ASTM C128-15
Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate

Standard No.

ASTM C128-15

Release Date

2015

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM C128-22

Latest

ASTM C128-22

Scope

5.1 Relative density (specific gravity) is the ratio of mass of an aggregate to the mass of a volume of water equal to the volume of the aggregate particles – also referred to as the absolute volume of the aggregate. It is also expressed as the ratio of the density of the aggregate particles to the density of water. Distinction is made between the density of aggregate particles and the bulk density of aggregates as determined by Test Method C29/C29M, which includes the volume of voids between the particles of aggregates.

5.2 Relative density is used to calculate the volume occupied by the aggregate in various mixtures containing aggregate including hydraulic cement concrete, bituminous concrete, and other mixtures that are proportioned or analyzed on an absolute volume basis. Relative density (specific gravity) is also used in the computation of voids in aggregate in Test Method C29/C29M and in Test Method C1252. Relative density (specific gravity) (SSD) is used in the determination of surface moisture on fine aggregate by displacement of water in Test Method C70. Relative density (specific gravity) (SSD) is used if the aggregate is in a saturated surface-dry condition, that is, if its absorption has been satisfied. Alternatively, the relative density (specific gravity) (OD) is used for computations when the aggregate is dry or assumed to be dry.

5.3 Apparent relative density (specific gravity) pertain to the solid material making up the constituent particles not including the pore space within the particles that is accessible to water. This value is not widely used in construction aggregate technology.

5.4 Absorption values are used to calculate the change in the mass of an aggregate material due to water absorbed in the pore spaces within the constituent particles, compared to the dry condition, if it is deemed that the aggregate has been in contact with water long enough to satisfy most of the absorption potential. The laboratory standard for absorption is that obtained after submerging dry aggregate for a prescribed period of time. Aggregates mined from below the water table commonly have a moisture content greater than the absorption determined by this test method, if used without opportunity to dry prior to use. Conversely, some aggregates that have not been continuously maintained in a moist condition until used are likely to contain an amount of absorbed moisture less than the 24-h soaked condition. For an aggregate that has been in contact with water and that has free moisture on the particle surfaces, the percentage of free moisture is determined by deducting the absorption from the total moisture content determined by Test Method C566 by drying.

5.5 The general procedures described in this test method are suitable for determining the absorption of aggregates that have had conditioning other than the 24-h soak, such as boiling water or vacuum saturation. The values obtained for absorption by other test methods will be different than the values obtained by the prescribed 24-h soak, as will the relative density (specific gravity) (SSD).

1.1 This test method covers the determination of relative density (specific gravity) and the ......

ASTM C128-15 Referenced Document

• ASTM C117 Standard Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-181m (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
• ASTM C125 Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• ASTM C1252 Standard Test Methods for Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregate (as Influenced by Particle Shape, Surface Texture, and Grading)
• ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
• ASTM C188 Standard Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement
• ASTM C29/C29M Standard Test Method for Bulk Density ("Unit Weight") and Voids in Aggregate
• ASTM C330 Standard Specification for Lightweight Aggregates For Structural Concrete
• ASTM C332 Standard Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulating Concrete
• ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Total Evaporable Moisture Content of Aggregate by Drying
• ASTM C670 Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• ASTM C70 Standard Test Method for Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate
• ASTM C702 Standard Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
• ASTM D75 Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates
• ASTM D854 Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by the Water Displacement Method

ASTM C128-15 history

• 2022 ASTM C128-22 Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• 2015 ASTM C128-15 Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• 2012 ASTM C128-12 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• 2007 ASTM C128-07a Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• 2007 ASTM C128-07 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• 2004 ASTM C128-04a Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• 2004 ASTM C128-04 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• 2001 ASTM C128-01e1 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• 2001 ASTM C128-01 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• 1997 ASTM C128-97 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate