Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No.

INTRODUCTION

Bulk density, also known as unit weight, is defined as the mass or weight of

aggregate per unit volume, including both the aggregate particles and the voids

between them. It is typically expressed in units of kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3) or

pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft3).

Bulk density is determined using methods like AST C29/C29M for fine

aggregates and ASTM C29/C29M for coarse aggregates. These tests involve

measuring the volume of a container filled with aggregates and then calculating the

mass or weight of aggregates.

Bulk density of aggregates varies depending on the type, the grading, and the

moisture content of the aggregates.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this experiment is to determine the bulk density of a sample

aggregate that is necessary for several methods of selecting proportions for concrete

mixture.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 5

PROCEDURE

The following materials were used in doing the experiment:

1. Sample Aggregate

2. Digital Balance

3. 0.5 cubic foot container

4. Spade

5. Tamping Rod

The following procedures were followed in doing the experiment:

1. Place the sample aggregate in a clean area.

Figure 1

2. Mix the aggregate using the spade.

3. Weigh the empty 0.5 cubic foot container before putting in sample aggregate.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 5

Figure 2

4. Fill the container up to 1/3 full. Using the tamping rod, tamp the first layer 25

times in a circular motion starting from the outside to the center.

Figure 3

5. Fill the container to 2/3 full and tamp again 25 times without penetrating the

previous layer.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 5

Figure 4

6. Fill the container to overflowing and do the tamping in the same manner.

Level the surface of the container by rolling the tamping rod.

Figure 5

7. Once leveled, weigh the container with the tamped sample.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 5

Figure 6

8. Calculate unit weight using the formula provided in the laboratory manual.

1.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 5

TEST RESULTS

Trial 1:

2.2
( 27.541−3.225)( )
W −W m 1 lb
UW = t = =106.990 =1717.423 kg/m3
V 0.5 ft
3

Trial 2:

2.2
( 27.255−3.225)( )
W t −W m 1
UW = = =105.732lb/ ft 3=1697.223 kg /m3
V 0.5

Average Unit Weight:

106.990+105.732 3
UW ave = =106.361lb / ft
2

1717.423+1697.223 3
UW ave = =1707.323 kg /m
2

Table 1

ITEM TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2

Total Weight, lb (kg) 60.718 lb (27.541 kg) 60.087 lb (27.255 kg)

Measured Weight, lb (kg) 7.110 lb (3.225 kg) 7.110 lb (3.225 kg)

Weight of Aggregate, lb
53.608 lb (24.316 kg) 52.977 lb (24.03 kg)
(kg)

Measure Volume, ft3 (m3) 0.5 ft3 (0.01416 m3) 0.5 ft3 (0.01416 m3)

106.990 lb/ft3 (1717.423 105.732 lb/ft3 (1697.223

Unit Weight, lb/ft3 (kg/m3)
kg/m3) kg/m3)

% Difference from
0.5914% 0.5914%
Average

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 5

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
The results of the unit weight test on the coarse aggregate in the table above

show that the aggregate has a very consistent unit weight. The average unit weight of

106.361 lb/ft3 (1707.323 kg/m³) is within the typical range for coarse aggregates. The

percent difference from the average for each trial is also very small, which indicates that

the aggregate is very uniform.

This uniformity is important for concrete and asphalt mix design because it

means that the properties of the mixture will be consistent from batch to batch. This is

especially important for large projects where the concrete or asphalt mixture is being

produced by different plants or suppliers.

Overall, the results of the unit weight test indicate that the coarse aggregate is of

good quality and is suitable for use in concrete and asphalt mixtures.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 5

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The unit weight of an aggregate is defined as the weight of a unit volume of the

aggregate. It is typically measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). The unit weight of an

aggregate is important for designing concrete and asphalt mixtures because it affects the

density and strength of the mixture.

The unit weight of an aggregate can be affected by a number of factors, including

the type of aggregate, the grain size distribution, and the porosity of the aggregate. In

general, aggregates with a higher unit weight will produce concrete and asphalt

mixtures with a higher density and strength.

The results of the unit weight test indicate that the sample aggregate has a very

consistent unit weight of 106.361 lb/ft3 (1707.323 kg/m³), which is within the typical

range for coarse aggregates. The percent difference from the average for each trial is

also very small, which indicates that the aggregate is very uniform. This uniformity is

important for concrete and asphalt mix design because it means that the properties of

the mixture will be consistent from batch to batch.

The following recommendations are suggested to further improve the

experiment:

1. Use a larger sample size.

2. Use a more precise method for measuring the volume and weight of

aggregate.

3. Tamp the aggregate in a consistent manner.