REDUCING SAMPLES OF AGGREGATES TO TESTING SIZE ASTM C702

Ruffa Samonteza, RCE, MSc

 SCOPE

• It covers Three Methods for the reduction of large samples of

aggregate to the appropriate size for testing.
• It covers the employment of procedures to minimize variations in
measured characteristics of the test sample and the larger sample.
 SELECTION OF METHOD
AGGREGATES MOISTURE CONTENT METHOD REMARKS
Drier than Saturated Surface Method A Mechanical Splitter If use of Method A is desired and the sample has
Dry free moisture on the particle surfaces, dry the
entire sample to at least the saturated-surface-dry
condition, using temperatures that do not exceed
those specified for any of the tests contemplated,
and then reduce the sample size. Alternatively, if
the moist sample is very large, make a preliminary
split using a mechanical splitter having chute
FINE
openings of 38 mm (11⁄2 in.) or more in width to
AGGREGATES
reduce the sample to not less than 5000 g.
Dry the portion so obtained, and reduce it to test
sample size using Method A
Method B Quartering Method If Method B or Method C is desired, and the sample
does not have free moisture on the particle
Free Moisture on Surface surfaces, moisten the sample to obtain free
Method C Miniature Stockpile
moisture on the particle surfaces, mix thoroughly,
and then reduce the sample size.
COARSE Method A Preferred. Method C is not permitted.
AGGREGATES Method B Method C is not permitted.
AND MIXTURE OF
COARSE AND
FINE
AGGREGATES
STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR TOTAL EVAPORABLE MOISTURE
CONTENT OF AGGREGATE BY DRYING ASTM C 566 -04
Ruffa Samonteza, RCE, MSc
 SCOPE
• covers the determination of the percentage of evaporable moisture
in a sample of aggregate by drying both surface moisture and
moisture in the pores of the aggregate.
• Contained water in aggregate that is chemically combined with the
minerals in the aggregates are not included in the percentage
determined by this test method..
 APPARATUS

BALANCE
SOURCE OF HEAT
SAMPLE CONTAINER not affected by heat
STIRRER- Spatula or scoop

The sample is thoroughly dry when further heating causes, or would

cause, less than 0.1 % additional loss in mass.
SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES ASTM C136
Ruffa Samonteza, RCE, MSc
 SCOPE

• covers the determination of the particle size distribution of fine and

coarse aggregates by sieving
 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
• ASTM C 117 : Test Method for Materials Finer Than 75-µm (No.
200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
• ASTM C 125 : Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete
Aggregates
• ASTM C 670 : Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• ASTM C 702 : Practice for Reducing Field Samples of Aggregate to
Testing Size
• ASTM D 75 : Practice for Sampling Aggregates
• ASTM E 11 : Specification for Wire-Cloth and Sieves for Testing
Purposes
• AASHTO T 27 : Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
 APPARATUS
BALANCE
FINE AGGREGATES COARSE AGGREGATES
READABILITY 0.1g 0.5g or 0.1% of Test Load
ACCURACY 0.1g or 0.1% of Test Load 0.5g or 0.1% of Test Load

SIEVES – Shall conform to ASTM E11

(For testing coarse aggregates, the use of sieves mounted on (203.2
mm) 8’’-diameter frame is recommended.

MECHANICAL SIEVE SHAKER - shall create motion of the sieves to

cause the particles to bounce, tumble, or otherwise turn so as to
present different orientations to the sieving surface
 APPARATUS
OVEN – Capable of maintaining uniform temperature of 110+5deg
celcius.
 SAMPLING
Practice D75
Size of field sample: Practice D75 or 4X Testing Sample Size
 SAMPLING
Size of the Test Sample
Practice C 702
Fine Aggregates: 300g minimum
Coarse Aggregates
 SAMPLING
ASTM C566 ASTM C136
 SAMPLING
For test sample size with 50mm nominal max. diameter or larger, you
may conduct the sieve analysis on a number of approximately equal
sample increments such that the total mass tested conforms to the
requirement presented previously.
 PROCEDURE
1. DRYING THE SAMPLE

Dry the sample to constant mass at 110+5°C

You may NOT dry sample:
a. Coarse aggregates with nominal max. size greater than 12.5mm
b. Coarse aggregates without appreciable material finer than 4.75mm
(No. 4)
c. Non-highly absorptive coarse aggregates

You may also use hot plate for rapid drying

 PROCEDURE
2. SIEVING

Select sieves with suitable openings and nest the sieves in order of
decreasing size of opening from top to bottom. Place the sample on
top of the sieve.

