Title: Bulk Density for Course Aggregate

Introduction

Bulk density of aggregates is the mass of aggregates required to fill the container of a unit
volume after aggregate are batch based on volume. Compacted bulk density can be
determined by filling the container in three layers and tamped each layer. Loose bulk density
can be determined by filling the container with dried aggregates until it overflows from the
container.

Objectives

To determine of unit weight of bulk density and voids of coarse aggregate.

Apparatus
Weighing balance
Weight box (metric)
Cylinder container (3 litres capacity)
Shovel
Tamping rod (16mm long rounded at one end).

Procedure

A. Compacted Bulk Density

1. The aggregate have been filled in the container in three layers with each layer were being
tamped with 25 strokes of rounded end of tamping rod, distributing the strokes evenly over
the surface. The container was finally filled to overflowing.

2. Strike off the surplus aggregates have been straight edge by using tamping rod.

3. The container full of aggregates have been weight and the weight, W was recorded in kg.

4. Calculate:
Compacted unit weight (bulk density) = W /V
Where,
W = Weight of compacted aggregate in cylindrical container, kg
V = Volume of cylinder container, litre

5. Calculate:
The percentage of voids is calculated as follows
Percentage of voids = [(Gs Y )/Gs ]100
Where,
Gs = Specific gravity of the aggregate
 Y = Bulk density in kg/litre

B. Loose Bulk Density

1. The aggregate have been filled in the container until overflowing by means of a shovel or
scoop, the aggregate was discharged from a height not exceeding 5cm above the top of the
measure.

2. The weight if the aggregate have been determined in the measure and the weight, W inkg
was recorded.

3. Calculate:
Loose unit weight (bulk density) = W /V
Where,
W = Weight of loose aggregate in cylinder container, kg
V = Volume of cylinder container, litre

4. Calculate:
The percentage of voids is calculated as follows
Percentage of voids = [(Gs Y )/Gs ]100
Where,
Gs = Specific gravity of the aggregate
Y = Bulk density in kg/litre

Data Acquisition

Unit Compacted Loose

Weight Weight
Weight of empty cylinder container kg 3.10 3.10
Weight of cylinder container with kg 10.90 10.40
aggregate
Weight of aggregate, W kg 7.80 7.30
Volume of cylinder container, V litre 3.0 3.0
Bulk density of aggregate, Y kg /litre 2.60 2.43
Percentage of voids % 2.26 8.65
Take Gs :
Limestone = 2.66

Bulk density of aggregate, Y:

 Weight of loose aggregatecylinder container
Compacted unit weight (bulk density) = Volume of cylinder container

7.80 kg
= 3.0 litre = 2.60 kg /l

Weight of loose aggregatecylinder container

Loose unit weight (bulk density) = Volume of cylinder container

7.30 kg
= 3.0 litre = 2.43 kg /l

Percentage of voids (%):

[( Specific gravity of the aggregate Bulk density )]
Percentage of voids = X 100
Specific gravity of the aggregate

[(2.66 2.60)]
Compacted weight, Percentage of voids X 100
2.66

= 2.26%

[(2.66 2.43)]
Loose weight, Percentage of voids = 2.66 X 100

= 8.65%

Discussion

From the result above, we have found that the bulk density of aggregate from
compacted weight is 2.60kg/l and the loose weight is 2.43kg/l while the percentage of voids
from compacted weight is 2.26% and the loose weight is 8.65%. Bulk density is the mass of a
unit volume of material in its natural state with pore and voids. Bulk density of aggregate
depends upon their packing, the particles shape and size, the grading and the moisture
content. Meanwhile, the percentage of voids is the percentage of superficial area which is lost
by holes, perforations and cores. From what we can see from the result, we have found that
the bulk density is inversely proportional to the percentage of voids. It is means, when the
bulk density is higher, the percentage of voids is decrease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we know the highest bulk density is 2.60kg/l and the void of course
aggregate is 2.26%. The higher bulk density, the higher weight of coarse aggregate and less
pore space. When the bulk density of coarse aggregate is higher it is means a few of the voids
of coarse aggregate can be filled by using fine aggregate and cement.