Sans 5844

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ISBN 978-0-626-30857-5
SANS 5844:2014
Edition 2.2
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD
Particle and relative densities of aggregates
WARNING
This document references other
documents normatively.
Published by SABS Standards Division

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 SABS
© SABS. This non-printable standard is exclusively for approved users of the SABS’ Complete Collection of Standards and Related Documents.
SANS 5844:2014
Edition 2.2
Table of changes
Change No. Date Scope
Amdt 1 2006 Amended to change the designation of SABS standards to SANS
standards and to update referenced standards.
Amdt 2 2014 Amended to update referenced standards.
Foreword
This South African standard was approved by National Committee SABS/TC 081/SC 01,
Construction materials, products and test methods – Cement, lime and concrete, in accordance with
procedures of the SABS Standards Division, in compliance with annex 3 of the WTO/TBT
agreement.
This document was published in August 2014.
This document supersedes SANS 5844:2006 (edition 2.1).
A vertical line in the margin shows where the text has been technically modified by amendment
No. 2.
© SABS
SANS 5844:2014
Edition 2.2
Particle and relative densities of aggregates
1 Scope and field of application

This standard specifies the following two methods for determining the particle and relative densities
of aggregates:
a) the volumetric (pycnometer) method for fine and coarse aggregate; and
b) the hydrostatic balance method for coarse aggregate.
2 Normative references
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this standard. All standards are subject to revision and, since any reference to a
standard is deemed to be a reference to the latest edition of that standard, parties to agreements
based on this standard are encouraged to take steps to ensure the use of the most recent editions
of the standards indicated below. Information on currently valid national and international standards
can be obtained from the SABS Standards Division.
SANS 197, Preparation of test samples for aggregates.
SANS 3310-1/ISO 3310-1, Test sieves – Technical requirements and testing – Part 1: Test sieves
of metal wire cloth. Amdt 1
SANS 3310-2/ISO 3310-2, Test sieves – Technical requirements and testing – Part 2: Test sieves
of perforated metal plate. Amdt 1
SANS 5843 (SABS SM 843), Water absorption of aggregates. Amdt 2
SANS 3001-AG20, Civil engineering test methods – Part AG20: Determination of the bulk density,
apparent density and water absorption of aggregate particles retained on the 5 mm sieve for road
construction materials. Amdt 2
SANS 3001-AG21, Civil engineering test methods – Part AG21: Determination of the bulk density,
apparent density and water absorption of aggregate particles passing the 5 mm sieve for road
construction materials. Amdt 2
© SABS
SANS 5844:2014
Edition 2.2
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply:
3.1
apparent relative density
the ratio of the mass of a sample of aggregate particles (excluding water-permeable pores but
including water-impermeable pores normal to the particles) to the mass of an equal volume of water
at the temperature specified
3.2
particle density
the ratio of the mass of a sample of aggregate particles to the volume it occupies (including both
water-permeable and water-impermeable pores normal to the particles) at the temperature specified
3.3
water-permeable (or open) pores
voids that are water-filled when the particles are in a saturated and surface-dry condition
4 Apparatus
4.1 Pycnometer, that consists of clean, dry, rigid volumetric vessel or flask (with stopper or cover)
of non-absorbent material into which the aggregate can be readily inserted, of volume at least twice
that of the test aggregate and in which the volume content can be reproduced to within ± 0,1 %.
NOTE A wide-mouthed glass vessel such as a 1 kg fruit-preserving jar (with a flat ground lip and a plane
ground disc of plate glass to cover it, providing a watertight fit) or any suitable sized glass jar may be used.
4.2 Balance, of adequate capacity and accurate to within 0,1 % of the mass of the material to be
determined, and such that the basket (see 4.3) that contains the test specimen can be suspended
from the balance and the mass determined in water.
4.3 Basket, of mesh with apertures of size 1 mm to 3 mm, or a perforated container (perforations
of diameter of 1 mm to 3 mm) of convenient size, preferably of polished chromium-plated steel or
stainless steel, with wire hangers (of thickness not exceeding 1 mm) to allow suspension from the
balance.
4.4 Watertight tank, in which the basket (see 4.3) can be freely suspended.
4.5 Test sieve, of aperture size 4 750 µm and that complies with the requirements of
SANS 3310-1 and SANS 3310-2. Amdt 1
5 Procedure
NOTES
1 Two volumetric (pycnometer) methods are described:
a) the particle and relative densities of the fine and coarse aggregate; and
b) the apparent relative density of fine and crushed coarse aggregate.
2 The particle density is determined on a saturated surface-dried basis or on an oven-dried basis (or on both).
© SABS
SANS 5844:2014
Edition 2.2
3 All water used should be free from any impurity (for example dissolved air) that would significantly affect its
density. In cases of doubt, distilled, demineralized or tap water that has been freshly boiled and cooled to a
temperature of between 20 °C and 25 °C, should be used.
4 All masses are accurately determined to at least 0,1 %.
5.1 Pycnometer method
5.1.1 Particle and relative densities of aggregates
5.1.1.1 Preparation of test specimen
Prepare a test specimen of approximately 500 g in the saturated surface-dry condition, as described
