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BRITISH STANDARD

BS 598-104:
1989
Incorporating
Amendment Nos 1
and 2

Sampling and
examination of
bituminous mixtures
for roads and other
paved areas
Part 104: Methods of test for the
determination of density and
compaction

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BS 598-104:1989

Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Road
Engineering Standards Policy Committee (RDB/-) to Technical Committee
RDB/36 upon which the following bodies were represented:
British Aggregate Construction Materials Industries
British Civil Engineering Test Equipment Manufacturers Association
British Tar Industry Association
County Surveyors Society
Department of the Environment (Property Services Agency)
Department of Transport (Highways)
Department of Transport (Transport and Road Research Laboratory)
Institute of Asphalt Technology
Institute of Petroleum
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Highways and Transportation
Mastic Asphalt Council and Employers Federation
Mastic Asphalt Producers Association
Refined Bitumen Association Ltd.
Sand and Gravel Association Ltd.
Society of Chemical Industry
Coopted members

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Road Engineering
Standards Policy Committee, was
published under the authority of
the Board of BSI and comes
into effect on
29 September 1989
BSI 12-1998
The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference RDB/36
Draft for comment 87/10840 DC
ISBN 0 580 17152 3

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No.

Date of issue

6738

Sept 1991

9031

April 1996

Comments

Indicated by a sideline in the margin

BS 598-104:1989

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Contents
Committees responsible
Foreword
1
2
3
4

Page
Inside front cover
ii

Scope
Definitions
Determination of the percentage refusal density (PRD)
Measurement of density of cores

1
1
1
6

Appendix A Recommendations for equipment control and calibration

Appendix B Test method for determining the suitability of a
vibrating hammer for use in the percentage refusal density test
Appendix C Calculation form for determining the percentage
refusal density where neither talcum powder nor an inert filler is used
Appendix D Use of talcum powder or inert filler
Appendix E Determination of air voids in the specimen

8
9
10
11

Figure 1 Typical compaction assembly

Table 1 Temperature of cores and moulds for compaction

to refusal
Table 2 Grading of sand

3
8

Publications referred to

BSI 12-1998

Inside back cover

BS 598-104:1989

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Foreword
This Part of BS 598 has been prepared under the direction of Technical
Committee B/510.
It has been assumed in the drafting of this British Standard that the execution of
its provisions is entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced people.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 12, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.
ii

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BS 598-104:1989

1 Scope
This Part of BS 598 describes two methods for
determining the density and compaction of
bituminous mixtures for roads and other paved
areas. The first method describes how to determine
the percentage refusal density of core samples
of 150 mm nominal diameter cut from compacted
bituminous mixtures. This method is intended to
apply only to coated macadam dense roadbases or
basecourses that have cooled to ambient
temperatures and have a minimum layer thickness
complying with Table 1 of BS 4987-2:1973.
The second method describes how to measure the
density of cores.
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard
are listed on the inside back cover.

2 Definitions
For the purposes of this Part of BS 598 the
definitions given in BS 6100 apply, together with
the following.
2.1
initial dried bulk density
the mass per unit volume, including voids, of the
specimen after being placed in an oven until the
mass is stable
2.2
refusal density
the mass per unit volume, including voids, of the
specimen compacted to refusal in accordance with
the test method
2.3
percentage refusal density (PRD)
the ratio of the initial dried bulk density of the
sample to the refusal density expressed as a
percentage
2.4
bulk density (for use in the calibration of the
vibrating hammer)
the mass of a material (including solid particles and
any contained water) per unit volume including
voids

2.6
reproducibility (R)
the value below which the absolute difference
between two single test results obtained with the
same method on identical test material under
different conditions (different operators, different
apparatus, different laboratories and/or different
time) may be expected to lie with a specified
probability; in the absence of other indications, the
probability is 95 %
2.7
single test result
the value obtained by applying the standard test
method fully, once, to a single specimen; it may be
the mean of two or more observations or the result
of a calculation from a set of observations as
specified by the standard test method

3 Determination of the percentage

refusal density (PRD)
3.1 Principle
The initial dried bulk density of the core sample of
bituminous mixture is measured by weighing the
sample in air and water, the sample being coated in
paraffin wax to prevent the ingress of water. After
removal of the wax coating, the sample is then
heated and compacted with a vibrating hammer
to refusal. The final density of the sample is then
measured by weighing the sample in air and water.
The percentage refusal density is a measure of the
relative state of compaction of the sample.
3.2 Materials
3.2.1 Paraffin wax of known density at a
temperature of 20 C. The wax shall be capable of
covering the core with an uncracked impervious
coating.
NOTE Paraffin wax with a congealing point between 49 C
and 50 C, type BDH 29839, is satisfactory. A coating with
optimum properties is obtained when the liquid wax is
maintained at a temperature of 55 3 C.

