Concrete Technology, Construction material, Cement

1. University of Salahaddin/ College of Engineering 2015-2016
Dept. Of Dams & Water resources Engineering By: Goran Adil
Test No. 8
Test Name: Bulk Density of Aggregate.
Introduction:
The bulk density of an aggregate is defined as the mass of a unit volume of aggregate in the air
in a specified condition, Expressed in (kg/m3
). The bulk density depends on how densely the
aggregate is packed in the measure. The other factors affecting the bulk density are the particle
shape, size, the grading of the aggregate and the moisture content. Thus, for test purpose, the
degree of compaction has to be specified. BS EN 1097-3: 1998 recognizes two degrees: loose and
compacted. Generally the standard condition is a compacted aggregate in a dry state. The ratio of
the loose bulk density to the compacted bulk density lies usually between 0.87 and 0.96. The bulk
density is used for converting proportions by weight into the proportions by volume.
Purpose:
To find the bulk density and voids ratio of fine and coarse aggregate.
Materials:
1- Fine aggregate.
2- Coarse aggregate.
3- Water.
Apparatus:
1- Metal cylinder, the size depends on the maximum size of the aggregate.
2- Standard tamping rod with 16 mm diameter rounded end and 600 mm length.
3- Balance.
4- Container and scoop.
Procedure:
-For fine and coarse aggregate.
1- Weigh the empty cylinder, let be (W1).
2- Fill the cylinder with dry aggregate in three stages, each one-third of the volume being
tamped a number of times depending on the maximum size of the aggregate with the
tamping rod.
3- Level the surface of the cylinder by rolling the tamping rod across the top.
4- Weigh the cylinder with the compacted aggregate, let be (W2).
5- Weigh the cylinder filled with water, let be (W3).
6- Fill the cylinder with aggregate in one stage at a height not exceeding 50 mm from the top
of cylinder.
7- Weigh the cylinder with the loose aggregate, let be (W4).

2. University of Salahaddin/ College of Engineering 2015-2016
Dept. Of Dams & Water resources Engineering By: Goran Adil
-Details of the cylinders used in bulk density of aggregate, according to B.S.
Dia.
mm
Height
mm
Compacted Bulk density
Max. Size of agg. Number of blow/layer
350 300 50 100
250 300 28 50
200 225 14 30
150 150 6 20
Calculations:
Compacted bulk density =





 

1000
13
12
WW
WW
(kg/m3
)
Loose bulk density =





 

1000
13
14
WW
WW
(kg/m3
)
% Voids = 100
1000
1 







avitySpecificGr
BulkDensiy

3. University of Salahaddin/ College of Engineering 2015-2016
Dept. Of Dams & Water resources Engineering By: Goran Adil
Data Sheet
Bulk Density of Aggregate
Test No.:
Test name:
Name of the student:
Group No.:
Date:
Type of aggregate W1 W2 W3 W4
Fine Aggregate
Coarse aggregate
Note: all weights are in kg.
Results: