Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

BatStateU Alangilan
Alangilan, Batangas City
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts
https://batstate-u.edu.ph/, Tel. No. (043) 425-0139 loc. 118/2121

Civil and Sanitary Engineering Department

Laboratory Exercise No. 1

Aggregates

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Subject
Construction Materials and Testing

Submitted By:
(Group Members)

Submitted To:
(Instructor)

(Date)
 Laboratory Exercise No. 1.A.

Reducing Field Samples of Aggregates to Testing Size

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGE9kXNW4qQ
ASTM C702 Reducing Field Sample of Aggregates to Testing Size: Full credits are
given to Katrina Robles, the owner of the video.

Objectives: The correct method of obtaining a sample of aggregates for mechanical

analysis is an important aspect of Materials Testing. The purpose of this exercise is to
obtain a representative sample for testing.
Standard No. ASTM Designation C702, AASHTO Designation T 2-74

Theory:

Materials and Setup:

1. Representative Sample of Aggregates
2. Spade
3. Container
4. Standard Sieve, 1”
5. Sample Splitter (optional)

Methodology:
1. Take a representative sand and gravel. Place it in a container.
2. Wash it thoroughly with water so that it will be free from silt and clay.
3. Dry the sample.
4. Pass it to 1” and disregard the sample which is more than 1” in diameter.
5. Make a mound and divide it into four parts. Take the opposite division for
mechanical analysis aggregates.
6. In case a sample divider is available, pour the sample combined coarse and fine
aggregates.

The sample will be used for the sieve analysis of combined coarse and fine aggregates.

SIZE OF SAMPLES

Size in mm Size in inches Min. Weight of Min. Weight of

Field Samples (lb) Field Samples (kg)
9.5 3/8 10 5
12.5 ½ 20 10
19 ¾ 30 15
25 1 50 25
37.5 1½ 70 30
50 2 90 40
63 2½ 100 45
75 3 125 60
90 3 1/2 150 65

The Laboratory Manual for Construction Materials and Testing was authored by
Engr. Nicasio V. Antonio II, Engr. Oliver S. Dimailig, and Engr. Anacieto N. Mercado.
Discussion:

Conclusion:

Appendices:

The Laboratory Manual for Construction Materials and Testing was authored by
Engr. Nicasio V. Antonio II, Engr. Oliver S. Dimailig, and Engr. Anacieto N. Mercado.
 Laboratory Exercise No. 1.B.

Determination of Surface Moisture of Coarse Aggregate

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDJQfgECDYQ
ASTM C70-73 Surface Moisture Determination of Coarse Aggregates: Full credits
are given to Katrina Robles, the owner of the video.

Objectives: This method of test covers a procedure for determining, in the field, the
amount of surface moisture in fine aggregate by displacement in water. The accuracy of
the method depends upon accurate information on the bulk specific gravity of material in
a saturated surface-dried condition. The same procedure, with container, may be applied
to coarse aggregate.
Standard No. ASTM C 70-73

Theory:

Materials and Setup:

1. Sample of Aggregates
2. Balance
3. Flask

Methodology:
1. The surface water content may be determined either by weight or volume. In each
case, the test shall be made at a temperature range of 18 to 29 degrees Celsius (65
to 85 F).
2. Determination by weight—Fill the container to the mark with water and determine
the weight in grams. Empty the container and place enough water in it to cover the
sample. Introduce the weighted sample of coarse aggregates into the container and
remove the air entrained. Fill the container to the original mark, and determine the
weight in grams. Calculate the amount of water displaced by the sample, as
follows:
WD = WC + WS – W
Where:
WD = weight displaced by the sample, g
WC = weight of container filled to the mark with water, g
WS = weight of sample, g
W = weight of container and sample, filled to mark with water, g
3. Determination by Volume—Measure a volume of water, millimeters, sufficient to
cover the sample and place in the container. Introduce the weighed sample of
coarse aggregate into the container and remove the air entrained. Determine the
combined volume of the sample and the water by direct reading when a graduated
flask is used. When a pycnometer or volumetric flask of known volume is used,
determine the combined volume of the sample and the water by filling to the mark
with a measured volume of water. Calculate the amount of water displaced by the
sample as follows:
VS = V 2 – V 1
Where:
VS = volume of water displaced by the sample, mL
The Laboratory Manual for Construction Materials and Testing was authored by
Engr. Nicasio V. Antonio II, Engr. Oliver S. Dimailig, and Engr. Anacieto N. Mercado.
 V2 = combined volume of sample and water, mL
V1 = volume of water required to cover the sample, mL

