R A S I N

I N S T R U M E N T S
Bulk Density and Voids of Aggregates

Statement of Problem:

Given following type of sample:

a. 20mm graded and angular aggregate
b. 20mm single size & angular aggregate
c. 20mm graded rounded aggregate
d. Fine aggregate
Determine the bulk density of each and explain why bulk-density in each case is different from the other. For a
1
concrete proportion of 1:2 :5 by weight, calculate the quantity of coarse aggregate and fine aggregate by
2
volume per bag of cement, if 20mm (graded & angular) size coarse aggregate and fine aggregate given in the
experiment are used.

Theory:

Bulk density is the weight of aggregate required to fill a container of unit volume. This unit volume, therefore,
consists of volume of solid material plus the volume of voids and is measured in kg/litre. These values are
required to convert the quantity of aggregate by weight to quantities by volume when volume in batch is done
& vice-versa.

Value of the bulk density of the aggregate depends upon the amount of effort used to fill the container as
densely as possible, size distribution, shape and specific gravity. More graded the aggregate, greater is the
bulk density. Angular and flaky shape of the material reduce the bulk density.

If this bulk density test is carried on frequently on the site, the appreciable change in the value of the bulk
density at any one time helps to detect the change in grading or the shape of the material and enables the
engineer on site to conduct further elaborate test, if necessary.

For in batch purposes where the materials are measured, the bulk density of the loose material should be
calculated.

When the bulk density test is carried out to detect the change in grading and shape, the rodded bulk density
test will have to be done to compare the results. Also for comparison of results size of two aggregates to be
compared should be the same.

Apparatus:

Balance sensitive up to 0.5% of the weight to be weighed.

Cylindrical metal measure 3, 15 and 30 litres capacity according to maximum size of coarse aggregate.
Coarse Aggregate Measure
4.75mm and under 3 litres
3.75mm to 40mm 15 litres
Over 40 mm 30 litres
Tamping rod 16mm dia and 60 cm long with one end rounded.
Container, trough, steel rule and measuring cylinder 250ml.

Procedure:

Rodded weight:

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 R A S I N
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Condition of the Specimen: The test is normally carried out on dry material when determining the voids, but when
bulking tests are required material with a given percentage of moisture may be used. The mention of the
condition must be made while noting observations.
a. The measure selected according to the size of the aggregate, is filled about 1/3rd full with the thoroughly mixed
aggregate.
b. The aggregate is now tamped with 25 strokes of the rounded end of the tamping rod.
c. A further similar quantity of aggregate is added and a further tamping of 25 strokes given.
d. The measure is now finally filled to over-flowing, tamped 25 times and the surplus aggregate struck off, using
the tamping rod as straight edge.
e. The net weight of the aggregate in the measure is determined and the bulk density is calculated in kg/litres.

Loose Weight:

a. The measure is filled to over following by means of a shovel or scoop, the aggregate being discharged from
height not exceeding 5 cm above the top of the measure. Care should be taken to avoid segregation of the
particles.
b. The surface of the aggregate is then levelled with a straight edge.
c. The net weight of the aggregate in the measure is determined and the bulk density calculated in kg/litre.
d. For recording observations, use observation table as under:

Determination of Bulk Density of Aggregate

Condition of aggregate:
Air Dry/surface dry/moist

Sample I Sample II

a. Capacity of measure (V) 1

b. Weight of measure (W1) kg.
c. Weight of measure + compacted aggr. (W2) kg.
d. Weight of measure + loose aggr. (W3)
e. W 2 - W1
Rodded bulk density kg/I
V
f. Average kg/I
g. W 2 - W1
Loose Bulk density kg/I
V
h. Average kg/I
i. Specific Gravity (Gs)
j. Gs - y 100
Voids, x percent
Gs 1

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