Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregate (AASHTO T 85)

Conduct this procedure according to AASHTO T 85, NDDOT Modified.
The standard test procedure soaks the sample for 15 - 19 hours. The NDDOT
modification is to soak the sample for 17±1 hours.
The standard procedure specifies that the calculated specific gravities be recorded to the
hundredth and the calculated absorption be recorded to the tenth of a percent. The
NDDOT modification is to record the calculated specific gravity to the thousandths and
the calculated absorption to the hundredth of a percent.
Consult the current edition of AASHTO for procedure in its entirety and equipment
specification details.
SCOPE
This test method for coarse aggregate covers the determination of bulk specific gravity,
bulk specific gravity saturated surface dry, apparent specific gravity, and water
absorption of coarse aggregates. Material retained on the No. 4 sieve and above is
considered coarse.
REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
AASHTO T 2, Sampling of Aggregates
AASHTO T 27, Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregate
AASHTO T 248, Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
AASHTO T 255, Total Evaporable Moisture Content of Aggregate by Drying
APPARATUS
Sample container, either a wire basket made with No. 6 wire or finer mesh, or a bucket
Balance equipped with apparatus for suspending sample container
Suspended apparatus of the smallest practical size
Water tank with overflow outlet
No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve or other sizes as needed
Oven
Thermometer
Absorbent towels
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T 85 Page 1 of 3
T 85
TEST SPECIMEN
Obtain sample according to T 2. Thoroughly mix and reduce according to T 248.
Determine sample size needed from the following table.
Nominal Maximum Size Minimum Mass of Test Sample
1/2" (12.5 mm) 4 lbs (2 kg)
3/4" (19.0 mm) 7 lbs (3 kg)
1" (25.0 mm) 9 lbs (4 kg)
1½" (37.5 mm) 11 lbs (5 kg)
2" (50 mm) 18 lbs (8 kg)
PROCEDURE
Record all information on SFN 10081. All weights are recorded to the nearest 0.1 g.
Dry sieve all material on the No. 4 sieve. Discard all material passing the No. 4 sieve.
Wash the remaining sample to remove any dust or other coatings from the surface.
Dry the sample according to T 255 at a temperature of 230 ± 9°F (110 ± 5°C). Then
allow the sample to cool to a comfortable handling temperature. Immerse the aggregate
in water at room temperature for a period of 17±1 hour.
Remove the sample from the water and roll in a large absorbent cloth until all visible
films of water are removed. At this point the sample is in a saturated surface dry
condition (SSD). Place the sample in a container. Weigh, and record as weight of
saturated surface dry sample in air. Record to 0.1% of sample mass.
After weighing, place the saturated surface dry sample in the sample basket. Immerse in
water that is at a temperature of 73.4 ± 3°F (23.0 ± 1.7°C). Take care to remove all
entrapped air before weighing by shaking the basket while immersed. Determine the
weight and record as weight of saturated sample in water.
Remove the sample from water and place in a pan.
Dry the sample according to T 255 at a temperature of 230 ± 9°F (110 ± 5°C). Allow the
sample to cool until comfortable to handle. Weigh and record as weight of oven dry
sample in air.
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T 85 Page 2 of 3
T 85
CALCULATIONS AND REPORTING
To calculate bulk specific gravity, divide the dry weight in air by the results of the
saturated surface dry weight minus the weight in water. The equation is as follows:
Bulk Specific Gravity = A/(B - C)
A = Weight of oven dry sample in air
B = Weight of saturated surface dry sample in air
C = Weight of saturated sample in water
Report the result to 0.001.
To calculate bulk specific gravity SSD, divide the saturated surface dry weight by the
results of the saturated surface dry weight minus the weight in water. The equation is as
follows:
Bulk Specific Gravity SSD = B/(B - C)
To calculate apparent specific gravity, divide the dry weight in air by the results of the dry
weight in air minus the weight in water. The equation is as follows:
Apparent Specific Gravity = A/(A - C)
To calculate absorption, subtract the weight of oven dry sample in air from the saturated
surface dry sample in air and divide result by the weight of oven dry sample in air.
Multiply this result by 100. The equation is as follows:
Absorption = [(B - A)/A] x 100
Report the result to the nearest 0.01%.
NOTES
If the sample is for use in concrete mixtures in which they will be used in their natural
condition, the initial drying requirement is eliminated and if the surfaces have been kept
continuously wet until the test, the soaking time may also be eliminated.
CALIBRATION
A calibration check of the equipment should be performed annually as a minimum, or
whenever damage or repair occurs.

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Conduct this procedure according to AASHTO T 85, NDDOT Modified.

modification is to soak the sample for 17±1 hours.

the calculated absorption to the hundredth of a percent.

AASHTO T 2, Sampling of Aggregates

AASHTO T 27, Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregate

AASHTO T 248, Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size

AASHTO T 255, Total Evaporable Moisture Content of Aggregate by Drying

Balance equipped with apparatus for suspending sample container

Suspended apparatus of the smallest practical size

Water tank with overflow outlet

No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve or other sizes as needed

Obtain sample according to T 2. Thoroughly mix and reduce according to T 248.

Determine sample size needed from the following table.

Nominal Maximum Size Minimum Mass of Test Sample

1/2" (12.5 mm) 4 lbs (2 kg)

3/4" (19.0 mm) 7 lbs (3 kg)

1" (25.0 mm) 9 lbs (4 kg)

1½" (37.5 mm) 11 lbs (5 kg)

2" (50 mm) 18 lbs (8 kg)

in water at room temperature for a period of 17±1 hour.

saturated surface dry sample in air. Record to 0.1% of sample mass.

weight and record as weight of saturated sample in water.

Remove the sample from water and place in a pan.

CALCULATIONS AND REPORTING

Bulk Specific Gravity = A/(B - C)

A = Weight of oven dry sample in air

B = Weight of saturated surface dry sample in air

C = Weight of saturated sample in water

Report the result to 0.001.

Bulk Specific Gravity SSD = B/(B - C)

Report the result to 0.001.

weight in air minus the weight in water. The equation is as follows:

Apparent Specific Gravity = A/(A - C)

Report the result to 0.001.

Multiply this result by 100. The equation is as follows:

Absorption = [(B - A)/A] x 100

Report the result to the nearest 0.01%.

A calibration check of the equipment should be performed annually as a minimum, or

whenever damage or repair occurs.

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