Designation: C127 − 12

Standard Test Method for

Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption
of Coarse Aggregate1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C127; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the average safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
density of a quantity of coarse aggregate particles (not includ- responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ing the volume of voids between the particles), the relative priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
density (specific gravity), and the absorption of the coarse bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
aggregate. Depending on the procedure used, the density
2. Referenced Documents
(kg/m3 (lb/ft3)) is expressed as oven-dry (OD), saturated-
surface-dry (SSD), or as apparent density. Likewise, relative 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
density (specific gravity), a dimensionless quantity, is ex- C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
pressed as OD, SSD, or as apparent relative density (apparent and Voids in Aggregate
specific gravity). The OD density and OD relative density are C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
determined after drying the aggregate. The SSD density, SSD gregates
relative density, and absorption are determined after soaking C128 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific
the aggregate in water for a prescribed duration. Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
1.2 This test method is used to determine the density of the
Aggregates
essentially solid portion of a large number of aggregate
C330 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Struc-
particles and provides an average value representing the
tural Concrete
sample. Distinction is made between the density of aggregate
C332 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulat-
particles as determined by this test method, and the bulk
ing Concrete
density of aggregates as determined by Test Method C29/
C566 Test Method for Total Evaporable Moisture Content of
C29M, which includes the volume of voids between the
Aggregate by Drying
particles of aggregates.
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
1.3 This test method is not intended to be used with for Test Methods for Construction Materials
lightweight aggregates that comply with Specification C332 C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing
Group I aggregates. Size
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
standard for conducting the tests. The test results for density D448 Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and
shall be reported in either SI units or inch-pound units, as Bridge Construction
appropriate for the use to be made of the results. E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
Sieves
1.5 The text of this test method references notes and
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and
AASHTO No. T 85 Specific Gravity and Absorption of
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be
Coarse Aggregate3
considered as requirements of this test method.

2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Concrete and Concrete Aggregatesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
C09.20 on Normal Weight Aggregates. the ASTM website.
3
Current edition approved April 1, 2012. Published May 2012. Originally Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
approved in 1936. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as C127–07. DOI: Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
10.1520/C0127-12. http://www.transportation.org.

