Test Method for Density, relative density and absorption of course aggregates

Introduction:
This test method covers the determination of the average density of a quantity of coarse
aggregate particles (not including the volume of voids between the particles), the relative density
(specific gravity), and the absorption of the coarse aggregate.
Depending on the procedure used, the density (kg/m3) is expressed as oven-dry (OD), saturated
surface-dry (SSD), or as apparent density. Likewise, relative density (specific gravity), a
dimensionless quantity, is expressed as OD, SSD, or as apparent relative density (apparent
specific gravity). The OD density and OD relative density are determined after drying the
aggregate. The SSD density, SSD relative density, and absorption are determined after soaking
the aggregate in water for a prescribed duration.
Relative density (specific gravity) is the characteristic generally used for calculation of the
volume occupied by the aggregate in various mixtures containing aggregate, including Portland
cement concrete, bituminous concrete, and other mixtures that are proportioned or analyzed on
an absolute volume basis. Relative density (specific gravity) is also used in the computation of
voids in aggregate. Relative density (specific gravity) saturated surface dry (SSD) is used if the
aggregate is at SSD, that is, if its absorption has been satisfied. Conversely, the relative density
(specific gravity) oven-dry (OD) is used for computations when the aggregate is dry or assumed
to be dry.
Apparent density and apparent relative density (apparent specific gravity) pertain to the solid
material making up the constituent particles not including the pore space within the particles
which is accessible to water.
Absorption values are used to calculate the change in the mass of an aggregate due to water
absorbed in the pore spaces within the constituent particles, when it is deemed that the aggregate
has been in contact with water long enough to satisfy the absorption potential. The laboratory
standard for absorption is that obtained after submerging dry aggregate for a prescribed period of
time.
Objectives:

Objective of this test is to determine the average density of a quantity of coarse aggregate
particles (not including the volume of voids between the particles), the relative density
(specific gravity), and the absorption of the coarse aggregate.

Apparatus:
The following apparatus are required.
1) Sample container A wire basket of 3.35 mm (No.6) or finer mesh, or a bucket of
approximately equal breadth and height, with a capacity of 4 to 7 L for 37.5 mm (11/2 in.)
nominal maximum size aggregate or smaller, and a larger container as needed for testing
larger maximum size aggregate. The container shall be constructed to prevent trapping air
when the container is submerged.
2) Water tank - A watertight tank into which the sample container is placed while suspended
below the balance (Figure 1).

Figure 1 The sample container is placed into a water tank.

3) Sieves 4.75 mm (No.4) sieve.
4) Balance - A balance readable to at least 0.01 g.
5) Drying Oven A thermostatically controlled oven capable of continuously maintaining a
temperature of 1050 1100 C, throughout the drying chamber.
Procedure:
1) As per the following Table, 3 kg of the minimum mass of test sample for 19.0 mm
nominal maximum size aggregate was used for the test.
Nominal
Maximum Size,
mm (in.)

Minimum Mass of Test Sample, kg

(lb)

12.5 () or less

2 (4.4)

19.0 (3/4)

3 (6.6)

25.0 (1)

4 (8.8)

37.5 (1)

5 (11)

50 (2)

5 (18)

63 (2)

12 (26)

75 (3)

18 (40)

90 (3)

25 (55)

100 (4)

40 (88)

125 (5)

75 (165)

2) The test sample was dried to constant mass at a temperature of 110 0 to 1050 C and then it
was cooled in air at room temperature (for 1 to 3 hours for test samples of 37.5 mm (11/2
in.) nominal maximum size, or longer for larger sizes) until the aggregate has cooled to a

temperature that was comfortable to handle (approximately 500 C).

3) Subsequently the aggregate was immersed in water at room temperature for a period of 24
hours.
4) Thereafter, the test sample was removed from the water and rolled it in a large absorbent
cloth until all visible films of water are removed (Figure 2). The larger particles were
wiped individually. Care was taken to avoid evaporation of water from aggregate pores
during the surface-drying operation.

Figure 2 Rolling up the aggregate into the large absorbent cloth and the shaking and rolling the
aggregate from side to side.
5) The mass of the test sample was determined in the saturated surface-dry condition. This
was recorded and all subsequent masses to the nearest 0.5 g or 0.05% of the sample mass,
whichever is greater.
6) After determining the mass in air, the saturated-surface-dry test sample was immediately
put into a container and placed in the water tank (Figure 1). Then its apparent mass in
water was determined. Care was taken to remove all entrapped air before determining its
mass by shaking the container while immersed.
7) Finally, the test sample was dried to constant mass at a temperature of 105 0 1100 C and
cooled in air at room temperature 1 to 3 hours or until the aggregate has cooled to a
temperature that was comfortable to handle (approximately 50 0 C) and the mass was
determined.

Calculations and result:

Weights of the sample were determined as follows.

A Weight of oven-dry sample
B Weight of saturated surface-dry sample
C Weight of submerged sample

Relative Density (specific gravity) (OD) = A/(B-C)

Relative Density (specific gravity) (SSD) = B/(B-C)
Apparent relative density (Apparent specific gravity)= A/(A-C)

Density
Density (OD) kg/m3
Density (SSD) kg/m3
Apparent Density kg/m3

= 997.5 * A/(B-C)
= 997.5 * B/(B-C)
= 997.5 * A/(A-C)

Absorption, %

= (B-A)/A * 100

Specimen Calculation:

Weights of the samples:

A ................................
B ................................
C ................................

Relative Density (specific gravity) (OD) =

=
Relative Density (specific gravity) (SSD) =
=
Apparent relative density (Apparent specific gravity)=
=

Density
Density (OD) kg/m3

=
=

Density (SSD) kg/m3

=
=

Apparent Density kg/m3

=
=

Absorption, %

=
=

Discussion:
1) Briefly discussed importance of density, relative density and absorption of the
coarse aggregate in road construction.

2) How to determine average density, relative density and absorption when, sample
tested in separate size (separate size fraction) of aggregate partials?

3) Why it is important to oven dry before soaking the aggregate?