SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE AGGREGATES

ASTM C 127-81 Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate

JIS A 1110-70 Method of Test for Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate

Significance of the Test:

Specific Gravity is the ratio of the mass of a unit volume of a material to the
mass of the same volume of water. In this test the specific gravity of coarse aggregate is
evaluated using the principle of buoyancy. Specific gravity is a quick indicator of the
availability of an aggregate. Low specific gravity frequently indicates porous weak and
absorptive materials, while high specific gravity often indicates high quality.
At the end of the test, the percentage of water absorption of the coarse
aggregates will also be evaluated. The term absorption is defined as the capacity of the
coarse aggregate to absorb water into its permeable pores.

Data:

Weight of SSD aggregate in air; Wa

4.95 kg

Weight of wire basket in water; Wb

0.734 kg

Weight of aggregate in water; Ww

4.42 kg

Calculation:
SG=

Wa
Wa Ww + Wb
4.95
4.95 4.42 + 0.734
=

3.916

Discussion
Aggregates are inert granular materials such as sand, gravel or crushed stone
that are an end product in their own right. They are also the raw materials that are an
essential ingredient in concrete. Aggregates, which account for 60 to 75 percent of the
total volume of concrete, are divided into several distinct categories, and are either coarse
or fine. Coarse aggregates are particles greater than 4.75mm, but generally range between
9.5mm to 37.5mm in diameter. They can either be from Primary, Secondary or Recycled
sources. Primary, or 'virgin', aggregates are either Land- or Marine-Won. Gravel is a
coarse marine-won aggregate; land-won coarse aggregates include gravel and crushed
rock. The summarized steps in determining the bulk specific gravity of SSD coarse
aggregate are as follows:
Dry a representative sample of the aggregate (approximately 5,000 grams) to a
constant weight at 110C. Then cool the sample for 1 to 3 hours, immerse it in
water, and allow it to soak for about 24 hours.
Remove the sample from the water and dry it to a saturated, surface-dry condition
by rolling the sample in an absorbent cloth until visible films of water
are removed and the particle surfaces appear slightly damp.
Weigh the sample in the SSD condition and record the weight to the nearest 0.5
gram. Then immediately place the sample into a container or wire basket and
determine its immersed weight (or weight in water) at 23C. Be sure that any
entrapped air is removed by shaking the container or basket while it is immersed.
Record the immersed weight to the nearest 0.5 gram.
Dry the sample to a constant weight at 110C, cool it for 1 to 3 hours, and then
weigh the oven-dried sample. Record the weight to the nearest 0.5 gram.

Observation

The laboratory standard for absorption can be obtained after submerging dry
aggregate for a prescribed period of time. Aggregates mined from below the water table
commonly have moisture content greater than the absorption determined by this test
method, if used without opportunity to dry prior to use. Conversely, some aggregates that

have not been continuously maintained in a moist condition until used are likely to
contain an amount of absorbed moisture less than the 24-h soaked condition.
Conclusion
The test method covered the determination of relative density (specific gravity)
and the water absorption of coarse aggregates. The values obtained can be used to
calculate the bulk specific gravity, bulk SSD specific gravity, apparent specific gravity
and absorption. Mass of a coarse aggregate sample is determined in SSD, oven-dry and
submerged states. The pores at the surface of the particles affect the bond between the
aggregate and the cement paste thus influences the concrete strength. The smaller the
number of pores, the higher will be the specific gravity, hence more will be the bond
strength and concrete strength. This test method is not intended to be used with
lightweight aggregates.