SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY

AND ABSORPTION OF COARSE AGGREGATES

MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION LABORATORY

LABORATORY EXERCISE NO. 6

Performed by:

MARAVILLA, BENNY Y.
PAGARAN, JOHN HARVEY A.
PALMERA, EARL ROBERT M.

Submitted by:

PAGARAN, JOHN HARVEY A.

Submitted to:

ENGR. ROBERT A. ROMERO

January 08, 2018

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I. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this exercise is to determine the specific gravity of a sample coarse aggregate
when it is soaked underwater, oven-dried, and saturated surface-dry (SSD) condition.

II. EQUIPMENTS

a. Weighing Scale
b. Wire Mesh basket
c. Drying Oven
d. 3/8 in. sieve

III. PROCEDURE

Note: Before starting the experiment, execute the method of quartering or miniature stockpiling in
collecting the sample aggregates.

1. Obtain proper weight of dry aggregate. (1.000kg)

2. Place the sample in a 3/8in. sieve to obtain appropriate size. If the weight of the sample aggregate
reduces, add more to obtain exactly 1kg weight.

3. Soak the sample aggregate underwater for 1 ½ hrs.

4. Extract the sample from underwater and wipe it using old newspapers.

5. Measure SSD weight (B) of the sample. Do this quickly to prevent evaporation.

6. Using the same sample, place it inside a wire mesh basket and submerge it underwater.

7. Weigh the sample in water (C). Be sure to subtract the submerged weight of the wire mesh basket
from the obtained total weight.

8. Extract the sample and oven-dry it for 2hrs.

9. Remove the sample CAREFULLY and record its weight (A).

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IV. TABULATION OF DATA

A
Apparent Specific Gravity=
A−C
B
Bulk Specific Gravity ( SSD )=
B−C
A
Bulk Specific Gravity ( DRY )=
B−C

B−A
Absorption Percent = ×1
A

Trial 1:
Weight of oven−dried sample ( A)=0.705 kg
Total Weight of Coarse Aggregate=1.000 kg
Weight of SSD sample (B)=1.200 kg 0.705
Apparent Specific Gravity= =13.56
0.705−0.653
Weight of submerged sample(C )=0.644 kg
1.2
Bulk Specific Gravity ( SSD )= =2.194
Weight of oven−dried sample ( A)=0.700 kg 1.2−0.653

0.7 0.705
Apparent Specific Gravity= =12.50 Bulk Specific Gravity ( DRY )= =1.289
0.7−0.644 1.2−0.653

1.2
Bulk Specific Gravity ( SSD )= =2.158
1.2−0.644 1.2−0.705
Absorption Percent = ×100=70.21 %
0.705
0.7
Bulk Specific Gravity ( DRY )= =1.259 Trial 3:
1.2−0.644

1.2−0.7 Total Weight of Coarse Aggregate=1.000 kg

Absorption Percent = × 100=71.43 % Weight of SSD sample (B)=1.200 kg
0.7
Weight of submerged sample(C )=0.664 kg
Trial 2:
Weight of oven−dried sample ( A)=0.711kg

Total Weight of Coarse Aggregate=1.000 kg

Weight of SSD sample (B)=1.200 kg 0.711
Apparent Specific Gravity= =15.13
0.711−0.664
Weight of submerged sample(C )=0.653 kg

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 1.2
Bulk Specific Gravity ( SSD )= =2.239
1.2−0.664 1.2−0.711
Absorption P ercent = × 100=68.78 %
0.711

0.711
Bulk Specific Gravity ( DRY )= =1.326
1.2−0.664

Apparent S.G SSD S.G DRY S.G Absorption Percent

TRIAL 1 12.50 2.158 1.259 71.43%
TRIAL 2 13.56 2.194 1.289 70.21%
TRIAL 3 15.13 2.239 1.326 68.78%

V. DOCUMENTARY

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VI. REMARKS

So far, this is the most dangerous experiment we’ve done because one little miscalculation could
mean our lives. If one is not careful in handling the weighing scale and suddenly drops it in the water,
he/she might get electrocuted. If one is not careful in handling the oven or putting one’s head inside the
oven while it is turned on because of stupidity, then serious injuries will be obtained. Ignorance of the
proper handling of the machines to be used in this activity should be minimized. Always ask for
assistance from the instructor or laboratory assistant before doing something out from your knowledge.

VII. CONCLUSION

The weight-volume characteristics of aggregates are not an important indicator of aggregate

quality, but they are important for concrete mix design. As observed, when the aggregate was fully
submerged in a given amount time and oven-dried afterwards, its weight changed drastically. In
conclusion, the specific gravity of coarse aggregates decreases when the sample is oven-dried and it
increases when moisture is added to it. Therefore, the dryness and wetness of coarse aggregates highly
influence its weight-volume ratio.

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