K.S.R.M.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
(UGC-AUTONOMOUS)
Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India– 516 005
Approved by AICTE, New Delhi & Affiliated to JNTUA, Ananthapuramu
Accredited by NAAC with A+ Grade & B. Tech (EEE, ECE, CSE, CE and ME)
Programs by NBA

Concrete Technology Lab Manual (R20)

2024-2025

Prepared by
Dr. K. Shaiksha Vali
Assistant Professor

Department of
Civil Engineering
 List of Experiments

1. Determination of fineness and physical properties of cement (OPC & PPC)

2. Determination of normal consistency of standard cement paste
3. Determination of the initial and final setting times of cement (OPC & PPC)
4. Determination of the specific gravity of cement (OPC & PPC)
5. Determination of the compressive strength of cement for OPC & PPC
6. Determination of fineness modulus of coarse and fine aggregate
7. Determination of specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate
8. Determination of bulking of fine aggregate
9. Determination of workability of concrete by slump cone test and compaction
factor test
10. Determination of hardened properties of concrete by compressive strength

Augmented Experiments
1. Determination of flexural strength test of concrete (Beam)
2. Determination of split tensile strength test of concrete (Cylinder)
EXP: 1. Determination of Fineness and Physical Properties of Cement (OPC &
PPC)
Aim:
To determine the fineness of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Portland Pozzolana Cement
(PPC) by sieve analysis and Blaine air permeability method.

Reference: IS:4031 (part-1)-1996

Theory:
The fineness of cement affects how quickly it reacts with water, which influences how fast it
gains strength and releases heat. Finer cement has more surface area, so it reacts faster and
gains strength more quickly. However, finer cement can also cause more drying shrinkage in
concrete. Different types of cement are ground to different levels of fineness.

The fineness of cement is tested in two ways:

(a) By sieving method.
(b) By measuring the specific surface area (the total surface area of all the particles in one gram
of cement) using the Blaine Air-permeability Apparatus, which is expressed in cm²/g or
m²/kg.

(a). Sieving Method:

Apparatus: 90 µm sieve, Weighing balance, Brush, Pan

Procedure:
1. Accurately weigh 100 grams of cement (W1) and place it on a standard 90-micron IS sieve.
2. Break down any lumps in the cement sample with your fingers.
3. Sieve the sample continuously with circular and vertical motions for 15 minutes.
4. Weigh the residue left on the sieve (W2). According to the IS code, the percentage residue
should not be more than 10%.

Observations:

Sample Weight of cement (W1) Weight of residue (W2) in Fineness (%) =

No. in gms gms (W2 / W1) x 100

Calculations:
Weight of cement taken (W1) = gms
Weight of residue (W2) = gms
Fineness of cement (%) = Weight of residue (W2) / Initial weight (W1) × 100
Result:
• Record the weight of residue for different samples and calculate the average fineness
percentage
• Compare the results for OPC and PPC
Average Fineness of a given sample of cement = ........................ %

Conclusions:
- Summarize the findings and compare the fineness of OPC and PPC based on the above
method.

(b). Blain Air Permeability Method:

Apparatus: Blaine air permeability apparatus, Weighing balance, Stopwatch

Procedure:
1. Weigh a specific amount of cement (usually around 2-3 grams).
2. Place the cement sample in the permeability cell and compact it uniformly.
3. Apply a known pressure using the Blaine apparatus.
4. Measure the time taken for a fixed quantity of air to pass through the cement bed.

Calculations:
Use the Blaine formula provided in the apparatus manual to calculate the specific surface area
(fineness) in m²/kg, considering the standard and actual testing conditions.

Result:
• Record the time and calculate the specific surface area for OPC and PPC.
• Compare the results for both types of cement.

Combined Results:
Sieve Analysis:
- Fineness (%) for OPC ................. %
- Fineness (%) for PPC .................. %

Blaine Air Permeability:

- Specific surface area for OPC ................... m²/kg
- Specific surface area for PPC ................... m²/kg

Combined Conclusions:
- Summarize the findings and compare the fineness of OPC and PPC based on both methods.
- Discuss the implications of the results on the rate of hydration, strength gain, and drying
shrinkage for both types of cement.
EXP: 2. Determination of Normal Consistency of Standard Cement Paste:
Aim:
To determine the normal consistency of standard cement paste using the Vicat apparatus.

Reference: IS: 4031 (Part-4) - 1988, and IS: 5513-1976.

Theory:
The standard consistency of a cement paste is the amount of water needed for the Vicat plunger
to penetrate 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the Vicat mould. Knowing this consistency is
important for determining the initial setting time, final setting time, soundness, and
compressive strength of cement. This experiment uses the Vicat apparatus to find the accurate
amount of water to mix with cement to achieve normal consistency.

Apparatus: Vicat apparatus with a plunger of 10 mm in diameter and 50 mm long, Weighing

balance, Non-porous glass plate, Measuring jar, Tray, Gauging trowel, Standard cement
sample.

Procedure:
1. Weigh 400 grams of cement accurately. Add a known percentage of water (e.g: 25% of the
weight of cement) to the cement and mix thoroughly to form a uniform paste.
2. Place the Vicat mould on a non-porous plate and fill the mould with the cement paste.
3. Level the surface of the paste with a trowel and the mould may be slightly shaken to expel
the air.
4. Place the mould filled with cement paste under the Vicat apparatus.
5. Lower the plunger gently to touch the surface of the paste and then release it quickly.
6. Note the depth of penetration of the plunger into the paste.
7. If the plunger penetration is not between 5-7 mm from the bottom of the mould, prepare a
fresh paste with different water content.
8. Repeat the process until the plunger penetrates to a depth of 5-7 mm from the bottom of the
mould.

Observations:

Weight of cement % by water by dry cement Amount of water Penetration

Trial No.
(gms) (%) added (ml) (mm)
1

Calculations:
The standard consistency is achieved when the plunger penetrates the paste to a point 5-7 mm
from the bottom of the Vicat mould. This corresponds to a water-cement ratio of 26-33%.
- Normal Consistency (%) = Weight of water (W2) / Weight of cement (W1) × 100
Figure: Vicat Apparatus

Result:
- Record the amount of water added and the corresponding penetration depth for each trial.
- The water percentage at which the plunger penetrates 5-7 mm from the bottom of the mould
is considered the normal consistency of the cement paste.
The Normal Consistency for a given sample is = ........................ %.

Conclusions:

Example Results:
- Trial 1: 25% water, penetration 8 mm
- Trial 2: 26% water, penetration 6 mm
- Normal Consistency is = 26%

Example Conclusions:
- The normal consistency of the standard cement paste is the percentage of water required for
the Vicat plunger to penetrate to a depth of 5-7 mm. In this example, the normal consistency is
26%.
EXP: 3. Determination of Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement (OPC & PPC):
Aim:
To determine the initial and final setting time of a given sample of cement using the Vicat
apparatus.

Reference: IS: 4031 (Part-5) - 1988, and IS: 5513-1976.

Theory:
The initial setting time is when water is added to the cement until the paste loses its plasticity.
The final setting time is when water is added to the cement until the paste has completely lost
its plasticity and is firm enough to resist a specific pressure. The final setting time should be
no more than 10 hours, and the initial setting time should be at least 30 minutes.

Apparatus: Vicat apparatus with initial and final setting time needles, Weighing balance, Non-
porous glass plate, Measuring jar, Tray, Gauging trowel, Stopwatch, Standard cement sample,
Water.

Procedure:
1. Weigh 400 grams of cement accurately. Add the amount of water determined for normal
consistency (typically around 25-30% by weight of cement) and mix the cement and water
thoroughly to form a uniform paste.
2. Place the Vicat mould on a non-porous plate and fill the mould with the cement paste.
3. Level the surface of the paste with a trowel and the mould may be slightly shaken to expel
the air.
4. Place the mould filled with cement paste under the Vicat apparatus.

Initial Setting Time:

5. Attach the initial setting time needle (a 1 mm square needle) to the apparatus.
6. Lower the needle gently until it touches the surface of the paste, then release it quickly.
7. Start the stopwatch as soon as the water is added to the cement.
8. Repeat this process at regular intervals (e.g., every 5-10 minutes) until the needle penetrates
the paste to a depth of about 5 mm from the bottom of the mould.
9. Record the time taken from the moment the water was added until the needle penetration is
5 mm. This time is the initial setting time.

Final Setting Time:

10. After determining the initial setting time, continue the test with the final setting time needle
(a needle with an annular collar).
11. Lower the final setting time needle gently onto the surface of the paste and release it.
12. Check at regular intervals until the needle makes only an impression on the surface without
penetrating.
13. Record the time taken from the moment the water was added until the needle makes an
impression. This time is the final setting time.
Calculations:
- Initial Setting Time: Time is taken from the start (adding water) until the needle penetrates
to a depth of 5 mm.
- Final Setting Time: Time taken from the start (adding water) until the needle leaves only an
impression on the surface.