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 C127 − 12
3. Terminology 5. Significance and Use
3.1 Definitions: 5.1 Relative density (specific gravity) is the characteristic
3.1.1 absorption, n—the increase in mass of aggregate due generally used for calculation of the volume occupied by the
to water penetration into the pores of the particles during a aggregate in various mixtures containing aggregate, including
prescribed period of time, but not including water adhering to portland cement concrete, bituminous concrete, and other
the outside surface of the particles, expressed as a percentage mixtures that are proportioned or analyzed on an absolute
of the dry mass. volume basis. Relative density (specific gravity) is also used in
3.1.2 oven-dry (OD), adj—related to aggregate particles, the computation of voids in aggregate in Test Method C29/
the condition in which the aggregates have been dried by C29M. Relative density (specific gravity) (SSD) is used if the
heating in an oven at 110 6 5 °C for sufficient time to reach a aggregate is wet, that is, if its absorption has been satisfied.
constant mass. Conversely, the relative density (specific gravity) (OD) is used
for computations when the aggregate is dry or assumed to be
3.1.3 saturated-surface-dry (SSD), adj—related to aggre-
dry.
gate particles, the condition in which the permeable pores of
aggregate particle are filled with water to the extent achieved 5.2 Apparent density and apparent relative density (apparent
by submerging in water for the prescribed period of time, but specific gravity) pertain to the solid material making up the
without free water on the surface of the particles. constituent particles not including the pore space within the
particles which is accessible to water.
3.1.4 density, n—the mass per unit volume of a material,
expressed as kilograms per cubic metre (pounds per cubic 5.3 Absorption values are used to calculate the change in the
foot). mass of an aggregate due to water absorbed in the pore spaces
3.1.4.1 density (OD), n—the mass of oven dry aggregate per within the constituent particles, compared to the dry condition,
unit volume of aggregate particles, including the volume of when it is deemed that the aggregate has been in contact with
permeable and impermeable pores within the particles, but not water long enough to satisfy most of the absorption potential.
including the voids between the particles. The laboratory standard for absorption is that obtained after
submerging dry aggregate for a prescribed period of time.
3.1.4.2 density (SSD), n—the mass of saturated-surface-dry Aggregates mined from below the water table commonly have
aggregate per unit volume of the aggregate particles, including a moisture content greater than the absorption determined by
the volume of impermeable pores and permeable, water-filled this test method, if used without opportunity to dry prior to use.
pores within the particles, but not including the voids between Conversely, some aggregates which have not been continu-
the particles. ously maintained in a moist condition until used are likely to
3.1.4.3 apparent density, n—the mass per unit volume of the contain an amount of absorbed moisture less than the 24-h
impermeable portion of the aggregate particles. soaked condition. For an aggregate that has been in contact
3.1.5 relative density (specific gravity), n—the ratio of the with water and that has free moisture on the particle surfaces,
density of a material to the density of distilled water at a stated the percentage of free moisture is determined by deducting the
temperature; the values are dimensionless. absorption from the total moisture content determined by Test
Method C566.
3.1.5.1 relative density (specific gravity) (OD), n—the ratio
of the density (OD) of the aggregate to the density of distilled 5.4 The general procedures described in this test method are
water at a stated temperature. suitable for determining the absorption of aggregates that have
3.1.5.2 relative density (specific gravity) (SSD), n—the ratio had conditioning other than the 24-h soak, such as boiling
of the density (SSD) of the aggregate to the density of distilled water or vacuum saturation. The values obtained for absorption
water at a stated temperature. by other test methods will be different than the values obtained
by the prescribed soaking, as will the relative density (specific
3.1.5.3 apparent relative density (apparent specific gravity), gravity) (SSD).
n—the ratio of the apparent density of aggregate to the density
of distilled water at a stated temperature. 6. Apparatus
3.1.6 For definitions of other terms related to aggregates, 6.1 Balance—A device for determining mass that is
see Terminology C125. sensitive, readable, and accurate to 0.05 % of the sample mass
at any point within the range used for this test, or 0.5 g,
4. Summary of Test Method whichever is greater. The balance shall be equipped with
4.1 A sample of aggregate is immersed in water for 24 6 4 suitable apparatus for suspending the sample container in water
h to essentially fill the pores. It is then removed from the water, from the center of the platform or pan of the balance.
the water dried from the surface of the particles, and the mass 6.2 Sample Container—A wire basket of 3.35 mm (No. 6) or
determined. Subsequently, the volume of the sample is deter- finer mesh, or a bucket of approximately equal breadth and
mined by the displacement of water method. Finally, the height, with a capacity of 4 to 7 L for 37.5-mm (11⁄2-in.)
sample is oven-dried and the mass determined. Using the mass nominal maximum size aggregate or smaller, and a larger
values thus obtained and formulas in this test method, it is container as needed for testing larger maximum size aggregate.
possible to calculate density, relative density (specific gravity), The container shall be constructed so as to prevent trapping air
and absorption. when the container is submerged.

