Designation: C 127 - 88 (Reapproved 2001)

#Tb
Standard Test Method for
Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate’
'Ibis staodard is issued under the íìxed designation C 127; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. Anumba in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
supersa-@ epsilon (c) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard hos been appmvedfor use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. scope E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth and Sieves for Testing

1.1 This test method covers the determination of specific Purposes4
gravity and absorption of coarseaggregate.Thespecific E 12 Terminology Relating to Density and Specific Gravity
gravity may be expressed as bulk specific gravity,buk specific of Solids, Liquids, and Cases’
gravity (SSD) (saturated-surface-dry), or apparentspecific 2.2 AASHTO Standard:
gravity. The bulk specific gravity (SSD) and absorption are AASHTO No. T 85 SpecificGravityandAbsorption of
based on aggregateafter 24 h soaking in water. This test Coarse Aggregate6
method is not intendedto be used with lightweight aggregates. 3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. 3.1 DeMitions:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1.1 absorption4e increase in the weight of aggregate
safety problem, if any, associatedwithitsuse. It isthe due to water in the pores of the material, but not including
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- water adhering to the outside surface of the particles, expressed
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- as a percentage of the dry weight. The aggregate is considered
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. ‘‘d ry ‘when
’ it has been maintained at a temperature of 110 2
5°C for sufficient time to remove all uncombined water.
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.2 specific gravi-e ratio of the mass (or weight in
2.1 ASTM Standards: air) of a unit volume of a material to the mass of the same
C 29/C29MTestMethodforUnitWeightandVoids in volume of water at stated temperatures.Values are dimension-
Aggregate2 less.
C 125 TerminologyRelatingtoConcreteandConcrete 3.1.2. I apparent specific gravi-e ratio of the weight in
Aggregates* air of a unit volume of the impermeable portion
of aggregate at
C 128 Test Method for Specific Gravity and Absorption of a stated temperature to the weight in air of an equal volumeof
Fine Aggregate2 gas-& distilled water at a stated temperature.
C 136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse 3.1.2.2 bulk specijìc gravify-the ratio of the weight in air
Aggregates’ of a unit volume of aggregate (including the permeable and
C 566 Test Methodfor Total Moisture Contentof Aggregate impermeable voids in theparticles, but not including the voids
between particles) at a stated temperature to the weight in air
by Drying2
C 670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements ofan equalvolume of gas-freedistilledwater at a stated
for Test Methods for Construction Materials2 temperature.
C 702 Practice for Reducing Field Samples of Aggregate to 3.1.2.3 bulk spec@ gravity ( S S D U h e ratio of the weight
Testing Size2 in air of a unit volume of aggregate, including the weight of
D 75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates3 water withinthevoidsfilledto the extent achieved by
D 448 Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and submerging in water for approximately 24 h (but not including
Bridge Construction3 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.
N m 1-The terminology for specific gravity is based on terms in
’ This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM CommitteeCO9 on Terminology E 12, and that for absorption is based on that termin
Concrete and Concrete Aggregatesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommiuee Terminology C 125.
CO9.20 on Normal Weight Aggregates.
Current edition approved Oct. 31, 1988. Published December 1988. Originally
published as C 127 - 36 T. Last previous edition C 127 - 84. Annual Book of ASTM Standanis, Vol 14.02.
zAnnual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.05.
Annual Book of ASTM Standnrds. Vol 04.03. Available from AmericanAssociation of State Highway and Transportation
Officials, 444 North Capitol St. N.W.. Suite 225, Washington, DC 20001.

CopyrigMOASTM, 100 Ban Hrubor Drhre. West Comhchcken. PA 19428-2959, Unlted States.

