Laboratory Experiment No.

5: Determination of Unit Weight (Bulk Density of

Coarse Aggregate)

INTRODUCTION

In the field of civil engineering and construction, understanding the concept of

unit weight, also known as bulk density, for aggregates is crucial. This

experiment offers a meticulous assessment of aggregate bulk density, whether

the aggregates are compacted or in a loose state, and it employs a unified

method to calculate voids between particles in various types of aggregates,

including fine, coarse, or mixed ones.

Unit weight essentially represents the weight of a specific volume of material.

The measurement process involves filling a container with a known volume with

the material and then determining its weight. However, it's essential to take into

account factors such as moisture content and compaction level, as they can

significantly influence the unit weight.

DISCUSSION

This test 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.

Unit weight or bulk density is the weight of a given volume of material, Basically,

unit weight is measured by filling a container of known volume with a material

and weighing it.

The degree of moisture and compaction will affect the unit weight. Therefore, The

AST has set standard over-dry moisture content and a rodding method or

compaction. The maximum unit weight of a blend of two aggregates is about 409

fine aggregate by weight.

Therefore, this is the most economical concrete aggregate since it-will require the

least amount of cement.

The bulk density of aggregate is a mass of a unit volume of bulk aggregate

material, in which the volume includes the volume of the individual particles and

the volume of voids between the particles and is expressed in Ib/° (kg/m°. Unit

weight, is a weight (mass) per unit volume.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the unit weight (bulk density) values that is necessary for use for

several methods of selecting proportions for concrete mixtures.

APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

Balance, sensitive to 0.1 lb or 0.05 kg

Tamping rod, 5/8* (1°6 mm) diameter

Volume measure