3.2.2 Paper discs to prevent the ends of the core

from sticking to the base plate (see 3.3.5) or the
tamping foot (see 3.3.10).

2.5
repeatability (r)
the value below which the absolute difference
between two single test results obtained with the
same method on identical test material under the
same conditions (same operator, same apparatus,
same laboratory and a short interval of time) may be
expected to lie with a specified probability; in the
absence of other indications, the probability is 95 %

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BS 598-104:1989

3.2.3 Silicone grease, such as one conforming to

Ministry of Defence Standard 59-101), for use as a
releasing agent.
3.2.4 Talcum powder of pharmaceutical quality.
3.2.5 Inert void-filling material.
3.3 Apparatus
NOTE Apparatus should be calibrated and traceable as
recommended in appendix A.

3.3.1 A ventilated drying cabinet thermostatically

controlled maintain a temperature of between 25 C
and 45 C.
3.3.2 A balance capable of weighing up to 10 kg to an
accuracy of 1 g, with an attachment to facilitate
the weighing of cores in water.
3.3.3 A bath suitable for holding molten paraffin
wax.
3.3.4 A water bath maintained at a temperature
of 20 5 C for immersing the sample while
suspended from the balance.
3.3.5 A split core mould and base plate (Figure 1).
NOTE The design of the apparatus required in 3.3.5 is subject
to crown copyright. The Secretary of State for Transport has
agreed with BSI to make available, through the Transport and
Road Research Laboratory, licences to market and manufacture
this apparatus on non-exclusive and non-discriminatory terms in
the form of royalty payments of 7 % of the net selling price of the
apparatus. Applicants for licences should apply to the Director,
Transport and Road Research Laboratory, Department of
Transport, Old Wokingham Road, Crowthorne, RG11 6AU.

3.3.6 One spare base plate (only one spare base plate
is needed for a complete set of moulds).
3.3.7 A heating oven with fan-assisted circulation
and of sufficient capacity and power to raise the
temperature of the cores and moulds from ambient
to the temperatures specified in Table 1.
3.3.8 An electric vibrating hammer, complying with
appendix B.
3.3.9 A 50 mm or 75 mm wide paint-stripping knife
and a pallet knife.
3.3.10 A 102 2 mm diameter tamping foot
and 146 2 mm diameter tamping foot for use with
the electric vibrating hammer (see 3.3.8).
3.3.11 A 300 mm metric steel rule, complying with
BS 4372.
3.3.12 A pair of external calipers, complying with
BS 3123.
3.3.13 A stopclock or watch

3.3.14 A thermometer, capable of measuring

temperatures in the range 35 C to 160 C with an
accuracy of 1 C.
3.3.15 A diamond-impregnated saw, capable of
slicing cores.
3.3.16 A refrigerator or deep freeze
3.3.17 A paint brush for applying wax.
3.4 Preparation of test specimen
3.4.1 Cut a core of 150 mm to 153 mm diameter in
accordance with BS 598-100.
NOTE If the core is more than 150 mm deep and/or consists of
more than a single layer it will be necessary to saw or split the
core to produce valid test specimens.

3.4.2 Measure the diameter of the core to the

nearest 1 mm in two directions using the external
calipers and steel rule.
3.4.3 If any layer in the core is greater than 150 mm
in depth saw the core so that the layer becomes two
specimens of similar depth.
NOTE The sawing of multi-layer cores into separate layers
should also be considered at this stage as it is often more efficient
than splitting.

3.4.4 Place the core or sawn portions of the core,

with axis vertical and flattest face down, in the
drying cabinet at a temperature below 45 C.
NOTE Low-temperature drying of cores is essential to ensure
that the core does not become distorted. Typically a period of 16 h
is necessary at 40 C, but with voided cores a lower temperature
may be necessary.

