Laboratory Exercise No

Laboratory Exercise No. 1.B.
Determination of Surface Moisture of Coarse Aggregate
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDJQfgECDYQ
ASTM C70-73 Surface Moisture Determination of Coarse Aggregates: Full credits
are given to Katrina Robles, the owner of the video.
Objectives: This method of test covers a procedure for determining, in the field, the
amount of surface moisture in fine aggregate by displacement in water. The accuracy of
the method depends upon accurate information on the bulk specific gravity of material in
a saturated surface-dried condition. The same procedure, with container, may be applied
to coarse aggregate.
Standard No. ASTM C 70-73
Theory:
Once the method of test has been completed, and the sample is found to be sufficiently
dry, it will provide the basis of data to calculate the moisture that is held in the aggregate.
Additionally, this process, the determination of surface moisture of coarse aggregate, can
support whether the aggregate can be used for construction or for other purposes.
Materials and Setup:

1. Sample of Aggregates
2. Balance
3. Flask
Methodology:
1. The surface water content may be determined either by weight or volume. In each
case, the test shall be made at a temperature range of 18 to 29 degrees Celsius (65
to 85 F).
2. Determination by weight—Fill the container to the mark with water and determine
the weight in grams. Empty the container and place enough water in it to cover the
sample. Introduce the weighted sample of coarse aggregates into the container and
remove the air entrained. Fill the container to the original mark, and determine the
weight in grams. Calculate the amount of water displaced by the sample, as
follows:
WD = WC + WS – W
Where:
WD = weight displaced by the sample, g
WC = weight of container filled to the mark with water, g
WS = weight of sample, g
W = weight of container and sample, filled to mark with water, g
3. Determination by Volume—Measure a volume of water, millimeters, sufficient to
cover the sample and place in the container. Introduce the weighed sample of
coarse aggregate into the container and remove the air entrained. Determine the
combined volume of the sample and the water by direct reading when a graduated
flask is used. When a pycnometer or volumetric flask of known volume is used,
determine the combined volume of the sample and the water by filling to the mark
with a measured volume of water. Calculate the amount of water displaced by the
sample as follows:
VS = V 2 – V 1
Where:
VS = volume of water displaced by the sample, mL
V2 = combined volume of sample and water, mL
V1 = volume of water required to cover the sample, mL
Calculation:
1. Calculate the percentage of surface moisture in terms of the saturated surface-dry
aggregate as follows:
P = [(VS – VD)] / [(WS – VS)] x 100
Where:
P = surface moisture in terms of saturated surface dry fine aggregate
percent
VD = mass of sample (WS) divided by the bulk specific gravity of the fine
aggregate in a saturated surface dry condition.
VS = mass of water displaced, g
WS = mass of sample, g
2. Calculate the percentage of surface moisture in terms of dry aggregate if the
absorption of the aggregate is known as follow:
PD = P{1 + (PA/100)}
Where:
PD = surface moisture in terms of dry fine aggregate, in percent
PA = absorption of fine aggregate, in percent
The total moisture content, on dry aggregate basis, is the sum of the surface, P D and the
absorption, PA.
Discussion:
In this method of testing, it can be observed that a sample of coarse aggregates
has varying physical features. The aggregates, though similarly coarse, differ in sizes and
shapes. In addition, a portion has been taken to manifest the sample of coarse aggregates
to provide efficient results for the testing. Before proceeding, the container must be
weighed. Unweighted container can hinder the precision of the measurement of results.
The container is then marked up to the point where the water will be poured, after
pouring in the water, the container is again weighed. Afterwards, remove the water from
the container and replace it with the portion of the sample coarse aggregates inside, this is
weighed as well. Make sure to dry the container and leave no water inside before placing
the aggregates, this is done to measure accurate weight of the aggregates. After weighing,
the container is filled with water that is sufficiently enough to cover the aggregates; it is
then mixed to remove the entrained air. Mixing the sample played a vital role in the
process. It is necessary to cover all of the aggregates, particularly its surface, with water.
When there are no more bubbles rising to the surface, continue to add water until it
reaches the mark in the container. Finally, determine the weight of the container with the
water and sample aggregates inside.
Upon the completion of the measurement, we can calculate the weight displaced
by the sample by combining the weight of container filled to the mark with water and
weight of sample then subtract the weight of container and sample, filled to mark with
water. Coextensively, specific gravity of the aggregate in a saturated surface-dry
condition shall have been previously determined. Percentage of surface moisture (P) shall
100(GW sa−GW sw−W sa )
then be determined by P= . In case P is a negative quantity, the n
GW sw
the amount of moisture in the aggregate is not sufficient to saturate it, and it therefore
does not contain surface moisture.
Conclusion:
After the deliberate completion of the method of testing, observations have been
concluded. It is a convenient procedure for field or plant determination of moisture
content of fine aggregate that can be also used in coarse aggregates, if specific gravity
values are known and if drying facilities are not available. As supported by Active
Standard ASTM C70, this method of test can also be used to adjust the aggregates mass
for moisture content and to determine surface moisture contribution in various
construction processes like mixing of cement concrete.
Additionally, the accuracy of the test method depends upon accurate information
on the bulk specific gravity of the material in a saturated surface-dry condition. Careful
execution of steps is vital in avoiding unreliable results. Measurement of the container
and drying the container before placing the aggregates inside are both significant steps
that can ensure accuracy of results. Failure to address accurate investigations can hinder
the effectiveness of the aggregates uses, particularly in its contribution in mixing
concrete.
Appendices:
References:
ASTM International, (2013). Standard Test Method for Surface Moisture in Fine
Aggregate. Retrieved March 10, 2021 from
https://www.madcad.com/store/subscription/ASTM-C70-13/
METHOD OF TEST FOR SURFACE MOISTURE IN AGGREGATE BY WATER
DISPLACEMENT (1969). Retrieved March 10, 2021 from
https://www.wbdg.org/FFC/ARMYCOE/STANDARDS/crd_c112.pdf

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Laboratory Exercise No. 1.B.

Determination of Surface Moisture of Coarse Aggregate

Materials and Setup:

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