Exp 5 Bulk Density

Experiment No. 5:
Standard test method for the determination of Bulk Density
(i.e. unit weight and the voids in aggregates). (ASTM C-
29/C-29M)
Scope & Significance:

 This test method is used to determine the bulk density of the

given fine grained specimen.
 During the concrete mix design, when the aggregate is to be

batched by volume or by weight, then it becomes necessary to

know the mass of the aggregates that will fill the container of
unit volume. If we know the bulk density of the aggregate
material then we can easily determine the mass required to fill
a unit volume container.
 Bulk density also indicates the percentage of voids present in

the aggregate material. This percentage of voids affects the

grading of the aggregates which is important in high strength
concrete.
 Bulk density also indicates the compactive effort required to

compact the concrete.

Related Theory:

Bulk Density

It is the mass of the unit volume of bulk aggregate material. The

term volume includes the volume of the individual particles and
the volume of the voids between the particles.Bulk density is
used in weight and volume batching.

Voids

It is the space between the individual particles in a unit volume

of the aggregate mass and is not occupied by the solid mineral
matter.Voids within the particles, either permeable or
impermeable are not included in the voids for the determination
of bulk density by this method.

Absolute Density

It is the mass per unit volume of the individual particles only.

Bulk density is the weight of soil for a given volume. It is used

to measure compaction. In general, the greater the density, the
less pore space for water movement, root growth and
penetration, an seedling germination.
Facts About Bulk Density
Bulk-density depends upon how densely the aggregate is
packed. It also depends upon the size, distribution and shape of
the particles. If the particles are of the same size, then it can be
packed to a limited extent but when the smaller particles are
added, the voids get filled with them and thus the bulk density
increases. For a coarse aggregate, a higher bulk density means
that there are few voids which are to be filled by the fine
aggregate and cement. Thus bulk density also depends upon the
degree of packing.
Note: Moreover, the bulk density as determined in our lab is not
directly suitable for the conversion of mass to volume of the
aggregates for the purpose of volume batching as the degree of
compaction in the lab and at the site may not be the same.

Apparatus:
 Balance
 Temping rod
 Measuring Cylinder
 Shovel or Scoop

Procedure:

Note down the dimensions and empty weight of the measuring

contai ner and compute its volume. For the determination of the
loose bulk density, fill the container with the aggregate material
by means of a shovel and level its top surface. Weigh the
container filled with the aggregate and note down its reading.
Then the loose bulk density of the aggregate material can be
computed by using the relation;

Now for the determination of the compacted bulk density, the

only difference is in filling the container. In this case, the
container is filled in three equal layers. Fill the container about
one-third full and level the surface with the fingers. Rod the
layer of the aggregate with 25 strokes of the temping rod evenly
distributed over the surface. Next fill the container two-third full
and again rod it with 25 strokes of the temping rod. Finally, fill
the container to overflowing and rod again in the manner
previously mentioned. Now level the top surface and weigh the
container. Calculate the compacted bulk density by using the
relation;

Conclusion

From the experiment performed we came to know that the bulk-

density of a material in compacted form is greater than the bulk-
density of a material in loose form. The percentage increase in
the bulk density of Lawrence pure sand is 8.33 and the
percentage increase in the bulk-density of Sargodha crush is
12.5. So the percentage increase in the Bulk-density of Chenab
sand is 13.16 and is greater than all of the samples. The greater
the bulk-density the less are the voids present and the more is
the compactive effort required.