3.4.5 If the core consists of more than one layer of

material, remove from the drying cabinet when
warmed (after about 4 h) and separate the layers
immediately by placing the core on a flat surface
and working the paint-stripping knife or pallet knife
around the cirumference of the core at the interface
between layers. If the bond between layers is such
that this method fails then allow the core to cool,
saw at the interface and return the layer or layers
required for test to the cabinet, as described in 3.4.4.
3.4.6 Dry the core to constant mass. The core shall
be considered to be at constant mass when the
difference between successive weighings at 2-hourly
intervals does not exceed 0.05 %.
NOTE For convenience, it is recommended that the successive
weighings to determine constant mass should be carried out
whilst the core is warm.

1)

MOD Standard 59-10 Insulating and filling compounds (insulating compound, electric/silicone grease type published by
Directorate of Standardization, Ministry of Defence, London.

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BS 598-104:1989

3.4.7 Remove any loose material from the core and

record that this has been done.

Table 1 Temperature of cores and moulds

for compaction to refusal

3.5 Procedure

Binder type

3.5.1 Allow the core, or portion of core, to cool to

ambient temperature and weigh it in air to the
nearest 1 g.
3.5.2 Seal the surface of the core by immersing it in
the molten paraffin wax.
To facilitate the later removal of the wax coating the
core may be lightly dusted with talcum powder prior
to coating.
If talcum powder is used the procedure described in
appendix D shall be followed (see D.2).
NOTE 1 The wax may be applied by first chilling the core in a
refrigerator to a temperature of about 5 C for 30 min (or less
time in a freezer) and then dipping the core in the molten wax.
Brushing the surface of the wax with hot wax may be necessary
to fill any pinholes.
NOTE 2 It is not uncommon for small pieces of material to be
lost from the surfaces of the core during cutting and subsequent
handling. Where this occurs there is no need for any special
treatment. Where, however, significant surface voids appear to
be due to poor compaction then their volume should be taken into
account by filling with an inert material, e.g. plasticine, and the
appropriate adjustments made to the calculations (see D.3).
NOTE 3 If the sample is judged to be impermeable or nearly so,
wax coating may not be necessary.

3.5.3 Allow the wax to harden for about 20 min.

Then weigh the waxed core to the nearest 1 g, first
in air, and then suspended in the water bath
at 20 5 C.
3.5.4 Scrape the wax off the core with the pallet
knife so as to reduce the mass of the core and wax to
less than 1.005 times the mass of the dry core in air.
3.5.5 Coat the split mould and base plate
(see Figure 1) with a thin film of silicone grease and
place a filter paper on the base plate.
3.5.6 Insert the core, with the flatter of its two ends
uppermost, into the mould. Tighten the mould and
clamp the mould to the base plate.
3.5.7 Place the assembly without the shank and
tamping foot but including the additional base plate
in a preheated oven maintained at the temperature
specified in Table 1 for the grade of binder in use.
Retain in the oven until the centre of the core has
attained the temperature specified in Table 1.
NOTE Arrangements should be made for preheating the
tamping feet, as required by 3.5.10 and 3.5.12.

BSI 12-1998

Binder grade

Temperature at test
C

Bitumen

Tar

50 pen

150 5

100 pen

140 5

200 pen

130 5

C50

90 5

C54

95 5

C58

100 5

3.5.8 Condition the operating mechanism of the

vibrating hammer by running it for at least 2 min on
a blank specimen before beginning 3.5.10.
3.5.9 Remove the assembly from the oven and place
it on a level rigid floor. Ensure that the mould is
tightened until the split is closed. Place a paper disc
on the exposed surface of the core.
3.5.10 Immediately compact the core with the
vibrating hammer, using the 102 mm diameter
tamping foot previously warmed to above 60 C and
coated with a thin layer of silicone grease.
Hold the hammer firmly with the shaft vertical and
move the tamping foot from one position to another
around the mould as specified in 3.5.11. Give 2 s
to 10 s compaction at each position. Move the
tamping foot from one position to the next before
material bulges above the edge of the tamping foot
(see Figure 1).
NOTE 1 To keep the mould in position whilst compaction is
taking place it is advisable to use a panel of 20 mm plywood with
a central hole of suitable dimensions to accommodate the mould
base.
NOTE 2 The period of compaction at each position will depend
on the material.
NOTE 3 The downward force applied to the compaction
hammer by the operator should be greater than that required in
order to stop the hammer bouncing on the specimen. A means of
determining this force is described in B.5.3.