Results:
- Initial Setting Time (OPC) =.......................minutes
- Final Setting Time (OPC) = ....................... minutes
- Initial Setting Time (PPC) = ...................... minutes
- Final Setting Time (PPC) =........................ minutes

Conclusion:

Example Results:
- Initial Setting Time (OPC) = 45 minutes
- Final Setting Time (OPC) = 360 minutes
- Initial Setting Time (PPC) = 60 minutes
- Final Setting Time (PPC) = 400 minutes

Example Conclusion:
The initial and final setting times of OPC and PPC were determined using the Vicat apparatus.
The initial setting time indicates how long the cement paste remains workable, while the final
setting time indicates when the cement paste has hardened sufficiently to bear some load. The
initial setting time for OPC should be at least 30 minutes, and the final setting time should not
exceed 10 hours. The results for PPC may vary slightly due to the presence of pozzolanic
materials.
EXP: 4. Determination of the Specific Gravity of Cement (OPC & PPC):
Aim:
To determine the specific gravity of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Portland Pozzolana
Cement (PPC).

Reference: IS: 4031 (Part-11) - 1988

Theory:
The specific gravity of cement is nothing but the ratio between the volume of cement to the
volume of the same quantity of water. Usually, the values lie between 3.10 to 3.16 (In simple,
cement is 3.10 times heavier than water). Specific gravity values of cement are important for
achieving the desired properties in concrete mix design, ensuring quality control, and
optimizing material usage in construction projects.

Apparatus: Le Chatelier flask, Weighing balance, Kerosene, Funnel, Thermometer

Procedure:
1. Weigh a clean and dry Le-Chatelier flask with its stopper (W1).
2. Place a sample of cement up to half of the flask (about 64 gms) and weigh it with its stopper
(W2).
3. Add kerosene to cement in the flask till it is about half full. Mix thoroughly with a glass rod
to remove entrapped air. Continue stirring and add more kerosene till it is flush with the
graduated mark. Dry the outside of the flask and weigh (W3).
4. Entrapped air may be removed by vacuum pump, if available. Empty the flask, clean it refill
it with clean kerosene flush with the graduated mark wipe dry the outside, and weigh (W4).

Calculations:
(W2−W1)
Specific Gravity =
((W2−W1)−(W3−W4))x0.79

Where, W1 = weight of empty flask

W2 = weight of flask + cement
W3 = weight of flask + cement + kerosene
W4 = weight of flask + kerosene
0.79 = specific gravity of kerosene

Results:
- The specific gravity value of ordinary portland cement (OPC) is = ………………
- The specific gravity value of portland pozzolanic cement (PPC) is = ………………

Conclusion:
Figure: Le-Chatelier Flask

Sample Conclusion:
The specific gravity of the given samples of OPC and PPC were determined using the Le
Chatelier flask method. The specific gravity of OPC was found to be 3.11, and the specific
gravity of PPC was found to be 3.17. These values indicate the density of the cement particles
and are essential for mix design calculations.
EXP: 5. Determination of the Compressive Strength of Cement (OPC & PPC):
Aim:
To determine the compressive strength of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Portland
Pozzolana Cement (PPC) using standard procedures and equipment.

Reference: IS: 4031 (Part-6) – 1988, IS: 10080 – 1982, IS: 650 – 1966, IS: 269 - 1976

Theory:
Determining the compressive strength of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Portland
Pozzolana Cement (PPC) involves preparing cement mortar cubes, curing them, and
subsequently testing them using a compression testing machine. This process is conducted to
ensure that the cement complies with IS specifications and can achieve the necessary
compressive strength required for concrete applications.

Apparatus (or) Materials Required: Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) (or) Portland
Pozzolana Cement (PPC), Standard sand (as per IS 650 (or) ASTM C778), Portable water,
Cube moulds (usually 70.6 mm x 70.6 mm x 70.6 mm (or) 50 mm x 50 mm x 50 mm), Weighing
balance, Gauging trowel, non-porous plate or tray, Measuring jar, Mortar mixer, Vibrating
machine, Compression testing machine.

