Sans 3001-Ag21

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ISBN 978-0-626-31191-9
SANS 3001-AG21:2014
Edition 1.1
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD
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
WARNING
This document references other
documents normatively.
Published by SABS Standards Division

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Tel: +27 12 428 7911 Fax: +27 12 344 1568
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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 3001-AG21:2014
Edition 1.1
Table of changes
Change No. Date Scope
Amdt 1 2014 Amended to update referenced standards, to change the
apparatus and procedure, and to modify formulae and
calculations.
Acknowledgement
The SABS Standards Division wishes to acknowledge the valuable assistance of the Aggregate and
Sand Producers Association of South Africa (ASPASA), the Committee of Transport Officials
(COTO), and the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).
Foreword
This South African standard was approved by National Committee SABS/TC 081/SC 04,
Construction materials, products and test methods – Road and pavement materials testing, in
accordance with procedures of the SABS Standards Division, in compliance with annex 3 of the
WTO/TBT agreement.
This document was approved for publication in December 2014.
This document supersedes SANS 3001-AG21:2011 (edition 1).
A vertical line in the margin shows where the text has been technically modified by amendment
No. 1.
SANS 3001 consists of various parts under the general title Civil engineering test methods.
Parts AG of the SANS 3001 series contain methods for testing aggregates.
Annex A is for information only.
Introduction
This test method is used for determining the relative compaction of crushed stone base (see also
SANS 3001-AG20) and in the mix design procedures for concrete and asphalt where the volumetric
and absorption properties of aggregates are required.
Apparatus dimensions that are critical to the outcome of the method or procedure are given with a
tolerance. All other dimensions are nominal and should be considered fit for purpose. Existing
apparatus that conforms to the requirements of TMH 1 may be used in this standard until it is no
longer fit for purpose. In particular the 4,75 mm sieve may be used in place of the 5 mm sieve size.
Except for minor variations this test method is similar to the ASTM and AASHTO test methods (see
bibliography).
This test method is classified as Group: B, Rating: 1, Activity: AG, in accordance with the
requirements of the South African Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA).
© SABS
SANS 3001-AG21:2014
Edition 1.1
Contents
Page
Acknowledgement
Foreword
Introduction
1 Scope ...................................................................................................................................... 3
2 Normative references .............................................................................................................. 3
3 Definitions ............................................................................................................................... 4
4 Apparatus ................................................................................................................................ 4
5 Sample preparation ................................................................................................................. 5
6 Procedure................................................................................................................................ 6
7 Calculations............................................................................................................................. 8
8 Test report ............................................................................................................................... 10
Annex A (informative) Examples of the calculation procedure .................................................. 11
Bibliography............................................................................................................................... 13
© SABS 1
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Edition 1.1
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2 © SABS
SANS 3001-AG21:2014
Edition 1.1
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
1 Scope
This part of SANS 3001 describes a method to prepare a test sample and to determine the following
parameters on materials passing the 5 mm sieve size:
a) bulk density;
b) apparent density; and
c) water absorption.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies. Information on currently valid national
and international standards can be obtained from the SABS Standards Division.
SANS 241-1, Drinking water – Part 1: Microbiological, physical, aesthetic and chemical
determinands. Amdt 1
SANS 241-2, Drinking water – Part 2: Application of SANS 241-1. Amdt 1
SANS 1649, Non-automatic self-indicating, semi-self-indicating and non-self-indicating weighing