3.5.11 Position the tamping foot in contact with the

side of the mould and compact the core in the
following points of the compass sequence: N, S, W,
E, NW, SE, SW, NE. Repeat this sequence until the
total compaction period amounts to 2 min 5 s.
3.5.12 When the compaction process specified
in 3.5.11 is complete, remove any irregularities on
the surface of the core by using the vibrating
hammer fitted with the previously warmed 146 mm
diameter tamping foot coated with a thin layer of
silicone grease.

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BS 598-104:1989

3.5.13 Clamp the spare base plate, lightly greased,

to the top of the mould. Invert the mould and
remove the original base plate ensuring that a paper
disc adheres to each end of the core. Place the
original base plate in the oven; this now becomes the
spare base plate. Drive the core into contact with the
base plate with the vibrating hammer fitted with
the 146 mm tamping foot coated with silicone
grease.
3.5.14 Repeat the compaction procedure specified
in 3.5.10, 3.5.11 and 3.5.12.
3.5.15 Allow the core to cool in air for at least 2 h
and then remove it from the mould by loosening the
screws and tapping the mould to destroy the
adhesion.
3.5.16 Remove the paper discs.
3.5.17 Weigh the core in air and suspend in water
at 20 5 C to the nearest 1 g.
3.5.18 If the core has been cut in two (see 3.4.3) or if
it has been split into layers (see 3.4.5) carry out the
procedure described in 3.5.1 to 3.5.17 for each
specimen or layer.
3.6 Calculation and expression of results
3.6.1 When neither talcum powder nor an inert filler
is used in the procedure the value of the percentage
refusal density (PRD) is calculated, by first
calculating the initial dried bulk density G
(in Mg/m3), and the refusal density H (in Mg/m3)
from the following equations:
A
G = --------------------------------------------------(B A)
( B C ) -------------------
D
where
A is the mass of the dry core in air (in g);
B is the mass of the waxed core in air (in g);
C is the mass of the waxed core in water (in g);
D is the density of the wax (in Mg/m3).
1
H = ------------------F
1 ----
E
where
F is the mass of the compacted core in water
(in g);
E is the mass of the compacted core in air (in g).

3.6.2 Express the percentage refusal density to the

nearest 0.1.
3.6.3 If the core has been split into layers (see 3.4.5)
or cut in half (see 3.4.3) the percentage refusal
density of the core is the average of the value
obtained for each layer or half.
NOTE An example of a calculation form suitable for use in the
determination of the percentage refusal density where neither
talcum powder nor an inert filler is used is shown in appendix C.

3.7 Precision
The best current estimates for repeatability and
reproducibility are as follows.
Repeatability

1.2

Reproducibility

1.8

NOTE 1 The precision data were determined from an

experiment conducted in 1982 using 10 laboratories and 60
samples. The repeatability and reproducibility values given
above apply for a range of percentage refusal density values
from 92.3 to 99.2.
NOTE 2 The precision data were obtained on roadbase material
in layers of thickness not less than 100 mm.

3.8 Test report

The test report shall affirm that the percentage
refusal density was determined in accordance with
this Part of BS 598. The test report shall include the
following additional information:
a) the name and address of the testing laboratory;
b) a unique serial number for the test report;
c) the name of the client;
d) a description and an identification of the
sample, and the date of receipt;
e) the identification of the test method including
information on the use of talcum powder or an
inert filler where appropriate;
f) any deviations, additions to or exclusions from
the test method;
g) the measured diameter of the core;
h) the total depth of core received;
i) the depth of individual test specimens and
whether loose material was removed;
j) individual values of the percentage refusal
density for each test specimen;
k) the signature of the person accepting technical
responsibility for the test report;
l) the date of issue.

100G
PRD = --------------H
where
G is the initial dried bulk density (in Mg/m3);
H is the refusal density (in Mg/m3).

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BS 598-104:1989

Figure 1 Typical compaction assembly

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BS 598-104:1989

4 Measurement of density of cores

4.1 General
4.1.1 Where cores of laid mixed material are taken,
e.g. for assessing the performance of rollers,
determine the density of each core by the following
method.
Where wearing courses contain precoated
chippings, remove these before determining
densities of cores.
4.1.2 The diameter of core samples shall be at
least 150 mm; the use of too small a specimen may
lead to inaccurate results. The cores shall be as
regular in shape as possible.
NOTE When measuring the density of a core of a compacted
layer, cores need not be waxed, provided all the cores are treated
similarly. For reference purposes, however, waxing is
recommended.

