Name: Geeka Erica B.
Cale Date: March 19, 2024 Schedule:
Tuesday & Thursday (4:30 – 7:30 PM) Lab #: 4
Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
Group Member: Cale,
Geeka Erica
Indino, Karlyle
Lapiz, John Paul
Martinez, Bryan
Mateo, Vince Alberto
Sarsoza, Kerwin Earl
Objective:
This test aims to determine both the bulk and apparent specific gravity of coarse and fine
aggregates, serving as indicators of their inherent strength. Additionally, it assesses the water
absorption of these aggregates, indicating their porosity, which is crucial information for
evaluating their suitability for various construction applications.
Procedure:
For Coarse Aggregate:
1. Take a representative sample of coarse aggregate of about 1 kg and dry it by heating.
Record the weight at regular intervals until two consecutive readings show no weight loss.
The final weight is recorded as the oven-dry weight.
2. Soak the oven-dried sample in water for 24 hours.
3. Remove the aggregate from the water and dry it with a cloth until no water film remains, but
the particle surfaces are still damp.
4. Weigh the aggregate. This weight is recorded as the surface-dry weight in the air.
5. Submerge the aggregate in water at 23 ± 1.7°C (73.4 ± 3°F) in a wire basket, and obtain
the submerged weight. Deduct the submerged weight of the basket. The submerged
particles displace a volume of water equal to their own volume, including all pores, because
the pores are filled with water before being submerged. There will be a weight loss when
submerged, which is equal to the weight of water displaced.
For Fine Aggregate:
1. A representative sample of fine aggregate, weighing about 2000g, is dried until it reaches a
constant weight, known as the oven-dry weight.
2. The dried sample is then soaked in water for 24 hours.
3. After soaking, the wet aggregate is dried until it reaches a saturated, surface-dry condition.
For small-sized aggregate, it may be difficult to recognize this condition. To check this, the
drying process needs to be frequently interrupted to test it. In this test, the aggregate is put
into a standard metal mold shaped like a frustum of a cone, and tamped 25 times with a
standard tamper. If the molded shape slumps upon removal of the mold, it indicates that the
aggregate is saturated and surface-dry.
4. A representative sample—from the soaked and dried 2000g sample—consisting of 1000g
of aggregate (saturated, surface-dry weight) is put into a 500-cm³ pycnometer. The
container is then filled with water at 23 ± 1.7°C (73.4 ± 3°F).
5. After filling the pycnometer, the container is weighed. The total weight consists of the sum
of the known weight of the pycnometer, the known weight of aggregate (SSD), and the
unknown weight of water. The weight of the water can be determined by subtracting the
pycnometer and aggregate weights from the total weight.
6. The contents of the pycnometer are then removed, with additional rinsing as required to
remove all particles, and the oven-dry weight of the aggregate is determined.
7. Finally, the container is weighed again, but this time it's full of water.
Data/Calculation:
For Coarse Aggregate:
A = Oven-dry weight = 990 g
B = Saturated, surface-dry (SSD) weight in air = 1011 g C = Submerged
weight = 647 g
𝐴
Bulk Specific Gravity (Oven-dry) =
𝐵−𝐶
Bulk Specific Gravity (Oven-dry) = = 2.72
𝐴
Apparent Specific Gravity (Oven-dry) =
𝐴−𝐶
Apparent Specific Gravity (Oven-dry) = = 2.89
𝐵
Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD) =
𝐵−𝐶
Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD) = = 2.78
𝐵−𝐴
% Absorption = × 100
𝐴
% Absorption = × 100 = 2.12 %
For Fine Aggregate:
A = Saturated, surface-dry (SSD) weight = 1000 g
B = Oven-dry weight = 984 g
C = Pycnometer + water weight = 1078 g
D = Pycnometer + water + Fine Aggregate Weight = 1694 g
𝐵
Bulk Specific Gravity (Oven-dry) =
(𝐶+𝐴)−𝐷
Bulk Specific Gravity (Oven-dry) = = 2.56
𝐵
Apparent Specific Gravity (Oven-dry) =
(𝐶+𝐵)−𝐷
Apparent Specific Gravity (Oven-dry) = = 2.67
𝐴
Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD) =
(𝐶+𝐴)−𝐷
Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD) = = 2.60
𝐴−𝐵
% Absorption = × 100
𝐵
% Absorption = × 100 = 1.62 %
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the aggregates tested in this laboratory experiment align with established
industry standards for construction materials. The specific gravity values obtained fall within
the typical range of 2.5 to 3.0 for both coarse and fine aggregates, indicating satisfactory
strength properties. Furthermore, the absorption levels of the aggregates, which are crucial
indicators of porosity, remain below the acceptable threshold of 3% as prescribed by BS 8007.
The coarse aggregates have a bulk specific gravity (oven-dry) of 2.72 and an apparent
specific gravity (oven-dry) of 2.89, which fall within the typical range for construction materials.
Additionally, the bulk specific gravity (SSD) of 2.78 further confirms the suitability of these
aggregates for use in construction. With a %absorption of 2.12%, the coarse aggregates
exhibit low porosity, indicating good resistance to frost and weathering actions.
Similarly, the fine aggregates display satisfactory characteristics with a bulk specific gravity
(oven-dry) of 2.56 and an apparent specific gravity (oven-dry) of 2.67. The bulk specific gravity
(SSD) of 2.60 is also within the acceptable range. The % absorption of
1.62% indicates low porosity, further emphasizing their durability against frost and
weathering.
Both coarse and fine aggregates meet the specified requirements for specific gravity and
absorption, suggesting they are suitable for use in construction applications. With specific
gravity values falling within standard limits, these aggregates demonstrate satisfactory
strength properties essential for structural integrity. Their low porosity levels indicate good
resistance to environmental factors, ensuring the longevity and stability of the structures in
which they are incorporated.