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 4. Summary of Test Method the range used for this test,or 0.5 g, whichever is greater. The
4.1 A Sample ofaggregate is immersed in waterfor approxi- balance shall be equipped with suitable apparatus for suspend-
mately 24 h to essentially fill the pores. It is then removed from ingthesample container inwater from thecenter of the
the water, the waterdried from the surface of the particles, and weighing platfonn or pan of the weighing device.
weighed.Subsequentlythesample is weighedwhilesub- 6.2 Sample Container-A wire basket of 3.35 mm (No. 6)
merged in water. Finally the sampleis oven-dried and weighed or finer mesh, or a bucket of approximately equal breadth and
a third time. Using the weights thus obtained and formulas in height, with a capacity of 4 to 7 L for 37.5-mm (1%.-in.)
thistestmethod, it is possibletocalculatethreetypesof nominalmaximumsizeaggregate or smaller,andalarger
specific gravity and absorption. container as needed for testing larger maximum size aggregate.
The container shallbe constructed so as to prevent trappingair
5. Significance and Use when the container is submerged.
5.1 Bulk specific gravityis the characteristic generally used 6.3 WuferTunk-A watertight tank into which the sample
for calculation of the volume occupied bythe aggregate in container may be placed while suspended below the balance.
various mixtures containingaggregate,includingportland 6.4 Sieves-A 4.75-mm (No. 4)sieve or othersizes as
cement concrete, bituminous concrete, and other mixtures that needed (see 7.2-7.4), conforming to Specification E II.
areproportioned or analyzedonanabsolute volume basis.
B u k specific gravity is also used in the computation of voids 7. Sampling
in aggregate in Test Method C 29. Bulk specific gravity(SSD) 7.1 Sample the aggregatein accordance with Practice D 75.
is used if the aggregateis wet, thatis, if its absorption ha? been
7.2 Thoroughly mix the sampleof aggregate and reduce it to
satisfied. Conversely, the bulk specific gravity (oven-dry) is
the approximate quantity needed using the applicable proce-
used for computations when the aggregate is dry or assumed to
dures in MethodsC 702. Reject all material passing a 4.75-mm
be dry.
(No. 4) sieve by dry sieving and thoroughlywading to remove
5.2 Apparent specific gravity pertains to the relative density
dust or other coatings from the surface. If the coarse aggregate
of the solid material making up the constituent particles not
containsasubstantialquantity of materialfinerthanthe
including the pore space within the particles which is acces-
4.75-mm sieve (such as for Size No. 8 and 9 aggregates in
sible to water.
Classification D 448), use the 2.36-mm (No. 8) sieve in place
5.3 Absorption values are used to calculate the change in the
of the 4.75-mm sieve. Alternatively, separate the material finer
weight of anaggregate due towaterabsorbedinthepore
than the 4.75-mm sieve and test the finer material according to
spaces within the constituent particles, compared to the dry
Test Method C 128.
condition, when it is deemed that the aggregate has been in
contact with water long enough to satisfy most of the absorp- 7.3 The minimum weight of test sample to be used is given
below. In many instances it may be desirable to test a c o m e
tion potential. The laboratory standard for absorption is that
obtained after submergingdry aggregate for approximately24 aggregate in several separate size fractions; and if the sample
contains more than 15 % retained on the 37.5-mm (1 %-in.)
h in water, Aggregates mined from below the water table may
have a higher absorption, when used, if not allowed to dry.
sieve, test the material larger than 37.5 mm inorone more size
Conversely,someaggregateswhenused may containan fractions separately from the smaller size fractions. When an
amountofabsorbedmoisturelessthanthe24-hsoaked aggregate istestedinseparate size fractions,the minimum
condition. For an aggregate that has been in contact with water weight of test sample for each fraction shall be the difference
andthathasfreemoistureontheparticlesurfaces, the between the weights prescribed for the maximum and mini-
percentage of free moisture can be determined by deducting the mum sizes of the fraction.
Nominal Maximum Size, Minimum Weight of Test
absorption from the total moisture content determined by Test kg Sample, mm (in.) (lb)
Method C 566. 12.5 (%) or less 2 (4.4)
5.4 The general procedures described in this test method are 19.0 ( 3 4 3 (6.6)
suitable for determining the absorption of aggregates that have 5 25.0 (1) 4 (8.8)
37.5 (1%) (11)
had conditioningotherthanthe 24-h soak, such as boiling 50 (2) 8 (18)
water or vacuum saturation. The values obtained for absorption 63 (2%) 12 (26)
by other test methods will be different than the values obtained 75 (3) 18 (40)
90 (3%) 25 (55)
by the prescribed 24-h soak, as will the bulk specific gravity 1O0 (4) 40 (88)
(SSD). 112 (4'4 (110) 50
125 (5) (1 75 65)
5.5 The pores in lightweight aggregates may or maynot 150 (6) 125 (276)
become essentially filled with water after immersion for 24 h.
In fact, many such aggregates can remain immersed in water 7.4 If the sample is tested in two or more size fractions,
forseveraldayswithoutsatisfyingmost ofthe aggregates' determine the grading of the sample in accordance with Test
absorption potential. Therefore, this test method is not intendedMethod C 136, including the sieves used for separating the size
for use with lightweight aggregate. fractions for the determinations in this method. In calculating
thepercentage of materialineachsizefraction,ignorethe
6. Apparatus quantity of material h e r than the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve (or
6.1 Balunce-A weighing device thatis sensitive, readable, 2.36-mm (No. S ) sieve when that sieve is used in accordance
and accurate to0.05 % of the sample weight aatn y point within with 7.2).

