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

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 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) saturated surface dry (SSD) is used if the aggregate is at SSD, that is, if its absorption has been satisfied. Conversely, the relative density (specific gravity) oven dry (OD) is used for computations when the aggregate is dry or assumed to be dry.  
4.2 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.  
4.3 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, when it is deemed that the aggregate has been in contact with water long enough to satisfy the absorption potential. The laboratory standard for absorption is that obtained after submerging dry aggregate for a prescribed period of time.
Note 1: There are other test methods that have been used and continue to be used to determine these aggregate properties: Test Methods C127 and C128. This test method may result in values for these properties that are close to or divergent from values from other test methods.
Note 2: The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent upon the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and the maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this ...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of relative density and absorption of fine aggregates by Method A and coarse and blended aggregates by Method B.  
1.2 A multi-laboratory precision and bias statement for coarse and combined aggregate tests in this standard has not been developed at this time. Therefore, this standard should not be used for acceptance or rejection of coarse and combined aggregate materials for purchasing purposes.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined. Some values have only SI units because inch-pound equivalents are not used in practice.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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: 30-Apr-2021
• ICS: 91.100.15 - Mineral materials and products
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.51 - Aggregate Tests

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C670-24a - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4753-24 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C670-24 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C29/C29M-23 - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D75/D75M-19 - Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM C29/C29M-17 - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3666-16 - Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM C29/C29M-16 - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM D4753-15 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM D75/D75M-13 - Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3666-13 - Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM C670-13 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM C127-12 - Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM C128-12 - Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012

Overview

ASTM D7370/D7370M-14(2021) is the industry-recognized standard test method for determining the relative density (specific gravity) and absorption of fine, coarse, and blended aggregate using a combined vacuum saturation and rapid submersion approach. Developed and maintained by ASTM International, this test method provides a reliable and efficient procedure for assessing aggregate properties critical to the design and quality of construction mixtures, including portland cement concrete, bituminous concrete, and other aggregate-based materials.

The method enables the calculation of both the relative density and absorption values, which are fundamental for mixture proportioning, volume calculations, void content, and quality control in various civil engineering applications. The approach ensures immediate and consistent saturation of aggregates, providing more rapid results compared to conventional methods.

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Key Topics

• Relative Density (Specific Gravity):

  • Used to calculate the volume occupied by aggregate in mix designs.
  • Essential for computations involving both saturated surface dry (SSD) and oven dry (OD) aggregate.

• Absorption:

  • Refers to the change in aggregate mass due to absorbed water after sufficient contact.
  • Useful for determining how aggregates affect the water content and strength of the final mix.

• Vacuum Saturation & Rapid Submersion:

  • Enhanced methods minimize test duration to less than 30 minutes, increasing laboratory efficiency.
  • Aims to maximize the speed of aggregate saturation and data acquisition.

• Apparent Density:

  • Pertains to the density of the aggregate material itself, excluding accessible pores.

• Precision & Safety:

  • This standard emphasizes the importance of equipment calibration and operator competence.
  • Adherence to safety, health, and environmental practices is required for safe implementation.

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Applications

• Concrete and Asphalt Mixture Design:

  • Ensures precise calculation of aggregate volume, an essential parameter for proportioning mixes in portland cement concrete and bituminous concrete.
  • Used for calculating air void content and optimizing material performance.

• Quality Control in Construction:

  • Rapid determination of density and absorption enhances routine testing in construction labs.
  • Supports compliance with project specifications and industry standards.

• Material Specification and Analysis:

  • Used in evaluating materials for suitability in various construction applications.
  • Results inform purchasing decisions and aggregate certifications.

• Research and Development:

  • Facilitates study of various aggregate sources and mix optimizations.
  • Assists in developing high-performance mixes tailored to project requirements.

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Related Standards

For comprehensive aggregate testing and quality assurance, ASTM D7370/D7370M-14(2021) is often used alongside:

• ASTM C29/C29M: Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
• ASTM C127: Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
• ASTM C128: Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• ASTM C136/C136M: Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
• ASTM D75/D75M: Practice for Sampling Aggregates
• ASTM D3666: Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials

These referenced documents provide a complete framework for aggregate sampling, testing, and compliance in construction material laboratories.

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By implementing ASTM D7370/D7370M-14(2021), industry professionals achieve accurate, efficient, and standardized evaluation of aggregate density and absorption, supporting durability and performance in concrete and asphalt structures. This standard is integral for laboratories aiming for effective aggregate quality assessment and overall construction material excellence.

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: D7370/D7370M − 14 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Relative Density and Absorption of Fine,
Coarse, and Blended Aggregate Using Combined Vacuum
Saturation and Rapid Submersion
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7370/D7370M; 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 C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
and Voids in Aggregate
1.1 This test method covers the determination of relative
C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
density and absorption of fine aggregates by Method A and
and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
coarse and blended aggregates by Method B.
C128 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
1.2 A multi-laboratory precision and bias statement for
and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
coarse and combined aggregate tests in this standard has not
C136/C136M Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and
beendevelopedatthistime.Therefore,thisstandardshouldnot
Coarse Aggregates
be used for acceptance or rejection of coarse and combined
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
aggregate materials for purchasing purposes.
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units C702/C702M Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate
to Testing Size
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates
D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agen-
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
used independently of the other, and values from the two cies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
systems shall not be combined. Some values have only SI units
because inch-pound equivalents are not used in practice. ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
Construction Materials Testing
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3. Summary of Test Method
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1 Sufficient aggregate sample is dried to constant mass.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
For each test, two representative dry aggregate samples of the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
same material are selected for testing. One sample is evacuated
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
in a vacuum chamber inside a plastic bag and opened under
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
water for rapid saturation of the aggregate. The dry mass and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
submerged mass of the sample are used for calculation of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
apparent relative density. The second sample of the same
aggregate is tested in a known volume metal pycnometer. The
2. Referenced Documents
known mass of the pycnometer with water, mass of the dry
2.1 ASTM Standards:
aggregate, and mass of the aggregate and pycnometer filled
with water are used for calculation of unsaturated density. The
results from the two samples tested are then used to calculate
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
absorption and relative density (OD).
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.51 on
Aggregate Tests.
3.2 This test can be completed in less than 30 min and can
Current edition approved May 1, 2021. Published May 2021. Originally
be used for rapid determination of aggregate properties in
approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D7370/D7370M – 14.
construction testing laboratories.
DOI: 10.1520/D7370_D7370M-14R21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3.3 This test can be performed on fine, coarse, and blended
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
(combined) aggregates by using appropriate plastic bag and
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. pycnometer sizes.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7370/D7370M − 14 (2021)
4. Significance and Use 5.3 Sample Holder, for water displacement of the sample,
having no sharp edges.
4.1 Relative density (specific gravity) is the characteristic
generally used for calculation of the volume occupied by the 5.4 Vacuum Chamber, with a pump capable of evacuating a
aggregate in various mixtures containing aggregate, including sealed and enclosed chamber to a pressure of 6 mm Hg
portland cement concrete, bituminous concrete, and other [6 Torr], when at sea level. The device shall automatically seal
mixtures that are proportioned or analyzed on an absolute the plastic bag and exhaust air back into the chamber in a
volume basis. Relative density (specific gravity) is also used in controlled manner to ensure proper conformance of the plastic
the computation of voids in aggregate in Test Method C29/ to the specimen. The air exhaust and vacuum operation time
C29M. Relative density (specific gravity) saturated surface dry shall be set at the factory so that the chamber is brought to
(SSD) is used if the aggregate is at SSD, that is, if its atmospheric pressure in 80 to 125 s, after the completion of the
absorption has been satisfied. Conversely, the relative density vacuum operations.
(specificgravity)ovendry(OD)isusedforcomputationswhen
5.5 Vacuum Measurement Gauge, independent of the
the aggregate is dry or assumed to be dry.
vacuum sealing device that could be placed directly inside the
chamber to verify vacuum performance and the chamber door
4.2 Apparentdensityandapparentrelativedensity(apparent
specific gravity) pertain to the solid material making up the sealing condition of the unit. The gauge shall be capable of
reading down to 3 mm Hg [3 Torr] and readable to 61mmHg
constituent particles not including the pore space within the
particles which is accessible to water. [61 Torr].
4.3 Absorptionvaluesareusedtocalculatethechangeinthe 5.6 Plastic Bags, used with the vacuum device shall be one
of the two following sizes. The smaller bags shall have a
mass of an aggregate due to water absorbed in the pore spaces
within the constituent particles, when it is deemed that the minimumopeningof235mm[9.25in.]andmaximumopening
of 260 mm [10.25 in.] and the larger bags shall have a
aggregatehasbeenincontactwithwaterlongenoughtosatisfy
theabsorptionpotential.Thelaboratorystandardforabsorption minimum opening of 375 mm [14.75 in.] and a maximum
opening of 394 mm [15.5 in.]. The bags shall be of plastic
isthatobtainedaftersubmergingdryaggregateforaprescribed
period of time. material, shall be puncture resistant, and shall be impermeable
to water. The bags shall have a minimum thickness of
NOTE1—Thereareothertestmethodsthathavebeenusedandcontinue
0.127 mm [0.005 in.]. The apparent specific gravity for the
to be used to determine these aggregate properties: Test Methods C127
bags shall be provided by the manufacturer.
and C128. This test method may result in values for these properties that
are close to or divergent from values from other test methods.
5.7 Small Metal Pycnometer, with 137 6 0.2 mm [5.375 6
NOTE 2—The quality of the results produced by this standard are
0.01 in.] ID and 89 6 0.40 mm [3.5 6 0.02 in.] height, for
dependent upon the competence of the personnel performing the proce-
testing fine aggregates. The pycnometer shall be machined to
dure and the capability, calibration, and the maintenance of the equipment
be smooth on all surfaces. The inside of the lid shall be
used.Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally
considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling,
machined at a 5° angle to create an inverted conical surface.
inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with
The pycnometer shall be equipped with a graduated tempera-
Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results.
ture strip to allow the user to visually monitor temperature
Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of
during testing.
Specification D3666 or similar acceptable guideline provides a means of
evaluating and controlling some of those factors.
5.8 Large Metal Pycnometer, with 198 6 0.2 mm [7.776 6
0.01 in.] ID and 114 6 0.8 mm [4.5 6 0.03 in.] height, for
5. Apparatus
testing coarse and blended aggregate. The pycnometer shall be
5.1 Balance, a balance that conforms to Guide D4753. The
machined to be smooth on all surfaces. The inside of the lid
balance shall be sensitive, readable, and accurate to 0.1 g. The shall be machined at a 5° angle to create an inverted conical
balance shall be equipped with suitable apparatus for suspend-
surface. The pycnometer shall be equipped with a graduated
ing the sample in water. temperature strip to allow the user to visually monitor tem-
perature during testing.
