College of Engineering, Architecture and

Technology

Precision Analysis & Nondestructive Development for

Advance Yield (PANDAY)

Name: Jazin L. Barlintangco Date: 2023 – 07 – 014

BSCE – 2B

Experiment No. 6

Surface Moisture of Fine and Coarse Aggregate

INTRODUCTION:

Accredited: Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP)
Member: Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC)
Agricultural Colleges Association of the Philippines (ACAP)
 This test method describes a rapid procedure in the field for determining the
percentage of surface moisture in the both fine and coarse aggregate by displacement in water
or by oven dry method. Surface moisture is defined as moisture in excess of that contained by
the aggregate when in standard surface dried - condition. This is the value desired in
correcting the batch masses for the Portland cement concrete. The accuracy of the methods
depends upon the accurate information on the bulk specific gravity of the material in a
saturated surface dry condition.

APPARATUS AND MATERIALS:

1. Balance, sensitive to 0.1 gm

2. Sample container
3. Stirrer or spoon or spatula
4. Flash or pycnometer
5. Small rubber syringe or medicine dropper

PROCEDURE:

Method A – Pycnometer or Flash Method

1. Obtain a representative sample or specimen of fine and coarse aggregate.

2. Fill the pycnometer with water at temperature of between 18°C - 29°C ( 65°F - 85
°F) to the mark taking care not to trap air bubbles. The final increments of water
shall be added using a syringe or medicine dropper.
3. Thoroughly wipe any excess water from the outside of the container and determine
the weight (mass) to the nearest 0.1 gm.
4. Empty the container and partially fill with enough water cover the specimen when
introduced.
5. Introduce the weighted specimen into the container and remove the entrapped air by
using a vacuum or by stirring and carefully rolling or shaking the container unit no
significant air bubbles rise to the surface.
6. Completely fill the container with water to the original mark, wipe off any excess
water and determine the weight (mass) to the nearest 0.1 gm

Accredited: Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP)
Member: Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC)
Agricultural Colleges Association of the Philippines (ACAP)
CALCULATION

V −D
%Surface Moisture= x 100
W−C

Where:

C = weight (mass) of pycnometer filled with water

W = weight (mass) of pycnometer, specimen and water
V = weight (mass) displaced water = C + S - W
S = weight (mass) of specimen
D = weight (mass) of specimen divided by the bulk specific gravity of
Aggregate in saturated surface dry condition = S/G
G = bulk specific gravity of aggregate in saturated dry condition

Method B – Oven D

1. Obtain a representative sample of aggregate. For fine aggregate, obtain a specimen

with a weight (mass) of approximately 500 gm. For coarse aggregate, obtain a
specimen of approximately 1000 gm.
2. Identify and weigh sample container.
3. Put the sample aggregate into a container.
4. Weigh the container with sample aggregate to the nearest 0.1 gm.
5. Dry the sample to a constant weight (mass) at 110°C ± 5°C (230°F).
6. When dry weigh to the nearest 0.1 gm. And record the oven dry.

CALCULATION
1. Total percentage of moisture in an oven dry basis:

Wet Wt − Dry Wt
%Moisture Oven Dry Basis = x 100 %
Dry W t

Wet Wt = original weight (mass) of aggregate

Dry Wt = oven dry weight (mass) of aggregate

2. Calculate the percent surface (free) moisture:

Accredited: Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP)
Member: Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC)
Agricultural Colleges Association of the Philippines (ACAP)
 % Surface Moisture = (% Moisture, Oven Dry Basis) (% Absorption, from Mix
Design)

RESULTS:

Accredited: Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP)
Member: Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC)
Agricultural Colleges Association of the Philippines (ACAP)
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS:

Accredited: Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP)
Member: Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC)
Agricultural Colleges Association of the Philippines (ACAP)
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION:

Accredited: Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP)
Member: Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC)
Agricultural Colleges Association of the Philippines (ACAP)
APPENDICES:

Accredited: Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP)
Member: Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC)
Agricultural Colleges Association of the Philippines (ACAP)