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: C1252 − 23

Standard Test Methods for

Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregate (as
Influenced by Particle Shape, Surface Texture, and
Grading)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1252; 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* priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the loose, mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
uncompacted void content of a sample of fine aggregate. When 1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
measured on any aggregate of a known grading, void content dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
provides an indication of that aggregate’s angularity, ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
sphericity, and surface texture compared with other fine aggre- Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
gates tested in the same grading. When void content is mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
measured on an as-received fine-aggregate grading, it can be an Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
indicator of the effect of the fine aggregate on the workability
of a mixture in which it may be used. 2. Referenced Documents
1.2 Three procedures are included for the measurement of 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
void content. Two use graded fine aggregate (standard grading B88 Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube
or as-received grading), and the other uses several individual B88M Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube (Met-
size fractions for void content determinations: ric)
1.2.1 Standard Graded Sample (Test Method A)—This test C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
method uses a standard fine aggregate grading that is obtained and Voids in Aggregate
by combining individual sieve fractions from a typical fine C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200)
aggregate sieve analysis. See the Section 9 for the grading. Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
1.2.2 Individual Size Fractions (Test Method B)—This test C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
method uses each of three fine aggregate size fractions: (a) gregates
2.36 mm (No. 8) to 1.18 mm (No. 16); (b) 1.18 mm (No. 16) C128 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
to 600 µm (No. 30); and (c) 600 µm (No. 30) to 300 µm (No. and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
50). For this test method, each size is tested separately. C136/C136M Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and
1.2.3 As-Received Grading (Test Method C)—This test Coarse Aggregates
method uses that portion of the fine aggregate finer than a 4.75
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
mm (No. 4) sieve.
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
1.2.4 See the section on Significance and Use for guidance
C702/C702M Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate
on the method to be used.
to Testing Size
1.3 The values stated in SI units shall be regarded as the C778 Specification for Standard Sand
standard. D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3. Terminology
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1 Terms used in these test methods are defined in Termi-
nology C125.
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on
Road and Paving Materials and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
2
D04.51 on Aggregate Tests. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as C1252 – 17. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/C1252-23. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 C1252 − 23
4. Summary of Test Method content suggests that the material could be improved by
4.1 A nominal 100 mL calibrated cylindrical measure is providing additional fines in the fine aggregate or more
filled with fine aggregate of prescribed grading by allowing the cementitious material may be needed to fill voids between
sample to flow through a funnel from a fixed height into the particles.
measure. The fine aggregate is struck off and its mass is 5.3.4 The dry relative denstiy (specific gravity) of the fine
determined by weighing. Uncompacted void content is calcu- aggregate is used in calculating the void content. The effec-
lated as the difference between the volume of the cylindrical tiveness of these test methods of determining void content and
measure and the absolute volume of the fine aggregate col- its relationship to particle shape and texture depends on the
lected in the measure. Uncompacted void content is calculated relative density (specific gravity) of the various size fractions
using the dry relative density (specific gravity) of the fine being equal, or nearly so. The void content is actually a
aggregate. Two runs are made on each sample and the results function of the volume of each size fraction. If the type of rock
are averaged. or minerals, or its porosity, in any of the size fractions varies
4.1.1 For a graded sample (Test Method A or Test Method markedly it may be necessary to determine the specific gravity
C), the percent void content is determined directly and the of the size fractions used in the test.
average value from two runs is reported. 5.4 Void content information from Test Methods A, B, or C
4.1.2 For the individual size fractions (Test Method B), the will be useful as an indicator of properties such as: the mixing
mean percent void content is calculated using the results from water demand of hydraulic cement concrete; flowability,
tests of each of the three individual size fractions. pumpability, or workability factors when formulating grouts or
mortars; or, in bituminous concrete, the effect of the fine
5. Significance and Use aggregate on stability and voids in the mineral aggregate; or the
stability of the fine-aggregate portion of a base course aggre-
5.1 Test Methods A and B provide percent void content
gate.
determined under standardized conditions which depend on the
particle shape and texture of a fine aggregate. An increase in
6. Apparatus
void content by these procedures indicates greater angularity,
less sphericity, rougher surface texture, or combinations 6.1 Cylindrical Measure—A right cylinder of approximately
thereof. A decrease in void content results is associated with 100 mL capacity having an inside diameter of approximately
more rounded, spherical, or smooth-surfaced fine aggregate, or 39 mm and an inside height of approximately 86 mm made of
a combination thereof. drawn copper water tube meeting the requirements of Specifi-
cation B88, Type M or B88M, Type C. The bottom of the
5.2 Test Method C measures the uncompacted void content
measure shall be metal at least 6 mm thick, shall be firmly
of the minus 4.75 mm (No. 4) portion of the as-received
sealed to the tubing, and shall be provided with means for
material. This void content depends on grading as well as
aligning the axis of the cylinder with that of the funnel. See
particle shape and texture.
Fig. 1.
5.3 The void content determined on the standard graded
6.2 Funnel—The lateral surface of the right frustum of a
sample (Test Method A) is not directly comparable with the
cone sloped 60 6 4° from the horizontal with an opening of
average void content of the three individual size fractions from
12.7 6 0.6 mm diameter. The funnel section shall be a piece of
the same sample tested separately (Test Method B). A sample
metal, smooth on the inside and at least 38 mm high. It shall
consisting of single-size particles will have a higher void
have a volume of at least 200 mL or shall be provided with a
content than a graded sample. Therefore, use either one method
supplemental glass or metal container to provide the required
or the other as a comparative measure of shape and texture, and
volume. See Fig. 2.
identify which test method has been used to obtain the reported
data. Test Method C does not provide an indication of shape NOTE 1—Pycnometer top C94553 is satisfactory for the funnel section,
and texture directly if the grading from sample to sample except that the size of the opening has to be enlarged and any burrs or lips
changes. that are apparent should be removed by light filing or sanding before use.
This pycnometer top must be used with a suitable glass jar with the bottom
5.3.1 The standard graded sample (Test Method A) is most removed (Fig. 2).
useful as a quick test which indicates the particle shape
properties of a graded fine aggregate. Typically, the material 6.3 Funnel Stand—A three- or four-legged support capable
used to make up the standard graded sample can be obtained of holding the funnel firmly in position with the axis of the
from the remaining size fractions after performing a single funnel colinear (within a 4° angle and a displacement of 2 mm)
sieve analysis of the fine aggregate. with the axis of the cylindrical measure. The funnel opening
shall be 115 6 2 mm above the top of the cylinder. A suitable
5.3.2 Obtaining and testing individual size fractions (Test
arrangement is shown in Fig. 2.
Method B) are more time consuming and require a larger initial
sample than using the graded sample. However, Test Method B
provides additional information concerning the shape and
texture characteristics of individual sizes. 3
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
is Hogentogler and Co., Inc., 9515 Gerwig, Columbia, MD 21045. If you are aware
5.3.3 Testing samples in the as-received grading (Test of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International
Method C) may be useful in selecting proportions of compo- Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
nents used in a variety of mixtures. In general, high void responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend.