5.2 Water Bath, with minimum dimensions (length by width
by depth) of 610 by 460 by 460 mm [24 by 18 by 18 in.] or a
5.9 Fine Aggregate Fixture, for holding and securing the lid
large cylindrical container with a minimum diameter of on the small metal pycnometer from lifting during fine aggre-
460 mm and depth of 460 mm [18 by 18 in.], for completely
gate tests. The fixture shall be provided with a level indicator.
submerging the sample in water while suspended, equipped
5.10 Accessories—Bag cutting knife or scissors, spray
with an overflow outlet for maintaining a constant water level
bottle filled with isopropyl alcohol, a bucket large enough to
and means to maintain the water temperature at 25 6 1 °C [77
allow the pycnometer to be fully submerged in water, water
6 2 °F].
containers to dispense water into pycnometer during testing,
NOTE 3—It is preferable to keep the water temperature constant by
syringe with a needle no larger in diameter than 3 mm
using a temperature-controlled heater. Also, to reduce the chance for the
[0.125 in.], small paint brush, and 25 65mm[1 6 0.2 in.]
bagtotouchthesidesofthewatertank,itispreferabletoelevatethewater
tank to a level at which the sample can be placed on the weighing wide metal spatula.
mechanism while the operator is standing up (waist height), and the
5.11 Rubber Sheets, for protecting the plastic bags against
placement of the sample and the bag in the water tank can easily be
inspected. punctures caused by sharp edges on coarse and blended
D7370/D7370M − 14 (2021)
aggregate samples.The apparent specific gravity for the rubber 6.3 Calibration of the Large Pycnometer:
sheets shall be provided by the manufacturer. 6.3.1 Prior to testing, condition the pycnometer at 25 6
1 °C [77 6 2 °F] by placing it inside a bucket of water that is
5.12 Thermometric Device, for monitoring the temperature
maintained at 25 6 1 °C [77 6 2 °F].
to within 61°C[62 °F].
6.3.2 Remove the pycnometer from the water bucket and
dry it with a towel. Set the pycnometer on a level surface.
6. Verification
6.3.3 Fill the pycnometer with 25 6 1 °C [77 6 2 °F] water
6.1 System Verification:
to approximately 10 mm [0.375 in.] from the top. Using the
6.1.1 The vacuum settings of the vacuum chamber shall be
alcohol spray bottle, spray the surface of the water to remove
verified once every twelve months and after major repairs and
any air bubbles.
after each shipment or relocation.
6.3.4 Gently place the lid on the pycnometer. Using a
6.1.2 Placethegaugeinsidethevacuumchamberandrecord
syringe filled with 25 6 1 °C [77 6 2 °F] water, slowly fill the
the setting while the vacuum unit is operating. The gauge
pycnometer through the large fill hole on the lid post. Make
shouldindicateapressureof6mmHg[6Torr]orless.Theunit
surethesyringetipisfarenoughinthepycnometertobebelow
shall not be used if the gauge reading is above 6 mm Hg
the water level. Gentle application in this step prevents
[6 Torr].
formation of air bubbles inside the pycnometer. Fill the
6.1.3 Vacuum gauge used for verification shall be standard-
pycnometer until water comes out the 3 mm [0.125 in.] hole on
ized for accuracy on annual basis.
the surface of the lid.
NOTE 4—In-line vacuum gauges, while capable of indicating vacuum
6.3.5 Wipe any remaining water from the top of the lid and
performance of the pump, are not suitable for use in enclosed vacuum
sides with a towel. Place the pycnometer on the scale and
chambers and cannot accurately measure vacuum levels.
NOTE5—TheworksheetinAppendixX1isprovidedasanoptionaltool
record the mass to the nearest 0.1 g.
to the user for recording of masses obtained during this test method. Users
6.3.6 Clean the pycnometer and repeat steps 6.3.2 – 6.3.5
may develop their own worksheet or a computer program for this purpose.
two more times and average the calibration masses obtained in
6.2 Calibration of the Small Pycnometer:
6.3.5.
6.2.1 Prior to testing, condition the pycnometer at 25 6
6.3.7 If the range for the three calibration masses is larger
1 °C [77 6 2 °F] by placing it inside a bucket of water that is
than 1 g, then the test is not being run correctly. Check to see
maintained at 25 6 1 °C [77 6 2 °F]. Use a level indicator or
if the fixture is level. Make certain the water injection with the
the provided level to level the fixture.
syringe is done below the pycnometer water surface and is
6.2.2 Remove the pycnometer from the water bucket and
applied gently. Check the water temperature. Check the pyc-
dry it with a towel. Place the pycnometer in the fixture and
nometer temperature. Repeat the above procedure until you