in SANS 5843 (4.1.1 to 4.1.4 for fine aggregate, and 4.2.1 to 4.2.3 for coarse aggregate)
SANS 3001-AG20 and SANS 3001-AG21. Amdt 2
5.1.1.2 Procedure
5.1.1.2.1 Place the prepared test specimen in the dry and tared pycnometer, insert the stopper
(see 4.1) and determine the mass of the specimen (mass ma).
5.1.1.2.2 Introduce enough water into the pycnometer to cover the specimen (in such a manner
that it washes down any particles adhering to the sides). Gently shake, roll or tap the pycnometer,
with contents, until all entrapped air has escaped.
NOTE Entrapped air can be removed by means of low vacuum (air pressure not exceeding 13 kPa).
5.1.1.2.3 Fill the pycnometer with water to its calibrated capacity. Note the temperature T of the
water, and insert the stopper or cover the pycnometer with the plate glass, ensuring that no air is
entrapped. Thoroughly dry and clean the outside of the pycnometer and determine the mass of the
pycnometer, with contents (mass mc).
5.1.1.2.4 Empty the contents of the pycnometer into a suitable container, ensuring that all the
aggregate is transferred. Wash the pycnometer thoroughly and fill it to its calibrated capacity with
water at a temperature of T °C ± 1 °C. Thoroughly dry the outside of the pycnometer and determine
the mass of the pycnometer when it is filled with water (mass md).
5.1.1.2.5 If the relative density or the oven-dry particle density is required, carefully decant the
water from the aggregate in the container, taking care not to loose any solids, and dry to constant
mass in an oven at 100 °C to 110 °C. Cool in a desiccator and determine the mass of the oven-
dried specimen (mass mb).
5.1.2 Apparent relative density of fine and crushed coarse aggregate
NOTE For this method, a pycnometer that consists of a volumetric flask (with stopper) of capacity
approximately 1 L and of known mass is deemed to be the most suitable.
5.1.2.1 Preparation of test specimen
5.1.2.1.1 Fine aggregate
From the test sample (see SANS 197), take a suitable quantity of aggregate and sieve it through a
sieve of nominal aperture size 4 750 µm. Crush any material coarser than 4 750 µm until it all
passes this sieve. Dry the test specimen to constant mass at a temperature of 100 °C to 110 °C.
© SABS
SANS 5844:2014
Edition 2.2
5.1.2.1.2 Coarse aggregate
From the test sample (see SANS 197), take a suitable quantity of aggregate and crush it until all
passes a sieve of nominal aperture size 4 750 µm. Dry the test specimen to constant mass at a
temperature of 100 °C to 110 °C.
5.1.2.2 Procedure
5.1.2.2.1 Place approximately 500 g of the prepared test specimen in the dry and tared
pycnometer. Clean the outside of the neck of the pycnometer, insert the stopper and determine the
mass of the specimen (mass mb).
5.1.2.2.2 Introduce enough water into the pycnometer to cover the specimen (in such a manner
that it washes down any particles adhering to the sides). Gently shake, roll or tap the pycnometer,
with contents, until all entrapped air has escaped.
NOTE Entrapped air can be removed by means of low vacuum (air pressure not exceeding 13 kPa).
5.1.2.2.3 Fill the pycnometer with water to its calibrated capacity, note the temperature T of the
water, and insert the stopper. Thoroughly dry and clean the outside of the pycnometer and
determine the mass of the pycnometer, with contents (mass mc).
5.1.2.2.4 Empty the contents of the pycnometer into a suitable container, ensuring that all the
aggregate is transferred, wash it thoroughly, and fill it to its calibrated capacity with water at a
temperature of T °C ± 1 °C, and insert the stopper. Thoroughly dry and clean the outside of the
pycnometer, and determine the mass of the pycnometer when it is filled with water (mass md).
5.2 Hydrostatic balance method
5.2.1 Particle and relative densities of coarse aggregate
5.2.1.1 Preparation of sample
From the test sample (see SANS 197), take a suitable quantity of aggregate and wash it on a sieve
of nominal aperture size 4 750 µm, to remove all finer particles that would be lost during the test
and thus affect the results, and drain.
5.2.1.2 Procedure
5.2.1.2.1 Place a mass, in grams, of at least 100 times the maximum nominal size of the
aggregate, in millimetres, of the prepared test sample in the basket (see 4.3), and immerse it in
sufficient water in the tank (see 4.4) to ensure that there is at least 50 mm of water above the top of
the basket. Remove entrapped air from the sample by raising the basket 25 mm above the base of
the tank, ensuring that the basket and aggregate remain completely immersed, and allowing it to
drop 25 times at a rate of approximately once per second. Leave the basket, with aggregate,
completely immersed for a period of 24 h ± 1 h.
5.2.1.2.2 Drop the basket and sample, note the temperature T, and determine the apparent mass
of the basket, with aggregate, in the water (mass mc). If it is necessary to transfer the basket to a
different tank for the determination of the mass, drop it 25 times as described in 5.2.1.2.1, before
determining the apparent mass.
5.2.1.2.3 Remove the basket and aggregate from the water and allow it to drain for approximately
5 min. Gently transfer the aggregate to a dry cloth and roll it on the cloth until it appears to be
surface-dry (all visible films of water are removed, but the aggregate still has a damp appearance).
Determine the mass of the saturated surface-dry specimen (mass ma).
© SABS
SANS 5844:2014
Edition 2.2
5.2.1.2.4 Return the empty basket to the water, drop it 25 times and determine its apparent mass in
water (mass md).
5.2.1.2.5 If the apparent relative density or oven-dry particle density is required, dry the aggregate
to constant mass at a temperature of 100 °C to 110 °C. Cool it in a desiccator and determine the
mass of the oven-dried sample (mass mb).
6 Expression and reporting of results