Use additional sieves necessary to provide additional info or regulate

the amount of material on the sieve.
PROCEDURE
 PROCEDURE
Source: https://acivilengineer.com/fineness-modulus/
 PROCEDURE
2. SIEVING

Hold the individual sieve, provided with a snug-fitting pan and cover, in
a slightly inclined position in one hand. Strike the side of the sieve
sharply and with an upward motion against the heel of the other hand
at the rate of about 150 times per minute, turn the sieve about one
sixth of a revolution at intervals of about 25 strokes.
 PROCEDURE
2. SIEVING
IMPORTANT NOTES:
SIEVE OPENINGS QUANTITY RETAINED
< 4.75mm (No.4) < 7kg/m2 of sieving surface area
4.75mm or larger < 2.5 x sieve opening, mm x effective sieving area, m2

To calculate sieving area:

π
SA= 4 𝐷 − 12.7 2
c on table: sieves has less than 5
opening and shall not be used for
testing.
 CALCULATION
SIEVE NO. MASS RETAINED COMMULATIVE MASS COMMULATIVE % OF
RETAINED MASS RETAINED

FINENESS MODULUS: is an empirical value that represents the mean

size of particles.
Adding the total percentages of material in the sample that is coarser
than each of the following sieves and dividing by 100:
 CALCULATION
No.100 (0.15mm), No. 50
(0.3mm), No. 30 (0.6mm), No. 16
(1.18mm), No. 8 (2.36mm), No.4
(4.75mm), 3/8 in (9.5mm), ¾ in
(19mm), 1.5 in (37.5mm) and
larger (2:1 ratio).
ASTM C117
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF COARSE AGGREGATES
Ruffa Samonteza, RCE, MSc
 ASTM C 127 - 04

Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity),

and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate

AASHTO T 85
 SCOPE

• Covers the determination of the average density of a quantity of

coarse aggregate particles (not including the volume of voids
between the particles), the relative density (specific gravity), and the
absorption of the coarse aggregate.

• Different from ASTM C29/C29M

• NOT intended for lightweight aggregates.

 APPARATUS
BALANCE
FINE AGGREGATES COARSE AGGREGATES
READABILITY 0.1g 0.5g or 0.05% of Sample Mass
ACCURACY 0.1g or 0.1% of Test 0.5g or 0.05% of Sample Mass
Load

The balance shall be equipped with suitable apparatus for suspending

the sample container in water from the center of the platform or pan
of the balance.
 APPARATUS
SAMPLE CONTAINER
Wire basket of 3.35 mm (No. 6) or finer mesh

Bucket of approximately equal breadth and height, with a capacity of 4

to 7 L for 37.5-mm (11⁄2-in.) nominal maximum size aggregate or
smaller,
and a larger container as needed for testing larger maximum size
aggregate.

The container shall be constructed so as to prevent trapping air

when the container is submerged.
 APPARATUS
WATER TANK

SIEVES
A 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve or other sizes as needed (see 7.2-7.4),
conforming to Specification E 11.

OVEN
 SAMPLING
ASTM D75
ASTM C702

Reject all material passing a 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve by dry sieving and
thoroughly washing to remove dust or other coatings from the surface.

If the coarse aggregate contains a substantial quantity of material finer

than the 4.75-mm sieve, use the 2.36-mm (No. 8) sieve in place of the
4.75-mm sieve. Alternatively, separate the material finer than the 4.75-
mm sieve and test the finer material according to Test Method C 128
SAMPLING
PROCEDURE
 PROCEDURE
Dry the sample to constant mass.
Cool at room temperature.
Submerge the sample in water for 24hours.
Remove the sample from the water and roll it in a large absorbent
cloth until all visible films of water are removed. Wipe the larger
particles individually. Take care to avoid evaporation of water from
aggregate pores during the operation of surface drying.
Determine the mass of the sample in its saturated surface dry (SSD)
condition. Record to the nearest 0.5 g or 0.05 % of the sample mass,
whichever is greater. 10.
 PROCEDURE
After weighing, immediately place the SSD sample in the sample
container and determine its weight in water at 23±2°C. Take care to
remove all entrapped air before weighing by shaking the container
while immersed.
The container should be immersed to a depth sufficient to cover it and the test sample while determining the apparent
mass in water. Wire suspending the container should be of the smallest practical size to minimize any possible effects of
a variable immersed length.
The difference between the mass in air and the mass when the sample is submerged in water equals the mass of water
displaced by the sample.
Dry the test sample in the oven to constant mass at a temperature of
110±5 °C, cool in air at room temperature 1 to 3 h, or until the
aggregate has cooled to a temperature that is comfortable to handle
(approximately 50 °C), and determine the mass.
 CALCULATION
Absorption is the increase in the mass of aggregate due to water in the
pores of the material, but not including water adhering to the outside
surface of the particles, expressed as a percentage of the dry mass. The
aggregate is considered “dry” when it has been maintained at a temperature
of 110 ± 5oC for sufficient time to remove all uncombined water.

