American Association of State

Designation: C 29/C 29M – 97 (Reapproved 2003) Highway and Transportation Officials Standard
AASHTO No.: T19/T19M

Standard Test Method for

Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 29/C 29M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope for Test Methods for Construction Materials2

1.1 This test method covers the determination of bulk C 702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to
density (“unit weight”) of aggregate in a compacted or loose Testing Size2
condition, and calculated voids between particles in fine, D 75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates3
coarse, or mixed aggregates based on the same determination. D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles4
This test method is applicable to aggregates not exceeding 5 in. E 11 Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing
[125 mm] in nominal maximum size. Purposes5
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
NOTE 1—Unit weight is the traditional terminology used to describe the T19/T19M Method of Test for Unit Weight and Voids in
property determined by this test method, which is weight per unit volume
Aggregate6
(more correctly, mass per unit volume or density).
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units 3. Terminology
are to be regarded separately as standard, as appropriate for a 3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
specification with which this test method is used. An exception nology C 125 unless otherwise indicated.
is with regard to sieve sizes and nominal size of aggregate, in 3.1.1 bulk density, n—of aggregate, the mass of a unit
which the SI values are the standard as stated in Specification volume of bulk aggregate material, in which the volume
E 11. Within the text, SI units are shown in brackets. The includes the volume of the individual particles and the volume
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; of the voids between the particles. Expressed in lb/ft3 [kg/m3].
therefore each system must be used independently of the other, 3.1.2 unit weight, n—weight (mass) per unit volume. (Dep-
without combining values in any way. recated term used–preferred term bulk density.)
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1.2.1 Discussion—Weight is equal to the mass of the body
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity. Weight may be
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- expressed in absolute units (newtons, poundals) or in gravita-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- tional units (kgf, lbf), for example: on the surface of the earth,
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. a body with a mass of 1 kg has a weight of 1 kgf (approxi-
mately 9.81 N), or a body with a mass of 1 lb has a weight of
2. Referenced Documents
1 lbf (approximately 4.45 N or 32.2 poundals). Since weight is
2.1 ASTM Standards: equal to mass times the acceleration due to gravity, the weight
C 125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete of a body will vary with the location where the weight is
Aggregates2 determined, while the mass of the body remains constant. On
C 127 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific the surface of the earth, the force of gravity imparts to a body
Gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate2 that is free to fall an acceleration of approximately 9.81 m/s2
C 128 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific (32.2 ft/s2). D 123
Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate2 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
C 138/C 138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), 3.2.1 voids, n—in unit volume of aggregate, the space
Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete2 between particles in an aggregate mass not occupied by solid
C 670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements mineral matter.