6.1 Calculate the particle density of the aggregate δps, in kilograms per cubic metre, on a saturated
surface-dried basis, as follows:
ma
δps = × δw
ma  (mc  md )
where
ma is the mass of the saturated surface-dry aggregate, in grams;
mc is the mass of the pycnometer plus aggregate and water, in grams, or, in the hydrostatic
balance method, the apparent mass of the basket plus aggregate in water, in grams;
md is the mass of the pycnometer filled with water, in grams or in the hydrostatic balance
method, the apparent mass of the empty basket in water, in grams; and
δw is the density of the water at the test temperature T, in kilograms per cubic metre.
Report the result to the nearest 10 kg/m3.
6.2 Calculate the particle density of the aggregate δpo, in kilograms per cubic metre, on an oven-
dried basis, as follows:
mb
δpo = × δw
ma  ( mc  md )
where
mb is the mass of the oven-dried aggregate, in grams; and
ma, mc, md and δw are as given in 6.1.
Report the result to the nearest 10 kg/m3.
6.3 Calculate the apparent relative density of the aggregate, as follows:
mb
× δw
mb  (mc  md )
where
mb is as given in 6.2; and
mc, md and δw are as given in 6.1.
© SABS
SANS 5844:2014
Edition 2.2
Report the result to the nearest 0,01.
______________
© SABS
SABS – Standards Division
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© SABS.

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Particle and relative densities of aggregates

Published by SABS Standards Division

This document was published in August 2014.

This document supersedes SANS 5844:2006 (edition 2.1).

Particle and relative densities of aggregates

1 Scope and field of application

b) the hydrostatic balance method for coarse aggregate.

SANS 197, Preparation of test samples for aggregates.

SANS 5843 (SABS SM 843), Water absorption of aggregates. Amdt 2

1 Two volumetric (pycnometer) methods are described:

b) the apparent relative density of fine and crushed coarse aggregate.

4 All masses are accurately determined to at least 0,1 %.

5.1 Pycnometer method

5.1.1 Particle and relative densities of aggregates

5.1.1.1 Preparation of test specimen

5.1.2 Apparent relative density of fine and crushed coarse aggregate

5.1.2.1 Preparation of test specimen

5.1.2.1.1 Fine aggregate

5.1.2.1.2 Coarse aggregate

5.2 Hydrostatic balance method

5.2.1 Particle and relative densities of coarse aggregate

5.2.1.1 Preparation of sample

6 Expression and reporting of results

ma is the mass of the saturated surface-dry aggregate, in grams;

Report the result to the nearest 10 kg/m3.

mb is the mass of the oven-dried aggregate, in grams; and

ma, mc, md and δw are as given in 6.1.

Report the result to the nearest 10 kg/m3.

6.3 Calculate the apparent relative density of the aggregate, as follows:

mb is as given in 6.2; and

mc, md and δw are as given in 6.1.

Report the result to the nearest 0,01.

SABS – Standards Division

Amendments and Revisions

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