LOOSE BULK DENSITY

Loose bulk density can be determined by filling the container with

dried aggregates until it overflows from the container. Now level
the top surface of container by rolling a rod on it. After that, weight the
aggregate mass that is inside the container and divide it by the volume of
container. This will give you the bulk density of the loose aggregates.

Standard Test Method for The Determination of Bulk Density

Posted on

Friday, May 18, 2012by

Muhammad Najam Abbas in
Labels: Basic Learnings, bulk density of aggregate, Plain and Reinforced Concrete

PURPOSE:

To find out the Bulk Density of aggregate (i.e. unit weight and voids in
aggregate).

STANDARD:

ASTM C-29

APPARATUS:

Weighing Balance

Temping Rod

Measuring Cylinder

Shovel or stool

SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE:

This method is used to determine the bulk density of given specimen during
the concrete mix design when the aggregate is to be batched by volume or

by weight. Then it is necessary to know the mass of the aggregate that will
fill the container of unit volume.

If we know the bulk density of aggregate material than we can easily

calculate the mass required to fill a unit volume container.
Bulk Density also indicates the %age of voids present in the aggregate
material.

This %age of voids effects the grading of the aggregate which is important in
higher strength concrete.

*We will get %age voids by comparing loose state and compacted state.

RELATED THEORY:
Bulk Density:

It is the mass of the unit volume of bulk aggregate material.

The term volume includes the volume of the individual particle and the
volume of the voids between the particles.
Bulk density is used in weight and volume batching both.

Absolute Density:

It is the mass per unit volume of individual particles only.

Voids:

It is a space between the individual particles and in a unit volume of the

aggregate mass and is not occupied by the solid mineral matters.

*Voids within the particles are not included in the voids for the determination
of bulk density by this method

Facts about Bulk Density:

Bulk Density depends upon how densely the aggregate is packed.

It also depends upon the size, distribution and shape of the particles.

If particles are of the same size then it can be packed to a limited extent but
when the smaller particles are added, the voids get filled with them and thus
the bulk density increases.

For a coarse aggregate a higher bulk density means that there are few voids
which are to be filled by the fine aggregate and cement thus the bulk density
also depend upon the degree of packed.

PROCEDURE:

1.

Weigh the empty cylinder

2.

Calculate the volume of the empty cylinder.

3.

Take the weight of cylinder with aggregate.

*The Procedure will be same for fine and coarse aggregate.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

Table of observations for Bulk Density

Sample State

Sample
Type

Wt. of
container

Volume of
container

Wt. of
container

Wt. of
aggregate

Bulk
density

(Kg)

(kg/m3)

+
wt. of
agg.

Fine

LOOSE

Coars
e
Fine

COMPACTE
D

Coars
e

(Kg)

(m3)

(Kg)

5.7

.0035

10.60

4.9

1400

7.45

.0053

15.3

7.85

1481

5.7

.0035

11.15

5.45

1557

7.45

.0053

16.20

8.75

1651

Increase in Bulk Density (Fine aggregate) =

11.21 %

Increase in Bulk Density (Coarse aggregate) = 11.48 %

COMMENTS:

The bulk density is more in compacted state as compared to the

loosewhich shows that the bulk density greatly depends on the degree
of compaction or how densely it is packed.

Usually increase in bulk density should be above 15% for coarse

aggregate and should be below 15% for fine aggregate, But in our
results it is 11.20% for fine aggregate and 11.48% for coarse
aggregate. This deficiency is may be due to not following precautions.