1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
3
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.03.
4
C09.20 on Normal Weight Aggregates. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01.
5
Current edition approved July 10, 1997. Published September 1997. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
6
approved in 1920. Last previous edition approved in 1991 as C 29/C 29M – 91a. Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. Officials, 444 N. Capitol St. NW, Suite 225, Washington, DC 20001.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 C 29/C 29M – 97 (2003)
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Voids within particles, either perme- TABLE 2 Requirements for Measures
able or impermeable, are not included in voids as determined Thickness of Metal, min
by this test method. Capacity of Measure Upper 11⁄2 in.
Bottom or 38 mm Remainder of wall
of wallA
4. Significance and Use
Less than 0.4 ft3 0.20 in. 0.10 in. 0.10 in.
4.1 This test method is often used to determine bulk density 0.4 ft3 to 1.5 ft3, incl 0.20 in. 0.20 in. 0.12 in.
values that are necessary for use for many methods of selecting over 1.5 to 2.8 ft3, incl 0.40 in. 0.25 in. 0.15 in.
proportions for concrete mixtures. over 2.8 to 4.0 ft3, incl 0.50 in. 0.30 in. 0.20 in.
Less than 11 L 5.0 mm 2.5 mm 2.5 mm
4.2 The bulk density also may be used for determining 11 to 42 L, incl 5.0 mm 5.0 mm 3.0 mm
mass/volume relationships for conversions in purchase agree- over 42 to 80 L, incl 10.0 mm 6.4 mm 3.8 mm
ments. However, the relationship between degree of compac- over 80 to 133 L, incl 13.0 mm 7.6 mm 5.0 mm
A
tion of aggregates in a hauling unit or stockpile and that The added thickness in the upper portion of the wall may be obtained by
placing a reinforcing band around the top of the measure.
achieved in this test method is unknown. Further, aggregates in
hauling units and stockpiles usually contain absorbed and
surface moisture (the latter affecting bulking), while this test are satisfactorily parallel if the slope between pieces of plate glass in
method determines the bulk density on a dry basis. contact with the top and bottom does not exceed 0.87 % in any direction.
4.3 A procedure is included for computing the percentage of 5.3.1 If the measure is to also be used for testing for bulk
voids between the aggregate particles based on the bulk density density of freshly-mixed concrete according to Test Method
determined by this test method. C 138, the measure shall be made of steel or other suitable
metal not readily subject to attack by cement paste. Reactive
5. Apparatus materials, such as aluminum alloys are permitted, where as a
5.1 Balance—A balance or scale accurate within 0.1 % of consequence of an initial reaction, a surface film is formed
the test load at any point within the range of use, graduated to which protects the metal against further corrosion.
at least 0.1 lb [0.05 kg]. The range of use shall be considered 5.3.2 Measures larger than nominal 1 ft3 (28 L) capacity
to extend from the mass of the measure empty to the mass of shall be made of steel for rigidity, or the minimum thicknesses
the measure plus its contents at 120 lb/ft3 [1920 kg/m3]. of metal listed in Table 2 shall be suitably increased.
5.2 Tamping Rod—A round, straight steel rod, 5⁄8 in. [16 5.4 Shovel or Scoop—A shovel or scoop of convenient size
mm] in diameter and approximately 24 in. [600 mm] in length, for filling the measure with aggregate.
having the tamping end, or both ends, rounded to a hemispheri- 5.5 Calibration Equipment—A piece of plate glass, prefer-
cal tip, the diameter of which is 5⁄8 in. (16 mm). ably at least 1⁄4 in. [6 mm] thick and at least 1 in. [25 mm]
5.3 Measure—A cylindrical metal measure, preferably pro- larger than the diameter of the measure to be calibrated. A
vided with handles. It shall be watertight, with the top and supply of water-pump or chassis grease that can be placed on
bottom true and even, and sufficiently rigid to retain its form the rim of the container to prevent leakage.
under rough usage. The measure shall have a height approxi-
mately equal to the diameter, but in no case shall the height be 6. Sampling
less than 80 % nor more than 150 % of the diameter. The 6.1 Obtain the sample in accordance with Practice D 75, and
capacity of the measure shall conform to the limits in Table 1 reduce to test sample size in accordance with Practice C 702.
for the aggregate size to be tested. The thickness of metal in the
measure shall be as described in Table 2. The top rim shall be 7. Test Sample
smooth and plane within 0.01 in. [0.25 mm] and shall be 7.1 The size of the sample shall be approximately 125 to
parallel to the bottom within 0.5° (Note 2). The interior wall of 200 % of the quantity required to fill the measure, and shall be
the measure shall be a smooth and continuous surface. handled in a manner to avoid segregation. Dry the aggregate
NOTE 2—The top rim is satisfactorily plane if a 0.01-in. [0.25-mm] sample to essentially constant mass, preferably in an oven at
feeler gage cannot be inserted between the rim and a piece of 1⁄4-in. 230 6 9°F [110 6 5°C].
[6-mm] or thicker plate glass laid over the measure. The top and bottom
8. Calibration of Measure
8.1 Fill the measure with water at room temperature and
TABLE 1 Capacity of Measures
cover with a piece of plate glass in such a way as to eliminate
Nominal Maximum
Size of Aggregate
Capacity of MeasureA bubbles and excess water.
8.2 Determine the mass of the water in the measure using
in. mm ft3 L (m3)
the balance described in 5.1.
⁄
12 12.5 ⁄
1 10 2.8 (0.0028)
8.3 Measure the temperature of the water and determine its
1 25.0 ⁄
13 9.3 (0.0093)
1 1⁄ 2 37.5 ⁄
12 14 (0.014) density from Table 3, interpolating if necessary.
3 75 1 28 (0.028) 8.4 Calculate the volume, V, of the measure by dividing the
4 100 21 ⁄2 70 (0.070)
5 125 31 ⁄2 100 (0.100)
mass of the water required to fill the measure by its density.
A
Alternatively, calculate the factor for the measure (1/V) by
The indicated size of measure shall be used to test aggregates of a nominal
maximum size equal to or smaller than that listed. The actual volume of the dividing the density of the water by the mass required to fill the
measure shall be at least 95 % of the nominal volume listed. measure.