𝐵−𝐴
𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑥 100
𝐴
where: A = mass (weight) of oven dried sample in air
B = mass (weight) of SSD in air
C = mass (weight) of saturated sample in water
 CALCULATION
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 at stated
temperatures. Values are dimensionless.

Apparent Specific Gravity is the ratio of the weight in air of a unit volume
of the impermeable portion of aggregate at a stated temperature to the
weight in air of an equal volume of gas-free distilled water at a stated
temperature.
𝐴
𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
𝐴−𝐶
 CALCULATION
Bulk Specific Gravity is the ratio of the weight in air of a unit volume of
aggregate (including the permeable and impermeable voids in the particles,
but not including the voids between particles) at a stated temperature to the
weight in air of an equal volume of gas-free distilled water at a stated
temperature.
𝐴
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 𝐵−𝐶
where:
A = mass (weight) of oven dried sample in air
B = mass (weight) of SSD in air
C = mass (weight) of saturated sample in water
 CALCULATION
Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD) is the ratio of the mass in air of a unit volume
of aggregate, including the mass of water within the voids filled to the
extent achieved by submerging in water for approximately 15 hours (but
not including the voids between particles) at a stated temperature,
compared to the weight in air of an equal volume of gas-free distilled water
at a stated temperature.
𝐵
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦𝑆𝑆𝐷 =
𝐵−𝐶

where: A = mass (weight) of oven dried sample in air

B = mass (weight) of SSD in air
C = mass (weight) of saturated sample in water
 REPORT

DENSITY results to the nearest 10 kg/m3 , or 0.5 lb/ft3

RELATIVE DENSITY (specific gravity) results to the nearest 0.01, and

indicate the basis for density or relative density
(specific gravity), as either (OD), (SSD), or apparent.

ABSORPTION result to the nearest 0.1 %.

 CALCULATION
Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD) is the ratio of the mass in air of a unit volume
of aggregate, including the mass of water within the voids filled to the
extent achieved by submerging in water for approximately 15 hours (but
not including the voids between particles) at a stated temperature,
compared to the weight in air of an equal volume of gas-free distilled water
at a stated temperature.
𝐵
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦𝑆𝑆𝐷 =
𝐵−𝐶

where: A = mass (weight) of oven dried sample in air

B = mass (weight) of SSD in air
C = mass (weight) of saturated sample in water
REPORT
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF FINE AGGREGATES
Ruffa Samonteza, RCE, MSc
 ASTM C 128 - 04

Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity),

and Absorption of Fine Aggregate

AASHTO T 84
 SCOPE

• covers the determination of the average density of a quantity of fine

aggregate particles (not including the volume of voids between the
particles), the relative density (specific gravity), and the absorption
of the fine aggregate.

• Different from ASTM C29/C29M

• NOT intended for lightweight aggregates.

 APPARATUS
BALANCE
FINE AGGREGATES COARSE AGGREGATES
READABILITY 0.1g 0.5g or 0.05% of Sample Mass
ACCURACY 0.1g or 0.1% of Test 0.5g or 0.05% of Sample Mass
Load

The balance having capacity of 1 kg or more.

 APPARATUS
PYCNOMETER (for Use with Gravimetric Procedure)
The volume of the container filled to mark shall be at least 50 %
greater than the space required to accommodate the test sample. A
volumetric flask of 500-cm3 capacity or a fruit jar fitted with a
pycnometer top is satisfactory for a 500-g test sample of most fine
aggregates.

