial because it can influence the quality and durability of the final product. Proper management of degradation is necessary to ensure that the aggregate maintains its desired properties throughout construction and during the service life of the structure, thus highlighting the importance of this term in materials technology.