4.2 Apparatus
4.2.1 Water bath, of such dimensions that the
specimen may be hung freely in it.
4.2.2 Balance, suitable for carrying the weight of the
specimen hanging from its balance arm or hook, and
capable of weighing to an accuracy of 0.05 % of the
load.
NOTE The balance should be calibrated and traceable as
recommended in appendix A.

4.2.3 Metal grid, suspended, by means of a length of

wire at each corner, from one end of the balance arm
or hook.
4.2.4 Paraffin wax, of known relative density.
4.3 Procedure
4.3.1 Remove any coated chippings forming a part of
a wearing course, by warming to not more
than 60 C and carefully levering the chippings out,
using, for example, a screwdriver.
4.3.2 Weigh the specimen in air (W1) and, if
necessary, wax and weigh again (W2).
4.3.3 Fill the water bath with water and weigh the
grid totally immersed in water. Reweigh with the
specimen added, ensuring both grid and specimen
are totally immersed and that the specimen is free
from air bubbles.

where
W1 is the mass of specimen in air (in g);
W3 is the mass of specimen in water (in g).
Calculate the core density D (in Mg/m3) for waxed
specimen from the following equation:
S5 W1
D = ---------------------------------------------------------------------S5 ( W2 W 4 ) ( W2 W1 )
where
W1 is the mass of specimen in air before waxing
(in g);
W2 is the mass of specimen in air after waxing
(in g);
W4 is the mass of waxed specimen in water (in g);
S5 is the relative density of wax.
NOTE If calculation of the air voids in a specimen is required,
the procedure described in appendix E should be followed.

Express the core density to the

nearest 0.001 Mg/m3.
4.5 Test report
The test report shall affirm that the core density
was determined in accordance with this Part of
BS 598. The test report shall include the following
additional information:
a) the name and address of the testing laboratory;
b) a unique serial number for the test report;
c) the name of the client;
d) a description and an identification of the
sample, and the date of receipt;
e) the measured diameter of the core;
f) the total depth of core received;
g) the depth of individual test specimens and
whether loose material was removed;
h) individual values of core density for each test
specimen;
i) the signature of the person accepting technical
responsibility for the test report;
j) the date of issue.

4.4 Calculation and expression of results

Calculate the mass of the specimen in water (W3) as
the difference between the two weighings.
Calculate the core density D (in Mg/m3) for unwaxed
specimen from the following equation:
W1
D = ---------------------W1 W3

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BS 598-104:1989

Appendix A Recommendations for

equipment control and calibration
A.1 General
Calibration of all critical equipment used in the
performance of tests in this British Standard should
be traceable to national standards as recommended
in this appendix. Systems used should comply with
BS 5781.
A.2 External calibration
(carried out under contract by an external
organization)
Traceability should be established by the issue of a
certificate for the relevant item giving details of:
a) the calibration;
b) the traceability route, i.e. British Calibration
Service (BCS), National Physical Laboratory
(NPL) or National Weights and Measures
Laboratory (NWML);
c) the description and serial number of any
reference/transfer standard involved;
d) the signature of the personnel performing or
responsible for the calibration.
A.3 In-house calibration
(carried out by the staff of the testing laboratory)
When traceability is to be established by in-house
calibration, the following conditions should be met:
a) the calibration should be performed in
accordance with written procedures applicable to
the items;
b) the reference/transfer standards used should
have valid certification provided by BCS, NPL, or
NWML or acceptable international bodies;
c) the reference/transfer standards should be
used solely for calibration purposes;
d) the documentation should be as recommended
in A.2 and should be retained.
A.4 Balance and weights
A.4.1 Balances should be calibrated using reference
weights at least once every 9 months; with frequent
use, 6 months is preferable.
A.4.2 Reference weights for in-house calibrations
should be kept secure in a suitable environment,
separate from working weights and should be
recalibrated and certificated at least every 5 years.