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 C127 − 12
6.3 Water Tank—A watertight tank into which the sample 1 to 3 h for test samples of 37.5-mm (11⁄2-in.) nominal
container is placed while suspended below the balance. maximum size, or longer for larger sizes until the aggregate has
6.4 Sieves—A 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve or other sizes as cooled to a temperature that is comfortable to handle (approxi-
needed (see 7.2-7.4), conforming to Specification E11. mately 50 °C). Subsequently immerse the aggregate in water at
room temperature for a period of 24 6 4 h. When Specification
6.5 Oven—An oven of sufficient size, capable of maintain- C330 or Specification C332 Group II lightweight aggregates
ing a uniform temperature of 110 6 5 °C (230 6 9 °F). are used, immerse the aggregate in water at room temperature
7. Sampling for a period of 72 6 4 h, stirring for at least one minute every
24 h.
7.1 Sample the aggregate in accordance with Practice D75.
8.2 When the absorption and relative density (specific
7.2 Thoroughly mix the sample of aggregate and reduce it to gravity) values are to be used in proportioning concrete
the approximate quantity needed using the applicable proce- mixtures in which the aggregates will be in their naturally
dures in Practice C702. Reject all material passing a 4.75-mm moist condition, the requirement in 8.1 for initial drying is
(No. 4) sieve by dry sieving and thoroughly washing to remove optional, and, if the surfaces of the particles in the sample have
dust or other coatings from the surface. If the coarse aggregate been kept continuously wet until tested, the requirement in 8.1
contains a substantial quantity of material finer than the for 24 6 4 h or 72 6 4 h soaking is also optional.
4.75-mm sieve (such as for Size No. 8 and 9 aggregates in
Classification D448), use the 2.36-mm (No. 8) sieve in place of NOTE 3—Values for absorption and relative density (specific gravity)
(SSD) may be significantly higher for aggregate not oven dried before
the 4.75-mm sieve. Alternatively, separate the material finer soaking than for the same aggregate treated in accordance with 8.1. This
than the 4.75-mm sieve and test the finer material according to is especially true of particles larger than 75 mm since the water may not
Test Method C128. be able to penetrate the pores to the center of the particle in the prescribed
soaking period.
NOTE 1—If aggregates smaller than 4.75 mm (No. 4) are used in the
sample, check to ensure that the size of the openings in the sample 8.3 Remove the test sample from the water and roll it in a
container is smaller than the minimum size aggregate. large absorbent cloth until all visible films of water are
7.3 The minimum mass of test sample to be used is given as removed. Wipe the larger particles individually. A moving
follows. Testing the coarse aggregate in several size fractions is stream of air is permitted to assist in the drying operation. Take
permitted. If the sample contains more than 15 % retained on care to avoid evaporation of water from aggregate pores during
the 37.5-mm (11⁄2-in.) sieve, test the material larger than 37.5 the surface-drying operation. Determine the mass of the test
mm in one or more size fractions separately from the smaller sample in the saturated surface-dry condition. Record this and
size fractions. When an aggregate is tested in separate size all subsequent masses to the nearest 0.5 g or 0.05 % of the
fractions, the minimum mass of test sample for each fraction sample mass, whichever is greater.
shall be the difference between the masses prescribed for the 8.4 After determining the mass in air, immediately place the
maximum and minimum sizes of the fraction. saturated-surface-dry test sample in the sample container and
Nominal Maximum Size, Minimum Mass of Test determine its apparent mass in water at 23 6 2.0 °C. Take care
mm (in.) Sample, kg (lb) to remove all entrapped air before determining its mass by
12.5 (1⁄2 ) or less 2 (4.4)
19.0 (3⁄4 ) 3 (6.6)
shaking the container while immersed.
25.0 (1) 4 (8.8)
37.5 (11⁄2 ) 5 (11)
NOTE 4—The difference between the mass in air and the mass when the
50 (2) 8 (18) sample is submerged in water equals the mass of water displaced by the
63 (21⁄2 ) 12 (26) sample.
75 (3) 18 (40) NOTE 5—The container should be immersed to a depth sufficient to
90 (31⁄2 ) 25 (55) cover it and the test sample while determining the apparent mass in water.
100 (4) 40 (88) Wire suspending the container should be of the smallest practical size to
125 (5) 75 (165) minimize any possible effects of a variable immersed length.
7.4 If the sample is tested in two or more size fractions, 8.5 Dry the test sample in the oven to constant mass at a
determine the grading of the sample in accordance with Test temperature of 110 6 5 °C, cool in air at room temperature 1
Method C136, including the sieves used for separating the size to 3 h, or until the aggregate has cooled to a temperature that
fractions for the determinations in this method. In calculating is comfortable to handle (approximately 50 °C), and determine
the percentage of material in each size fraction, ignore the the mass.
quantity of material finer than the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve (or
2.36-mm (No. 8) sieve when that sieve is used in accordance 9. Calculations
with 7.2). 9.1 Relative Density (Specific Gravity):
NOTE 2—When testing coarse aggregate of large nominal maximum 9.1.1 Relative Density (Specific Gravity) (OD)—Calculate
size requiring large test samples, it may be more convenient to perform the the relative density (specific gravity) on the basis of oven-dry
test on two or more subsamples, and the values obtained combined for the aggregate as follows:
computations described in Section 9.
Relative density ~ specific gravity! ~ OD! 5 A/ ~ B 2 C ! (1)
8. Procedure
where:
8.1 Dry the test sample in the oven to constant mass at a
A = mass of oven-dry test sample in air, g,
temperature of 110 6 5 °C, cool in air at room temperature for