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 C 29/C 29M – 97 (2003)
TABLE 3 Density of Water dure, will arrange themselves in a densely compacted condi-
Temperature tion. Compact each layer by dropping the measure 50 times in
lb/ft3 kg/m3
°F °C the manner described, 25 times on each side. Level the surface
60 15.6 62.366 999.01 of the aggregate with the fingers or a straightedge in such a way
65 18.3 62.336 998.54 that any slight projections of the larger pieces of the coarse
70 21.1 62.301 997.97
73.4 23.0 62.274 997.54
aggregate approximately balance the larger voids in the surface
75 23.9 62.261 997.32 below the top of the measure.
80 26.7 62.216 996.59 11.2 Determine the mass of the measure plus its contents,
85 29.4 62.166 995.83
and the mass of the measure alone, and record the values to the
nearest 0.1 lb [0.05 kg].
NOTE 3—For the calculation of bulk density, the volume of the measure
in SI units should be expressed in cubic metres, or the factor as 1/m3. 12. Shoveling Procedure
However, for convenience the size of the measure may be expressed in
litres.
12.1 Fill the measure to overflowing by means of a shovel
or scoop, discharging the aggregate from a height not to exceed
8.5 Measures shall be recalibrated at least once a year or 2 in. [50 mm] above the top of the measure. Exercise care to
whenever there is reason to question the accuracy of the prevent, so far as possible, segregation of the particle sizes of
calibration. which the sample is composed. Level the surface of the
9. Selection of Procedure aggregate with the fingers or a straightedge in such a way that
any slight projections of the larger pieces of the coarse
9.1 The shoveling procedure for loose bulk density shall be aggregate approximately balance the larger voids in the surface
used only when specifically stipulated. Otherwise, the compact
below the top of the measure.
bulk density shall be determined by the rodding procedure for
aggregates having a nominal maximum size of 11⁄2 in. [37.5 12.2 Determine the mass of the measure plus its contents,
mm] or less, or by the jigging procedure for aggregates having and the mass of the measure alone, and record the values to the
a nominal maximum size greater than 11⁄2 in. [37.5 mm] and nearest 0.1 lb [0.05 kg].
not exceeding 5 in. [125 mm].
13. Calculation
10. Rodding Procedure
13.1 Bulk Density—Calculate the bulk density for the rod-
10.1 Fill the measure one-third full and level the surface ding, jigging, or shoveling procedure as follows:
with the fingers. Rod the layer of aggregate with 25 strokes of
M 5 ~G 2 T!/V (1)
the tamping rod evenly distributed over the surface. Fill the
measure two-thirds full and again level and rod as above. or
Finally, fill the measure to overflowing and rod again in the M 5 ~G 2 T! 3 F (2)
manner previously mentioned. Level the surface of the aggre-
gate with the fingers or a straightedge in such a way that any where:
slight projections of the larger pieces of the coarse aggregate M = bulk density of the aggregate, lb/ft3 [kg/m3],
approximately balance the larger voids in the surface below the G = mass of the aggregate plus the measure, lb [kg],
top of the measure. T = mass of the measure, lb [kg],
10.2 In rodding the first layer, do not allow the rod to strike V = volume of the measure, ft3 [m3], and
the bottom of the measure forcibly. In rodding the second and F = factor for measure, ft−3 [m−3].
third layers, use vigorous effort, but not more force than to 13.1.1 The bulk density determined by this test method is
cause the tamping rod to penetrate to the previous layer of for aggregate in an oven-dry condition. If the bulk density in
aggregate. terms of saturated-surface-dry (SSD) condition is desired, use
the exact procedure in this test method, and then calculate the
NOTE 4—In rodding the larger sizes of coarse aggregate, it may not be
possible to penetrate the layer being consolidated, especially with angular
SSD bulk density using the following formula:
aggregates. The intent of the procedure will be accomplished if vigorous Mssd 5 M[1 1 ~A/100!# (3)
effort is used.
where:
10.3 Determine the mass of the measure plus its contents,
MSSD = bulk density in SSD condition, lb/ft3 [kg/m3], and
and the mass of the measure alone, and record the values to the A = % absorption, determined in accordance with Test
nearest 0.1 lb [0.05 kg]. Method C 127 or Test Method C 128.
11. Jigging Procedure 13.2 Void Content—Calculate the void content in the aggre-
11.1 Fill the measure in three approximately equal layers as gate using the bulk density determined by either the rodding,
described in 10.1, compacting each layer by placing the jigging, or shoveling procedure, as follows:
measure on a firm base, such as a cement-concrete floor, % Voids 5 100[~S 3 W! 2 M]/~S 3 W! (4)
raising the opposite sides alternately about 2 in. [50 mm], and
allowing the measure to drop in such a manner as to hit with a where:
M = bulk density of the aggregate, lb/ft3 [ kg/m3],
sharp, slapping blow. The aggregate particles, by this proce-