instruments with dominated verification scale intervals.
SANS 3001-GR20, Civil engineering test methods – Part GR20: Determination of moisture content
by oven-drying.
SANS 3001-PR1, Civil engineering test methods – Part PR1: Determination of uncertainty of
measurement, repeatability, reproducibility and bias.
SANS 3310-1/ISO 3310-1, Test sieves – Technical requirements and testing – Part 1: Test sieves
of metal wire cloth.
SANS 3310-2/ISO 3310-2, Test sieves – Technical requirements and testing – Part 2: Test sieves
of perforated metal plate.
TMH 5, Sampling methods for road construction materials.
© SABS 3
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Edition 1.1
3 Definitions
3.1
apparent density
AD
density of aggregate particles expressed as the mass of the aggregate particles divided by the
volume of the aggregate particles including impermeable (internal) voids but excluding permeable
(surface) and inter-particle voids
3.2
bulk density
BD
density of aggregate particles expressed as the mass of the aggregate particles divided by the
volume of the aggregate particles including the impermeable (internal), and permeable (surface)
voids, but excluding the inter-particle voids
3.3
crushed stone base
granular layer (produced by crushing rock) immediately below the surfacing of a road pavement
3.4
saturated surface-dry condition
condition at which the permeable (surface) voids of aggregate particles are just filled with moisture
3.5
water absorption
difference in mass between the saturated surface-dry condition and the oven-dry condition of a
given volume of aggregate
4 Apparatus
4.1 Pycnometer, of suitable capacity, providing at least twice the volume required to
accommodate the sample.
4.2 Vacuum pump, capable of maintaining a reduced pressure of 100 mm mercury.
4.3 Water bath, capable of maintaining a temperature of between 24 °C and 26 °C.
4.4 Durable stirring rod.
4.5 Plastic wash bottle, of 200 mL capacity.
4.6 Sieves, that comply with SANS 3310-1 or SANS 3310-02, as applicable.
4.7 Metal mould, in the form of a frustrum of a cone with the following inner dimensions:
a) top diameter of 40 mm ± 3 mm;
b) bottom diameter of 90 mm ± 3 mm;
c) height, 75 mm ± 3 mm; and
d) minimum wall thickness of 0,8 mm.
4 © SABS
SANS 3001-AG21:2014
Edition 1.1
4.8 Electronic balances, fine measurement type that comply with SANS 1649, and with a
capacity of
a) at least 200 g, reading to 0,01 g, for use with 50 mL to 100 mL pycnometers, and
b) at least 2 000 g, reading to 0,1 g, for use with 500 mL to 1 000 mL pycnometers.
4.9 Riffler, with suitable openings larger than the largest particle in the sample (see TMH 5), and
at least three pans.
4.10 Tamping rod of metal, of mass 340 g ± 15 g, with flat circular tamping face 25 mm ± 3 mm
in diameter.
4.11 Drying oven, that is capable of maintaining a temperature range of 105 °C to 110 °C, with
continuous draft.
4.12 Scoop, of capacity approximately 500 mL.
4.13 Containers, that will prevent loss of moisture.
4.14 Steel spatula, with a blade measuring 100 mm × 20 mm.
4.15 Thermometer, with a temperature range of 0 °C to 100 °C, and reading to 1 °C.
4.16 Suitable basins, of diameter approximately 200 mm.
4.17 Plastic wash bottle. Amdt 1
5 Sample preparation
5.1 General
Prepare and test specimen samples in duplicate.
5.2 Test sample
5.2.1 Divide the field sample by riffling to obtain a representative test sample.
5.2.2 Sieve the sample on the 5 mm sieve, retaining the material passing that sieve. Ensure that
the test specimen samples conform to the approximate masses given in table 1.
5.2.3 Screen cohesive soils containing significant clay particles on the 75 μm sieve and discard the
material passing the sieve.
© SABS 5
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Edition 1.1
Table 1 — Size of test sample
1 2 3
Test sample mass

