DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

PLAIN AND REINFORCED CONCRETE (PRC-1)

EXPERIMENT NO. 6 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE AGGREGATE
Experiment No. 6
Determination of Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregates.
Code: (C 127 – 88)
6.1 Purpose
The purpose of this experiment is to determine the following parameters of coarse
aggregate:
1) Bulk Specific Gravity
2) Bulk Specific Gravity ( SSD)
3) Apparent Specific Gravity
4) Percentage Absorption
6.2 Significance and Use
1) Bulk Specific Gravity is used to determine the volume occupied by the aggregates in the
different mixtures.
2) It is used to compute the voids in the aggregates.
3) Bulk specific gravity (SSD) is used if the aggregate is wet.
4) Bulk specific gravity (OD) is used for computations when the aggregate is dry.
5) Absorption values are used to calculate the change in the weight of an aggregate due to
water absorbed in the pore spaces within the constituent particles, compared to the dry
condition, when it is deemed that the aggregate has been in contact with water long enough
to satisfy most of the absorption potential.

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 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
PLAIN AND REINFORCED CONCRETE (PRC-1)
EXPERIMENT NO. 6 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE AGGREGATE

6.3 Apparatus
6.3.1 Balance
A weighing device that is sensitive, readable, and accurate to 0.05
% of the sample weight at any point within the range used for this test, or
0.5 g, whichever is greater.
6.3.2 Sample Container
A wire basket of 3.35 mm (No. 6) or finer mesh, or a 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
Wire Basket
container is submerged.
6.3.3 Water Tank
A watertight tank into which the sample container may be placed
while suspended below the balance.
6.3.4 Sieves
A 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve or other sizes.
Drying Towel
6.3.5 Drying Towel
6.3.6 Oven
6.4 Related Terms and Definitions
6.4.1 Absorption
The increase in the weight 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 weight. The aggregate is considered “dry” when it has been maintained at a temperature of
110 ± 5°C for sufficient time to remove all uncombined water.
6.4.2 Specific gravity
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.
6.4.3 Apparent specific gravity
Definition:
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.

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 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
PLAIN AND REINFORCED CONCRETE (PRC-1)
EXPERIMENT NO. 6 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE AGGREGATE
In the apparent specific gravity, the volume measurement only includes the volume of the
aggregate particle; it does not include the volume of any water permeable voids. The mass
measurement only includes the aggregate particle. Apparent specific gravity is intended to only
measure the specific gravity of the solid volume, therefore it will be the highest of the aggregate
specific gravities.

6.4.4 Bulk specific gravity

Definition:
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.
In the Bulk Specific Gravity, the volume measurement includes the overall volume of the
aggregate particle as well as the volume of the water permeable voids. The mass measurement
only includes the aggregate particle. Since it includes the water permeable void volume, bulk
specific gravity will be less than apparent specific gravity.
6.4.5 Bulk specific gravity (SSD)
Definition:
The ratio of the weight in air of a unit volume of aggregate, including the weight of water
with in the voids filled to the extent achieved by submerging in water for approximately 24 h (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.
In the Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD), the volume measurement includes the overall volume of the
aggregate particle as well as the volume of the water permeable voids. The mass measurement
includes the aggregate particle as well as the water within the water permeable voids.
Relationship:
1) The difference between Apparent S.G and Bulk S.G is the volume of aggregate used in the
calculations. The difference between these volumes is the volume of absorbed water in the
aggregate’s permeable voids. Both use the aggregate’s oven dry weight.
2) The difference between Bulk S.G and bulk (SSD) specific gravity is the weight of
aggregate used in the calculations. The difference between these weights is the weight of
absorbed water in the aggregate’s permeable voids. Both use the same aggregate volume.
3) The following relationships are always true:

a) Apparent S.G ≥ Bulk Specific Gravity

b) Bulk (SSD) specific gravity ≥ Bulk Specific Gravity
6.5 Sample Condition

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 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
PLAIN AND REINFORCED CONCRETE (PRC-1)
EXPERIMENT NO. 6 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE AGGREGATE
Obtain a sample of coarse aggregate material retained on the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve. This
sample size is based on nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS). Sample sizes range from 2000
g for a 0.5 inch (12.5 mm) NMAS to 5000 g for a 1.5 inch (37.5 mm) NMAS. Thoroughly mix the
sample of aggregate and reduce it to the approximate quantity needed. 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.
6.6 Procedure
6.6.1 Dry the test sample to constant weight at a temperature of 110 ± 5°C (230 ± 9°F), cool in air
at room temperature for 1 to 3 h for test samples of 37.5-mm (1½ -in.).
6.6.2 Immerse the aggregate in water at room temperature for a period of 24 ± 4 h.
6.6.3 Where the absorption and specific gravity values are to be used in proportioning concrete
mixtures in which the aggregates will be in their naturally moist condition, the requirement for
initial drying to constant weight may be eliminated, and, if the surfaces of the particles in the
sample have been kept continuously wet until test, the 24-h soaking may also be eliminated.
6.6.4 Remove the test 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. A moving stream of air may be
used to assist in the drying operation.
6.6.5 Weigh the test sample in the saturated surface-dry condition. Record this and all subsequent
weights to the nearest 0.5 g or 0.05 % of the sample weight, whichever is greater.
6.6.6 After weighing, immediately place the saturated-surface-dry test sample in the sample
container and determine its weight in water at 23± 1.7°C (73.4 ± 3°F), having a density of 997 ± 2
kg/m 3.
6.6.7 Dry the test sample to constant weight at a temperature of 110 ± 5°C (230 ± 9°F), 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 weigh.
6.7 Calculations
Symbols:

Here:
A= weight of oven-dry test sample in air, g,
B= weight of saturated-surface-dry test sample in air, g,
C= weight of saturated test sample in water, g
6.7.1 Bulk Specific Gravity
Calculate the bulk specific gravity, 23/23°C (73.4/73.4°F), as follows:
𝑨
𝑩𝒖𝒍𝒌 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒇𝒊 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚 =
𝑩−𝑪
6.7.2 Bulk Specific Gravity (Saturated-Surface-Dry)

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 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
PLAIN AND REINFORCED CONCRETE (PRC-1)
EXPERIMENT NO. 6 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE AGGREGATE
Calculate the bulk specific gravity, 23/23°C (73.4/73.4°F), on the basis of weight of
saturated-surface-dry aggregate as follows:
𝑩
𝑩𝒖𝒍𝒌 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚 ( 𝑺𝑺𝑫) =
𝑩−𝑪
6.7.3 Apparent Specific Gravity
Calculate the apparent specific gravity, 23/23°C (73.4/73.4°F), as follows:
𝑨
𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑩𝒖𝒍𝒌 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄 =
𝑨−𝑪
6.7.4 Absorption
Calculate the percentage of absorption, as follows:
𝑩−𝑨
𝑨𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, % = [ ] × 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑨
6.8 Precautions
1) This test method is not intended to be used with lightweight aggregates because the pores
in lightweight aggregates may or may not become essentially filled with water after
immersion for 24 h. In fact, many such aggregates can remain immersed in water for
several days without satisfying most of the aggregates' absorption potential. Therefore, this
test method is not intended for use with lightweight aggregate.
2) Take care to avoid evaporation of water from aggregate pores during the surface drying
operation.
3) Take care to remove all the entrapped air before weighing by shaking the container while
immersed.
4) For absorption, submerge the dry aggregate for approximately 24 hours in water.
5) The balance shall be equipped with suitable apparatus for suspending the sample container
in water from the center of weighing platform or pan of the weighing device.

6.9 Observations and Calculations

Group No. 1
Weight of sample in SSD condition= 2100g
Weight of Empty Bucket in water = 1568g
Weight of Bucket and sample in water= 2860g
Weight of Empty pan= 365.4g
Weight of Pan + Oven dried sample= 2410g

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 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
PLAIN AND REINFORCED CONCRETE (PRC-1)
EXPERIMENT NO. 6 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE AGGREGATE
So from these we can extract the data as follow:
A= weight of oven-dry test sample in air, g= 2410-365.4=2044.6g
B= weight of saturated-surface-dry test sample in air, g= 2100g
C= weight of saturated test sample in water, g= 2860-1568=1292g

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 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
PLAIN AND REINFORCED CONCRETE (PRC-1)
EXPERIMENT NO. 6 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE AGGREGATE
Group No. 2
Weight of sample in SSD condition= 2698g
Weight of Empty Bucket in water = 1568g
Weight of Bucket and sample in water= 3300g
Weight of Empty pan= 365.4g
Weight of Pan + Oven dried sample= 3043.4g
So from these we can extract the data as follow:
A= weight of oven-dry test sample in air, g= 3043.4-365.4=2678g
B= weight of saturated-surface-dry test sample in air, g= 2698g
C= weight of saturated test sample in water, g= 3300-1568=1732g

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 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
PLAIN AND REINFORCED CONCRETE (PRC-1)
EXPERIMENT NO. 6 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE AGGREGATE
6.10 Comments
The ratios (simplified relations) given in the equations are simply the ratio of the weight of
a given volume of aggregate to the weight of an equal volume of water, which is specific gravity.
It is difficult to measure the volume of aggregate sample, that’s why it is being calculated indirectly
from the weight of an equal volume of water.
A quick check of the results satisfies the condition that bulk specific gravity is the lowest
specific gravity, bulk SSD specific gravity is in the middle and apparent specific gravity is the
highest.
The percentage absorption of both samples is less than 5 percent. So according to thumb
role, these are less absorptive aggregates. It is generally desirable to avoid highly absorptive
aggregates for construction. This is because asphalt binder that is absorbed by the aggregate is not
available to coat the aggregate particle surface and is therefore not available for bonding.
Therefore, highly absorptive aggregates (often specified as over 5 percent absorption) require more
asphalt binder to develop the same film thickness as less absorptive aggregates and use of more
asphalt binder (Bitumen) is not economical.

NOTE
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