CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL AND TESTING:

AGGREGATES
Presented by Group 1:
Arce
Beran
Co
Cordova
Espelico
OBJECTIVES To know what aggregates are;

To know the sources of aggregates;

Processing
Extracting
To know the different rock types;
Properties
Uses

To know the different tests for

aggregates; and

To know what are special aggregates.

WHAT ARE AGGREGATES?
Aggregates are raw materials that are produced from natural
sources and extracted from pits and quarries, including gravel,
crushed stone, shale, slag, and sand. When used with a binding
medium, like water, cement, and asphalt, they are used to form
compound materials, such as asphalt concrete and Portland
cement concrete.
DEFINITIONS
COARSE AGGREGATES
Aggregate predominantly retained on the No. 4 (4.76-mm) sieve;
or (2) that portion of an aggregate retained on the No. 4 (4.76-
mm) sieve.

FINE AGGREGATES
Aggregate passing the 3⁄ 8 in. sieve and almost entirely passing
the No. 4 (4.76-mm) sieve and predominantly retained on the No.
200 (74-micron) sieve; or (2) that portion of an aggregate
passing the No. 4 (4.76-mm) sieve and retained on the No. 200
(74-micron) sieve.
GRAVEL
Granular material predominantly retained on the No. 4 (4.76-
mm) sieve and resulting from natural disintegration and
abrasion of rock or processing of weakly bound conglomerate.

SAND
Granular material passing the sieve and almost entirely passing
the No. 4 (4.76-mm) sieve and predominantly retained on the No.
200 (74-micron) sieve, and resulting from natural disintegration
and abrasion of rock or processing of completely friable
sandstone.

BANK GRAVEL
Gravel found in natural deposits, usually more or less intermixed
with fine material, or combinations thereof; gravelly clay, gravelly
sand, clayey gravel, and sandy gravel indicate the varying
proportions of the materials in the mixture.
CRUSHED GRAVEL
The result from the artificial crushing of gravel with substantially
all fragments having at least one face resulting from fracture

CRUSHED STONE
The product resulting from the artificial crushing of rocks,
boulders, or large cobblestones, substantially all faces of which
have resulted from the crushing operation.

CRUSHED ROCK
The product resulting from the artificial crushing of all rock, all
faces of which have resulted from the crushing operation or from
blasting.
BLAST FURNACE SLAG

The nonmetallic product, consisting essentially of silicates and

aluminosilicates of lime and of other bases, which is developed
in a molten condition simultaneously with iron in a blast furnace.
 SOURCES
The sand and gravel occurring in nature were at one time broken from massive parent rock, transported by
nature, and left in various types of deposits called sand or gravel banks. The processes that cause
breaking, transporting, and depositing have operated continuously throughout the past and continue to
operate now .
A. NATURAL AGGREGATE
Found in gravel pits, river run deposits, and rock quarries. Generally,
gravel comes from pits and river deposits, whereas crushed stones
are the result of processing rocks from quarries. Usually, gravel
deposits must also be crushed to obtain the needed size
distribution, shape, and texture. Natural lightweight aggregates
include pumice, scoria, volcanic cinders, tuff, and diatomite.

B. MANUFACTURED AGGREGATE
Manufactured aggregates can use slag waste from iron and steel
mills and expanded shale and clays to produce lightweight
aggregates. Heavyweight concrete, used for radiation shields, can
use steel slag and bearings for the aggregate. Styrofoam beads can
be used as an aggregate in lightweight concrete used for insulation.
EXTRACTION AND
PROCESSING
Aggregate is recovered from deposits laid down
in geologic times and from deposits still being
laid down. The deposits are found on the ground
surface and below the surface of the ground or
water. Some aggregate is suitable for a specific
use just as extracted, and some must be
processed before being used.
 A. UNDERWATER SOURCES
Aggregate is brought up from lake and river
bottoms by barge-mounted dredges with a single
scoop or an endless chain of scoops and by
dragline. Barges are loaded and transported to
shore, where their cargoes of aggregate are
unloaded and stockpiled

B. LAND SOURCES
Aggregates are excavated from natural banks, pits, or
mines on land by bucket loaders, power shovels, draglines,
and power scrapers. If crushed rock is to be used as
aggregate, it must be blasted loose with explosivesand then
crushed by machinery to the size desired.
ROCK TYPES

IGNEOUS ROCKS SEDIMENTARY ROCKS METAMORPHIC ROCKS

-made from magma -coalesce from deposits of -form from igneous or
Extrusive Igneous Rocks disintegrated existing rocks or sedimentary rocks that are
produced when cooled inorganic remains of marine drawn back into the Earth’s
on the surface animals. Wind, water, glaciers, crust and exposed to heat and
Intrusive Igneous Rocks or direct chemical precipitation pressure, reforming the grain
produced when cooled transport and deposit layers of structure.
underground material that become
sedimentary rocks.
 PROPERTIES

COMPRESSIVE TENSILE
SOUNDNESS WEIGHT STRENGTH
STRENGTH

the ability of the the capacity of a

material to retain its the force acting on material or structure the ability of a
volume after the object due to to withstand loads material to resist
hardening without gravity. tending to reduce tearing due to
excess expansion. size. tension.
 PROPERTIES

ABRASION
ADHESION PERMEABILITY
RESISTANCE

ability to withstand
the ability to allow
the wear and tear of
water to flow
friction caused by
the ability to stick to through, without the
mechanical parts and
a cementing agent. loss of strength or
instances of
the displacement of
repetitive scraping or
particles.
rubbing.
 USES
1.MISCELLANEOUS USE
-Various sizes of stone are used for riprap to protect natural or man-made earthwork. Broken rock of
irregular, slab-like shapes is often used and put into place with a crane or backhoe. The chief
requirements for riprap are high weight and low cost .

2.IN PORTLAND CEMENT

-In Portland cement concrete, 60% to 75% of the volume and 79% to 85% of the weight are made up of
aggregates. The aggregates act as a filler to reduce the amount of cement paste needed in the mix. In
addition, aggregates have greater volume stability than the cement paste.
 USES
3. IN ASPHALT CONCRETE
In asphalt concrete, aggregates constitute 75% to 85% of the volume and 92% to 96% of the mass.
The asphalt cement acts as a binder to hold the aggregates together, but does not have enough
strength to lock the aggregate particles into position. -As a result, the strength and stability of asphalt
concrete depends mostly on interparticle friction between the aggregates and, to a limited extent, on
the binder.

4. STABILIZING AGGREGATE
Aggregate strength can be improved by the addition of measured quantities of clay, which is a soil
with very fine particles having properties unlike any of the larger soil particles. One of these
properties is cohesion or the tendency to stick together.
 USES
5. PAVEMENT BASE
Aggregates are used primarily as an underlying material for foundations and pavements as rip-rap for
erosion control, and as ingredients in portland cement and asphalt concretes.

6. COMPACTION
-Compaction is the densification of a material resulting in an increase in weight per unit volume. The
increase in density of a material is related to the material’s gradation, moisture content, and
compactive energy used to densify the material.
 USES

7.AGGREGATE STRENGTH
-The larger the maximum size of aggregate is, the greater its strength. Larger particles provide greater
interlocking, because particles must move upward for greater distances to override them.

8.PERMEABILITY
Permeability is a measure of the ease with which a fluid, most commonly water, will flow through a
material. Gravels have relatively high permeability, whereas sands and silts have lower permeability.
 USES
9.FILTER
A filter consists of aggregate designed and installed for the purpose of holding back particles larger
than a certain size while letting water flow through with a minimum of interference. Size and
gradation are of primary importance for a filter.
 1. Size and Gradation
TESTS
Aggregate size is difficult to express because the particles have odd
shapes that cannot be measured easily and the shapes and sizes
vary greatly in any one sample.

The important features are range of sizes, or smallest and largest

particles, and gradation, or distribution of sizes within the range
covered.

A sample of the aggregate to be analyzed is placed in the top sieve,

which has the largest holes. The second sieve has smaller holes, and
each succeeding sieve has holes smaller than the sieve above it. At
the bottom is a solid pan. The pan collects all particles smaller than
the openings in the finest sieve, which is chosen to collect particles
of the smallest significant size.
 2. Surface Area
TESTS The surface area of a quantity of aggregate is sometimes important.
A ratio of surface area to volume or surface area to weight is
determined and used for computations dealing with surface area.