Material type Tests
g
Cohesive soils
Apparent density,
containing significant 25
water absorption
clay particles
Sandy soil, sand, other Bulk density,
non-cohesive finely apparent density, 300
graded materials water absorption
6 Procedure
6.1 Determination of bulk density (BD)
NOTE This procedure uses the cone mould to determine the surface-dry condition. For aggregates containing
significant clay particles, such as crushed stone base having measurable plasticity, the procedure can be
unreliable. In such a case the BD can be calculated as described in 7.1.4.
6.1.1 Cover the sample with class II water that complies with SANS 241-1 and SANS 241-2, in a
suitable container and soak for 24 h ± 1 h. Amdt 1
NOTE When the sample is in a naturally soaked condition, the soaking time may be reduced.
6.1.2 Weigh a clean, dry pycnometer with a capacity of 500 ml to 1 000 ml and record the
mass, M1, to the nearest 0,1 g.
6.1.3 Fill the pycnometer with distilled water at a temperature of 24 °C to 26 °C, dry the outside,
weigh and record the mass,M2, to the nearest 0,1 g.
6.1.4 Empty and dry the pycnometer.
6.1.5 After soaking (see 6.1.1), drain off the free water from the sample and spread the sample on
a flat surface exposed to a gently moving air current.
6.1.6 Stir the sample frequently to ensure uniform drying.
NOTE Spreading the sample on a porous surface, such as heavy absorbent paper, may facilitate drying.
6.1.7 Continue the drying operation until the material approaches a free-flowing condition.
6.1.8 Place the mould on a flat non-absorbent surface, with the smaller opening facing upwards.
6.1.9 Fill the mould loosely with the damp material.
6.1.10 Tamp the surface of the material in the cone lightly 25 times with the tamping rod. Do not
add additional material during or after the tamping process. Remove the cone vertically.
6 © SABS
SANS 3001-AG21:2014
Edition 1.1
6.1.11 When the cone of material slumps upon removal of the mould on the first trial, this is an
indication that the material has been dried to beyond the saturated surface-dry condition.
Thoroughly mix a few millilitres of water into the test sample, add sufficient so that the material
retains its conical shape, and allow it to stand for 30 min in a covered container and repeat 6.1.9
and 6.1.10.
6.1.12 When the material retains its conical shape, free water is still present and further drying has
to be carried out to achieve a saturated surface-dry condition. Continue drying the material by
constant stirring, and test in the cone at frequent intervals until the cone of material slumps upon the
removal of the mould, indicating that a saturated surface-dry condition has been reached.
6.1.13 Transfer the material immediately into the dry pycnometer (see 6.1.4), weigh and record the
6.1.14 Add distilled water to the sample in the pycnometer until the pycnometer is approximately
three quarters full.
6.1.15 Connect the pycnometer to the vacuum pump with a rubber hose and remove entrapped air
by applying a vacuum of approximately 100 mm mercury for 5 min ± 30 s.
NOTE Some materials tend to foam, making it difficult to fill the pycnometer. In this case add a maximum of
two drops of amyl alcohol to disperse the foam. Amdt 1
6.1.16 Place the pycnometer in the water bath at a temperature of between 24 °C and 26 °C for a
period of 20 min ± 1 min.
6.1.17 Fill the pycnometer up to the mark with distilled water at a temperature of
between 24 °C and 26 °C, using the plastic wash bottle.
6.1.18 Dry the exterior of the filled pycnometer quickly and thoroughly, weigh and record the
6.1.19 Weigh a basin and record the mass, M5, to the nearest 0,1 g.
6.1.20 Transfer the full contents of the pycnometer, including the test sample and the water, into
the basin. Wash out any remaining material from the pycnometer into the basin using water from
the plastic wash bottle.
6.1.21 Dry the basin with its contents in the drying oven to a constant mass as described in
SANS 3001-GR20. Weigh the basin and its contents and record the mass, M6, to the nearest 0,1 g.
NOTE Some materials have chemically held water which can be driven off if the sample is oven-dried. In this
case the sample should be dried at a lower temperature under reduced pressure.
6.2 Determination of apparent density (AD)
6.2.1 Weigh a clean, dry pycnometer and record the mass, M1, to the nearest 0,1 g.
6.2.2 Cover the sample with water in a suitable container and soak for 24 h ± 1 h.
6.2.3 After soaking the sample, transfer it into the pycnometer.

