Civil Engineering Materials (CENG 201) Sec.
02
College of Engineering
University of Bahrain
Aggregate relative density
Aggregate impact value
Done by:
Fares Osama Salman Awachi 202100947
Abdullah Sameer 20191279
Yousif Mohamed 202407354
Submitted to: Prof. Mustafa Aytekin
Abstract
The purpose of this report is to present two civil engineering experiments. These
experiments were conducted in the university of Bahrain, covering two important topics. These
topics are the aggregate relative density and the aggregate impact value. The report not only
introduces the topic, but also shows the necessary apparatus, steps, and methods required for the
successful conduction of the stated experiments. Furthermore, the report also demonstrates the
actual findings of the experiment, further solidifying the knowledge. With its well-structured
format, the report induces clear understanding and easy navigation of its contents.
Contents
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
1. Relative density experiment ................................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Apparatus ...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Procedure ...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Lab findings ................................................................................................................................... 5
2. Aggregate impact value experiment ..................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 Apparatus ...................................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Procedure ............................................................................................................................................ 6
2.4 Interpretation of findings.............................................................................................................. 7
2.5 Lab findings ................................................................................................................................... 7
3. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. 8
1. Relative density experiment
1.1 Introduction
Relative density or specific gravity refers to the ratio of somethings density to the density of
water generally at 4 degrees Celsius. This is a very important concept, as it makes it easy to
attain the density of anything when its specific gravity is known. Henceforth, the purpose of this
experiment was to determine the specific gravity of course or fine aggregates. This was found by
dividing the weight of aggregate in air by the weight of the same aggregate in water.
Furthermore, two main assumptions can be made from the result of this ratio. If the result was
low, it would indicate that the aggregate is too weak, while a high value would indicate strong
and dense aggregate. Furthermore, two other tests were made, the water absorption test and
the apparent specific gravity test. On one hand, the water absorption test indicates how much
water an aggregate can absorb. On the other hand, the apparent specific gravity indicates the
weight of the aggregate to the weight of an equal volume of water.
1.2 Apparatus
• Pycnometer (for fine aggregate) or wire basket (for coarse aggregate)
• Weighing balance
• Oven (105°C–110°C)
• Water supply
• Towel or cloth for surface drying
1.3 Procedure
Note: The below listed procedure is the general procedure that should be conducted, however due
to time and other constraints, it was not fully followed in this experiment. However, the methods of
calculation are the same.
1. Oven-dry the sample at 105°C for 24 hours, cool to room temperature, and weigh it
(W1)
2. Immerse the sample in water for 24 hours to let it absorb water.
3. Weigh the saturated surface-dry (SSD) aggregate in air (W2)
4. Weigh the aggregate submerged in water (W3)
5. Calculate:
Specific Gravity: W2/(W2-W3)
Apparent Specific gravity: W1/(W1-W3)
Water Absorption percentage: (W2-W1)/W1
1.4 Lab findings
2. Aggregate impact value experiment
2.1 Introduction
The aggregate impact value experiment is a fundamental experiment in the civil engineering
materials lab. It provides civil engineers the ability to grasp an understanding of the
toughness of aggregates. In context, it allows them to understand the resistance of the
aggregates to sudden shocks or impacts. This has many uses, however one of the main ones
is the evaluation of the aggregates for road construction, as they would be subjected to
severe dynamic loading. This experiment implements a simple yet effective way to find the
‘AIV’ of the aggregates. In essence, it subjects the aggregate to a number of hammer hits,
and measures the number of fines produced from them. If the value was small, this would
indicate a strong aggregate while a large value would indicate a weak aggregate prone to
damages.
2.2 Apparatus
• Impact testing machine (with 13.5 kg hammer dropping from 38 cm height)
• Cylindrical measure (75 mm dia × 50 mm height)
• Tamping rod
• IS sieves (2.36 mm and 12.5 mm or 10 mm)
• Oven
• Weighing balance
2.3 Procedure
Note: There are two types of standards for sieve analysis in civil engineering, the
British standard and the American standard. This experiment was conducted in
accordance to the American standard.
• Sieve the aggregate to obtain particles between 12.5 mm and 10 mm.
• Fill the cylindrical mould in three layers, tamping each 25 times.
• Weigh the sample (W2)
• Fix the mould in the impact testing machine and give 15 blows with the hammer from
a 38 cm height
• Remove the sample, sieve it through a 2.36 mm sieve.
• Weigh the fines passing through (W2)
• Calculate:
Aggregate impact value (AIV) %= (W2/W1)*100%.
2.4 Interpretation of findings
AIV (%) Aggregate Quality Recommended Use
< 10 Exceptionally tough Very high-quality
concrete, heavy-duty
roads
10–20 Strong Concrete pavements,
high traffic roads
20–30 Satisfactory Normal road surfacing
> 35 Weak Not suitable for road
surfacing
2.5 Lab findings
3. Conclusion
All and all, under the light of the provided data and explanations, it is safe to say that the
purpose of each experiment was attained. On one hand, in the first experiment, the specific
gravity was found by dividing the weight of aggregate in air by the weight of the same aggregate
in water. Additionally, the water content and apparent specific gravity were also found. On the
other hand, in the second experiment, the AIV was found by subjugating the aggregate to a
number of hammer hits, and measuring the number of fines produced from them. Nevertheless,
all data was clearly presented in the report, enabling clear navigation of its contents.