Of all possible particle shapes, a sphere has the lowest ratio of

surface area to volume or weight.

Note: Of all possible particle shapes, a sphere has the lowest ratio of
surface area to volume or weight.
 3. Weight Volume Relationship
TESTS The total volume of an aggregate consists of solid particles and the
voids between the particles. The total volume is important because
aggregate must be ordered to fill a certain volume.

The possibilities include using total volume (solids and voids),

volume of solids including pores, or volume of solids less volume of
pores; and using wet weight, saturated, surface-dry weight, or oven-
dry weight. These alternatives are listed:
Bulk volume of aggregate includes solid matter, plus pores in the
particles, plus voids.
The saturated, surface-dry volume may include solid matter, plus
pores in the particles but not voids.
 4. Specific Gravity
TESTS The specific gravity of aggregate particles is useful in calculations,
particularly those to convert the weight of the irregularly shaped
particles to saturated, surface-dry volume or to solid volume.

2 Kinds of Specific Gravity of Aggregate Particles

Specific gravity of Course Aggregate
Specific gravity of Fine Aggreagate

Bulk specific gravity is based on oven-dry weight and saturated,

surface-dry volume of the aggregate particles. Pores in the particles
are considered part of the volume.

Apparent specific gravity is based on oven-dry weight and solid

volume of the particles. Either one of these can be considered as a
true specific gravity, and each has its own use.
 5. Deleterious Matter
TESTS A deleterious substance is any material that adversely affects the
quality of Portland cement or asphalt concrete made with the
aggregate.

Common Deleterious Matter in Aggregates

Friable Particles are those which are easily crumbled, such as

clay lumps, weak sandstone, or oxiidzea ores.
Materials Finer than No. 200 sieve. The materials
must be washed through the sieves because much of
it may be stuck to larger particles.
Soft Particles are detrimental when the aggregate is
subject to abrasion.
Lightweight Pieces are particles in course or fine
aggregate that have a specific gravity substantially
less than that of the aggregate as a whole.
 6. Miscellaneous Properties
TESTS Toughness, which means resistance to abrasion and impact.

Soundness of aggregates means resistance to disintegration under

weathering

Hydrophilic aggregate is that aggregate which does not maintain

adhesion to asphalt when it becomes wet.
 7. Sampling
TESTS Aggregate tests and inspection must be performed on representative
samples. Ideally, a representative sample is a small quantity with
exactly the same characteristics as the entire quantity.

Preliminary investigation of a possible source of supply, whether

a rock formation, an aggregate deposit, or an industrial by-
product.
Acceptance or rejection of a source of supply by the buyer. This
is a preliminary determination. An inspection and tests are made
for this purpose by a prospective buyer who intends to buy.
large quantities for one project or a series of projects. An
example is a state public works department which approves or
disapproves gravel or sand pits for state projects for the coming
year or other period of time.
Acceptance or rejection by the buyer of specified material from
the supplier.
Control of removal and processing operations
SPECIAL AGGREGATES
Lightweight Aggregates
Lightweight aggregates are those that have a unit weight of no more than 70 lb/cu ft (1120 kg/m3)
for fine aggregate, 55 lb/cu ft (880 kg/m3) for coarse aggregate, and 65 lb/cu ft (1040 kg/m3) for
combined fine and coarse aggregate. These weight limitations and other specifications for
lightweight aggregate for structural use.

The purpose of using lightweight aggregate in concrete structures is usually to reduce the weight
of upper parts of a structure so that the lower supporting parts (foundations, walls, columns, and
beams) may be smaller and therefore cost less.
SPECIAL AGGREGATES
Lightweight Aggregates Examples
Diatomite - consists of the skeletons of tiny aquatic plants called diatoms, can be heated to the
melting point to be used as a cinder like, lightweight aggregate.
Fly Ash - consists of fine mineral particles produced by the burning of coal.
Perlite - volcanic glass in spherical particles of concentric layers. It contains water which, if heated
rapidly enough, becomes steam with enough force to shatter the spheres into particles and expand
the particles.
Vermiculite - includes a variety of water-bearing minerals derived from mica. These expand
perpendicularly to the layers when steam is formed by rapid heating.
Cinders - used as aggregates are fused into lumps by combustion of coal or coke and are not the
softer ashes formed by lower-temperature combustion. Cinders contain some unburned material
which is undesirable.
SPECIAL AGGREGATES
Heavy Aggregates
Heavy aggregates are those with higher specific gravities than those of aggregates in general use,
although there is no definite line separating them from ordinary aggregates.

