ASTM C29/C29M-97

Standard Test Method for Bulk Density ("Unit Weight") and Voids in Aggregate

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of bulk density ("unit weight") of aggregate in a compacted or loose condition and calculated voids in fine, coarse, or mixed aggregates based on the same determination. This test method is applicable to aggregates not exceeding 6 in. (150 mm) in nominal maximum size.  
Note 1-Unit weight is the traditional terminology used to describe the property determined by this test method, which is weight per unit volume (more correctly, mass per unit volume or density).  
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound units or acceptable metric units are to be regarded separately as standard, as appropriate for a specification with which this test method is used. An exception is with regard to sieve sizes and nominal size of aggregate, in which the metric values are the standard as stated in Specification E11. Within the text, metric units are shown in parentheses. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used independently of the other, without combining values in any way.  
1.3 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: 09-Jul-1997
• ICS: 19.060 - Mechanical testing
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.20 - Aggregates

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM C29/C29M-97(2003) - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density ("Unit Weight") and Voids in Aggregate
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM C128-22 - Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM D6155-19 - Standard Specification for Nontraditional Coarse Aggregates for Asphalt Paving Mixtures
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM C331/C331M-23 - Standard Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete Masonry Units
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM D1369-19 - Standard Practice for Quantities of Materials for Asphalt-Aggregate Surface Treatments
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM C476-23 - Standard Specification for Grout for Masonry
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM D6023-16 - Standard Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield, Cement Content, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Controlled Low-Strength Material (CLSM)
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM D692/D692M-20 - Standard Specification for Coarse Aggregate for Asphalt Paving Mixtures
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM E701-80(2018) - Standard Test Methods for Municipal Ferrous Scrap
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM C566-19 - Standard Test Method for Total Evaporable Moisture Content of Aggregate by Drying
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM C332-23 - Standard Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulating Concrete
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM C173/C173M-16 - Standard Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM C1252-23 - Standard Test Methods for Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregate (as Influenced by Particle Shape, Surface Texture, and Grading)
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM D8378/D8378M-21 - Standard Test Method for Potential Expansion of Steel Slag from Hydration Reactions by Autoclave
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997
• Referred By: ASTM C1170/C1170M-20 - Standard Test Method for Determining Consistency and Density of Roller-Compacted Concrete Using a Vibrating Table
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-1997