Calculation:
1. Calculate the percentage of surface moisture in terms of the saturated surface-dry
aggregate as follows:
P = [(VS – VD)] / [(WS – VS)] x 100
Where:
P = surface moisture in terms of saturated surface dry fine aggregate
percent
VD = mass of sample (WS) divided by the bulk specific gravity of the fine
aggregate in a saturated surface dry condition.
VS = mass of water displaced, g
WS = mass of sample, g
2. Calculate the percentage of surface moisture in terms of dry aggregate if the
absorption of the aggregate is known as follow:
PD = P{1 + (PA/100)}
Where:
PD = surface moisture in terms of dry fine aggregate, in percent
PA = absorption of fine aggregate, in percent
The total moisture content, on dry aggregate basis, is the sum of the surface, P D and the
absorption, PA.

Discussion:

Conclusion:

Appendices:

The Laboratory Manual for Construction Materials and Testing was authored by
Engr. Nicasio V. Antonio II, Engr. Oliver S. Dimailig, and Engr. Anacieto N. Mercado.
 Laboratory Exercise No. 1.C.

Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregates

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xqq1cxhD-s
Standard Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates (ASTM 136):
Full credits are given to Gilson Company, Inc., the owner of the video.

Objectives: Sieve analysis is used to determine the particle size distribution or

graduation of an aggregate. A suitable graduation of an aggregate in a concrete mix is
desirable in order to secure workability of the mixture and economy in the use of cement.
For asphalt concrete, suitable graduation only affects the workability of the mixture and
economy in the use of the other important properties.
Standard No. ASTM C 136-76, AASHTO T 27-74

Theory:

Materials and Setup:

1. Set of sieves
2. Containers

Testing Procedure:
1. Find the proper weight of dry aggregates.
Coarse Aggregates: 10,000 grams use method of quartering a sample splitter.
2. Assemble sieves in the following order:
For coarse aggregates: 1”, ¾”, ½”, 3/8”, #4 and #8 pans
3. Place the weighted aggregates in the top of the sieve stack and cover with the lid.
Properly secure the sieves in the mechanical shaker and turn on the shaker for five
minutes. In case of the absence of mechanical shaker, shake the stack of sieves
with your hands continuously for the same time.
4. Weigh the materials that are retained on each of the sieves, including the weight
retained in the pan, and record in the data sheet. If the sums of these weights are
not within 1 percent of the original sample weight, the procedure should be
repeated. Otherwise, use of the sum of the weight retained to calculate the
percentage on each sieve.
5. Compute the cumulative percent retained and percent passing in each sieve.
6. Plot the gradation curves for the coarse and fine aggregates from the experiment
on the graph provided. Plot the specified gradation curves for the coarse and fine
aggregates (to be specified by the laboratory instructor). Plot the combined
grading curve using 40% coarse and 60% fine aggregate.

The Laboratory Manual for Construction Materials and Testing was authored by
Engr. Nicasio V. Antonio II, Engr. Oliver S. Dimailig, and Engr. Anacieto N. Mercado.
Discussion:

Conclusion:

Appendices:

The Laboratory Manual for Construction Materials and Testing was authored by
Engr. Nicasio V. Antonio II, Engr. Oliver S. Dimailig, and Engr. Anacieto N. Mercado.
 Laboratory Exercise No. 1.D.

Determination of Unit Weight of Coarse Aggregates

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYon-C7oM8U
ASTM 29-78 Determination of Unit Weight of Coarse Aggregates: Full credits are
given to Katrina Robles, the owner of the video.

Objectives: The unit weight of aggregates is usually expressed in pounds per cubic foot.
Unit weight of aggregates is significant since it gives a measure of the voids in a unit
volume of aggregate. The voids of aggregates depend on many factors, which among
them are size, shape and surface texture of aggregate, gradation moisture content, and
compaction. For general information and for comparison of different aggregates, the
standard conditions used in determining the unit weight are dry and compact.
Standard No. ASTM C 29-78, AASHTO 1 19-74

Theory:

Materials and Setup:

1. Tamping rod
2. Volume measure
3. Scale

Testing Procedure:
1. Select approximately 60 lb. of air-dry thoroughly mixed coarse aggregate.
2. Fill the measure one-third full, level the surface and tamp with 25 strokes, evenly
distributed over the surface.
3. Fill the measure two thirds full, level and tamp 25 times over the surface. Only
enough force should be used to cause the tamping rod to just penetrate the last
layer of aggregate placed in the measure.
4. Fill the measure to overflowing, tamp as before and strike off the surplus by
rolling the tamping rod over the surface. Do not compress the aggregate.
5. Determine the weight of the aggregate in the measure and compute the unit
weight. Make at least two determinations. Results should agree within one percent.

The Laboratory Manual for Construction Materials and Testing was authored by
Engr. Nicasio V. Antonio II, Engr. Oliver S. Dimailig, and Engr. Anacieto N. Mercado.
 a.) The indicated size of container may be used to test aggregates of a maximum
nominal size equal to or smaller than that listed.
b.) Based on sieves with square openings.

Discussion:

Conclusion:

Appendices:

The Laboratory Manual for Construction Materials and Testing was authored by
Engr. Nicasio V. Antonio II, Engr. Oliver S. Dimailig, and Engr. Anacieto N. Mercado.
 Laboratory Exercise No. 1.E.

Determination of Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregates

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTJjaeirs8c
Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate (Complete Test Video): Full
credits are given to Learning Corridor, the owner of the video.

Objectives: Basically, specific gravity is the ration of the weight of a given volume of
material to the weight of an equal volume of water. However, there are several variations
of this definition depending upon the material and purposes for which the value of
specific gravity is to be used. In concrete work, the term specific customarily refers to the
density of the individual particle, not to the aggregated mass as a whole. The most
common definition of specific gravity in concrete aggregate is based upon the bulk
volume of the individual aggregate in a saturated surface-dry condition (SSD). The bulk
(oven-dry) specific gravity and apparent specific gravity are used to a lesser degree. Solid
unit weight in pound per cubic foot (pcf) of an aggregate is customarily defined as the
specific gravity time 62.4 pcf.

The absorption capacity is determined by finding the weight of an aggregate under SSD
condition and an oven-dry condition. The difference in weight expressed as a percentage
of the oven-dry sample weight is the absorption capacity. Coarse aggregates are
considered to be saturated surface-dry when they have been wiped free of visible
moisture films with a cloth after the aggregates have been soaked in water for a long
period of time (over 24 hours). The saturated surface-dry condition of fine aggregates is
usually taken as that at which a previously wet sample just became free-flowing.
Standard No. ASTM C 127-77, AASHTO T 85-74

Theory:

Materials and Setup:

1. Scale sensitive to 0.01 in., or 1 gm.
2. Wire mesh basket
3. Balance sensitive to 1 gm
4. Drying oven
5. 3/8” sieve

Testing Procedure:
1. Soak coarse aggregate under water for 24 hours (done for you by laboratory
instructor).
2. Obtain approximately 5kg of saturate coarse aggregate (retained on 3/8” sieve).
3. Trowel the aggregate to the saturated surface-dry condition (SSD).
4. Measure SSD weight (B), of aggregate in air to the nearest 1 gram. Do this quickly
to prevent evaporation.
5. Place a sample in a wire mesh basket, and determine its weight in water (C). Be
sure to subtract the submerged weight of the basket from the total.

The Laboratory Manual for Construction Materials and Testing was authored by
Engr. Nicasio V. Antonio II, Engr. Oliver S. Dimailig, and Engr. Anacieto N. Mercado.
 6. Place wet aggregate in oven and dry to constant weight (A). Leave the aggregate
in oven overnight.
7. From the above data (i.e. A, B, and C), calculate three types of specific gravity and
absorption as defined below:
a. Apparent Specific Gravity = A / (A – C)
b. Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD) = B / (B – C)
c. Bulk Specific Gravity (Dry) = A / (B – C)
d. Absorption Percent = ((B – A) / A) x 100

Where:
A = constant weight
B = measure of SSD weight
C = weight in water

Discussion:

Conclusion:

Appendices:

The Laboratory Manual for Construction Materials and Testing was authored by
Engr. Nicasio V. Antonio II, Engr. Oliver S. Dimailig, and Engr. Anacieto N. Mercado.