ASTM C128-97

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

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), and the absorption of the fine aggregate. Depending on the procedure used, the density, in 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 quality, 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 29M, which includes the volume of voids between the particles of aggregates.
1.3 This test method is not intended to be used for lightweight 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Aug-2001
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.20 - Aggregates

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM C128-01 - Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM C637-20 - Standard Specification for Aggregates for Radiation-Shielding Concrete
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM C404-18 - Standard Specification for Aggregates for Masonry Grout
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM D6995-21 - Standard Test Method for Determining Field VMA Based on the Maximum Specific Gravity of an Asphalt Mixture (G<inf>mm</inf>)
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM C604-18(2023) - Standard Test Method for True Specific Gravity of Refractory Materials by Gas-Comparison Pycnometer
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM D6932/D6932M-21 - Standard Guide for Materials and Construction of Open-Graded Friction Course Plant Asphalt Mixtures
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM C1800/C1800M-16 - Standard Test Method for Determining Density of Roller-Compacted Concrete Specimens Using the Gyratory Compactor
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM C566-19 - Standard Test Method for Total Evaporable Moisture Content of Aggregate by Drying
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM C192/C192M-19 - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM D3910-21 - Standard Practices for Design, Testing, and Construction of Slurry Seal
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM C1810/C1810M-22 - Standard Guide for Comparing Performance of Concrete-Making Materials Using Mortar Mixtures
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM C127-15 - Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM C1761/C1761M-23 - Standard Specification for Lightweight Aggregate for Internal Curing of Concrete
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM E3355-23 - Standard Guide for Characterization of Coal Combustion Products (CCPs) in Storage Area(s) for Beneficial Use
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Referred By: ASTM C87/C87M-23 - Standard Test Method for Effect of Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregate on Strength of Mortar
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: C 128 – 97
Standard Test Method for
1
Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 128; 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.
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1. Scope D 75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
E 12 Terminology Relating to Density and Specific Gravity
1.1 This test method covers the determination of bulk and
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of Solids, Liquids, and Gases
apparent specific gravity, 23/23°C (73.4/73.4°F), and absorp-
E 380 Practice for Use of the International System of Units
tion of fine aggregate.
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(SI) (the Modernized Metric System)
1.2 This test method determines (after 24 h in water) the
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
bulk specific gravity and the apparent specific gravity as
AASHTO No. T 84 Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine
defined in Terminology E 12, the bulk specific gravity on the
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Aggregates
basis of weight of saturated surface-dry aggregate, and the
absorption as defined in Definitions C 125.
3. Significance and Use
NOTE 1—The subcommittee is considering revising Test Methods
3.1 Bulk specific gravity is the characteristic generally used
C 127 and C 128 to use the term “density” instead of “specific gravity” for
for calculation of the volume occupied by the aggregate in
coarse and fine aggregate, respectively.
various mixtures containing aggregate including portland ce-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
ment concrete, bituminous concrete, and other mixtures that
standard.
are proportioned or analyzed on an absolute volume basis.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Bulk specific gravity is also used in the computation of voids
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
in aggregate in Test Method C 29 and the determination of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
moisture in aggregate by displacement in water in Test Method
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
C 70. Bulk specific gravity determined on the saturated
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
surface-dry basis is used if the aggregate is wet, that is, if its
absorption has been satisfied. Conversely, the bulk specific
2. Referenced Documents
gravity determined on the oven-dry basis is used for compu-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tations when the aggregate is dry or assumed to be dry.
C 29/C 29M Test Method for Unit Weight and Voids in
3.2 Apparent specific gravity pertains to the relative density
2
Aggregate
of the solid material making up the constituent particles not
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C 70 Test Method for Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate
including the pore space within the particles that is accessible
C 125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete
to water. This value is not widely used in construction
2
Aggregates
aggregate technology.
C 127 Test Method for Specific Gravity and Absorption of
3.3 Absorption values are used to calculate the change in the
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Coarse Aggregate
weight of an aggregate due to water absorbed in the pore
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C 188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement
spaces within the constituent particles, compared to the dry
C 566 Test Method for Total Moisture Content of Aggregate
condition, when it is deemed that the aggregate has been in
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by Drying
contact with water long enough to satisfy most of the absorp-
C 670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
tion potential. The laboratory standard for absorption is that
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for Test Methods for Construction Materials
obtained after submerging dry aggregate for approximately 24
C 702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to
h in water. Aggregates mined from below the water table may
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Testing Size
have a higher absorption when used, if not allowed to dry.
Conversely, some aggregates when used may contain an
amount of absorbed moisture less than the 24 h-soaked
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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
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Normal Weight Aggregates. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.03.
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Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1997. Published October 1998. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.05.
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published as C 128 – 36. Last previous edition C 128 – 93. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02. Excerpts in all volumes.
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.01. Officials, 444 North Capitol St. N.W., Suite 225
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