FAKULTIKEJURUTERAANAWAM

UNIVERSITITEKNOLOGIMARA
PULAUPINANG LABORATORY MANUAL

COURSE CIVILENGINEERINGMATERIALS

COURSECODE ECS256

LEVELOFOPENNESS 0

CATEGORY TRADITIONAL

DEGREEOFOPENENDED(%) 100%

PERIODOFACTIVITY 1WEEK

TITLE BULKDENSITYFORCOARSEAGGREGATES

1.1 Introduction

The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities will not be able to

provide the avenue for students to enhance independent learning activities and
inculcate creativity and innovation. Level 0 is fully prescriptive where problem,
ways & means and answers are provided to the students. However it is still
necessary especially to first and second year students. In this laboratory activity
students will be exposed to the Unit Weight (Bulk Density) of coarse aggregates.

1.2 Objective
The objective of the test is:
Determination of unit weight (bulk density) and voids of coarse aggregate.

1.3 Learning Outcomes

PREAMBLE
At the end of the laboratory activity, students would be able to:
1. Organize and conduct unit weight (bulk density) and voids tests for
coarse aggregates with correct apparatus and procedure.
2. Analyze data correctly and present in typical format.
3. Work in group and produce technical report.

1.4 Theoretical Background

The density of material expressed in kilogram per cubic meter is numerically
equal to its specific gravity expressed in ratio. The specific gravity multiplies bye
the unit mass of water to convert it to absolute density (specific mass). Absolute
density refers to the volume of the individual particles. Bulk density is a mass of
the aggregate that would fill a container of unit volume, and this bulk density is
used to convert quantities by mass to quantities by volume. It depends on how
densely the aggregate is packed, the size distribution and shape of the particles.
 FAKULTIKEJURUTERAANAWAM
UNIVERSITITEKNOLOGIMARA
PULAUPINANG LABORATORY MANUAL

Unit weight (bulk density) and voids of aggregates are important aggregate
PROBLEM parameters used in the prescribed or design mix design. As a group you are given
STATEMENT aggregate samples to test to determine these parameters using apparatus
mentioned above. The group must carry out the test following the
procedures outline and subsequently analyze the data and present it in a proper
technical format.

3.1 Apparatus

Weighing balance, weight box (metric), sample splitter, cylinder

containers (3, 7, 15 or 30 liters capacity), shovel, tamping rod (16 mm long

rounded at one end), and piece of glass plate.

3.2 Procedures

3.2.1 Procedure for Compacted Bulk Density

WAYS & MEANS 1. Determining the volume of container to be used by accurately filling
in with water at 16.7C (62C) and weight the amount of water. The
weight of water in kg will give the volume of container, V in litre.
2. Take the sample by quartering.
3. Fill the container with aggregates in three layers with each layer
being tamped with 25 strokes of rounded end of the tamping rod,
distributing the strokes evenly over the surface. The container is finally
filled to overflowing.
4. Strike off the surplus aggregates using tamping rod as straight edge.
5. Weight the container full of aggregates and record the weight, W in kg.
6. Calculate :

Compacted unit weight (bulk density) = W/V

Where,
W = Weight of compacted aggregate in cylindrical container, kg
V = Volume of cylinder container, litre

7. Calculate:

The percentage of voids is calculated as follows

Percentage of voids = [(Gs )/Gs]*100
Where,
Gs = Specific gravity of the aggregate
= Bulk density in kg/litre

3.2.1 Procedure for Loose Bulk Density

1. Measure the volume of the cylindrical metal measure by pouring water into
the container and record the volume V in litre.
2. Fill the container with aggregate to overflowing by means of a shovel or
scoop, the aggregate being discharged from a height not exceeding 5 cm
above the top of the measure
3. Level the top surface of the aggregate in the metal measure, with a
straightedge or tamping bar.
FAKULTIKEJURUTERAANAWAM
UNIVERSITITEKNOLOGIMARA
PULAUPINANG LABORATORY MANUAL

4. Determine the weight of the aggregate in the measure and record the
weight W in kg.
5. Calculate:

Loose unit weight (bulk density) = W/V

RESULT Where,
W = Weight of loose aggregate in cylinder container, kg
V = Volume of cylinder container, litre

6. Calculate:

The percentage of voids is calculated as follows

Percentage of voids = [(Gs )/Gs]*100
Where,
Gs = Specific gravity of the aggregate
= Bulk density in kg/litre

3.3 Data Acquisition

Test data will be recorded in the table in Appendix.

4.1 Analysis
1. Data tabulated in the table for different weight which are compact and
loose weight.
ANSWER 2. Calculate bulk density using the formula given.
3. Calculate percentage of void using the formula given.
4. Compare the result of each weight.

4.2 Conclusion

Relation of coarse aggregate between low or high bulk density with weight
and pore/void in concrete.

The report must be submitted 7 days after the completion of test.

 FAKULTIKEJURUTERAANAWAM
UNIVERSITITEKNOLOGIMARA
PULAUPINANG LABORATORY MANUAL

TABLE OF RESULT

Unit Compacted Weight Loose Weight

Weight of empty cylinder container kg
Weight of cylinder container with aggregate kg
Weight of aggregate, W kg
Volume of cylinder container, V litre
Bulk density of aggregate, kg/litre
Percentage of voids
Take Gs: %
Granite = 2.69 / Limestone = 2.66