Heavy concrete is needed in special cases to resist the force of flowing water or to counterbalance
a large weight, on a bascule bridge, for instance. Heavy aggregate is also used in nuclear
radiation–shielding concrete where greater density provides greater shielding.

Examples:

Ferrophosphorus Magnetite Barite

CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL AND TESTING:

LABORATORY
EXPERIMENTS
EXPERIMENT NO.1

REDUCING FIELD SAMPLE OF AGGREGATE

OBJECTIVES
To learn and understand the correct method of obtaining
sample aggregate for
mechanical analysis.

MATERIALS/APPARATUS
1. Representative sample of aggregate
2. Spade
3. Container
4. Sample Splitter
EXPERIMENT NO.1

REDUCING FIELD SAMPLE OF AGGREGATE

PROCEDURE (METHOD A - MECHANICAL SPLITTER)
1. Check moisture content of aggregate. If the sample has free moisture on
the particle
surface the entire sample must be dried to at least the SSD condition prior to
reduction
by splitter.
2. Check sample splitter chute opening. (Their number and width relative to
maximum size
of aggregate).
3. Place the sample in the hopper or pan and uniformly distribute it from
edge to edge, so that when it is introduced into the chutes, approximate and
equal amounts will flow through each chutes.
EXPERIMENT NO.1

REDUCING FIELD SAMPLE OF AGGREGATE

PROCEDURE (METHOD A - MECHANICAL SPLITTER)
4. The rate at which the sample is introduced shall be of such as to allow free
flowing
through the chutes into the receptacle below.
5. Reintroduce the portion of the sample in one of the receptacles as many
times as
necessary to reduce to specified size for the intended test.
6. The portion of the material collected in the other receptacle may be
reserved for reduction size in size for other test.
EXPERIMENT NO.1

REDUCING FIELD SAMPLE OF AGGREGATE

PROCEDURE (METHOD B - QUARTERING)
1. Place the sample on a hard, clean, level surface where there will neither loss of
material nor the accidental addition of foreign material.
2. Mix the material thoroughly by turning the entire sample over three times. With
the last turning, shovel the entire sample into a conical pile by depositing each
shovel on top of the preceding one.
3. Carefully flatten the conical pile to a uniform thickness and diameter, by
pressing down the apex with a shovel or other device so that each quarter sector
of the resulting pile will contain the material originally in it. The diameter should
be approximately four to eight times the thickness.
4. Divide the flattened mass approximately into four equal part quarters with a
shovel, trowel or other suitable device and remove to diagonally oppose quarters,
including all fine materials, and brush the cleared spaces clean.
5. Successively mix and quarter the remaining material until the sample is reduced
to the desired size.
EXPERIMENT NO.1

REDUCING FIELD SAMPLE OF AGGREGATE

https://youtu.be/NGE9kXNW4qQ?si=rbJVcloPrKI1tnsV
EXPERIMENT NO.2

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE AND FINE

AGGREGATES
OBJECTIVES
To determine the particle size distribution of fine and
coarse aggregate by sieving.

MATERIALS/APPARATUS
Balance, accurate to 0.1 g
Set of sieves with pan and cover
Mechanical sieve shaker (optional)
Brush
Oven
EXPERIMENT NO.2

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE AND FINE

AGGREGATES
PROCEDURE
1) Obtain a representative sample by quartering or by the use of sample splitter.
The sample to be tested should be the approximate weight desired when dry.
For this experiment about 500 grams of fine aggregate and about 10 to 12
kilograms of coarse aggregate.

2) Dry the samples to constant temperature in the oven at a temperature 110 ±

5°C (230 ± 41°F).