NOTE Fine-grained materials may be tested using paraffin instead of water, as it is a better wetting agent
than water. When paraffin is used the sample is oven-dried before testing and the paraffin should be free of
any water.
© SABS 7
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Edition 1.1
6.2.4 Ensure that the capacity of the pycnometer is twice the volume required to accommodate the
test specimen sample, as given in table 2.
Table 2 — Pycnometer capacity required for different test sample sizes
1 2
Sample size Pycnometer capacity
g mL
300 500 to 1 000
25 50 to 100
NOTE A variety of containers may be used
instead of a pycnometer, such as relative density
flasks with drilled glass stoppers, volumetric
flasks, or other types of glass containers that are
equipped with a suitable means of ensuring that
they can be filled to a constant volume.
6.2.5 Proceed as described in steps 6.1.13 to 6.1.20.
6.3 Determination of water absorption

Additional procedures are not required to determine water absorption; it is determined using the
data obtained in the procedure to determine the dry density of the test sample.
7 Calculations
NOTE An example of the calculation procedure is given in annex A.
7.1 Determine the BD, the AD and the water absorption of the test sample.
7.1.1 Determine the BD of the test sample to the nearest whole number, using the following
equation:
 M 6  M 5  
BD = 997 ×  
 M 3  M1   M 4  M 2  
where
BD is the bulk density, expressed in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m3);
M1 is the mass of the clean, dry pycnometer, expressed in grams (g);
M2 is the mass of the pycnometer filled with water, expressed in grams (g);
M3 is the mass of the pycnometer and saturated surface-dry test sample, expressed in
grams (g);
M4 is the mass of the pycnometer, test sample and water, expressed in grams (g);
M5 is the mass of the basin, expressed in grams (g);
M6 is the mass of the basin and oven-dried sample, expressed in grams (g).
8 © SABS
SANS 3001-AG21:2014
Edition 1.1
7.1.2 Determine the AD of the test sample to the nearest whole number, using the following
equation: Amdt 1
 M 6  M 5  

AD = 997 ×  Amdt 1
 M 6  M 5   M 4  M 2  
where
AD is the apparent density, expressed in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m3).
7.1.3 Determine the percentage of water absorption to the nearest decimal place.
 M 3  M1   M 6  M 5  
WABS = 100 ×  
 M 6  M 5  

where
WABS is the water absorption, expressed as a percentage (%).
7.1.4 When the BD determination has been omitted (see the note to 6.1), determine the WABS of
the material in the sample retained on the 5 mm sieve, WABS L, as described in SANS 3001-AG20
and calculate the BD, using the following equation:
 
 
 AD 
BDC =  
   W ABS L  AD   
  1    
   100 000   
  
where
BDC is the calculated bulk density, expressed in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m3);
WABS L is the water absorption of the fraction of the sample > 5 mm, expressed as a
percentage (%).
7.2 The uncertainty of the test method is dependent on the characteristics of the material, with
highly absorbent materials giving more variability than materials with low absorbency. Use the
following equations to determine the sigma value, σ, and the required precision E (two-sided limit
and precision variable (PV)) for the statistical analysis of the uncertainty of the test results as
described in SANS 3001-PR1:
a) For AD
σ = FAD × AD
and
E = 0,00527 × AD − 5,5.
© SABS 9
SANS 3001-AG21:2014
Edition 1.1
b) For BD
σ = FBD × BD
and
E = 0,00519 × BD – 5,0
where
FAD = 0,0030 for aggregates;
FAD = 0,0040 for base gravel;
FBD = 0,0035 for aggregates;
FBD = 0,0045 for base gravel.
8 Test report
Report the results to the nearest 1 kg/m3, in the case of dry BD and AD, and to the nearest 0,1 %, in
the case of water absorption results.
10 © SABS
SANS 3001-AG21:2014
Edition 1.1
Annex A
(informative)
Examples of the calculation procedure
A.1 Use the following information to calculate A.2 to A.5:
M1 = 858,4 g; Amdt 1
M2 = 2 155,5 g; Amdt 1
M3 = 1 159,3 g; Amdt 1
M4 = 2 342,9 g; Amdt 1
M5 = 401,0 g; Amdt 1
M6 = 699,0 g; Amdt 1
WABS L = 1,1 %.
A.2 Determine the BD (see 7.1.1), using the following equation:
 M 6  M 5  

