Standard Test Method For Bulk Density

Standard Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in
Aggregate
J. Vasquez
Construction Materials
Civil engineering, Universidad del Norte
ABSTRACT
This test method covers the determination of bulk density (“unit weight”) of aggregate
in a compacted or loose condition, and calculated voids between particles in fine,
coarse, or mixed aggregates based on the same determination. This test is only
applicable to particles that the maximum nominal size is 125mm [5 in]. For doing this
we put our aggregate in a standard cilinder and we either compact it 25 times with a
compacting rod every 1/3 of its volume and weight it, or we just fill the cilinder up
and weight it, then we do the comparisson of the different weights and this will help
us to determine de bulk density of our aggregate and the amount of voind in it.
Keywords: bulk density, aggregate, voids, maximum nominal size,
1. Introduction
In the civil engenieering field it is very important to know the characteristics of the
materials you are working with, one of the most important materials is the aggregate.
We use aggregates in asphalt mixtures and concrete to increase the resistance of
our structure and to reduce expenses in the elaboration of our project. For the
aggregates we need to know every characteristic of it. We need to know its origin,
shape, size, chemical composition, if it fits the granulometric curve stablished in the
standard for each individual test, and a lot other properties. But in this particual
experience we are going to determine the bulk density or unit weight and the voids
that are present in our aggregate by using a sample of our aggregate. For doind this
experience we based our project in the Standars Test Method for Bulk Density
(“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate [1]. This method is often used to
determine the bulk density values that are necessary for use for many methods of
selecting proportions for concrete mixtures. The bulk density can also be used to
determine a mass/volumen relationship for conversions in purchase agreements, but
this test is perfomed on a dry basis. Besides from this a procedure is included for
computing the percentage of voids between the aggregate particles using the bulk
density determined in this method.
2. Definitions
The following definitions where taken and translated from the Colombian standard
I.N.V. E – 217 – 07 [2], due to the lack of definitions in the american estándar
 Coarse aggregate: this are the particles that can’t pass the number 4 sieve,
this means particles bigger tan 4.75 mm.
 Fine aggregate: this are particles that are smaller tan 4.75 mm, the fine
aggregate is retained between the sieves 4 and 200.
 Bulk density: it is defined as the mass of a total unitary volumen of and
aggregate, which contains the volumen of the individual particles and the
volumen of the voids between the particles. Its value is expressed in kg/m3
(lb/ft3).
 Voids: it is defined as the space between the rocks of the aggregate when
they are all the same size and does not fill the 100% of the container.
 Volumen of voids: it is the volumen of the voids in the aggregate mixtures.
 Compacting rod: it is a steel rod that has a rounded point of 16 mm (5/8”) that
is used to compact the aggregate.
 Container: steel cilindricall object in which the aggregate is put in.
3. Methodology
In this part will be explained in detail the procedure in this experience and some
images that where taken in the lab.
First we need to measure the height and the diameter of the container Figure1 and
Figure 2. With this information we can calculate the volumen of the container and
we also took the weight of this one. Figure 3
After this we proceed to fill up the container with 1/3 of its volumen in aggregate
Figure 4, then this layer of aggregate is compacted with the compacting rod with 25
hits. We will put 3 equal layer of aggregate and each layer will be compacted the
same way and the final layer after the compaction will be leveled up with the
container’s surface. Then we proceed to weight the container full of aggregate and
register the value.
After this we empty the container and do all the process over again but this time we
don’t compact the aggregate every 1/3 of the containers volumen, instead we pour
in the aggregate and match the aggregate surface with the container’s surface. Then
we will weight it and register the value.
Figure 1. We measure the height of the container Figure 2. We measure the diameter of the container
Figure 3. We weight the empty container Figure 4. The aggregate is being compacted with the rod
4. Calculations and Results
Volume of the container
Inside diameter: 0,153 m
Height: 0,23 m
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 ∗ 𝜋𝑟 2
𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆 = 𝟎, 𝟐𝟑 ∗ 𝟎, 𝟎𝟏𝟖𝟑𝟖𝟓𝟓𝟑𝟗
𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆 = 𝟎, 𝟎𝟎𝟒𝟐𝟐 𝒎𝟑
M= Bulk density of the aggregate

G= Mass of the aggregate + container
T= Mass of the container
V= Volume of the container
Bulk density compacted aggregate

𝐺−𝑇
𝑀=
𝑉
15082 − 8935
𝑀=
0,00422
𝑘𝑔
𝑀 = 1453,66
𝑚3
Bulk density loose aggregate
𝐺−𝑇
𝑀=
𝑉
14535 − 8935
𝑀=
0,00422
𝑘𝑔
𝑀 = 1324,3033
𝑚3
Void percentage
S= Bulk specific gravity
M= Bulk density
W= Water density (998 kg/m3)
(𝑆 ∗ 𝑊) − 𝑀
%𝑉𝑜𝑖𝑑𝑠 = ∗ 100
𝑆∗𝑊
Percentage voids in compacted aggregate
(2,629 ∗ 998) − 1453,66

%𝑉𝑜𝑖𝑑𝑠 = ∗ 100
2,629 ∗ 998
%𝑉𝑜𝑖𝑑𝑠 = 44,595%
Percentage voids in loose aggregate

(2,629 ∗ 998) − 1324,3033
%𝑉𝑜𝑖𝑑𝑠 = ∗ 100
2,629 ∗ 998
%𝑉𝑜𝑖𝑑𝑠 = 49,526%
5. Conclutions and data analysis

Some observations about this experience are:
 When we compacted the aggregate with the rod the mass that filled the
container was bigger.
 When the aggregate is loose it increases the %voids
 Both results had the same %error because we used the same container for
both aggregates.
6. References
[1] ASTM C 29/C 29M – 97
[1] https://compass.astm.org/download/C29C29M.11164.pdf
[2] INVIAS. Densidad bulk (peso unitario) y porcentaje de vacíos de los agregados compactados y sueltos.
Normas de Ensayo para Carreteras. Bogotá; 2007. Norma I.N.V. E – 217 – 07 [1].
[2] Carcaño, R. G. S., Moreno, E. I., & Pak, W. R. C. (2000). Predicción de la resistencia del concreto con
base en la velocidad de pulso ultrasónico y un índice de calidad de los agregados. Red Ingeniería Revista
Académica.
[2] Fratelli, M. G. (1993). Suelos, Fundaciones y Muros. Venezuela.

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Standard Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in

Keywords: bulk density, aggregate, voids, maximum nominal size,

M= Bulk density of the aggregate

Bulk density compacted aggregate

(2,629 ∗ 998) − 1453,66

Percentage voids in loose aggregate

5. Conclutions and data analysis

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