3) Assemble the sieves in order of decreasing size of opening from top to

bottom and place sample on top of the sieve and cover it with the lid.
(a) for coarse aggregate: 1”, ¾ “, ½”, 3/8”, #4 , #8, pan
(b) for fine aggregate: 3/8”, #4 , #8, #30, #50, #100, pan
EXPERIMENT NO.2

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE AND FINE

AGGREGATES
PROCEDURE
4) Agitate the sieve by hand or by mechanical shaker for five minutes or for a
sufficient period.

5) Limit the quantity of material on a given sieve so that all the particles have
opportunity to reach sieve openings a number of times during the sieving
operations. For the sieve with
openings smaller than No. 4 (4.75mm), the weight retained on any sieve at the
completion of the sieving operations shall not exceed 6 kg/m 2 of sieving
surface. For the sieve with openings No. 4 (4.75mm) and larger, the weight in
kg/m 2 of the sieving surface shall not exceed the product of 2.5 x (sieve
opening in mm). In no case shall the weight be so great as to cause a
permanent deformation of the sieve cloth.
EXPERIMENT NO.2

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE AND FINE

AGGREGATES
PROCEDURE
6) Continue sieving for sufficient period in such a manner that, after
completion, not more that 0.5 percent by weight of the total sample passes any
sieve during one (1) minute of continuous hand sieving.

7) Weigh the material that is retained on each sieves, including the weight
retained in the pan and record in the data sheet. The total weight of the material
after sieving should check closely with original sample placed on the sieve. If
the sum of these weights is not within 1 percent (0.3 for ASTM requirement) of
the original sample, the procedure should be repeated.
EXPERIMENT NO.2

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE AND FINE

AGGREGATES
PROCEDURE
8) Compute the cumulative percent retained on and the percent passing each
sieve.

9) Plot the gradation curves for the coarse and the fine aggregate from the
experiment on the graph provided. Plot the specific gradation curves for coarse
and fine aggregates (to be specified by the laboratory instructor). Plot the
combine-grading curve using the 40% aggregate and 60% fine aggregate.

10) Compute the Fineness Modulus for fine and coarse aggregates.
EXPERIMENT NO.2

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE AND FINE

AGGREGATES

https://youtu.be/3Xqq1cxhD-s?si=5FTZQQLY_x4ABRsd
EXPERIMENT NO.3

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY

AND WATER ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATES
OBJECTIVE
The test method covers the determination of the specific gravity and absorption of
coarse and fine aggregate.

MATERIALS/APPARATUS
For Coarse Aggregate
1) Balance, sensitive to 0.01lb or gram
2) Wire mesh basket
3) Drying Oven
4) 3/8” Sieve
5) Water tank
EXPERIMENT NO.3

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY

AND WATER ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATES
OBJECTIVE
The test method covers the determination of the specific gravity and absorption of
coarse and fine aggregate.

MATERIALS/APPARATUS
For Fine Aggregate
1) Balance, sensitive to 0.01lb or gram
2) 500 ml Chapman Flask
3) Dryer
4) Drying Oven
EXPERIMENT NO.3

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY

AND WATER ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATES
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE (FOR COURSE AGGREGATES)
1) Thoroughly mixed the sample aggregate and reduce it to the approximate quantity
needed using quartering or mechanical shaker method.

2) Reject all materials passing 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve sieving and thoroughly washing
to remove dust or other coatings from the surface.

3) The minimum weight of test sample to be used is given below:

EXPERIMENT NO.3

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY

AND WATER ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATES
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE (FOR COURSE AGGREGATES)
EXPERIMENT NO.3

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY

AND WATER ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATES
PROCEDURE (FOR COURSE AGGREGATES)
1) Dry the test sample to constant weight at a temperature of 110±5°C (230±9°F).

2) Cool in air at room temperature 1 to 3 hours, or until the aggregate has cooled to a
temperature that is comfortable to handle (approximately 50°C) and weigh.

3) Soak aggregate under water for 24 ± 4hours.

4) Obtain approximately 5kg of saturated coarse aggregate (retained on 3/8” sieve

preferably).