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 C127 − 12

B = mass of saturated-surface-dry test sample in air, g, and 9.5 Average Absorption Value—When the sample is tested
C = apparent mass of saturated test sample in water, g. in separate size fractions, the average absorption value is the
average of the values as computed in 9.4, weighted in
9.1.2 Relative Density (Specific Gravity) (SSD)—Calculate proportion to the mass percentages of each size fraction present
the relative density (specific gravity) on the basis of saturated- in the original sample (not including finer material—see 7.4) as
surface-dry aggregate as follows: follows:
Relative density ~ specific gravity! ~ SSD! 5 B/ ~ B 2 C ! (2)
A 5 ~ P 1 A 1 /100! 1 ~ P 2 A 2 /100! 1… ~ P n A n /100! (12)
9.1.3 Apparent Relative Density (Apparent Specific where:
Gravity)—Calculate the apparent relative density (apparent
A = average absorption, %,
specific gravity) as follows:
A1, A2 ... An = absorption percentages for each size
Apparent relative density ~ apparent specific gravity! 5 A/ ~ A 2 C ! (3) fraction, and
9.2 Density: P1, P2, ... Pn = mass percentages of each size fraction pres-
9.2.1 Density (OD)—Calculate the density on the basis of ent in the original sample.
oven-dry aggregate as follows: 10. Report
Density ~ OD! , kg/m 3 , 5 997.5 A/ ~ B 2 C ! (4)
10.1 Report density results to the nearest 10 kg/m3, or 0.5
Density ~ OD! , lb/ft3 , 5 62.27 A/ ~ B 2 C ! (5) lb/ft3, relative density (specific gravity) results to the nearest
NOTE 6—The constant values used in the calculations in 9.2.1-9.2.3 0.01, and indicate the basis for density or relative density
(997.5 kg/m3 and 62.27 lb/ft3) are the density of water at 23 °C. (specific gravity), as either (OD), (SSD), or apparent.
9.2.2 Density (SSD)—Calculate the density on the basis of 10.2 Report the absorption result to the nearest 0.1 %.
saturated-surface-dry aggregate as follows:
10.3 If the density, relative density (specific gravity) and
Density ~ SSD! , kg/m 3 , 5 997.5 B/ ~ B 2 C ! (6) absorption values were determined without first drying the
Density ~ SSD! , lb/ft3 , 5 62.27 B/ ~ B 2 C ! (7) aggregate, as permitted in 8.2, note that fact in the report.
9.2.3 Apparent Density—Calculate the apparent density as 11. Precision and Bias
follows:
11.1 The estimates of precision of this test method listed in
Apparent density, kg/m 3 5 997.5 A/ ~ A 2 C ! (8) Table 1 are based on results from the AASHTO Materials
Apparent density, lb/ft3 5 62.27 A/ ~ A 2 C ! (9) Reference Laboratory Proficiency Sample Program, with test-
ing conducted by this test method and AASHTO Method T 85.
9.3 Average Density and Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
The significant difference between the methods is that Test
Values—When the sample is tested in separate size fractions,
Method C127 requires a saturation period of 24 6 4 h, while
compute the average values for density or relative density
(specific gravity) of the size fraction computed in accordance
with 9.1 or 9.2 using the following equation: TABLE 1 Precision
1 Standard Deviation Acceptable Range of
G5
P1
~ see Appendix X1 ! (10) (1s)A Two Results (d2s)A
P2 Pn
1 1… Single-Operator Precision:
100 G 1 100 G 2 100 G n Density (OD), kg/m3 9 25
Density (SSD), kg/m3 7 20
where: Apparent density, kg/m3 7 20
G = average density or relative density (specific Relative density (specific gravity) 0.009 0.025
(OD)
gravity). All forms of expression of density Relative density (specific gravity) 0.007 0.020
or relative density (specific gravity) can be (SSD)
averaged in this manner, Apparent relative density (apparent 0.007 0.020
specific gravity)
G1, G2... Gn = appropriate average density or relative den-
sity (specific gravity) values for each size Multilaboratory Precision:
fraction depending on the type of density or Density (OD), kg/m3 13 38
Density (SSD), kg/m3 11 32
relative density (specific gravity) being Apparent density, kg/m3 11 32
averaged, and Relative density (specific gravity) 0.013 0.038
P1, P2, ... Pn = mass percentages of each size fraction pres- (OD)
ent in the original sample (not including finer Relative density (specific gravity) 0.011 0.032
(SSD)
material—see 7.4). Apparent relative density (apparent 0.011 0.032
specific gravity)
9.4 Absorption—Calculate the percentage of absorption, as A
These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s) and (d2s) limits as described in
follows: Practice C670. The precision estimates were obtained from the analysis of
combined AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory proficiency sample data from
Absorption, % 5 @ ~ B 2 A ! /A # 3 100 (11)
laboratories using 15 h minimum saturation times and other laboratories using 24
NOTE 7—Some authorities recommend using the density of water at 4 ± 4 h saturation times. Testing was performed on normal-weight aggregates, and
°C (1000 kg/m3 or 1.000 Mg/m3 or 62.43 lb/ft3) as being sufficiently started with aggregates in the oven-dry condition.
accurate.