FLASK (for Use with Volumetric Procedure)—A Le Chatelier flask as

described in Test Method C 188 is satisfactory for an approximately
55-g test sample.
 APPARATUS
MOLD AND TAMPER FOR SURFACE MOISTURE TEST

The metal mold shall be in the form of a frustum of a cone with

dimensions as follows: 40 ± 3-mm inside diameter at the top,
90± 3-mm inside diameter at the bottom, and 75±3 mm in
height, with the metal having a minimum thickness of 0.8 mm.
The metal tamper shall have a mass of 340 ± 15 g and a flat
circular tamping face 25 ± 3 mm in diameter.

OVEN
 SAMPLING
ASTM D75
ASTM C702 >> 1 kg
 PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
1.Obtain approximately 1kg of the fine aggregate (preferably fine
aggregates used in the previous experiment, Sieve Analysis of Coarse
and Fine Aggregates).

2.Dry it in a suitable pan or vessel to constant weight. Allow it to cool

to a comfortable handling temperature, cover with water by immersion
and permit to stand for 24 hours.

3.Decant excess water with care to avoid loss of fines, spread the
sample on a flat nonabsorbent surface exposed to a gently moving
current of warm air.
 PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
4. Stir frequently to get homogeneous drying until achieving the
saturated surface dry condition. Use cone test for surface moisture.

TEST FOR SURFACE MOISTURE

1. Hold the mold firmly on a smooth nonabsorbent surface with the
large diameter down. Place a portion of partially dried fine aggregate
loosely in the mold by filling it to over following and heaping additional
materials above the top of the mold.
2. Lightly tamp the sand into the mold w/ 25 light drops of the tamper.
Each drop should start about 5mm above the top surface of the sand,
permitting to fall freely under gravitational attraction on each drop.
 PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
3. Distribute drops over the surface, adjusting with the new surface of
fine aggregates, remove loose sand from the base and lift the mold
vertically. If surface moisture is still present, the sand will retain the
molded shape. When the sand slumps slightly, it indicates that it has
reached S.S.D condition.
 PROCEDURE
1. Weigh 500 ± 10 grams of the SSD sample.
2. Partially fill the pycnometer with water.
3. Introduce into the pycnometer 500 ± 10 g of saturated surface-dry
fine aggregate prepared
3. Then fill with additional water to approximately 90% of capacity.
4. Roll, invert the pycnometer to eliminate all air bubbles.
5. Adjust its temperature to 23±2 °C by putting the pycnometer in
a water bath for an hour.
6. Bring the water level in the pycnometer to its calibrated capacity.
7. Determine the total weight of the pycnometer, specimen and
water.
PROCEDURE
 PROCEDURE
8. Remove the fine aggregate from the pycnometer, dry to constant
weight at temp. 110±5 C, cool in air at room temperature for one ±
0.5 h , and weight.
9. Determine the weight of the pycnometer filled to its capacity
with water at 23 ± 2 C.
 CALCULATION
Absorption is the increase in the mass of aggregate due to water in the pores of the
material, but not including water adhering to the outside surface of the particles,
expressed as a percentage of the dry mass. The aggregate is considered “dry” when it
has been maintained at a temperature of 110 ± 5oC for sufficient time to remove all
uncombined water.
𝑆−𝐴
𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑥 100
𝐴
where: A = mass (weight) of oven dried sample in air
B = mass (weight) of Pycnometer with water
C = mass (weight) of pycnometer + specimen + water to
calibration mark
S = mass (weight) of SSD specimen
 CALCULATION
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 at stated
temperatures. Values are dimensionless.

Apparent Specific Gravity is the ratio of the weight in air of a unit volume
of the impermeable portion of aggregate at a stated temperature to the
weight in air of an equal volume of gas-free distilled water at a stated
temperature.

𝐴
𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
𝐵+𝐴−𝐶
 CALCULATION
Bulk Specific Gravity is the ratio of the weight in air of a unit volume of
aggregate (including the permeable and impermeable voids in the particles,
but not including the voids between particles) at a stated temperature to the
weight in air of an equal volume of gas-free distilled water at a stated
temperature.
𝐴
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
𝐵+𝑆−𝐶
where: A = mass (weight) of oven dried sample in air
B = mass (weight) of Pycnometer with water
C = mass (weight) of pycnometer + specimen + water to
calibration mark
S = mass (weight) of SSD specimen
 CALCULATION
Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD) is the ratio of the mass in air of a unit volume
of aggregate, including the mass of water within the voids filled to the
extent achieved by submerging in water for approximately 15 hours (but
not including the voids between particles) at a stated temperature,
compared to the weight in air of an equal volume of gas-free distilled water
at a stated temperature.
𝑆
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦𝑆𝑆𝐷 =
𝐵+𝑆−𝐶
where: A = mass (weight) of oven dried sample in air
B = mass (weight) of Pycnometer with water
C = mass (weight) of pycnometer + specimen + water to
calibration mark
S = mass (weight) of SSD specimen
 REPORT