5) Towel the aggregate to a saturated surface-dry condition (SSD). A moving steam

may be used to assist drying operation. Take care to avoid evaporation of water from
aggregate pores during the surface-drying operation.
EXPERIMENT NO.3

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY

AND WATER ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATES
PROCEDURE (FOR COURSE AGGREGATES)
6) Measure SSD weight (B) of aggregate in air to the nearest 1 gm. Do this quickly to
prevent evaporation.

7) Place the sample in the wire mesh basket, and determine its weight in water (C) at
23 ± 1.7°C (73.4 ± 3°F). Take care to remove all entrapped air before weighing by
shaking the container while immersed. Be sure to subtract the submerged weight of
the basket from the total.

8) Place the wet aggregate in oven, and dry to constant weight at a temperature of
110 ± 5°C (230 ± 9°F) (leave the aggregate in oven overnight). Cool the aggregate in
air at room temperature 1 to 3 hours, or until the aggregate has cooled to a
temperature that is comfortable to handle (approximately 50°C) and weigh (A).
EXPERIMENT NO.3

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY

AND WATER ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATES
PROCEDURE (FOR COURSE AGGREGATES)
9) From the above data (i.e., A, B, and C) calculate the three types of specific gravity
and
absorption as defined below:

A = weight of oven-dry test sample, gm

B = weight of saturated surface-dry sample in air, gm
C = weight of test sample in water, gm
EXPERIMENT NO.3

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY

AND WATER ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATES
PROCEDURE (FOR FINE AGGREGATES)
1) Obtain approximately 4 kg air-dry fine aggregate (all groups working together).

2) Bring fine aggregate to SSD condition as explained by the instructor.

3) Each group takes approximately 500 gm of the SSD aggregate. Record exact weight
of SSD sample (D).

4) Fill Chapman Flask to 450 ml mark and record weight of water and flask in grams
(B). The water temperature should be about 23 ± 1.5°C (73 ± 3°F).

5) Empty the water in flask to about 200 ml marks and adds SSD aggregate to flask.
Fill flask to almost 450 ml mark with additional water.
EXPERIMENT NO.3

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY

AND WATER ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATES
PROCEDURE (FOR FINE AGGREGATES)
6) “Roll” flask on flat surface to eliminate air bubbles. Then fill the flask with water up
to 450 ml. Record total weight (in gm) of flask plus the water plus aggregate (C).

7) Pour entire contents of flask into pan and place in an oven. Additional tap water
may be used as necessary to wash all aggregate out of the flask. Return after 24
hours or as long as it takes for the aggregate to dry and record weight of oven-dry
aggregates (A).
8) From the data above, calculate specific gravities and absorption defined below:
EXPERIMENT NO.3

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY

AND WATER ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATES

https://youtu.be/Jbf6POEjM-M?si=1-Nx8nSnRZok0fef
EXPERIMENT NO.4

DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF
AGGREGATES
OBJECTIVES
To determine the unit weight (bulk density) values that is necessary for use for
several methods of selecting proportions for concrete mixtures.

MATERIALS/APPARATUS
1) Balance, sensitive to 0.1lb or 0.05 kg.
2) Tamping rod, 5/8” (16.0 mm dia.), and 18” (600 mm) long.
3) Volume measure
EXPERIMENT NO.4

DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF
AGGREGATES
PROCEDURES
1) Obtain a representative sample of air-dry thoroughly mixed coarse aggregate and
reduce the sample by quartering method.

2) Fill the measure one-third full and level the surface with fingers.

3) Rod or tamp the layer 25 strokes of the tamping rod evenly distributed over the
surface.

4) Fill the measure to two-thirds full and rod 25 times without penetrating the
previous layer.
EXPERIMENT NO.4

DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF
AGGREGATES
PROCEDURES
5) Fill the measure to overflowing and 25 times. Level the surface with fingers or the
rod such that any slight projections of larger pieces of aggregate approximately
balance the larger voids in the surface below the top of the measure. Do not
compress the aggregate.

6) Determine the weight (or mass) to the nearest 0.1 lb. (0.05kg.).

7) Calculate the unit weight.