BSI 12-1998

A.5 Stopclocks and watches

Stopclocks and watches should be calibrated at least
once every 3 months.
A.6 Thermometry
A.6.1 For the methods described in this standard,
stamped, mercury-in-glass thermometers
complying with BS 593 are sufficient. Such
thermometers should be recalibrated or replaced
every 5 years as indicated in appendix A of
BS 593:1974.
A.6.2 If thermocouples are used they should be
calibrated against a reference thermocouple,
platinum resistance or reference mercury-in-glass
thermometer at least once every 6 months.
A.6.3 Reference thermocouples or reference
platinum resistance thermometers should be
recalibrated at least once every 2 years and
reference mercury-in-glass thermometers at least
once every 5 years.
A.7 BS test sieves
A.7.1 Only test sieves complying with BS 410
should be used and their certificates should be
retained throughout their working life.
A.7.2 Sieves should be marked with a set reference
and only used as a constituent of that set. When new
sieves are incorporated into a set they should be
marked appropriately and the individual certificate
filed.
A.7.3 Sieve control systems should be as follows.
a) Visual checks. The conditions of all sieves
should be visually checked and recorded at
frequent intervals by designated personnel.
Twice per week will be sufficient in most cases.
Any discrepancies noted should be referred to a
designated senior person who should decide
whether to recalibrate or replace the suspect
sieve.
b) Standard gradings. A laboratory standard
sample should be established and graded on each
set of sieves in use at least once every 3 months.
Alternatively gradings obtained using working
sieves can be repeated on a set of sieves kept
solely for calibration purposes and compared. The
results of standard grading comparisons should
be considered by designated personnel who
should decide whether any individual sieve
should be replaced or investigated.

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BS 598-104:1989

A.8 Test sand for determining suitability of

vibrating hammer
A.8.1 On receipt the test sand (see B.3) should be
given a unique batch number which should be
marked indelibly on the container(s).
A.8.2 A sample for grading should be obtained from
the container(s) in accordance with BS 812-102 and
tested in accordance with BS 812-103.
A.8.3 If compliance is achieved the material should
be placed in stock and brought into service when
required.

Appendix B Test method for

determining the suitability of a
vibrating hammer for use in the
percentage refusal density test

B.3 Materials
Ten kilograms of dry and not previously used
Leighton Buzzard silica sand is required. It shall
comply with the grading requirements of Table 22).
Table 2 Grading of sand
BS test sieve

by mass passing

600

100

425

0 to 25

300

B.4 Preparation of sample

Mix water with the sand sufficient to raise its
moisture content to 2.5 0.5 %.

B.1 Vibrating hammer

B.5 Procedure

The vibrating hammer to be tested for use in the

percentage refusal density test shall be electric. It
shall have a power consumption in the range 750 W
to 1 000 W and operate at a frequency of 20 Hz
to 50 Hz2).

B.5.1 Weigh the mould, with its 50 mm collar and

baseplate firmly fixed, and then stand it on a solid
base, e.g. a concrete floor or plinth.
B.5.2 Condition the operating mechanism of the
vibrating hammer by running it for at least 2 min on
a blank specimen before beginning B.5.3.
B.5.3 Use the vibrating hammer fitted with
a 146 mm diameter circular steel tamper to compact
a quantity of the moist sand in the mould. Compact
the sand in three layers of nearly equal mass
sufficient to give a specimen of 130 3 mm deep
after compaction. Compact each layer for a period
of 60 2 s. Throughout this period apply a firm
downward pressure to the vibrating hammer so that
the total downward force, including that resulting
from the mass of the hammer and tamper, shall
be 350 50 N.

NOTE It is important that the hammer should have been

maintained properly in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions. A new hammer may need to be run in in order to
meet the requirements of this test.

B.2 Apparatus
B.2.1 General. The apparatus described in B.2.2
to B.2.7 is required in addition to that used for the
percentage refusal density test.
B.2.2 A cylindrical metal mould having an internal
diameter of 152 mm and an internal effective height
of 127 mm, with a detachable baseplate and a
collar 50 mm deep as specified in Test 16 of
BS 13773). A thin coating of oil shall be applied to
the internal faces of the mould and collar before
each test.
B.2.3 Test sieves of sizes 600 m, 425 m and 300 m
complying with BS 410.
B.2.4 A steel straightedge, at least 300 mm long,
complying with BS 5204-2.
B.2.5 A depth gauge capable of measuring the
sample depth to an accuracy of 0.5 mm.
B.2.6 A large metal tray, with convenient size
of 600 mm 500 mm and with sides 80 mm deep.
B.2.7 A stopwatch or stopclock
B.2.8 Apparatus for determining moisture content
as specified for Tests 1(A), 1(B), or 1(C) in BS 1377.

NOTE The application of pressure combined with vibration is

essential to ensure the required degree of compaction. The
downward force required of 350 50 N, including that resulting
from the mass of the hammer and tamper, is greater than that
required in order to prevent the hammer bouncing on the
specimen. It is recommended that when an operator lacks
experience in this test the vibrating hammer should be applied
initially without vibration to a platform scale where a mass
of 35 5 kg should be registered when the required force is
applied.

B.5.4 When the final layer has been compacted,

remove any loose material around the sides of the
mould from the surface of the specimen.

2)

Information on suitable hammers and silica sand may be obtained from BSI Central Enquiries, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes,
MK 14 6LE.
3)

BS 1377:1975 is under revision and will be published as separate Parts.

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BS 598-104:1989

B.5.5 Lay the straightedge across the top of the

collar of the mould and measure to an accuracy
of 0.5 mm the depth of the specimen below the top
collar. Take readings at four points spread evenly
over the surface of the specimen, all at least 15 mm
from the side of the mould.
B.5.6 Calculate the mean height of the specimen. If
the specimen is more than 133 mm or less
than 127 mm in height, reject it and repeat the
procedure.
B.5.7 Weigh to the nearest 5 g the mould, together
with the collar, baseplate and sand.
B.5.8 Remove the compacted sand specimen from
the mould and place it on the large metal tray. Take
a representative sample of the specimen and
determine its moisture content in accordance with
Test 1(A), 1(B) or 1(C) of BS 1377.
B.6 Calculation and expression of results
B.6.1 Calculate the bulk density d (in Mg/m3) of the
compacted specimen from the equation:
3

( m 2 m 1 )10
d = -----------------------------------2
0.25K h
where
m1 is the mass of the mould + base + collar
(in g);
m2 is the mass of the mould + base + collar +
compacted specimen (in g);

B.6.4 Perform three tests on the same sample of

sand and determine the mean dry density. If the
range of values in the three tests
exceeds 0.03 Mg/m3, repeat the procedure.
B.6.5 Consider the vibrating hammer suitable for
use in the percentage refusal density test if the
mean dry density of the sand exceeds 1.74 Mg/m3.
B.7 Calibration certificate
The calibration certificate shall affirm that the
vibrating hammer was tested in accordance with
this Part of BS 598. The calibration certificate shall
include the following additional information:
a) the name of the manufacturer of the hammer
and the model, type and serial number of the
hammer;
b) the mean value of the dry density of the sand;
c) the individual values of the separate
determinations of the dry density of the sand.

Appendix C Calculation form for

determining the percentage refusal
density where neither talcum powder
nor an inert filler is used
The following is an example of a calculation form for
use in the determination of percentage refusal
density where neither talcum powder nor inert filler
is used. Other suitable forms may be used.
Core No.

Mass of dry core in air (g)

Mass of waxed core in air (g)

is the diameter of the mould (in mm);

is the height of the specimen (in mm).

Mass of waxed core in water (g)

B.6.2 Calculate the dry density, dd (in Mg/m3) from

the equation:

Density of wax (Mg/m3)

Mass of compacted core in air (g)

Mass of compacted core in water (g)

100d d d = -------------------100 + w
where
d is the bulk density of the compacted
specimen (in Mg/m3);
w is the moisture content of the sand (in %).
B.6.3 Express the dry density value to the
nearest 0.002 Mg/m3.

Calculations
Initial dried bulk density G (Mg/m3)
A
G = ---------------------------------------------BA
( B C ) --------------
D

Refusal density H (Mg/m3)

1
H = ------------------F
1 ----
E

Percentage refusal density (PRD)

100G
PRD = --------------H

BSI 12-1998

PRD

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BS 598-104:1989

Appendix D Use of talcum powder or

inert filler
D.1 Principle
The standard percentage refusal density test allows
the use of talcum powder to facilitate the removal of
wax coating and an inert filler for surface voids as
alternative operations. The use of these materials
entails extra weighing stages and thus extra steps
in the calculations.
D.2 Use of talcum powder
If the core is dusted with talcum powder, an extra
weighing for mass of dry core plus talcum powder
in air is necessary after carrying out the procedure
in 3.5.1.
The value of the percentage refusal density PRD is
thus calculated by first calculating the initial dried
bulk density G (in Mg/m3) and the refusal density
H (in Mg/m3) from the following equations:
A1
G = -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------( A2 A 1 ) ( B A 2 )
( B C ) ------------------------ + ---------------------D2
D1
where
A1 is the mass of the dry core in air (in g);
A2 is the mass of the dry core plus talcum
powder in air (in g);
B is the mass of the waxed core plus talcum
powder in air (in g);
C is the mass of the waxed core plus talcum
powder in water (in g);
D1 is the density of the wax (in Mg/m3);
D2 is the density of the talcum powder
(in Mg/m3).
1
H = ------------------F
1 ----
E
where
F is the mass of the compacted core in water
(in g);