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 C127 − 12
AASHTO Method T 85 requires a saturation period of 15 h 12. Keywords
minimum. This difference has been found to have an insignifi- 12.1 absorption; aggregate; apparent density; apparent rela-
cant effect on the precision indices. The data are based on the tive density; coarse aggregate; density; relative density; spe-
analyses of more than 100 paired test results from 40 to 100
cific gravity
laboratories. The precision estimates for density were calcu-
lated from values determined for relative density (specific
gravity), using the density of water at 23 °C for the conversion.
11.2 Bias—Since there is no accepted reference material for
determining the bias for the procedure in this test method, no
statement on bias is being made.

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. DEVELOPMENT OF EQUATIONS

X1.1 The derivation of the equation is from the following 1

G5 (X1.3)
simplified cases using two solids. Solid 1 has a mass M1 in
grams and a volume V1 in millilitres; its relative density
M1
M 1 1M 2 S D
V1
M1
1
M2
M 1 1M 2 S D
V2
M2
(specific gravity) (G1) is therefore M1/V1. Solid 2 has a mass M However, the mass fractions of the two solids are:
2 and volume V2, and G2 = M2/V2. If the two solids are
M 1 / ~ M 1 1M ! 5 P 1 /100 and M 2 / ~ M 1 1M 2 ! 5 P 2 /100 (X1.4)
considered together, the relative density (specific gravity) of 2

the combination is the total mass in grams divided by the total and,
volume in millilitres: 1/G 1 5 V 1 /M 1 and 1/G 2 5 V 2 /M 2 (X1.5)
G 5 ~ M 1 1M 2 ! / ~ V 1 1V 2 ! (X1.1) Therefore,
Manipulation of this equation yields the following: 1
G5 (X1.6)
P1 1 P2 1
1 1 1
G5 5 (X1.2) 100 G 1 100 G 2
V 1 1V 2 V1 V2
M 1 1M 2
1
M 1 1M 2 M 1 1M
An example of the computation is given in Table X1.1.
2

TABLE X1.1 Example of Calculation of Weighted Values of

Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption for a Coarse
Aggregate Tested in Separate Sizes
Relative
% in Density
Size Sample Mass Absorption,
Original (Specific
Fraction, mm (in.) Used in Test, g %
Sample Gravity)
(SSD)
4.75 to 12.5 44 2213.0 2.72 0.4
(No. 4 to 1⁄2)
12.5 to 37.5 35 5462.5 2.56 2.5
(1⁄2 to 11⁄2 )
37.5 to 63 21 12593.0 2.54 3.0
(11⁄2 to 21⁄2 )

Average Relative Density (Specific Gravity) (SSD)

1
G SSD 5 5 2.62
0.44 0.35 0.21
1 1
2.72 2.56 2.54

Average Absorption

A 5 ~ 0.44! ~ 0.4! 1 ~ 0.35! ~ 2.5! 1 ~ 0.21! ~ 3.0! 5 1.7 %

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 C127 − 12

X2. INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN RELATIVE DENSITIES (SPECIFIC GRAVITIES) AND ABSORPTION AS DEFINED
IN TEST METHODS C127 AND C128

X2.1 Where: 1 Ss
Sa 5 5 (X2.3)
Sd = relative density (specific gravity) (OD),
Ss = relative density (specific gravity) (SSD),
11A/100
Ss
2
A
100
12
A
~S 2 1!
100 s F G
Sa = apparent relative density (apparent specific gravity),
and
A5 S Ss
Sd D
2 1 100 (X2.4)

A = absorption in %.
X2.2 Calculate the values of each as follows:
A5 S Sa 2 Ss
S a~ S s 2 1 ! D 100 (X2.5)

S s 5 ~ 11A/100! S d (X2.1)
1 Sd
Sa 5 5 (X2.2)
1 A AS d
2 12
S d 100 100

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