EXPERIMENT NO.4

DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF
AGGREGATES

https://youtu.be/IYon-C7oM8U?si=3Dk0XYdkLbjSkqw_
EXPERIMENT NO.5

DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

OF AGGREGATES
OBJECTIVE
To determine the percentage of surface moisture in both fine and coarse
aggregate.

MATERIALS/APPARATUS
Balance, sensitive to 0.01 gm
Sample container
Stirrer or spoon or spatula
Flask or Pycnometer
Small rubber syringe or medicine dropper
EXPERIMENT NO.5

DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

OF AGGREGATES
PROCEDURE (METHOD A - PYCNOMETER OR FLASK METHOD)
1. Obtain a representative sample or specimen of fine and coarse aggregate.

2. Fill the Pycnometer with water at temperature of between 18°C - 29°C (65°F -85°F)
to mark taking care not to trap air bubbles. The final increments of water shall be
added using a syringe or medicine dropper.

3. Thoroughly wipe any excess water from the outside of the container and
determine the weight (mass) to the nearest 0.1 gm.

4. Empty the container and partially fill enough water to cover the specimen when
introduced.
EXPERIMENT NO.5

DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

OF AGGREGATES
PROCEDURE (METHOD A - PYCNOMETER OR FLASK METHOD)
5. Introduce the weighted specimen into the container and remove the entrapped air
by using a vacuum or by stirring and carefully rolling or shaking the container unit no
significant air bubbles rise to the surface.

6. Completely fill the container with water to the original mark, wipe off any excess
water and determine the weight (mass) to the nearest 0.1 gm.
EXPERIMENT NO.5

DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

OF AGGREGATES
CALCULATION

Where:
C = weight (mass) of Pycnometer filled with water
W = weight (mass) of Pycnometer, specimen and water
V = weight (mass) of displaced water = C+S-W
S = weight (mass) of specimen
D = weight (mass) of specimen divided by the bulk specific gravity of Aggregate in
saturated
surface dry condition = S/G
G= bulk specific gravity of aggregate in saturated dry condition
EXPERIMENT NO.5

DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

OF AGGREGATES
PROCEDURE (METHOD B – OVEN DRY)
1. Obtain a representative sample of aggregate. For fine aggregate, obtain a
specimen with a weight (mass) of approximately 500 gm. For coarse aggregate,
obtain a specimen of approximately 100 gm.

2. Identify and weigh sample container.

3. Put the sample aggregate into a container.

4. Weigh the container with sample aggregate to the nearest 0.1 gm.

5. Dry the sample to a constant weight (mass) at 110°C ± 5°C (230°F ± 9°F).

6. When dry, weigh to the nearest 0.1 gm. And record as oven dry.
EXPERIMENT NO.5

DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

OF AGGREGATES
CALCULATION
1. The percentage of moisture in an oven dry basis:

% Moisture Oven Dry Basis =

Wet Wt. = original weight (mass) of aggregate

Dry Wt. = oven dry weight (mass) of aggregate

2. Calculate the percent surface (free) moisture:

% Surface Moisture = (% Moisture, Oven Dry Basis) (% Absorption, from Mix Design
EXPERIMENT NO.5

DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

OF AGGREGATES

https://youtu.be/8O5htTfrNbo?si=f3g7zyVlE178cGOD
EXPERIMENT NO.6

MAKING AND CURING OF CONCRETE TEST

SPECIMENS
OBJECTIVES
To produce and cure concrete test specimens in the laboratory under accurate
control and test conditions using concrete that can be consolidated by rodding or
vibration.
MATERIALS/APPARATUS
1. Cylindrical molds
2. Tamping rod, 5/8” (16mm) inch diameter and 3/8” (10mm) inch diameter
3. Trowel or shovel
4. Slump Cone device
5. Sampling and mixing pans
6. Balance
7. Air content Device (optional)
8. Vibrator (optional)
9. Mixer (optional)
EXPERIMENT NO.6