BD = 997 × 
 M 3  M1   M 4  M 2  
 699,0  401,0  
= 997 ×   Amdt 1
 1 159,3  858,4   2 342,9  2 155,5  
= 2 618 kg/m3.
A.3 Determine the AD (see 7.1.2), using the following equation:
 M 6  M 5  
AD = 997 ×  
 M 6  M 5   M 4  M 2  
= 997 × 
 699,0  401,0  
 Amdt 1
 699,0  401,0   2 342,9  2 155,5  
= 2 686 kg/m3.
© SABS 11
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Edition 1.1
A.4 Determine the water absorption (see 7.1.3), using the following equation:
 M 3  M1   M 6  M 5  
WABS = 100 ×  
 M 6  M 5  
 1 159,3  858,4   699,0  401,0  

= 100 ×   Amdt 1
 699,0  401,0  
= 1,0 %.
A.5 Calculate the BD when 6.1 has been omitted (see 7.1.4), using the following equation:
 
 
 AD 
BDC =  
   W ABS L  AD   
  1    
   100 000   
 
 
 
 2 686 
=  
   1,1  2 686   
  1   100 000   
   
= 2 609 kg/m3.
12 © SABS
SANS 3001-AG21:2014
Edition 1.1
Bibliography
AASHTO T 84, Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate.
ASTM C 128, Standard test method for density, relative density (specific gravity), and absorption of
fine aggregate.
______________
© SABS 13
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© SABS.

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Civil engineering test methods

Part AG21: Determination of the bulk density,

Published by SABS Standards Division

This document was approved for publication in December 2014.

This document supersedes SANS 3001-AG21:2011 (edition 1).

Annex A is for information only.

2 Normative references .............................................................................................................. 3

5 Sample preparation ................................................................................................................. 5

8 Test report ............................................................................................................................... 10

Annex A (informative) Examples of the calculation procedure .................................................. 11

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Civil engineering test methods

b) apparent density; and

SANS 241-2, Drinking water – Part 2: Application of SANS 241-1. Amdt 1

SANS 1649, Non-automatic self-indicating, semi-self-indicating and non-self-indicating weighing

TMH 5, Sampling methods for road construction materials.

4.2 Vacuum pump, capable of maintaining a reduced pressure of 100 mm mercury.

4.3 Water bath, capable of maintaining a temperature of between 24 °C and 26 °C.

4.4 Durable stirring rod.

4.5 Plastic wash bottle, of 200 mL capacity.

b) bottom diameter of 90 mm ± 3 mm;

c) height, 75 mm ± 3 mm; and

d) minimum wall thickness of 0,8 mm.

4.12 Scoop, of capacity approximately 500 mL.

4.13 Containers, that will prevent loss of moisture.

4.14 Steel spatula, with a blade measuring 100 mm × 20 mm.

4.16 Suitable basins, of diameter approximately 200 mm.

4.17 Plastic wash bottle. Amdt 1

5.2 Test sample

Table 1 — Size of test sample

Test sample mass

6.1.4 Empty and dry the pycnometer.

6.1.6 Stir the sample frequently to ensure uniform drying.

6.1.9 Fill the mould loosely with the damp material.

6.2 Determination of apparent density (AD)

6.2.3 After soaking the sample, transfer it into the pycnometer.

Table 2 — Pycnometer capacity required for different test sample sizes

6.2.5 Proceed as described in steps 6.1.13 to 6.1.20.

6.3 Determination of water absorption

BD is the bulk density, expressed in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m3);

M1 is the mass of the clean, dry pycnometer, expressed in grams (g);

M5 is the mass of the basin, expressed in grams (g);

AD is the apparent density, expressed in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m3).

WABS is the water absorption, expressed as a percentage (%).

FAD = 0,0030 for aggregates;

FAD = 0,0040 for base gravel;

FBD = 0,0035 for aggregates;

FBD = 0,0045 for base gravel.

Examples of the calculation procedure

A.1 Use the following information to calculate A.2 to A.5:

A.2 Determine the BD (see 7.1.1), using the following equation:

A.3 Determine the AD (see 7.1.2), using the following equation:

 1 159,3  858,4   699,0  401,0  

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SABS – Standards Division

Amendments and Revisions

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