Procedure:
1. Initially, prepare the mortar mix with a standard mix ratio of 1 part cement to 3 parts standard
sand by weight with a water-cement ratio of 0.4 to 0.5 is used.
2. Weigh the required amounts of cement and sand and mix the dry components thoroughly
until a uniform color is achieved. Then, add the calculated amount of water gradually while
mixing to form a consistent mortar.
3. After mortar preparation, ensure that the moulds are clean and lightly oiled on the inner
surface to prevent sticking.
4. Fill the moulds with the mortar in layers, compacting each layer with a tamping rod.
Typically, 25 strokes per layer are used to remove air bubbles and ensure proper compaction.
After filling the mould, level the surface with a trowel to ensure a smooth finish.
5. Moulds should be undisturbed for 24 hours at a room temperature of 27±2°C. After 24 hours,
carefully remove the cubes from the moulds and submerge the cubes in clean water for the
required curing period (commonly 3, 7, and 28 days).
6. Remove the cubes from the curing water before testing, wipe off any surface moisture, and
allow the cubes to dry before testing.
7. Place the cube in the compression testing machine (CTM), ensuring the load is applied to
the faces that were cast in contact with the mould. Apply the load gradually without shock and
continuously at a rate of 35 N/mm²/min until the cube fails. Note the maximum load applied to
the cube at the point of failure.
Calculations:
Maximum Load (or) Failure Load (P)
Compressive Strength in MPa (or) N/mm2 =
Cross−Sectional Area (A)

Where, P = maximum load (or) failure load in N

A = cross-sectional area of mould in mm2

For better accuracy, the average compressive strength was calculated using three specimens
for each mix.

Results:
- The average 3-day compressive strength of the given sample is found to be =................... MPa.
- The average 7-day compressive strength of the given sample is found to be = ................... MPa.
- The average 28-day compressive strength of the given sample is found to be = ............... MPa.

Conclusion:
- Assess the performance of OPC and PPC in terms of compressive strength.
- Evaluate if the compressive strengths meet the standard requirements for their respective
applications.
EXP: 6 (a). Determination of Fineness Modulus of Fine Aggregate (or) Particle
Size Distribution of Fine Aggregate:

Aim:
To Determine the fineness modulus of fine aggregate (or) particle size distribution of fine
aggregate.

Reference: IS: 2386 (Part-1) – 1963, IS: 383 – 1970, IS: 460 – 1962

Theory:
Dividing a sample of aggregate into different fractions based on particle size is called sieve
analysis. This process helps determine the particle size distribution, known as gradation. Fine
aggregates are often labeled coarse sand, medium sand, and fine sand, but these labels can be
unclear. What one supplier calls fine sand might be medium or coarse sand. To avoid this
confusion, we use the fineness modulus (FM) to indicate the fineness of sand.
Here are some guidelines for sand classification based on fineness modulus:
- Fine sand: FM: 2.2 - 2.6, - Medium sand: FM: 2.6 - 2.9, - Coarse sand: FM: 2.9 - 3.2
Sand with a fineness modulus over 3.2 is unsuitable for making good concrete.

Apparatus (or) Materials Required: Fine aggregate, Set of standard sieves (4.75 mm, 2.36
mm, 1.18 mm, 600-micron, 300-micron, 150-micron, and pan, Weighing balance, Gauging
trowel, Mechanical sieve shaker, Trays (or) Containers.

Procedure:
1. Collect a representative sample of fine aggregate and make sure the sample is clean and dry.
2. Take approximately 1 kg sample of fine aggregate and record the exact weight of the sample.
3. Arrange a set of standard sieves (4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 µm, 300 µm, 150 µm,
and pan) in descending order.
4. Place the sample on the top sieve (4.75 mm). Fit the sieves into a mechanical sieve shaker
or shake them manually for about 10-15 minutes.
5. After sieving, weigh the material retained on each sieve and record the weight retained on
each sieve and the pan.

Observations:
Weight Percentage Percentage Cumulative
Retained of Weight of Weight Percentage
IS Sieve Remark
on Sieve Retained Passing Retained
(gms) (%)
4.75 mm
2.36 mm
1.18 mm
600 microns
300 microns
150 microns
Pan
Calculations:
Fineness Modulus of Fine Aggregate = Sum the cumulative percentage retained on all sieves
and divide by 100.
Sum the cumulative percentage retained
Fineness Modulus (FM) =
100

Results:
- Fineness Modulus of Fine Aggregate = …………...

