CONSTRUCTION

MATERIALS &
TESTING​
Experiment #3
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE AGGREGATES
(ASTM C 127-81 Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggrega
(JIS A 1110-70 Methodof test for specific gravity and absorption of course aggregate)te)
Discussion:​
Specific gravity is the ratio of the mass (or weight in air) 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 suitability of an aggregate. Low
specific gravity frequently indicates porous, weak and
absorptive materials,while high specific gravity often
indicate high quality. The data obtained from this test can
he used in designing and controlling the weight of
concrete.
Discussion:​
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.
Absorption values are usedto adjust the proportioning of
materials aconcrete mix.
Objective:​
To determine the specific gravity and water
absorption of coarse aggregates.
APPARATUS & MATERIALS​
 Specific
Gravity Test
Apparatus for
Coarse
Agrregates
--
 Sieve
10 mm opening
Sample Pan
--
Weighing
Scale
--
Absorbent
Cloth
--
Scoop/ Spoon
--
Oven
--
PREPARATION
Sieve the sample using a 10-mm sieve.
Take 3-5 kg of aggregate from the sample retained in the 10-mm sieve.
Soak the aggregate in water for a period of 24±4 hours.
Remove the aggregate from water and roll it in a large absorbent cloth until all visible
films of water are removed. This is the saturated surface-dry (SSD) condition.
TEST
PROCEDURE​
Take the weightin air of the saturated surface-dry aggregate (Wa).
Assemble the specific gravity test apparatus. Fill the water container to
its capacitv.
Determine the weight of wire basket while submerge in water (Wb).
Take the weight of aggregate in water (WW) Shake the aggregate while
it is being placed into the wire basket. Shake the wire basket before
weighing.
Determinatio
n of Water
Absorption of
Coarse
Aggregate
Remove the coarse aggregate from the wire basket and ovens dry it
at100±5 degrees centigrade for 24 hours.
CALCULATIONS​
 𝑊𝑎
𝑆𝐺=
𝑊𝑎−𝑊𝑤+𝑊𝑏

where :​

SG= specific gravity ofaggregate at SSDcondition

Wa= weight of SSD aggregate in air (kg)
Ww= weight ofaggregate in water (kg)
Wb= weight of wire basket in water (kg)
 𝑊𝑎−𝑊𝑑
Absorption (% ) = 100 ×
𝑊𝑑

where :​

Wd= oven-dried weight of aggregate

DATA SHEET:​
Experiment #3
ACTIVITY