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Lab Report

This document summarizes the sieve analysis test procedure used to determine the specific gravity of coarse aggregates. The test measures aggregate weight under three conditions: oven-dry, saturated surface dry (SSD), and submerged in water. Specific gravity is calculated as the ratio of aggregate weight to an equal volume of water. The test procedure involves washing, drying, and cooling the aggregate sample, then weighing it in each condition to determine specific gravity and water absorption. Accuracy of measurements, especially the SSD weight, is important as any error would affect the calculated bulk specific gravity.

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Abdullah Simpson
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63 views

Lab Report

This document summarizes the sieve analysis test procedure used to determine the specific gravity of coarse aggregates. The test measures aggregate weight under three conditions: oven-dry, saturated surface dry (SSD), and submerged in water. Specific gravity is calculated as the ratio of aggregate weight to an equal volume of water. The test procedure involves washing, drying, and cooling the aggregate sample, then weighing it in each condition to determine specific gravity and water absorption. Accuracy of measurements, especially the SSD weight, is important as any error would affect the calculated bulk specific gravity.

Uploaded by

Abdullah Simpson
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates

Introduction:
The coarse aggregate specific gravity test is used to calculate the specific gravity of
a coarse aggregate sample by determining the ratio of the weight of a given volume
of aggregate to the weight of an equal volume of water. It is similar in nature to
the fine aggregate specific gravity test,The coarse aggregate specific gravity test measures
coarse aggregate weight under three different sample conditions:

Oven-dry (no water in sample).

Saturated surface-dry (SSD, water fills the aggregate pores).

Submerged in water (underwater).

Scope:
Specific Gravity is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of aggregate to the
weight of an equal volume of water. Water, at a temperature of 73.4F (23C) has a
specific gravity of 1. Specific Gravity is important for several reasons. Some
deleterious particles are lighter than the good aggregates. Tracking specific gravity
can sometimes indicate a change of material or possible contamination. Differences
in specific gravity may be used during production to separate the deleterious
particles from the good using a heavy media liquid.

Apparatus:
Sample container, wire basket of No. 6 (3.35 mm) or less mesh wire cloth, with a
capacity of 1 to 1 3/4 gal. (4 to 7 L) to contain aggregate with a nominal maximum
size of 1 1/2 in. (37.5 mm) or smaller; larger basket for larger aggregates. 5 Water
tank, watertight and large enough to completely immerse aggregate and basket,
equipped with an overflow valve to keep water at a constant level. Suspended
Apparatus, wire used to suspend apparatus with the smallest practical diameter. A
hitest fishing leader or other thin wire with utility hook can be used with a small
hook attached to the handle of the basket or sample container. Sieves, No. 4 (4.75
mm) or other size as needed

Test Procedure:
1.Obtain a sample of coarse aggregate material retained on the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve
2. Prepare the material.

Wash the aggregate retained on the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve. This discards small aggregate
particles clinging to the retained large particles.

Dry the material until it maintains a constant mass. This indicates that all the water has left
the sample. Drying should occur in an oven regulated at 230F (110C).

Cool the aggregate to a comfortable handling temperature.

Immerse the aggregate in water at room temperature for a period of 15 to 19 hours


3. Dry the sample to a saturated suface dry (SSD) condition. Rolling up the aggregate into the towel
and then shaking and rolling the aggregate from side to side
4. Place the entire sample in a basket and weigh it underwater.
5. Remove the aggregate from the water and dry it until it maintains a constant mass.
6. Cool the aggregate in air at room temperature then determine the mass.

Calculations:

A= 462g, B= 500g, C= 298g.


A = mass of oven-dry sample in air (g)
B = mass of SSD sample in air (g)
C = mass of SSD sample in water (g)

1.

2.
3.

sb=

sa=

bulk SSD=

A
( A C )

462
( 500298 )

A
(B C)

B
(BC)

= 2.287

500
( 500298 )

462
( 462298 )

Absorption (%)

= 2.475

= 2.817
( B A)
A

*(100) =

8.23%
Discussion:
Certainly, the accuracy of all measurements is important. However, of specific concern is the mass of
the SSD sample. The determination of SSD conditions can be difficult. If the sample is actually still
wet on the surface then the mass of the SSD sample will be higher than it ought to be, which will
cause a lower calculated bulk specific gravity. Conversely, if the sample is beyond SSD and some of
the pore water has evaporated (which is more likely), the mass of the SSD sample will be lower than
it ought to be, which will cause a higher calculated bulk specific gravity.

References:
1. AASHTO.
2. http://www.pavementinteractive.org/

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