Name: _________________________________

Group No. :__________________

Date Performed: _______________________

LABORATORY WORK NO. 6: DETERMINATION OF UNIT WEIGHT OF

COARSE AGGREGATES

OVERVIEW:

The unit weight of aggregate is usually expressed in pounds per cubic foot. Unit weight of
aggregate is significant in that it gives a measure of the voids in a unit volume of aggregate. The void of
the aggregate depends upon many factors, among them are: size, shape, gradation, moisture content, and
compaction. For general information and for comparison of different aggregates, the standard conditions
used in determining the unit are dry and compact.

REFERENCE:

a. ASTM C29-78
b. AASHTO T 19-74

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL:

a. tin can ( measure )

b. tamping rod
c. balance
d. 3/8” and #4 sieve mesh
e. pan
f. trowel
g. graduated cylinder
h. dry coarse aggregate

TESTING PROCEDURE:

1. Select approximately 1 lb of air-dry thoroughly mixed coarse aggregate.

2. Fill the measure one-third full, level the surface and tamp with 25 strokes, evenly
distributed over the surface.

3. Fill the measure two-thirds full, level and tamp 25 times over the surface. Only enough
force should be used to cause the tamping rod just to penetrate the last layer of aggregate
placed in the measure.

4. Fill the measure to overflowing, tamp as before and strike off the surplus by rolling the
tamping rod over the surface. Do not compress the aggregate.

5. Determine the net weight of the aggregate in the measure and compute the unit weight.
Make at least four trials. Results should agree within one percent.
DATA AND RESULTS:

a. Shape and texture of aggregate: ___________________________________

b. Moisture condition of aggregate used: ______________________________

c. Maximum size of aggregate: ______________________________________

d. Average unit weight: ____________lb / cu in; ________________gm / cu cm

TRIAL
ITEM 1 2 3 4
Weight of sample (lbs)
Weight of sample (gms)
Measured volume of sample (cu in)
Measured volume of sample (cu cm)
Unit Weight (lb / cu in)
Unit Weight (gm / cu cm)
Average unit weight (lb/ cu in)
Average unit weight (gm / cu cm)
% Difference from the average

REPORT:

1. Give the relevance of the actual test results.

2. How do unit weight affects the mechanical properties of hardened concrete?

3. What is the role of the dry-rodded unit weight of aggregate in proportioning concrete?