Astm C 128-04
Astm C 128-04
Astm C 128-04
1. Scope* priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the average bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
density of a quantity of fine aggregate particles (not including 2. Referenced Documents
the volume of voids between the particles), the relative density
(specific gravity), and the absorption of the fine aggregate. 2.1 ASTM Standards: 2
Depending on the procedure used, the density, in kg/m3(lb/ft3) C 29/C 29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
is expressed as oven-dry (OD), saturated-surface-dry (SSD), or and Voids in Aggregate
as apparent density. Likewise, relative density (specific grav- C 70 Test Method for Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate
ity), a dimensionless quality, is expressed as OD, SSD, or as C 125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete
apparent relative density (apparent specific gravity). The OD Aggregates
density and OD relative density are determined after drying the C 127 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific
aggregate. The SSD density, SSD relative density, and absorp- Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
tion are determined after soaking the aggregate in water for a C 188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement
prescribed duration. C 566 Test Method for Total Evaporable Moisture Content
1.2 This test method is used to determine the density of the of Aggregate by Drying
essentially solid portion of a large number of aggregate C 670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
particles and provides an average value representing the for Test Methods for Construction Materials
sample. Distinction is made between the density of aggregate C 702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to
particles as determined by this test method, and the bulk Testing Size
density of aggregates as determined by Test Method C 29/ D 75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
C 29M, which includes the volume of voids between the 2.2 AASHTO Standard:
particles of aggregates. AASHTO No. T 84 Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine
1.3 This test method is not intended to be used for light- Aggregates3
weight aggregates. 3. Terminology
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard for conducting the tests. The test results for density 3.1 Definitions:
shall be reported in either SI units or inch-pound units, as 3.1.1 absorption, n—the increase in mass of aggregate due
appropriate for the use to be made of the results. to water penetrating into the pores of the particles, during a
1.5 The text of this test method references notes and prescribed period of time but not including water adhering to
footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and the outside surface of the particles, expressed as percentage of
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be the dry mass.
considered as requirements of this test method. 3.1.2 oven-dry (OD), adj—related to aggregate particles,
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the the condition in which the aggregates have been dried by
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the heating in an oven at 110 6 5 °C for sufficient time to reach a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- constant mass.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
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the sample is oven-dried and the mass determined again. Using the test load at any point within the range of use for this test
the mass values thus obtained and formulas in this test method, method. Within any 100-g range of test load, a difference
it is possible to calculate density, relative density (specific between readings shall be accurate within 0.1 g.
gravity), and absorption. 6.2 Pycnometer (for Use with Gravimetric Procedure)—A
flask or other suitable container into which the fine aggregate
5. Significance and Use test sample can be readily introduced and in which the volume
5.1 Relative density (specific gravity) is the characteristic content can be reproduced within 6 0.1 cm3. The volume of
generally used for calculation of the volume occupied by the the container filled to mark shall be at least 50 % greater than
aggregate in various mixtures containing aggregate including the space required to accommodate the test sample. A volu-
portland cement concrete, bituminous concrete, and other metric flask of 500-cm3 capacity or a fruit jar fitted with a
mixtures that are proportioned or analyzed on an absolute pycnometer top is satisfactory for a 500-g test sample of most
volume basis. Relative density (specific gravity) is also used in fine aggregates.
the computation of voids in aggregate in Test Method C 29/ 6.3 Flask (for Use with Volumetric Procedure)—A Le
C 29M. Relative density (specific gravity) (SSD) is used in the Chatelier flask as described in Test Method C 188 is satisfac-
determination of surface moisture on fine aggregate by dis- tory for an approximately 55-g test sample.
placement of water in Test Method C 70. Relative density 6.4 Mold and Tamper for Surface Moisture Test—The metal
(specific gravity) (SSD) is used if the aggregate is wet, that is, mold shall be in the form of a frustum of a cone with
if its absorption has been satisfied. Conversely, the density or dimensions as follows: 40 6 3-mm inside diameter at the top,
homogeneous drying. Employ mechanical aids such as tum- metal surface. After 1 to 3 s, remove the fine aggregate. If
bling or stirring to assist in achieving the saturated surface-dry noticeable moisture shows on the test surface for more than 1
condition, if desired. Continue this operation until the test to 2 s then surface moisture is considered to be present on the
specimen approaches a free-flowing condition. Follow the fine aggregate.
procedure in 8.3 to determine if surface moisture is still present (3) Colorimetric procedures described by Kandhal and Lee,
on the constituent fine aggregate particles. Make the first trial Highway Research Record No. 307, p. 44.
for surface moisture when there is still some surface water in (4) For reaching the saturated surface-dry condition on a
the test specimen. Continue drying with constant stirring and single size material that slumps when wet, hard-finish paper
test at frequent intervals until the test indicates that the towels can be used to surface dry the material until the point is
specimen has reached a surface-dry condition. If the first trial just reached where the paper towel does not appear to be
of the surface moisture test indicates that moisture is not picking up moisture from the surfaces of the fine aggregate
present on the surface, it has been dried past the saturated particles.
surface-dry condition. In this case, thoroughly mix a few
millilitres of water with the fine aggregate and permit the
9. Procedure
specimen to stand in a covered container for 30 min. Then
resume the process of drying and testing at frequent intervals 9.1 Test by either the gravimetric procedure in 9.2 or the
for the onset of the surface-dry condition. volumetric procedure in 9.3. Make all determinations of mass
8.3 Test for Surface Moisture—Hold the mold firmly on a to 0.1 g.
smooth nonabsorbent surface with the large diameter down. 9.2 Gravimetric (Pycnometer) Procedure:
Place a portion of the partially dried fine aggregate loosely in 9.2.1 Partially fill the pycnometer with water. Introduce into
the mold by filling it to overflowing and heaping additional the pycnometer 500 6 10 g of saturated surface-dry fine
material above the top of the mold by holding it with the aggregate prepared as described in Section 8, and fill with
cupped fingers of the hand holding the mold. Lightly tamp the additional water to approximately 90 % of capacity. Agitate the
fine aggregate into the mold with 25 light drops of the tamper. pycnometer as described in 9.2.1.1 (manually) or 9.2.1.2
Start each drop approximately 5 mm above the top surface of (mechanically).
Determine the total mass of the pycnometer, specimen, and B = mass of pycnometer filled with water, to calibration
water. mark, g
9.2.3 Remove the fine aggregate from the pycnometer, dry C = mass of pycnometer filled with specimen and water to
in the oven to constant mass at a temperature of 110 6 5 °C calibration mark, g
(230 6 9 °F), cool in air at room temperature for 1 6 1⁄2 h, and R1= initial reading of water level in Le Chatelier flask, mL
determine the mass. R2= final reading of water in Le Chatelier flask, mL
9.2.4 Determine the mass of the pycnometer filled to its S = mass of saturated surface-dry specimen (used in the
calibrated capacity with water at 23.0 6 2.0 °C. gravimetric procedure for density and relative density (specific
9.3 Volumetric (Le Chatelier Flask) Procedure: gravity), or for absorption with both procedures), g
9.3.1 Fill the flask initially with water to a point on the stem S1= mass of saturated surface-dry specimen (used in the
between the 0 and the 1-mL mark. Record this initial reading volumetric procedure for density and relative density (specific
gravity)), g
10.2 Relative Density (Specific Gravity):
TABLE 1 Precision 10.2.1 Relative Density (Specific Gravity ) (Oven dry)—
Standard Acceptable Range Calculate the relative density (specific gravity) on the basis of
Deviation of Two Results
(1s)A (d2s)A oven-dry aggregate as follows:
Single-Operator Precision:
10.2.1.1 Gravimetric Procedure:
Density (OD), kg/m3 11 13 Relative density ~specific gravity! ~OD! 5 A/~B 1 S 2C! (1)
Density (SSD), kg/m3 B† 9.5 27
Apparent density, kg/m3 9.5 27 10.2.1.2 Volumetric Procedure:
Relative density (specific gravity) (OD) 0.011 0.032
Relative density (specific gravity) (SSD) 0.0095 0.027 Relative density ~specific gravity! ~OD! 5 @S1 ~A/S!#/[0.9975 ~R22R1!#
Apparent relative density (apparent specific (2)
gravity) 0.0095 0.027
AbsorptionC, % 0.11 0.31 10.2.2 Relative Density (Specific Gravity) Saturated
Surface-dry)—Calculate the relative density (specific gravity)
Multilaboratory Precision: on the basis of saturated surface-dry aggregate as follows:
Density (OD), kg/m3 23 64
Density (SSD), kg/m3 20 56 10.2.2.1 Gravimetric Procedure:
Apparent density, kg/m3 20 56 Relative density ~specific gravity! ~SSD! 5 S/~B 1 S 2C! (3)
Relative density (specific gravity) (OD) 0.023 0.066
Relative density (specific gravity) (SSD) 0.020 0.056 10.2.2.2 Volumetric Procedure:
Apparent relative density (apparent specific
gravity) 0.020 0.056 Relative density ~specific gravity! ~SSD! 5 S1/[0.9975 ~R2 2 R1!#
AbsorptionC, % 0.23 0.66 (4)
A
These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s) and (d2s) limits as described 10.2.3 Apparent Relative Density (Apparent Specific
in Practice C 670. The precision estimates were obtained from the analysis of
combined AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory proficiency sample data from Gravity)—Calculate the apparent relative density (apparent
laboratories using 15 to 19-h saturation times and other laboratories using 24 6 specific gravity) as follows:
4-h saturation time. Testing was performed on normal weight aggregates, and 10.2.3.1 Gravimetric Procedure:
started with aggregates in the oven-dry condition.
B†
Revised editorially to correct a typographical error in August 2003. Apparent relative density ~apparent specific gravity! 5 A/~B 1 A 2C!
C
Precision estimates are based on aggregates with absorptions of less than (5)
1 % and may differ for manufactured fine aggregates and the aggregates having
absorption values greater than 1 %. 10.2.3.2 Volumetric Procedure:
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN RELATIVE DENSITIES (SPECIFIC GRAVITIES) AND ABSORPTION AS DEFINED
IN TEST METHODS C 127 AND C 128
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X1.1 This appendix gives mathematical interrelationships 1 Sd
Ss 5 1 A 5 ASd (X1.2)
among the three types of relative densities (specific gravities)
and absorption. These may be useful in checking the consis- Sd 2 100 1 2 100
tency of reported data or calculating a value that was not
reported by using other reported data. 1
or Sa 5 1 1 A/100 A (X1.3)
Ss 2 100
X1.2 Where:
Ss
5 A
Sd = relative density (specific gravity) (OD), 1 5 100 ~Ss 2 1!
Ss = relative density (specific gravity) (SSD),
Sa = apparent relative density (apparent specific gravity),
and
A = absorption, in %.
Ss
S
A 5 S 2 1 100
d
D (X1.4)
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this test method since the last issue,
C 128 – 04, that may impact the use of this test method. (Approved November 1, 2004)
Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this test method since the last issue,
C 128 – 01e1, that may impact the use of this test method. (Approved August 1, 2004)
(1) Added new paragraph 6.5. (2) Revised paragraphs 8.1 and 9.2.3.
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