ASTM C128-22

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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Dec-2022
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.20 - Aggregates

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C70-20 - Standard Test Method for Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:C128 −22
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* 2. Referenced Documents
2
1.1 This test method covers the determination of relative 2.1 ASTM Standards:
density (specific gravity) and the absorption of fine aggregates. C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
The relative density (specific gravity), a dimensionless quality, and Voids in Aggregate
is expressed as oven-dry (OD), saturated-surface-dry (SSD), or C70 Test Method for Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate
as apparent relative density (specific gravity). The OD relative C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200)
density is determined after drying the aggregate. The SSD Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
relativedensityandabsorptionaredeterminedaftersoakingthe C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
aggregate in water for a prescribed duration. gregates
C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
1.2 This test method is not intended to be used for light-
and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
weight aggregates that comply with Specification C332 Group
C188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement
I aggregates.
C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as Structural Concrete
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this C332 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulat-
standard. ing Concrete
C566 Test Method forTotal Evaporable Moisture Content of
1.4 The text of this test method references notes and
Aggregate by Drying
footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
considered as requirements of this test method.
C702/C702M Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
to Testing Size
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
C1252 Test Methods for Uncompacted Void Content of Fine
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Aggregate (as Influenced by Particle Shape, Surface
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Texture, and Grading)
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
Water Pycnometer
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
AASHTO T 84 Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine
3
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Aggregates
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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 Aggregates. the ASTM website.
3
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2022. Published January 2023. Originally Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
approved in 1936. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C128–15. DOI: Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
10.1520/C0128-22. http://www.transportation.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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C128−22
3. Terminology are likely to contain an amount of absorbed moisture less than
the 24–h soaked condition. For an aggregate that has been in
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
contact with water and that has free moisture on the particle
standard, refer to Terminology C125.
surfaces, the percentage of free moisture is determined by
deducting the absorption from the t
...

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 − 15 C128 − 22
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 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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
C188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement
C330C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete
C332 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulating Concrete
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 Jan. 1, 2015Dec. 15, 2022. Published March 2015January 2023. Originally approved in 1936. Last previous edition approved in 20122015 as
C128–12.–15. DOI: 10.1520/C0128-15.10.1520/C0128-22.
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.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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C128 − 22
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
C702C702/C702M 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, and
Grading)
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water Pycnometer
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
3
AASHTO T 84 Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregates
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology C125.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A sample of aggregate is immersed in water for 2424 h 6 4 h to essentially fill the pores. It is then removed from the water,
the water is dried from the surface of th
...