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 S T D - A S T M C327-ENGL L788 0 7 5 7 5 3 0 Ob73307 23b m

C127
8. procedure B = weight of samated-surface-dry test sample in air, g,
8.1 Dry the test sample to constant weight at a temperature and
of 110 2 5°C (230 2 9"F), cool in air at m m temperature for C = weight of saturated test sample in water,g.
1 to 3 h for test samples of 37.5-mm(1%-in.)nominal 9.1.2 Bulk Specijic Gravity (Saturated-Surface-Dly)-
maximum size,or longer for larger sizes until the aggregate has Calculate the bulk specific gravity, 23123°C (73.4/73.4"F), on
cooled to a temperature thatis comfortable to handle (approxi- thebasis of weight of saturated-surfacedry aggregate as
mately 50°C). Subsequently immersethe aggregate in water at follows:
room temperature for a period of 24 2 4 h. Bulk sp gr (saturated-surface-dry) = B/(B - C) (2)
N m 2-Whentestingcoarseaggregate of largenominal maximum 9.1.3ApparentSpecific Gravity-Calculate theapparent
size requiringlarge test samples, it maybe more convenient to perfom the specific gravity, 23123°C (73.4#3.4"F), as follows:
test on two or more subsamples, and the values obtained combinedfor the
computations described in Section 9. Apparent sp gr = A/(A - C) (3)
8.2 Where the absorption and specific gravity values areto 9.2 Average Specijic Gravity Values- When the sample is
be used inproportioning concrete mixtures in which the tested in separatesize fractions the average value for bulk
aggregates will be in their naturallymoistcondition,the specificgravity,bulkspecificgravity (SSD), or apparent
requirement for initial dryingtoconstantweight may be specific gravity can be computed as the weighted average of
eliminated, and, if the surfaces of the particles in the sample thevalues as computedinaccordancewith9.1usingthe
have been kept continuously wet until test, the 24-h soaking following equation:
may also be eliminated. 1
G= (see Appendix X1) (4)
N m ?Values for absorption and bulkspecific gravity (SSD) may be P, +- P2 P"
significantly higher for aggregate not oven dried before soaking than for 100G, 100G2 + "ïööq
the same aggregate treated in accordance with 8.1. This is especially true
of panicles larger than 75 mm (3 in.)since the water may not be able to
penetrate the pores to the center of the particle in the prescribed soaking where:
period. G = average
specific
gravity. All forms of
expression of specific gravity can be av-
8.3 Remove the test sample from the water and roll it in a eraged in this manner.
largeabsorbentcloth until allvisiblefilms ofwater are G,,
G2 ... G, = appropriatespecificgravityvalues for
removed.Wipethelarger particles individually. A moving each size fraction depending on the type
stream of air may be used to assist in the drying operation. Take of specific gravity beiig averaged.
care to avoid evaporation of water from aggregate pores during P,, P2,... P, = weightpercentages of each size fraction
thesurface-dryingoperation. Weigh thetestsample in the present in the original sample.
saturated surface-dry condition. Record this and all subsequent
weights to the nearest 0.5 g or 0.05 % of the sample weight, N m 5-!3ome users of this test method may wish to express the results
whichever is greater. in terms of density. Density may be determined by multiplying the bulk
specific gravity, bulk specific gravity (SSD), or apparent specific gravity
8.4 After weighing, immediately place the saturated- by the weight of water (997.5 kg/m3 or 0.9975 Mg/m3 or 62.27 lWft at
surface-dry test sample in the sample container and determine 23°C). Some authorities recommend using the density of water at 4°C
its weight in waterat 23k 1.7"C (73.4 k 3"F), having a density (lo00 kg/m3 or 1.OOO Mg/m3 or 62.43 lb/ft 3, as being sficiently
of 997 2 2 kglm '. Take care to removeall entrapped air before accurate.Resultsshould be expressed to three significant figtms. The
weighing by shaking the container while immersed. density terminology comspnding to bulk specific gravity, bulk specific
gravity (SSD), and apparent specific gravity has not been standardized.
N m & T he containershould be immersed to adepthsufficient to
cover itand the testsampleduring weighing. Wm suspendingthe 9.3 Absorption4alculate the percentage of absorption, as
container shouldbe of the smallest practical sue to minimize any possible follows:
effects of a variable immersed length.
Absorption, 8 = [(B - A)/A] X 1 0 0 (5)
8.5 Dry the test sample to constant weight at a temperature
9.4 Average Absorption Value-When the sample is tested
of 110 2 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 in separate size fractions, the average absorption value is the
average of thevalues as computed in 9.3,weighted in
is comfortable to handle (approximately 50"C), and weigh.
proportion to the weight percentages of the size fractions in the
9. Calculations original sample as follows:

9.1 Specijìc Gravity:

A = ( P ,A,/100) + (Pgl4100) + ... (P,,AJ100) (6)
9.1.1 Bulk Specific GruvityXalculate thebulkspecific where:
gravity, 23123°C (73.4173.4"F13,as follows: A = average
absorption, %,
Bulkspgr=A/(B- C) (1) A,, A,... A, = absorptionpercentages for each size frac-
tion, and
where: P,, P*, ... P,, = weightpercentages of each size fraction
A = weight of oven-dry test sample in air, g, present in the original sample.