where
G is the initial dried bulk density (in Mg/m3);
H is the refusal density (in Mg/m3).
D.3 Use of an inert void-filling material
Where it is considered necessary to fill large surface
voids with an inert filler to obtain the correct
measure of core volume, an extra weighing for mass
of dry core plus inert filler is necessary after
carrying out the procedure in 3.5.1.
The value of the percentage refusal density PRD is
thus calculated by first calculating the initial dried
bulk density G (in Mg/m3), and the refusal density
H (in Mg/m3) from the following equations:
A1
G = ----------------------------------------------------( B A2 )
( B C ) --------------------D1
where
A1 is the mass of the dry core in air (in g);
A2 is the mass of the dry core plus inert filler in
air (in g);
B is the mass of the waxed core plus inert filler
in air (in g);
C is the mass of the waxed core plus inert filler
in water (in g);
D1 is the density of the wax (in Mg/m3);
1
H = ------------------F
1 ----
E
where
F is the mass of the compacted core in water
(in g);
E is the mass of the compacted core in air (in g).
100G
PRD = --------------H
where
G is the initial dried bulk density (in Mg/m3);
H is the refusal density (in Mg/m3).

E is the mass of the compacted core in air (in g);

100G
PRD = --------------H

10

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BS 598-104:1989

Appendix E Determination of air voids

in the specimen
E.1 Procedure
From the results of determinations of the
composition of the specimen and the relative
densities of the constituent materials, calculate the
theoretical volume of the specimen, that is the
volume the material would occupy if there were no
voids, and hence the theoretical maximum relative
density, ST, of the mixture.
For the course aggregate use the relative density on
an oven-dried basis, but where the absorption is 1 %
or greater, use the mean between the apparent
relative density and the relative density on an
oven-dried basis in this calculation.
For the fine aggregate use the apparent relative
density.

The percentage of voids in the mix, VM, is calculated

from the following equation:
S T S M
- 100
V M = -------------------- S

T
where
SM is the relative density of the specimen
The percentage of voids in the mineral aggregate,
VA, in the moulded specimen is calculated from the
following equation:
W B S M
V A = V M + ---------------- S

B
The percentage of voids filled with binder, VF, is
calculated from the following equation:
W B S M
V F = ----------------- 100
V S
A B

E.2 Calculation
When W1, W2, W3 and WB represent the respective
percentages by mass of the coarse aggregate, fine
aggregate filler and binder used in a particular mix
and when S1, S2, S3 and SB represent the respective
relative densities, determined as described
in BS 812-2 for the aggregates and BS 4699 for the
binder, the theoretical maximum relative density,
ST, of the mixture is calculated by the following
equation:
100
S T = ----------------------------------------------------------------------------W
W
W B
-------1- + -------2- + W
-------3- + -------S S S S
1
2
3
B

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BS 598-104:1989

Publications referred to
BS 410, Specification for test sieves.
BS 593, Specification for laboratory thermometers.
BS 598, Sampling and examination of bituminous mixtures for roads and other paved areas.
BS 598-100, Methods for sampling for analysis.
BS 598-102, Analytical test methods.
BS 812, Testing aggregates.
BS 812-2, Methods for determination of physical properties.
BS 812-102, Methods for sampling.
BS 812-103, Methods for determination of particle size distribution.
BS 1377, Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes.
BS 3123, Specification for spring calipers and spring dividers.
BS 4372, Specification for engineers steel measuring rules.
BS 4699, Methods for determination of density or relative density of petroleum and petroleum products
(pyknometer methods).
BS 4987, Coated macadam for roads and other paved areas.
BS 4987-2,Specification for transport, laying and compaction.
BS 5204, Specification for straightedges.
BS 5204-2, Steel or granite straightedges of rectangular section.
BS 5781, Measurement and calibration systems.
BS 6100, Glossary of building and civil engineering terms.
Specification for Highway works. 6th edition, 1986. Published by the Department of Transport.

BSI 12-1998

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BSI
389 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 4AL

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