2
 C1252 − 23

FIG. 1 Nominal 100 mL Cylindrical Measure

FIG. 2 Suitable Funnel Stand Apparatus with Cylindrical Measure

in Place

3
 C1252 − 23
6.4 Glass Plate—A square glass plate approximately 60 by have been dried and sieved in accordance with Test Method
60 mm with a minimum 4 mm thickness used to calibrate the C136/C136M.
cylindrical measure.
6.5 Pan—A metal or plastic pan of sufficient size to contain Individual Size Fraction Mass, g
2.36 mm (No. 8) to 1.18 mm (No. 16) 44
the funnel stand and to prevent loss of material. The purpose of 1.18 mm (No. 16) to 600 µm (No. 30) 57
the pan is to catch and retain fine aggregate particles that 600 µm (No. 30) to 300 µm (No. 50) 72
overflow the measure during filling and strike-off. 300 µm (No. 50) to 150 µm (No. 100) 17
190
6.6 Metal Spatula, with a blade approximately 100 mm
long, and at least 20 mm wide, with straight edges. The end The tolerance on each of these amounts is 60.2 g.
shall be cut at a right angle to the edges. The straight edge of
the spatula blade is used to strike off the fine aggregate. 9.2 Test Method B—Individual Size Fractions—Prepare a
separate 190 g sample of fine aggregate, dried and sieved in
6.7 Scale or Balance, accurate and readable to 60.1 g accordance with Test Method C136/C136M, for each of the
within the range of use, capable of weighing the cylindrical following size fractions:
measure and its contents.
7. Sampling Individual Size Fraction Mass, g
2.36 mm (No. 8) to 1.18 mm (No. 16) 190
7.1 Obtain the sample(s) used for this test in accordance 1.18 mm (No. 16) to 600 µm (No. 30) 190
with Practices D75/D75M and C702/C702M, or from sieve 600 µm (No. 30) to 300 µm (No. 50) 190
analysis samples used for Test Method C136/C136M, or from
aggregate extracted from a bituminous concrete specimen. For The tolerance on each of these amounts is 61 g. Do not mix
Methods A and B, wash the sample over a 150 µm (No. 100) these samples together. Each size is tested separately.
or 75 µm (No. 200) sieve in accordance with Test Method C117 9.3 Test Method C – As-Received Grading—Pass the sample
and then dry and sieve into separate size fractions in accor- (dried in accordance with Test Method C136/C136M) through
dance with the procedures of Test Method C136/C136M. a 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve. Obtain a 190 6 1 g sample of the
Maintain the necessary size fractions obtained from one (or material passing the 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve for test.
more) sieve analysis in a dry condition in separate containers
for each size. For Method C, dry a split of the as-received 9.4 Relative Density (Specific Gravity) of Fine
sample in accordance with the drying procedure in Test Aggregate—If the dry relative density (specific gravity) of fine
Method C136/C136M. aggregate from the source is unknown, determine it on the
minus 4.75 mm (No. 4) material in accordance with Test
8. Calibration of Cylindrical Measure Method C128. Use this value in subsequent calculations unless
8.1 Apply a light coat of grease to the top edge of the dry, some size fractions differ by more than 0.05 from the relative
empty cylindrical measure. Weigh the measure, grease, and density (specific gravity) typical of the complete sample, in
glass plate. Fill the measure with freshly boiled, deionized which case the relative density (specific gravity) of the fraction
water at a temperature of 18 to 24 °C. Record the temperature (or fractions) being tested must be determined. An indicator of
of the water. Place the glass plate on the measure, being sure differences in relative density (specific gravity) of various
that no air bubbles remain. Dry the outer surfaces of the particle sizes is a comparison of relative densities (specific
measure and determine the combined mass of measure, glass gravities) run on the fine aggregate in different gradings.
