ASTM C127-12

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

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Relative density (specific gravity) is the characteristic generally used for calculation of the volume occupied by the aggregate in various mixtures containing aggregate, including portland 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. Relative density (specific gravity) (SSD) is used if the aggregate is wet, that is, if its absorption has been satisfied. Conversely, the relative density (specific gravity) (OD) is used for computations when the aggregate is dry or assumed to be dry.
Apparent density and apparent relative density (apparent specific gravity) pertain to the solid material making up the constituent particles not including the pore space within the particles which is accessible to water.
Absorption values are used to calculate the change in the mass of an aggregate due to water absorbed in the pore spaces within the constituent particles, compared to the dry condition, when 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 is that obtained after submerging dry aggregate for a prescribed period of time. Aggregates mined from below the water table commonly have a moisture content greater than the absorption determined by this test method, if used without opportunity to dry prior to use. Conversely, some aggregates which have not been continuously maintained in a moist condition until used are likely to contain an amount of absorbed moisture less than the 24-h soaked condition. For an aggregate that has been in contact with water and that has free moisture on the particle surfaces, the percentage of free moisture is determined by deducting the absorption from the total moisture content determined by Test Method C566.
The general procedures described in this t...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the average density of a quantity of coarse aggregate particles (not including the volume of voids between the particles), the relative density (specific gravity), and the absorption of the coarse aggregate. Depending on the procedure used, the density (kg/m3 (lb/ft3)) is expressed as oven-dry (OD), saturated-surface-dry (SSD), or as apparent density. Likewise, relative density (specific gravity), a dimensionless quantity, is expressed as OD, SSD, or as apparent relative density (apparent specific gravity). The OD density and OD relative density are determined after drying the aggregate. The SSD density, SSD relative 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.
1.3 This test method is not intended to be used with lightweight aggregates that comply with Specification C332 Group I aggregates.
1.4 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.
1.5 The text of this test method references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this test method.
1.6 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 o...

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2012
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.20 - Aggregates

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C127-07 - Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM C404-18 - Standard Specification for Aggregates for Masonry Grout
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D4546-21 - Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Collapse of Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7370/D7370M-14(2021) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Relative Density and Absorption of Fine, Coarse, and Blended Aggregate Using Combined Vacuum Saturation and Rapid Submersion
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM C1800/C1800M-16 - Standard Test Method for Determining Density of Roller-Compacted Concrete Specimens Using the Gyratory Compactor
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D4914/D4914M-16 - Standard Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by the Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D1557-12(2021) - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft³ (2,700 kN-m/m³))
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM C128-22 - Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D5030/D5030M-21 - Standard Test Methods for Density of In-Place Soil and Rock Materials by the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7064/D7064M-21 - Standard Practice for Open-Graded Friction Course (OGFC) Asphalt Mixture Design
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D4460-22a - Standard Practice for Calculating Precision Limits Where Values Are Calculated from Other Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D4469-17 - Standard Practice for Calculating Percent Asphalt Absorption by the Aggregate in Asphalt Mixtures
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7564/D7564M-16 - Standard Practice for Construction of Asphalt-Rubber Cape Seal
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D4253-16e1 - Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Referred By: ASTM C1439-19 - Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Latex and Powder Polymer Modifiers for use in Hydraulic Cement Concrete and Mortar
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:C127 −12
StandardTest Method for
Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption
1
of Coarse Aggregate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C127; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversthedeterminationoftheaverage
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
density of a quantity of coarse aggregate particles (not includ-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
ing the volume of voids between the particles), the relative
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
density (specific gravity), and the absorption of the coarse
aggregate. Depending on the procedure used, the density
2. Referenced Documents
3 3
(kg/m (lb/ft )) is expressed as oven-dry (OD), saturated-
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
surface-dry (SSD), or as apparent density. Likewise, relative
C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
density (specific gravity), a dimensionless quantity, is ex-
and Voids in Aggregate
pressed as OD, SSD, or as apparent relative density (apparent
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
specific gravity). The OD density and OD relative density are
gregates
determined after drying the aggregate. The SSD density, SSD
C128 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific
relative density, and absorption are determined after soaking
Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
the aggregate in water for a prescribed duration.
C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
1.2 This test method is used to determine the density of the
Aggregates
essentially solid portion of a large number of aggregate
C330 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Struc-
particles and provides an average value representing the
tural Concrete
sample. Distinction is made between the density of aggregate
C332 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulat-
particles as determined by this test method, and the bulk
ing Concrete
density of aggregates as determined by Test Method C29/
C566 Test Method forTotal Evaporable Moisture Content of
C29M, which includes the volume of voids between the
Aggregate by Drying
particles of aggregates.
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
1.3 This test method is not intended to be used with
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
lightweight aggregates that comply with Specification C332
C702 PracticeforReducingSamplesofAggregatetoTesting
Group I aggregates.
Size
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
D448 Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and
standard for conducting the tests. The test results for density
Bridge Construction
shall be reported in either SI units or inch-pound units, as
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
appropriate for the use to be made of the results.
Sieves
1.5 The text of this test method references notes and
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and
AASHTO No. T 85 Specific Gravity and Absorption of
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be
3
Coarse Aggregate
considered as requirements of this test method.
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 [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Concrete and Concrete Aggregatesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
C09.20 on Normal Weight Aggregates. the ASTM website.
3
Current edition approved April 1, 2012. Published May 2012. Originally Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
approved in 1936. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as C127–07. DOI: Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
10.1520/C0127-12. http://www.transportation.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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C127−12
3. Terminology 5. Significance and Use
3.1 Definitions: 5.1 Relative density (specific gravity) is the characteristic
3.1.1 absorption, n—the increase in mass of aggregate due generally used for calculation of the volu
...

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:C 127–01 Designation: C127 – 12
Standard Test Method for
Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption
1
of Coarse Aggregate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C127; 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 (ϵ) 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 *
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the average density of a quantity of coarse aggregate particles (not including
the volume of voids between the particles), the relative density (specific gravity), and the absorption of the coarse aggregate.
3 3
Depending on the procedure used, the density (kg/m (lb/ft )) is expressed as oven-dry (OD), saturated-surface-dry (SSD), or as
apparent density. Likewise, relative density (specific gravity), a dimensionless quantity, is expressed as OD, SSD, or as apparent
relative density (apparent specific gravity).The OD density and OD relative density are determined after drying the aggregate.The
SSD density, SSD relative 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 C 29/C 29MC29/C29M, which
includes the volume of voids between the particles of aggregates.
1.3This test method is not intended to be used with lightweight aggregates.
1.3 This test method is not intended to be used with lightweight aggregates that comply with Specification C332 Group I
aggregates.
1.4 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.
1.5 The text of this test method references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this test method.
1.6 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”)(Unit Weight) and Voids in Aggregate
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C128 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
2
C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
Aggregates
C330 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete
C332 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulating Concrete
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
C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
D448 Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.20 on
Normal Weight Aggregates.
Current edition approved Aug. 10, 2001. Published October 2001. Originally published as C 127–36T. Last previous edition C 127–88 (2001).
Current edition approvedApril 1, 2012. Published May 2012. Originally approved in 1936. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as C127–07. DOI: 10.1520/C0127-12.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
, Vol 04.02.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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