MAKING AND CURING OF CONCRETE TEST

SPECIMENS
MIXING CONCRETE
1. Mix concrete in a suitable mixer or by hand in batches as to leave about 10% excess after
molding the test specimens. Hand Mixing procedures are not applicable to air entrained
concrete or concrete with no measurable slump. Hand mixing should be limited to batches
of 1/4 ft 3 (0.007 m 3 ) volume or less.
2. In the case of mixing, add the cored aggregate, some of the, mixing water, and the
solution of admixture (if required), to the mixer before starting its rotation. Start the
mixer, and then add the fine aggregate, cement, and water with the mixer running if it is
impractical for a particular test to add the fine aggregate, cement, and water while the
mixer is running, these components may added to the stooped mixer permitting it to turn
a few revolutions following charging with a coarse aggregate and some of the water. Mix
the concrete, after all the ingredients are in the mixer for 3 minutes followed by 3 minute
to rest, followed by a 2 minute final mixing. To eliminate segregation, deposit machine
mixed concrete in the clean, damp mixing pan and remix by shovel or trowel until it
appears to be uniform.
EXPERIMENT NO.6

MAKING AND CURING OF CONCRETE TEST

SPECIMENS
MIXING CONCRETE
3. In the case of hand mixing, mix batch in a watertight, clean, damp, metal pan or bowl
with a bricklayer’s blunted towel.

4. Mix the cement, powdered in soluble admixture (if required) and fine aggregate without
the addition of water until they are thoroughly blended.

5. Add the coarse aggregate and mix the entire batch without addition of water until the
coarse aggregate is uniformly distributed throughout the batch.

6. Add water, and admixture solution if use, and mix the mass until the concrete is
homogeneous in appearance and has desired consistency.
EXPERIMENT NO.6

MAKING AND CURING OF CONCRETE TEST

SPECIMENS
MIXING CONCRETE
7. Select portions of the batch of mixed concrete to be used in the tests for molding
specimens so as to be representative of the actual proportions and conditions of the
concrete. When the concrete is not being remixed or sampled cover it to prevent
evaporation.

8. Measure the slump of each batch immediately after mixing.

9. Mold the specimen as near as practicable to the place where they are to be stored during
the first 24 hours. If it is not practicable to mold the specimens where they will be stored,
move them to the place of storage immediately after being struck off. Place molds on a
rigid surface free from vibration and other disturbances. Avoid harsh striking, tilting, or
scarring of the surface of the specimens when moving to the storage place.
EXPERIMENT NO.6

MAKING AND CURING OF CONCRETE TEST

SPECIMENS
MIXING CONCRETE
10. Place the concrete in the molds using a scoop, blunted trowel, or shovel. It may be
necessary to remix the concrete in the mixing pan with a shovel to prevent segregation
during molding of specimens. Distribute the concrete by the use of tamping rod prior to
the start of the consolidation. In placing the final layer, the operator shall attempt to add
an amount of concrete that will exactly fill the after compaction. Do not add non-
representative samples of concrete to an under-filled mold.
EXPERIMENT NO.6

MAKING AND CURING OF CONCRETE TEST

SPECIMENS
MIXING CONCRETE
11. Place the concrete in the mold, in the required number of layers of approximately equal
volume. Rod each layer with rounded end of the rod using the number of strokes and size
of the rod specified. Rod the bottom layer throughout its depth. Distribute the strokes
uniformly across the cross section of the mold and for each upper layer allowing the rod
penetrate about ½ inch (12 mm) into the underlying layer when the depth of layer is less
than 4 inches (100 mm) and about 1 inch (25 mm) when the depth is 4 inches (100 mm).
After each layer is rodded, tap the outside of the mold lightly 10 to 15 times with mallet
to close any holes left by rodding and to release any large bubbles that may have been
trapped.
EXPERIMENT NO.6

MAKING AND CURING OF CONCRETE TEST

SPECIMENS
CURING
12. To prevent the evaporation of the water from the unhardened concrete cover the
specimens immediately after finishing with non-absorptive, nonreactive plate or sheet of
tough, durable, impervious plastic.

13. Remove the specimens from the molds 24 ± 8 hours after casting.

14. Unless otherwise specified, all specimens shall be moist cured at 23°C ± 2°C (73°F ±
3°F) from the time of molding until the moment of test. Test specimens shall have free
water maintained on the entire surface area at all times.
EXPERIMENT NO.6

MAKING AND CURING OF CONCRETE TEST

SPECIMENS

https://youtu.be/YvMWCSVIzVI?si=T2CI8-871eoTwyp_