plate, grease, and water by weighing. Following the final Relative density (specific gravity) can be run on gradings with
weighing, remove the grease and determine the mass of the and without specific size fractions of interest. If relative density
clean, dry, empty measure for subsequent tests. (specific gravity) differences exceed 0.05, determine the rela-
tive density (specific gravity) of the individual 2.36 mm (No. 8)
8.2 Calculate the volume of the measure as follows:
to 150 µm (No. 100) sizes for use with Method A or the
1000 M individual size fractions for use with Test Method B either by
V5
D direct measurement or by calculation using the relative density
where: (specific gravity) data on gradings with and without the size
fraction of interest. A difference in relative density (specific
V = volume of cylinder, mL,
gravity) of 0.05 will change the calculated void content about
M = net mass of water, g, and
D = density of water, kg/m3 (see table in Test Method 1 %.
C29/C29M for density at the temperature used.)
10. Procedure
Determine the volume to the nearest 0.1 mL.
10.1 Mix each test sample with the spatula until it appears to
NOTE 2—If the volume of the measure is greater than 100.0 mL, it may
be desirable to grind the upper edge of the cylinder until the volume is
be homogeneous. Position the jar and funnel section in the
exactly 100.0 mL to simplify subsequent calculations. stand and center the cylindrical measure as shown in Fig. 2.
Use a finger to block the opening of the funnel. Pour the test
9. Preparation of Test Samples sample into the funnel. Level the material in the funnel with the
9.1 Test Method A—Standard Graded Sample—Weigh out spatula. Remove the finger and allow the sample to fall freely
and combine the following quantities of fine aggregate which into the cylindrical measure.

4
 C1252 − 23
10.2 After the funnel empties, strike off excess heaped fine F = net mass of fine aggregate in measure, g (gross mass
aggregate from the cylindrical measure by a single rapid pass minus the mass of the empty measure),
of the spatula with the width of the blade vertical, keeping the G = dry relative density (specific gravity) of fine aggregate,
straight part of its edge horizontal and in light contact with both and
sides of the top of the measure. Until this operation is U = uncompacted voids in the material, %.
complete, exercise care to avoid vibration or any disturbance
11.2 For the standard graded sample (Test Method A)
that could cause compaction of the fine aggregate in the
calculate the average uncompacted voids for the two determi-
cylindrical measure (Note 3). Brush adhering grains from the
nations and report the results as Us.
outside of the container and determine the mass of the
cylindrical measure and contents to the nearest 0.1 g. Retain all 11.3 For the individual size fractions (Test Method B)
fine aggregate particles for a second test run. calculate as follows:
11.3.1 First, the average uncompacted voids for the deter-
NOTE 3—A strike-off guide has been utilized to correctly position the
straight edge and allow strike-off to start and get up to speed before
minations made on each of the three size-fraction samples:
making contact with the excessive material. The guide’s utilization can U1 = uncompacted voids, 2.36 mm (No. 8) to 1.18 mm (No. 16), %,
improve the accuracy of the method and between lab comparisons. The U2 = uncompacted voids, 1.18 mm (No. 16) to 600 µm (No. 30), %,
guide can be a flat plate with a 54 mm hole centered around the cylinder and
U3 = uncompacted voids, 600 µm (No. 30) to 300 µm (No. 50), %.
measure and parallel and even with the top of the cylindrical measure (see
Fig. 3). 11.3.2 Second, the mean uncompacted voids (Um) including
the results for all three sizes:
U m 5 ~ U 1 1U 2 1U 3 ! /3
11.4 For the as-received grading (Test Method C) calculate
the average uncompacted voids for the two determinations and
report the result as UR.