DENSITY results to the nearest 10 kg/m3 , or 0.5 lb/ft3

RELATIVE DENSITY (specific gravity) results to the nearest 0.01, and

indicate the basis for density or relative density
(specific gravity), as either (OD), (SSD), or apparent.

ABSORPTION result to the nearest 0.1 %.

 REPORT

OBSERVATION Mass (g)

Mass of Saturated Surface Dry Aggregate S
Mass of Pycnometer + Specimen + Water filled to Calibrated Capacity C
Mass of Pycnometer + Water filled to Calibrated Capacity B
Mass of Oven Dry Aggregates A
BULK DENSITY/ UNIT WEIGHT AND VOIDS IN AGGREGATES
Ruffa Samonteza, RCE, MSc
 ASTM C 29/ C29M - 97

Standard Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in
Aggregate

AASHTO T 19/ T19M

 SCOPE

• 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 5 in. [125
mm] in nominal maximum size.
 APPARATUS
BALANCE
A balance or scale accurate within 0.1 % of the test load at any point
within the range of use, graduated to at least 0.1 lb [0.05 kg].

TAMPING ROD
A round, straight steel rod, 5⁄8 in. [16 mm] in diameter and
approximately 24 in. [600 mm] in length, having the tamping end, or
both ends, rounded to a hemispherical tip, the diameter of which is 5⁄8
in. (16 mm).
 APPARATUS
MEASURE
Preferably with handles, watertight, with the top and bottom true and
even, and sufficiently rigid to retain its form under rough usage.
Height approximately equal to the diameter, but in no case shall the
height be less than 80 % nor more than 150 % of the diameter.
 APPARATUS
SHOVEL/SCOOP

PLATE GLASS preferably at least 1⁄4 in. [6 mm] thick and at least 1 in.
[25 mm] larger than the diameter of the measure to be calibrated.

CHASSIS GREASE
 SAMPLING
ASTM D75
ASTM C702

TEST SAMPLE
The size of the sample shall be approximately 125 to 200 % of the
quantity required to fill the measure, and shall be handled in a manner
to avoid segregation. Dry the aggregate sample to essentially constant
mass, preferably in an oven.
 CALIBRATION OF THE MEASURE
1. Fill the measure with water at room temperature and cover with
a piece of plate glass in such a way as to eliminate bubbles and excess
water.
2. Determine the mass of water in the measure using the balance.
3. Measure the temperature of water to determine its density from
the table below, interpolating if necessary.
4. Calculate the volume,V, of the measure by dividing the mass of
water required to fill the measure by its density.
 PROCEDURE

NMAS BULK DENSITY PROCEDURE

1 ½ in (37.5mm) or less COMPACT RODDING
1 ½ in (37.5mm) > NMAS < 5 in (125 mm) COMPACT JIGGING
ANY LOOSE SHOVELLING
 PROCEDURE
RODDING
1. Fill the measure one-third full and level the surface with the fingers.
Rod the layer of aggregate with 25 strokes of the tamping rod
evenly distributed over the surface.
2. Fill the measure two-thirds full and again level and rod as above.
3. Finally, fill the measure to overflowing and rod again in the manner
previously mentioned.
4. 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.
PROCEDURE
 PROCEDURE
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.
5. Determine the mass of the measure plus its contents,
and the mass of the measure alone, and record the values to the
nearest 0.1 lb [0.05 kg].
 PROCEDURE
JIGGING PROCEDURE
1. Fill the measure in three approximately equal layers as described in
in previous procedure, compacting each layer by placing the
measure on a firm base, raising the opposite sides alternately about
2 in. [50 mm] 50 times in the manner described, 25 times on each
side. , and allowing the measure to drop in such a manner as to hit
with a sharp, slapping blow. Level the surface of the aggregate with
the fingers or a straightedge
2. Determine the mass of the measure plus its contents, and the mass
of the measure alone, and record the values to the nearest 0.1 lb
[0.05 kg].
 PROCEDURE
SHOVELING PROCEDURE
1. Fill the measure to overflowing by means of a shovel or scoop,
discharging the aggregate from a height not to exceed 2 in. [50 mm]
above the top of the measure. Exercise care to prevent, so far as
possible, segregation of the particle sizes of which the sample is
composed.
2. Level the surface of the aggregate with the fingers or a straightedge
3. Determine the mass of the measure plus its contents, and the mass
of the measure alone, and record the values to the nearest 0.1 lb
[0.05 kg].
 PROCEDURE
BULK DENSITY OF AGGREGATE, the mass of a unit volume of bulk
aggregate material, in which the volume includes the volume of the
individual particles and the volume of the voids between the particles.