Conclusion:

Example Calculations:

Weight Percentage of Percentage of Cumulative

Retained Weight Weight Percentage
IS Sieve Remark
on Sieve Retained Passing Retained
(gms) (%)
4.75 mm 50 50 950 (1000-50) 5%
2.36 mm 100 150 (50+100) 850 (1000-150) 15%
1.18 mm 200 350 (150+200) 650 (1000-350) 35%
600 microns 250 600 (350+250) 400 (1000-600) 60%
300 microns 300 900 (600+300) 100 (1000-900) 90%
150 microns 50 950 (900+50) 50 (1000-950) 95%
Pan 50 1000 (950+50) 0 (1000-1000) 100%

5+15+35+60+90+95+100 400
Fineness Modulus (FM) = = =4
100 100

Results:
- Fineness Modulus of Fine Aggregate = 4.

Conclusion:
- Assess the gradation of the aggregates based on the fineness modulus values.
- Verify if the aggregates meet the specifications for their intended use in concrete or other
construction applications.
EXP: 6 (b). Determination of Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate (or) Particle
Size Distribution of Coarse Aggregate:

Aim:
To Determine the fineness modulus of coarse aggregate (or) particle size distribution of coarse
aggregate.

Reference: IS: 2386 (Part-1) – 1963, IS: 383 – 1970, IS: 460 – 1962

Theory:
The Fineness modulus of coarse aggregates represents the average size of the particles in the
coarse aggregate by an index number. It is calculated by performing sieve analysis with
standard sieves. The higher the aggregate size higher the Fineness modulus hence fineness
modulus of coarse aggregate is higher than fine aggregate. In general, however, a smaller value
indicates a finer aggregate.

Apparatus (or) Materials Required: Coarse aggregate, set of standard sieves (80 mm, 40
mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm, and pan, Weighing balance, Gauging trowel, Mechanical sieve
shaker, Trays (or) Containers.

Procedure:
1. Collect a representative sample of coarse aggregate and make sure the sample is clean and
dry.
2. Take approximately 5 kg sample of coarse aggregate and record the exact weight of the
sample.
3. Arrange a set of standard sieves (80 mm, 40 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm, and pan) in
descending order.
4. Place the sample on the top sieve (80 mm). Fit the sieves into a mechanical sieve shaker for
2 to 3 minutes (or) shake them manually for about 10-15 minutes.
5. After sieving, weigh the material retained on each sieve and record the weight retained on
each sieve and the pan.

Observations:
Weight Percentage Percentage Cumulative
Retained of Weight of Weight Percentage
IS Sieve Remark
on Sieve Retained Passing Retained
(gms) (%)
80 mm
40 mm
20 mm
10 mm
4.75 mm
Pan
Calculations:
Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate = Sum the cumulative percentage retained on all sieves
and divide by 100.
Sum the cumulative percentage retained
Fineness Modulus (FM) =
100

Results:
- Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate = …………...

Conclusion:

Example Calculations:

Weight Cumulative
Percentage of Percentage of
Retained Percentage
IS Sieve Weight Retained Weight Passing Remarks
on Sieve Retained
(gms) (%)
80 mm 0 0 5000 (5000-0) 0%
40 mm 500 500 (0+500) 4500 (5000-500) 10%
20 mm 1000 1500 (500+1000) 3500 (5000-1500) 30%
10 mm 2000 3500 (1500+2000) 1500 (5000-3500) 70%
4.75 mm 1000 4500 (3500+1000) 500 (5000-4500) 90%
Pan 500 5000 (4500+500) 0 (5000-5000) 100%

0+10+30+70+90+100 300
Fineness Modulus (FM) = = =3
100 100

Results:
- Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate = 3.

Conclusion:
- Assess the gradation of the aggregates based on the fineness modulus values.
- Verify if the aggregates meet the specifications for their intended use in concrete or other
construction applications.
EXP: 7 (a). Determination of Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregate:

Aim:
To Determine the specific gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate.

Reference: IS: 2386 (Part-3) – 1963

Theory: The specific gravity of the fine aggregate indicates the density of the material
compared to the density of water. This value is used in concrete mix design and to determine
the void content in aggregate, which influences the strength and durability of the concrete.

Apparatus (or) Materials Required: Pycnometer (or) Specific gravity bottle, Weighing
balance, Funnel, Oven, Weighing tray, and Distilled water.