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 C 29/C 29M – 97 (2003)

S = bulk specific gravity (dry basis) as determined in 15.2.3 These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s) and
accordance with Test Method C 127 or Test Method (d2s) limits as described in Practice C 670. The precision
C 128, and estimates were obtained from the analysis of AMRL profi-
W = density of water, 62.3 lb/ft3 [998 kg/m3]. ciency sample data for bulk density by rodding of normal
weight aggregates having a nominal maximum aggregate size
14. Report of 1 in. [25.0 mm], and using a 1⁄2-ft3 [14-L] measure.
14.1 Report the results for the bulk density to the nearest 1 15.3 Fine Aggregate (bulk density):
lb/ft3 [10 kg/m3] as follows: 15.3.1 Single-Operator Precision—The single-operator
14.1.1 Bulk density by rodding, or standard deviation has been found to be 0.88 lb/ft3 [14 kg/m3]
14.1.2 Bulk density by jigging, or (1s). Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests by the
14.1.3 Loose bulk density. same operator on similar material should not differ by more
14.2 Report the results for the void content to the nearest than 2.5 lb/ft3 [40 kg/m3] (d2s).
1 % as follows: 15.3.2 Multilaboratory Precision—The multilaboratory
14.2.1 Voids in aggregate compacted by rodding, %, or standard deviation has been found to be 2.76 lb/ft3 [44 kg/m3]
14.2.2 Voids in aggregate compacted by jigging, %, or (1s). Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests from
14.2.3 Voids in loose aggregate, %. two different laboratories on similar material should not differ
by more than 7.8 lb/ft3 [125 kg/m3] (d2s).
15. Precision and Bias
15.3.3 These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s) and
15.1 The following estimates of precision for this test (d2s) limits as described in Practice C 670. The precision
method are based on results from the AASHTO Materials estimates were obtained from the analysis of AMRL profi-
Reference Laboratory (AMRL) Proficiency Sample Program, ciency sample data for loose bulk density from laboratories
with testing conducted using this test method and AASHTO using a 1⁄10-ft3 [2.8-L] measure.
Method T 19/T19M. There are no significant differences be-
15.4 No precision data on void content are available.
tween the two test methods. The data are based on the analyses
However, as the void content in aggregate is calculated from
of more than 100 paired test results from 40 to 100 laborato-
bulk density and bulk specific gravity, the precision of the
ries.
voids content reflects the precision of these measured param-
15.2 Coarse Aggregate (bulk density):
eters given in 15.2 and 15.3 of this test method and in Test
15.2.1 Single-Operator Precision—The single-operator
Methods C 127 and C 128.
standard deviation has been found to be 0.88 lb/ft3 [14 kg/m3]
(1s). Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests by the 15.5 Bias—The procedure in this test method for measuring
same operator on similar material should not differ by more bulk density and void content has no bias because the values
than 2.5 lb/ft3 [40 kg/m3] (d2s). for bulk density and void content can be defined only in terms
15.2.2 Multilaboratory Precision—The multilaboratory of a test method.
standard deviation has been found to be 1.87 lb/ft3 [30 kg/m3]
(1s). Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests from 16. Keywords
two different laboratories on similar material should not differ 16.1 aggregates; bulk density; coarse aggregate; density;
by more than 5.3 lb/ft3 [85 kg/m3] (d2s). fine aggregate; unit weight; voids in aggregates

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