12. Report
12.1 Report the following information for the standard
graded sample (Test Method A):
12.1.1 Uncompacted voids (Us), % to the nearest one tenth
of a percent (0.1 %), and
12.1.2 Relative density (specific gravity) value used in the
calculations.
12.2 Report the following percent voids to the nearest
one-tenth of a percent (0.1 %) for the individual size fractions
(Test Method B):
12.2.1 Uncompacted voids for size fractions: (a) 2.36 mm
(No. 8) to 1.18 mm (No. 16) (U1); (b) 1.18 mm (No. 16) to 600
µm (No. 30) (U2); and (c) 600 µm (No. 30) to 300 µm (No. 50)
(U3),
FIG. 3 Strike-Off Guide 12.2.2 Mean uncompacted voids (Um), and
12.2.3 Relative density (specific gravity) value(s) used in
NOTE 4—After strike-off, the cylindrical measure may be tapped lightly the calculations, and whether the relative density (specific
to compact the sample to make it easier to transfer the container to the gravity) value(s) were determined on a graded sample or the
scale or balance without spilling any of the sample. individual-sized fractions used in the test.
10.3 Recombine the sample from the retaining pan and 12.3 Report the following information for the as-received
cylindrical measure and repeat the procedure. Average the sample (Test Method C):
results of two runs. See Section 11.
12.3.1 Uncompacted voids (UR), % to the nearest one tenth
10.4 Record the mass of the empty measure. Also, for each of a percent (0.1 %).
run, record the mass of the measure and fine aggregate. 12.3.2 Relative density (specific gravity) value used in the
calculation.
11. Calculation
11.1 Calculate the uncompacted voids for each determina- 13. Precision and Bias
tion as follows:
13.1 Precision—Criteria for judging the acceptability of test
V 2 ~ F/G ! results obtained by this test method are given as follows:
U5 × 100
V
NOTE 5—The figures in Column 2 are the standard deviations that have
where: been found to be appropriate for the materials and conditions of test
described in Column 1. The figures given in Column 3 are the limits that
V = volume of cylindrical measure, mL, should not be exceeded by the difference between the results of two

5
 C1252 − 23
properly conducted tests. types, versus one material above, is available in Research Report
RR: C09-1019,4 prepared by the Georgia Department of Transportation
Standard Acceptable Range of and titled Fine Aggregate Angularity Round Robin Testing—Precision
Material and Type Index
DeviationA Two ResultsA Statements.
Single-operator precision:
Graded standard sandB 0.13 % 0.37 % 13.2 Bias—Since there is no accepted reference material
Manufactured fine aggregateC 0.33 % 0.94 % suitable for determining the bias for the procedures in these test
Multilaboratory precision:
Graded standard sandB 0.33 % 0.93 % methods, bias has not been determined.
Manufactured fine aggregateC 1.1 % 3.1 %
14. Keywords
A
These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s) and (d2s) limits as described in 14.1 angularity; fine aggregate; particle shape; sand; surface
Practice C670.
B
These estimates of precision are based on “graded standard sand” as described
texture; void content
in Specification C778, which is considered rounded, and is graded from 600 µm
(No. 30 sieve) to 150 µm (No. 100 sieve), and may not be typical of other fine
aggregates.
C
These estimates of precision are based on results from the AASHTO Materials
Reference Laboratory (AMRL) Proficiency Sample Program. The data are based
on the analyses of 103 paired test results from 103 laboratories. The tests were
conducted in accordance with Method C—As Received Grading on a manufac- 4
tured fine aggregate. Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:C09-1019. Contact ASTM Customer
NOTE 6—Additional precision information using multiple aggregate Service at service@astm.org.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D04 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(C1252 – 17) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved June 1, 2023.)

(1) Removed all references to ACI 116R.

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