M= (G-T)/V

where: M = bulk density of aggregate, kg/m3

G = mass of aggregate plus the measure, kg
T = mass of the measure, kg
V = volume of measure, m3
S = bulk density of aggregate, kg/m3
W = density of water, 998 kg/m3.
 PROCEDURE
UNIT WEIGHT is the weight (mass) per unit volume.

VOIDS, n—in unit volume of aggregate, the space between particles in

an aggregate mass not occupied by solid mineral matter.

% Voids= ((SxW)-M)/SxW
where: M = bulk density of aggregate, kg/m3
G = mass of aggregate plus the measure, kg
T = mass of the measure, kg
V = volume of measure, m3
S = bulk density of aggregate (Dry basis)
W = density of water, 998 kg/m3.
 REPORT
BULK DENSITY to the nearest 1 lb/ft3 [10 kg/m3 ]
VOID CONTENT to the nearest 1 %
CALIBRATION OF MEASURE Mass (g)
Measure + Glass Plate
Measure + Glass Plate + Water
Water to fill the Measure
Temperature of the Water
Unit Weight of Water
Volume of Measure V
PROCEDURE
Measure + Content (loose) G
Measure T
Measure + Content (compacted) G
Measure T
MATERIALS FINER THAN 75-µM (NO. 200) SIEVE IN MINERAL
AGGREGATES BY WASHING
Ruffa Samonteza, RCE, MSc
 ASTM C 117 - 04

Standard Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200) Sieve
in Mineral Aggregates by Washing

AASHTO T 11
 SCOPE

• covers the determination of the amount of material finer than a 75-

µm (No. 200) sieve in aggregate by washing.

• This test method is applicable to aggregates not exceeding 5 in. [125

mm] in nominal maximum size.

• Includes two method: one using only water for the washing
operation, and the other including a wetting agent.
 APPARATUS
BALANCE
A balance or scale accurate to 0.1 g or 0.1 % of the test load,
whichever is greater.

SIEVES
A nest of two sieves, the lower being a 75-µm (No. 200) sieve and the
upper a 1.18-mm (No. 16) sieve, both conforming to the requirements
of Specification E 11.
 APPARATUS
CONTAINER
A pan or vessel of a size sufficient to contain the sample covered with
water and to permit vigorous agitation without loss of any part of the
sample or water.

OVEN

WETTING AGENT
Any dispersing agent, such as liquid dishwashing detergents, that will
promote separation of the fine materials
 SAMPLING
FIELD SAMPLE ASTM D75

TEST SAMPLE
ASTM C136
ASTM C702

ASTM C117
 PROCEDURE A
1. Dry the test sample to constant weight (mass). Determine the mass
to the nearest 0.1% of the mass of the test sample.

2. Place sample in a container large enough to permit vigorous agitation

without spilling when water is added.

3. Add water and agitate.

4. Pour wash water over the nested sieves, 1.18mm over 0.075mm
sieve, avoiding decantation of coarse particles. Repeat operation until
wash water is clear.
PROCEDURE A
 PROCEDURE A
5. Return all materials retained on the nested sieves to the washed
sample.
6. Dry washed sample to constant mass and determine the mass to
the nearest 0.1% of the original mass of the sample.
 PROCEDURE B
Adding WETTING AGENT

There should be enough wetting agent to produce a small amount of

suds when the sample is agitated. The quantity will depend on the
hardness of the water and the quality of the detergent. Excessive suds
may overflow the sieves and carry some material with them.
 PROCEDURE B

A= (B-C)/B x100
where:

A = percentage of material finer than a 75-μm

(No. 200) sieve by washing
B = original dry mass of sample, grams
C = dry mass of sample after washing, grams