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 C 127
10. Report TABLE 1 Precision
StandardDeviation
Acceptable
Range of
10.1 Report specific gravity results to the nearest 0.01, and
(1S)" Two Results (D2S)"
indicate the type ofspecific gravity,whetherbulk, bulk
Single-Opentor Precision:
(saturated-surface-dry), or apparent. Bulk specific gravity (dry) 0.009 0.025
10.2 Report the absorption result to the nearest 0.1 %. 0.020gravity (SSD)
Bulk specific 0.007
10.3 If the specificgravityandabsorptionvalueswere Apparent specific gravity 0.007 0.020
Absorption B, % 0.088 0.25
determined without first drying the aggregate,as permitted in Multilaboratory Precision:
8.2, it shall be noted in the report. Bulk specific gravity (dry) 0.013 0.038
Bulk specife gravity (SSD) 0.011 0.032
11. Precision and Bias Apparent specific gravity 0.011 0.032
AbsorptionB, % 0.145 0.41
11.1 The estimates of precision of this test method listed in
A These numbers represent, respecíjvdy, the (1s) and (D2S)limits as described
Table 1 are basedonresultsfromthe AASHTO Materials inPractice C 670. The precisionestimateswereobtained from theanalysisof
Reference Laboratory Reference Sample Program, with testing combined AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory reference sample data from
laboratories using 15 hminimum saturation times and other laboratories using24
conducted by this test method and AASHTO Method T 85. The t 4 h saturation times. Testing was performed on normal-weight aggregates, and
significant difference between the methods is that Test Method started with aggregates in the oven-dry condition.
C 127 requires a saturation period of 24 2 4 h, while Method B Precision estimates are based on aggregates with absorptions of less than
2 Yo.
T 85 requires a saturationperiod of 15 h minimum. This
difference has been found to have an insignificant effect on the
precision indices. The data are based on the analyses of more
than 100 paired test results from 40 to 100 laboratories. 12. Keywords
11.2 BiusSince there is no accepted reference materialfor 12.1 absorption; aggregate; coarse aggregate; specific grav-
determining the bias for the procedure in this test method, no
ity
statement on bias is being made.

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. DEVELOPMENT OF EQUATIONS

X1.l The derivation of the

equation apparent
is from
the G = l~(P,/loo)(l/G,)+ (P2/100)(1/G*)] (X1.6)
following simplified cases
using
twosolids. Solid 1 has a h of the computa~onisgivenin Table ~ 1 . 1 .
weight W, in grams and a volume V, in millilitres; its specific
gravity ( G , ) is therefore WllVl. Solid 2 has a weight W, and
volume V, and G, = W,/V,. If the two solids are considered TABLE X1.l Example of Calculation of AverageValues of
together, the specificgravity of thecombination is thetotal Specific GravityandAbsorptionforaCoarseAggregate
weight in grams divided by the total volume in millilitres: Tested in Separate Sizes
%O in
G = (W, + W,) 1 (VI + V,) (X1.1) Size Original Sample
Weight
Specific
Bulk
Absorption,
Fraction,
mm
(in.) Sample Used Test,
inGravity
g (SSD) %
Manipulation of this equation yields the following:
4.75 to 12.5 44 2213.0 2.72 0.4
1 1
G=- - (X1.2) (NO.4 toVz)
v, + v,
-~ VI v2 12.5 to 37.5
5462.5 35 2.56 2.5
W, + W , v, + W , T q + (V2 to 1 'h)
37.5 to 6312593.0 21 2.54 3.0
1 (1% to 2%)
G= (X1.3)
Average Specific Gravity (SSD)
1
However, the weight fractions of the two solids are: GssD = 0.44 0.35 0.21 = 2'62
Wl/(Wl + W,) = P,/lOO and W*/(Wl + Wz)= P*/lOo (X1.4) 2 . 7 2 + 2 . 5 6 + 2 . 5 4

and, Average Absorption

l/Gl = Vl/Wl and 1/G, = V?/W? (X1.5) +
A = (0.44) (0.4) (0.35)(2.5) + (0.21) (3.0) = 1.7 %
Therefore,

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 C 127

X2. INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SPECIFIC GRAVITIES AND ABSORPTION AS DEFINED IN TEST METHODS C 127
AND C 128

x2.1 Let:

S, = bulk specific gravity ( d r y basis),

S, = bulk specific gravity (SSD basis),
S, = apparent specific gravity, and
A= (2 - 1) 100 (X2.4)
A = absorption in %.
W.5)
X2.2 Then,

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