push it back until it makes contact with the stops.
have three masses that are within 1 g range.
6.2.3 Fill the pycnometer with 25 6 1 °C [77 6 2 °F] water
6.3.8 Re-calibrate the pycnometer for each day of use.
to approximately 10 mm [0.375 in.] from the top. Using the
alcohol spray bottle, spray the surface of the water to remove
7. Sampling
bubbles.
7.1 Fine Aggregate Samples (Method A):
6.2.4 Gently place the lid on the pycnometer and close the
7.1.1 Sampling shall be done in accordance with Practice
clamps on the fixture.
D75/D75M. For fine aggregate testing, thoroughly mix the
6.2.5 Using a syringe filled with 25 6 1 °C [77 6 2 °F]
sample and reduce it to obtain one 1000 6 5 g [2.0 6 0.01 lb]
water, slowly fill the pycnometer through the large fill hole on
sample for apparent density and two 500 6 3 g [1.1 6 0.01 lb]
the lid post. Make sure the syringe tip is far enough in the
samples for determination of apparent bulk density. For aggre-
pycnometer to be below the water level. Gentle application in
gate reduction, use the appropriate procedures described in
this step prevents formation of air bubbles inside the pycnom-
Practice C702/C702M.
eter. Fill the pycnometer until water comes out the 3 mm
7.2 Coarse Aggregate Samples (Method B):
[0.125 in.] hole on the surface of the lid.
7.2.1 Sample the aggregate in accordance with Practice
6.2.6 Wipe any remaining water from the top of the lid with
D75/D75M.
a towel.
7.2.2 Dry the fine, coarse, and combined aggregate to
6.2.7 Place the entire fixture with the pycnometer on the
constant mass at 110 6 5 °C [230 6 9 °F] and thoroughly mix
scale and record the mass to the nearest 0.1 g.
the sample of aggregate and reduce it to one 2000 6 10 g [4.4
6.2.8 Clean the pycnometer and repeat steps 6.2.1 – 6.2.7
6 0.02 lb] sample for determination of apparent density and
two more times and average the calibration masses obtained in
two 1000 6 10 g [2.0 6 0.02 lb] samples for determination of
6.2.7.
apparent bulk density. For reduction of the aggregate samples,
6.2.9 If the range for the three calibration masses is larger
use the appropriate procedures in Practice C702/C702M.
than 0.5 g, then the test is not being run correctly. Check to see
7.2.3 If the sample is tested in two or more size fractions,
if the fixture is level. Make certain the water injection with the
determine the grading of the sample in accordance with Test
syringe is done below the pycnometer water surface and is
Method C136/C136M, including the sieves used for separating
applied gently. Check the water temperature. Check the pyc-
the size fractions for the determinations in this method.
nometer temperature. Repeat the above procedure until you
have three masses that are within 0.5 g range.
NOTE 6—When testing coarse aggregate of large nominal maximum
6.2.10 Re-calibrate the pycnometer for each day of use. sizerequiringlargetestsamples,itmaybemoreconvenienttoperformthe
D7370/D7370M − 14 (2021)
testontwoormoresubsamples,andthevaluesobtainedcombinedforthe
8.1.3.17 Record the mass of the Sample B to the nearest
computations.
0.1 g (Column B of Appendix X1).
8.1.3.18 Average the mass for Sample A and Sample B.
8. Procedures
8.1.4 Determine Apparent Density:
8.1 Method A, Fine Aggregate Test:
8.1.4.1 Set the pressure level on the vacuum device accord-
8.1.1 Make certain water temperature used for this test
ing to manufacturer’s recommendation.
remains at 25 6 1 °C [77 6 2 °F].
8.1.4.2 Use a small plastic bag and inspect the bag to make
8.1.2 Prior to testing, condition the pycnometer at 25 6
suretherearenoholes,stresspoints,orsidesealdiscontinuities
1 °C [77 6 2 °F] by placing it inside a bucket of water that is
in the bag. If any of the above conditions is noticed, use
maintained at 25 6 1 °C [77 6 2 °F].
another bag.
8.1.3 Determine Apparent Bulk Density:
8.1.4.3 Weigh the bag and record in Column C of the
8.1.3.1 Make certain the samples are dried to constant mass.
worksheet.
8.1.3.2 For a single test select and separate two 500 63g
NOTE 7—Handle the bag with care to avoid creating weak points and
samples (Samples A and B) for the test in the pycnometer and
punctures.
one 1000 6 5 g sample for vacuum saturation test.
8.1.4.4 Weigh 1000 6 5 g [2.2 6 0.01 lb] of oven-dry
8.1.3.3 Allow the sample to cool to room temperature.
aggregate and record the mass to the nearest 0.1 g in Column
8.1.3.4 Place the empty pycnometer in the fixture and push
E.
it back until it makes contact with the stops.
8.1.4.5 Place the sample in the bag. Support the bottom of
8.1.3.5 Weigh a
...