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
American Association of State
Designation: C 29/C 29M – 97
Highway and Transportation Officials Standard
AASHTO No.: T19/T19M
Standard Test Method for
Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 29/C 29M; 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 (e) 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 for Test Methods for Construction Materials
C 702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to
1.1 This test method covers the determination of bulk
Testing Size
density (“unit weight”) of aggregate in a compacted or loose
D 75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
condition, and calculated voids between particles in fine,
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
coarse, or mixed aggregates based on the same determination.
E 11 Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing
This test method is applicable to aggregates not exceeding 5 in.
Purposes
[125 mm] in nominal maximum size.
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
NOTE 1—Unit weight is the traditional terminology used to describe the
T19/T19M Method of Test for Unit Weight and Voids in
property determined by this test method, which is weight per unit volume
Aggregate
(more correctly, mass per unit volume or density).
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
are to be regarded separately as standard, as appropriate for a
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
specification with which this test method is used. An exception
nology C 125 unless otherwise indicated.
is with regard to sieve sizes and nominal size of aggregate, in
3.1.1 bulk density, n—of aggregate, the mass of a unit
which the SI values are the standard as stated in Specification
volume of bulk aggregate material, in which the volume
E 11. Within the text, SI units are shown in brackets. The
includes the volume of the individual particles and the volume
3 3
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
of the voids between the particles. Expressed in lb/ft [kg/m ].
therefore each system must be used independently of the other,
3.1.2 unit weight, n—weight (mass) per unit volume. (Dep-
without combining values in any way.
recated term–used preferred term bulk density.)
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Weight is equal to the mass of the body
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity. Weight may be
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
expressed in absolute units (newtons, poundals) or in gravita-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
tional units (kgf, lbf), for example: on the surface of the earth,
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
a body with a mass of 1 kg has a weight of 1 kgf (approxi-
mately 9.81 N), or a body with a mass of 1 lb has a weight of
2. Referenced Documents
1 lbf (approximately 4.45 N or 32.2 poundals). Since weight is
2.1 ASTM Standards:
equal to mass times the acceleration due to gravity, the weight
C 125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete
of a body will vary with the location where the weight is
Aggregates
determined, while the mass of the body remains constant. On
C 127 Test Method for Specific Gravity and Absorption of
the surface of the earth, the force of gravity imparts to a body
Coarse Aggregate
that is free to fall an acceleration of approximately 9.81 m/s
C 128 Test Method for Specific Gravity and Absorption of
(32.2 ft/s ). D 123.
Fine Aggregate
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
C 138 Test Method for Unit Weight, Yield, and Air Content
3.2.1 voids, n—in unit volume of aggregate, the space
(Gravimetric) of Concrete
between particles in an aggregate mass not occupied by solid
C 670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
mineral matter.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-9 on Concrete
and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.20 on Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.03.
Normal Weight Aggregates. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01.
Current edition approved July 10, 1997. Published September 1997. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
published as C 29 – 20 T. Last previous edition C 29/C 29M – 91a. Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. Officials, 444 N. Capitol St. NW, Suite 225, Washington, DC 20001.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
C 29/C 29M – 97
TABLE 2 Requirements for Measures
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Voids within particles, either perme-
able or impermeable, are not included in voids as determined Thickness of Metal, min
by this test method. 1
Upper 1 ⁄2 in.
Capacity of Measure
Bottom or 38 mm Remainder of wall
A
of wall
4. Significance and Use
Less than 0.4 ft 0.20 in. 0.10 in. 0.10 in.
4.1 This test method is often used to determine bulk density 3 3
0.4 ft to 1.5 ft , incl 0.20 in. 0.20 in. 0.12 in.
values that are necessary for use for many methods of selecting
over 1.5 to 2.8 ft , incl 0.40 in. 0.25 in. 0.15 in.
over 2.8 to 4.0 ft , incl 0.50 in. 0.30 in. 0.20 in.
proportions for concrete mixtures.
Less than 11 L 5.0 mm 2.5 mm 2.5 mm
4.2 The bulk density also may be used for determining
11 to 42 L, incl 5.0 mm 5.0 mm 3.0 mm
mass/volume relationships for conversions in purchase agree- over 42 to 80 L, incl 10.0 mm 6.4 mm 3.8 mm
over 80 to 133 L, incl 13.0 mm 7.6 mm 5.0 mm
ments. However, the relationship between degree of compac-
A
The added thickness in the upper portion of the wall may be obtained by
tion of aggregates in a hauling unit or stockpile and that
placing a reinforcing band around the top of the measure.
achieved in this test method is unknown. Further, aggregates in
hauling units and stockpiles usually contain absorbed and
surface moisture (the latter affecting bulking), while this test
are satisfactorily parallel if the slope between pieces of plate glass in
method determines the bulk density on a dry basis.
contact with the top and bottom does not exceed 0.87 % in any direction.
4.3 A procedure is included for computing the percentage of
5.3.1 If the measure also is to be used for testing for bulk
voids between the aggregate particles based on the bulk density
density of freshly-mixed concrete according to Test Method
determined by this test method.
C 138, the measure shall be made of steel or other suitable
metal not readily subject to attack by cement paste. Reactive
5. Apparatus
materials, such as aluminum alloys are permitted, where as a
5.1 Balance—A balance or scale accurate within 0.1 % of
consequence of an initial reaction, a surface film is formed
the test load at any point within the range of use, graduated to
which protects the metal against further corrosion.
at least 0.1 lb [0.05 kg]. The range of use shall be considered
5.3.2 Measures larger than nominal 1 ft (28 L) capacity
to extend from the mass of the measure empty to the mass of
shall be made of steel for rigidity, or the minimum thicknesses
3 3
the measure plus its contents at 120 lb/ft [1920 kg/m ].
of metal listed in Table 2 shall be suitably increased.
5.2 Tamping Rod—A round, straight steel rod, ⁄8 in. [16
5.4 Shovel or Scoop—A shovel or scoop of convenient size
mm] in diameter and approximately 24 in. [600 mm] in length,
for filling the measure with aggregate.
having the tamping end or both ends rounded to a hemispheri-
5.5 Calibration Equipment—A piece of plate glass, prefer-
cal tip, the diameter of which is ⁄8 in. (16 mm).
ably at least ⁄4 in. [6 mm] thick and at least 1 in. [25 mm]
5.3 Measure—A cylindrical metal measure, preferably pro-
larger than the diameter of the measure to be calibrated. A
vided with handles. It shall be watertight, with the top and
supply of water-pump or chassis grease that can be placed on
bottom true and even, and sufficiently rigid to retain its form
the rim of the container to prevent leakage.
under rough usage. The measure shall have a height approxi-
6. Sampling
mately equal to the diameter, but in no case shall the height be
less than 80 % nor more than 150 % of the diameter. The
6.1 Obtain the sample in accordance with Practice D 75, and
capacity of the measure shall conform to the limits in Table 1
reduce to test sample size in accordance with Practice C 702.
for the aggregate size to be tested. The thickness of metal in the
measure shall be as described in Table 2. The top rim shall be 7. Test Sample
smooth and plane within 0.01 in. [0.25 mm] and shall be
7.1 The size of the sample shall be approximately 125 to
parallel to the bottom within 0.5° (Note 2). The interior wall of
200 % of the quantity required to fill the measure, and shall be
the measure shall be a smooth and continuous surface.
handled in a manner to avoid segregation. Dry the aggregate
sample to essentially constant mass, preferably in an oven at
NOTE 2—The top rim is satisfactorily plane if a 0.01-in. [0.25-mm]
feeler gage cannot be inserted between the rim and a piece of ⁄4-in. 230 6 9°F [110 6 5°C].
[6-mm] or thicker plate glass laid over the measure. The top and bottom
8. Calibration of Measure
8.1 Fill the measure with water at room temperature and
TABLE 1 Capacity of Measures
cover with a piece of plate glass in such a way as to eliminate
Nominal Maximum
A
bubbles and excess water.
Capacity of Measure
Size of Aggregate
8.2 Determine the mass of the water in the measure using
3 3
in. mm ft L(m )
the balance described in 5.1.
1 1
⁄2 12.5 ⁄10 2.8 (0.0028)
8.3 Measure the temperature of the water and determine its
1 25.0 ⁄3 9.3 (0.0093)
density from Table 3, interpolating if necessary.
1 1
1 ⁄2 37.5 ⁄2 14 (0.014)
3 75 1 28 (0.028)
8.4 Calculate the volume, V, of the measure by dividing the
4 100 2 ⁄2 70 (0.070)
mass of the water required to fill the measure by its density.
5 125 3 ⁄2 100 (0.100
...