The Pontifical and Royal

University of Santo Tomas

The Catholic University of the Philippines
Faculty of Engineering________________________________________________
Department of Civil Engineering Lab 6, Ground Floor, Fr. Roque Ruaño Bldg., España
Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines 1500
CE 414L: Testing of materials (632)406-1611 loc. 8516

EXPERIMENT NO. 9
UNIT WEIGHT OF AGGREGATES

INTRODUCTION:
Values of unit weight are used in volumetric-gravimetric calculations. In volumetric batching of concrete
aggregates, the unit weight should be known to convert weight into loose volume. To determine the unit weight of
aggregates necessary for concrete mix design. Test method C29 covers the determination of unit weight in a
compacted or loose condition and calculated voids in fine, coarse, or mixed aggregates based on the same
determination.

OBJECTIVE:
This experiment aims to determine the unit weight values that are necessary for use for many methods
of selecting proportions for concrete mixtures.

SPECIMEN:
Coarse Aggregate – Oven dried at 110°C, then cooled to room temperature

APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES:

1 Metal volumetric measure, 6 “ф x 12” high
1 Tamping rod steel, 5/8 “ф, 24” long
1 Rectangular pan
1 Trowel
Balance

PROCEDURE:

Measure Calibration

1. Determine weight of dry measure.

2. Fill the measure completely full with water and determine the weight of measure plus water.
3. Calculate the weight of water by taking the difference between the measurements obtained in (1)
and (2) above.
4. Calculate the volume of the container:

V = Ww / γw

where, Ww is the weight of water used to fill the container

γw is the unit weight of water (62.3 lb/ft3 or 998 kg/m3). The computed volume should
be close to the nominal value state in the apparatus section.

The following loose and compact unit weight procedures are to be performed on both the coarse and
fine aggregates.

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 9: Unit Weight of Aggregates

 Loose Unit Weight (Shovelling procedure)

1. Fill the measure to overflowing by means of a scoop, discharging the aggregate from a height not to
exceed 2 in. (50 mm) above the top of the measure.
2. Level the surface of the aggregate with a straightedge.
3. Determine the weight of the measure plus content, and the weight of the measure alone, recording
values to the nearest 0.1 lb (0.05 kg).

Compact Unit Weight (Rodding procedure)

1. Fill the measure one-third full and level the surface with the fingers.
2. Rod the layer of aggregate with 25 strokes of the tamping rod evenly distributed over the surface.
3. Add additional aggregate to the measure to the two-thirds full level, level with the fingers, and rod
again with 25 strokes of the tamping rod.
4. Finally, add additional aggregate to overflowing and rod again using 25 strokes of the tamping rod.
5. Level the surface of the aggregate with a straightedge.
6. Determine the weight of the measure plus content, and the weight of the measure alone, recording
values to the nearest 0.1 lb (0.05 kg).

Note: When rodding the first layer, do not allow the rod to strike the bottom of the measure. When rodding the
subsequent layers, do not force the rod into the previous layer of aggregate.

CLEANING PROCEDURE:
1. After obtaining the necessary data, place the used aggregates in an assigned container.
2. Clean the apparatus and supplies with soap and water.
3. Dry the apparatus and supplies thoroughly before returning them.

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 9: Unit Weight of Aggregates

 The Pontifical and Royal
University of Santo Tomas
The Catholic University of the Philippines
Faculty of Engineering________________________________________________
Department of Civil Engineering Lab 6, Ground Floor, Fr. Roque Ruaño Bldg., España
Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines 1500
CE 414L: Testing of materials (632)406-1611 loc. 8516

EXPERIMENT NO. 9
UNIT WEIGHT OF AGGREGATES

Year and Section Date Started

Group Number Date Finished
Group Members Date Submitted

DATA AND RESULTS:

Table 9.1 – Unit weight of Aggregates

LOOSE COMPACT
TRIAL
1 2 1 2

Weight of container + sample, lb.

Weight of container, lb.

Weight of sample, lb.

Volume of container, ft3

Unit weight of aggregates, lb/ft3

Average unit of weight, lb/ft3

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 9: Unit Weight of Aggregates

FORMULAS AND COMPUTATIONS:

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 9: Unit Weight of Aggregates

DRAWINGS/SKETCHES/DIAGRAMS/GRAPHS:

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 9: Unit Weight of Aggregates

SOURCES OF ERRORS:

CONCLUSION AND REMARKS:

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 9: Unit Weight of Aggregates

DOCUMENTATION:

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 9: Unit Weight of Aggregates

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 9: Unit Weight of Aggregates