DENSITY OF AGGREGATES

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this experiment, it aims to achieve the following objectives:
1. To determine the Bulk density of aggregates in loose and compacted state.
2. Voids present between the particles in coarse aggregates.

ASTM STANDARDS
1. This test method covers the determination of bulk density (“unit weight”) of aggregate
in a compacted or loose condition, and calculated voids between particles in fine,
coarse, or mixed aggregates based on the same determination. This test method is
applicable to aggregates not exceeding 125 mm [5 in.] in nominal maximum size.

NOTE 1: Unit weight is the traditional terminology used to describe the property
determined by this test method, which is weight per unit volume (more correctly, mass
per unit volume or density).

2. The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately
as standard, as appropriate for a specification with which this test method is used. An
exception is with regard to sieve sizes and nominal size of aggregate, in which the SI
values are the standard as stated in Specification E11. Within the text, inch-pound units
are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from
the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

3. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish
appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.

4. This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally

recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for
the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by
the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

APPARATUSSES:
1. BALANCE
A balance or the scale accurate within 0.1% of the test load at any point within the
range of use, graduated at least 0.1lb (0.05Kg).

2. TAMPING ROD
A round straight steel rod 16mm in diameter and approximately 600mm in length,
having the tamping end or both ends rounded to a hemispherical tip, the diameter of
which is 16mm.
3. MEASURE
A cylindrical metal measure, preferably provided with the handles. It shall be watertight,
with the top and bottom true and even, and sufficiently rigid to retain its form under
rough usage.

4. SHOVEL OR SCOOP
A shovel or scoop of convenient size for filling the material with the aggregates.

5. CALIBRATION EQUIPMENT
A piece of plate glass, preferably at least 6mm thick and 25mm larger than the diameter
of the measure to be calibrated. A supply of water of water pump that can be placed on
the rim of the container to prevent the leakage.

SHOVELING PROCEDURE
1) Fill the measure to overflowing by means of a shovel or scoop in one layer without
tamping.
2) Exercise care to prevent segregation of the particle sizes of which the sample is
composed.
3) Level the surface of the aggregate with the fingers or a straightedge in such a way
that any slight projections of the larger pieces of the coarse aggregate approximately
balance the larger voids in the surface below the top of the measure.
4) Determine the mass of the measure along with the aggregate sample.
5) Determine mass of the measure alone and record the values to the nearest 0.05 kg
[0.1 lb.].

Rodding Procedure
1) Fill the measure one-third full in one layer and level the surface with the fingers.
2) Tamp the layer of aggregate with 25 strokes of the tamping rod evenly distributed
over the surface.
3) Fill the measure two-thirds full and again level and rod as above.
4) Finally, fill the measure to overflowing and rod again in the manner previously
mentioned. Level the surface of the aggregate with the fingers or a straightedge in such
a way that any slight projections of the larger pieces of the coarse aggregate
approximately balance the larger voids in the surface below the top of the measure.
5) In rodding the first layer, do not allow the rod to strike the bottom of the measure
forcibly. In rodding the second and third layers, use vigorous effort, but not more force
than to cause the tamping rod to penetrate to the previous layer of aggregate.
6) Determine the mass of the measure along with the aggregate sample.
7) Determine mass of the measure alone and record the values to the nearest 0.05 kg
[0.1 lb].
Jigging Procedure
1) Fill the measure in three approximately equal layers, compacting each layer by
placing the measure on a firm base, such as a cement-concrete floor, raising the
opposite sides alternately about 50 mm [2 in.], and allowing the measure to drop in such
a manner as to hit with a sharp, slapping blow. The aggregate particles, by this
procedure, will arrange themselves in a densely compacted condition.
2) Compact each layer by dropping the measure 50 times in the manner described, 25
times on each side. Level the surface of the aggregate with the fingers or a straight
edge in such a way that any slight projections of the larger pieces of the coarse
aggregate approximately balance the larger voids in the surface below the top of the
measure.
3) Determine the mass of the measure along with the aggregate sample.
4) Determine mass of the measure alone and record the values to the nearest 0.05 kg
[0.1 lb.].

CALCULATIONS:

a. The formula for bulk density (applies to all procedure):

G−T
M= ∨M =( G−T )∗F
V

Where:
M= bulk density of the aggregate, kg/m3 [lbs. /ft3]
G= mass of the aggregate plus the measure, kg [lb]
T= mass of the measure, kg [lbs.]
V= volume of the measure, m3 [ft3]
F= factor for measure, m-3 [ft-3].

b. The formula for void:

Percentage of Voids=
[ G−Y
G ]
∗10 0
Where:
G= Specific gravity of the aggregate
Y= Bulk Density in kg/liter
 REFERENCES
Document Center Inc. (2022). ASTM-C29 | Standard Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit

Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate | Document Center, Inc. Document Center. Retrieved

July 17, 2022, from https://www.document-center.com/standards/show/ASTM-C29

EXPERIMENT NO. 5 BULK DENSITY OF AGGREGATES. (n.d.). DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL

ENGINEERING. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from

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