Procedure:
1. Select the sample of fine aggregate, dry it in an oven at a temperature of 100-1050C until a
constant weight is achieved, and allow the sample to cool at room temperature.
2. Weigh the empty, clean, and dry pycnometer and record the weight as W1.
3. Fill the pycnometer about one-third full with the dried fine aggregate sample and record the
weight as W2.
4. Fill the pycnometer with distilled water until the aggregate is fully submerged. Use a funnel
to prevent loss of material and stir well to remove air bubbles. Record the weight of the
pycnometer with the aggregate and water as W3.
5. Empty the pycnometer, clean it thoroughly, and then fill it with distilled water and weigh it
as W4.

Observations:
Sample Weights Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3
W1
W2
W3
W4
Calculations:
The specific gravity Gs of the fine aggregate is calculated using the following formula.
W2−W1
Gs = (W2−W1)−(W3−W4)
Where,
W1 = Weight of empty pycnometer
W2 = Weight of the pycnometer with the dry fine aggregate
W3 = Weight of the pycnometer with the fine aggregate and water
W4 = Weight of the pycnometer filled with water only

Results:
- The specific Gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate is found to be = …………...

Conclusion:

Example Calculations:

Sample Weights Sample 1

W1 610
W2 1220
W3 1920
W4 1620

W2−W1 1220−610
Gs = (W2−W1)−(W3−W4) = (1220−610)−(1920−1620) = 1.97

Results:
- - The specific Gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate is found to be = 1.97.

Conclusion:
- The specific gravity of the fine aggregate was determined to be 1.97. This value is slightly
lower than the typical range for fine aggregates, which usually falls between 2.4 and 2.9.
EXP: 7 (b). Determination of Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregate:

Aim:
To Determine the specific gravity of a given sample of coarse aggregate.

Reference: IS: 2386 (Part-3) – 1963

Theory: The specific gravity of an aggregate is often considered an indicator of the material's
strength and quality. Generally, stones with lower specific gravity tend to be weaker compared
to those with higher specific gravity values. Conducting a specific gravity test is therefore
useful in identifying the quality of stones.

Water absorption is another critical factor, as it provides insight into the porosity and,
consequently, the strength of the rock. Stones with higher water absorption are typically more
porous and are generally deemed unsuitable unless they pass additional tests for strength,
impact resistance, and hardness.

Apparatus (or) Materials Required: Wire basket of 3-6 mm mesh (for immersing aggregate
in water), Weighing balance, Oven, Weighing tray, Water tank (large enough to submerge the
wire basket), and Absorbent cloth.

Procedure:
1. Take a sample of coarse aggregate weighing at least 2000 grams, wash thoroughly to remove
dust, drain, and immerse in distilled water (22°C to 32°C) with 5 cm of water above the basket.
2. Immediately after immersion, remove entrapped air by lifting the basket containing the
aggregate about 25 mm above the base of the tank and allowing it to drop 25 times at a rate of
approximately one drop per second. Keep the basket and aggregate completely immersed
during this process and leave it submerged for 24 ± 1/2 hours.
3. After 24 hours, jolt the basket and sample in the water weigh them together while still
submerged, and record this weight as A1.
4. Remove the basket and aggregate from the water, and allow them to drain for a few minutes.
Gently empty the aggregate onto a dry cloth. Return the empty basket to the water weigh it
while submerged, and record this weight as A2.
5. Surface dry the aggregate by gently patting it with the dry cloth, and transferring the
aggregate to a second dry cloth when the first one stops absorbing moisture. Weigh the surface-
dried aggregate, and record this weight as B.
6. Place the aggregate in a shallow tray and dry it in an oven at a temperature of 100°C to 110°C
for 24 ± 1/2 hours. After drying, remove the aggregate from the oven, cool it in an airtight
container, weigh it, and record this weight as C.

Calculations:
The specific gravity, Apparent specific gravity, and water absorption shall be calculated as
follows.
C
Specific Gravity =
𝐴−𝐵
C
Apparent Specific Gravity =
𝐴−𝐶
B−C
Water Absorption = x100
𝐶
Where,
A = Weight in gms of the saturated aggregate in water (A1-A2)
B = Weight in gms of the saturated surface dry aggregate in the air
C = Weight in gms of oven-dried aggregate in air

Results:
- The specific gravity of a given sample of coarse aggregate is found to be = …………...
- The apparent specific gravity of a given sample of coarse aggregate is found to be =
…………...
- The water absorption of a given sample of coarse aggregate is found to be = …………...

Conclusion: