ASTM C128-15

Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Relative density (specific gravity) is the ratio of mass of an aggregate to the mass of a volume of water equal to the volume of the aggregate particles – also referred to as the absolute volume of the aggregate. It is also expressed as the ratio of the density of the aggregate particles to the density of water. Distinction is made between the density of aggregate particles and the bulk density of aggregates as determined by Test Method C29/C29M, which includes the volume of voids between the particles of aggregates.  
5.2 Relative density is used to calculate the volume occupied by the aggregate in various mixtures containing aggregate including hydraulic cement concrete, bituminous concrete, and other mixtures that are proportioned or analyzed on an absolute volume basis. Relative density (specific gravity) is also used in the computation of voids in aggregate in Test Method C29/C29M and in Test Method C1252. Relative density (specific gravity) (SSD) is used in the determination of surface moisture on fine aggregate by displacement of water in Test Method C70. Relative density (specific gravity) (SSD) is used if the aggregate is in a saturated surface-dry condition, that is, if its absorption has been satisfied. Alternatively, the relative density (specific gravity) (OD) is used for computations when the aggregate is dry or assumed to be dry.  
5.3 Apparent relative density (specific gravity) pertain to the solid material making up the constituent particles not including the pore space within the particles that is accessible to water. This value is not widely used in construction aggregate technology.  
5.4 Absorption values are used to calculate the change in the mass of an aggregate material due to water absorbed in the pore spaces within the constituent particles, compared to the dry condition, if it is deemed that the aggregate has been in contact with water long enough to satisfy most of the absorption potential. The laboratory standard for absorption ...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of relative density (specific gravity) and the absorption of fine aggregates. The relative density (specific gravity), a dimensionless quality, is expressed as oven-dry (OD), saturated-surface-dry (SSD), or as apparent relative density (specific gravity). The OD relative density is determined after drying the aggregate. The SSD relative density and absorption are determined after soaking the aggregate in water for a prescribed duration.  
1.2 This test method is not intended to be used for lightweight aggregates that comply with Specification C332 Group I aggregates.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 The text of this test method references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this test method.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2014
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.20 - Aggregates

Standards Content (Sample)

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Designation:C128 −15
Standard Test Method for
Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine
1
Aggregate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C128; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
1.1 This test method covers the determination of relative
gregates
density (specific gravity) and the absorption of fine aggregates.
C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
The relative density (specific gravity), a dimensionless quality,
and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
is expressed as oven-dry (OD), saturated-surface-dry (SSD), or
C330 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Struc-
as apparent relative density (specific gravity). The OD relative
tural Concrete
density is determined after drying the aggregate. The SSD
C332 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulat-
relativedensityandabsorptionaredeterminedaftersoakingthe
ing Concrete
aggregate in water for a prescribed duration.
C188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement
1.2 This test method is not intended to be used for light-
C566 Test Method forTotal Evaporable Moisture Content of
weight aggregates that comply with Specification C332 Group
Aggregate by Drying
I aggregates.
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this C702 PracticeforReducingSamplesofAggregatetoTesting
Size
standard.
C1252 Test Methods for Uncompacted Void Content of Fine
1.4 The text of this test method references notes and
Aggregate (as Influenced by Particle Shape, Surface
footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and
3
Texture, and Grading) (Withdrawn 2015)
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
considered as requirements of this test method.
D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Water Pycnometer
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
AASHTO T 84 Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4
Aggregates
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3. Terminology
2. Referenced Documents
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
standard, refer to Terminology C125.
C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
and Voids in Aggregate 4. Summary of Test Method
C70 Test Method for Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate
4.1 Asample of aggregate is immersed in water for 24 6 4
C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200)
htoessentiallyfill thepores. It isthenremovedfromthewater,
the water is dried from the surface of the particles, and the
mass determined. Subsequently, the sample (or a portion of it)
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
isplacedinagraduatedcontainerandthevolumeofthesample
Concrete and Concrete Aggregatesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
isdeterminedbythegravimetricorvolumetricmethod.Finally,
C09.20 on Normal Weight Aggregates.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2015. Published March 2015. Originally
approved in 1936. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as C128–12. DOI:
3
10.1520/C0128-15. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or www.astm.org.
4
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
the ASTM website. http://www.transportation.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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C128−15
the sample is oven-dried and the mass determined again. Using by the prescribed 24-h soak, as will the relative density
the mass values thus obtained and formulas in this test method, (specific gravity) (SSD).
it is possible to calculate relative density (specific gravity) and
6. Apparatus
absorption.
6.1 Balance—A balance or scale having a capacity of 1 kg
5. Significance a
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C128 − 12 C128 − 15
Standard Test Method for
Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity),Gravity) and
1
Absorption of Fine Aggregate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C128; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the average density of a quantity of fine aggregate particles (not including the
volume of voids between the particles), the relative density (specific gravity),gravity) and the absorption of the fine aggregate.
3 3
Depending on the procedure used, the density, in kg/mfine aggregates. The (lb/ft ) is expressed as oven-dry (OD),
saturated-surface-dry (SSD), or as apparent density. Likewise, relative density (specific gravity), a dimensionless quality, is
expressed as OD, SSD, oven-dry (OD), saturated-surface-dry (SSD), or as apparent relative density (apparent specific (specific
gravity). The OD density and OD relative density areis determined after drying the aggregate. The SSD density, SSD relative
density,density and absorption are determined after soaking the aggregate in water for a prescribed duration.
1.2 This test method is used to determine the density of the essentially solid portion of a large number of aggregate particles
and provides an average value representing the sample. Distinction is made between the density of aggregate particles as
determined by this test method, and the bulk density of aggregates as determined by Test Method C29/C29M, which includes the
volume of voids between the particles of aggregates.
1.2 This test method is not intended to be used for lightweight aggregates that comply with Specification C332 Group I
aggregates.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard for conducting the tests. The test results for density shall
be reported in either SI units or inch-pound units, as appropriate for the use to be made of the results.standard. No other units of
measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 The text of this test method references notes and footnotes whichthat provide explanatory material. These notes and
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this test method.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
C70 Test Method for Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate
C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
C330 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete
C332 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulating Concrete
C188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement
C566 Test Method for Total Evaporable Moisture Content of Aggregate by Drying
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregatesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.20 on
Normal Weight Aggregates.
Current edition approved April 1, 2012Jan. 1, 2015. Published May 2012March 2015. Originally approved in 1936. Last previous edition approved in 20072012 as
C128–07a.–12. DOI: 10.1520/C0128-12.10.1520/C0128-15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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C128 − 15
C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
C1252 Test Methods for Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregate (as Influenced by Particle Shape, Surface Texture
...