COURSE NAME

ECG 565
OPEN-ENDED LAB
SEMESTER 7

TITLE OF EXPERIMENT : SPECIFIC GRAVITY & GRADATION TEST

DATE OF EXPERIMENT : 12 NOVEMBER 2024
GROUP : CEEC222 7C5B GROUP 1
GROUP MEMBERS 1. ARIF AMIR FARHAN BIN AHMAD BASRI
2. MOHAMAD HAZWAN SHAH BIN ISMAIL
3. MUHAMMAD IMAN HAKIM BIN MOHD FAZLY
4. MUHAMMAD TAQIUDDIN BIN MAHAT
5. SYED MUHAMMAD FAAIZ BIN SYED MOHD
ZULKARNAIN

LECTURER : DR. NOOR AZREENA BINTI KAMALUDDIN

LEVEL OF OPENESS : 3

MARKS COMMENTS
INTRODUCTION 1 2 3 4 5
BASIC CONCEPTS 1 2 3 4 5
METHODOLOGY 1 2 3 4 5
RESULTS&ANALYSIS 1 2 3 4 5
DISCUSSION 1 2 3 4 5
CONCLUSION 1 2 3 4 5

TOTAL MARKS
 TABLE OF CONTENT

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. OBJECTIVES 1

3. PROBLEM STATEMENT 1

4. APPARATUS 2

5. PROCEDURE 2-3

6. RESULT AND DATA ANALYSIS 4-6

7. DISCUSSION 7-8

8. CONCLUSION 9

9. REFERENCE 10

10. APPENDIX 11
1. INTRODUCTION

Level 3 laboratory activities are those in which the problem is the sole thing that is
presented and supervised. Students must use collaborative creativity and innovation to
identify methods and means and present answers to the assigned task. In addition to
preparing the students for the considerably more difficult work of open-ended laboratory
tasks, the exercise will help them to value autonomous learning. By properly evaluating
and presenting the experimental data, students are encouraged to hone their technique and
critical analytical abilities in this lab exercise.

2. OBJECTIVES

1. To assess the coarse aggregate's specific gravity to enhance pavement performance.

2. To perform aggregate gradation analysis using standard sieves and create gradation
curves based on the results.

3. PROBLEM STATEMENT

In the construction industry, aggregate properties like specific gravity and gradation play a
vital role in determining the quality and performance of concrete and asphalt. Specific
gravity affects the material's density, strength, and cost-effectiveness, while gradation
impacts workability, strength, and durability. However, inconsistencies in these properties
can result in structural weaknesses, increased costs, and premature failures. A lack of
comprehensive methods to evaluate the variability in specific gravity and gradation further
compromises the structural integrity and lifespan of construction projects.

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4. APPARATUS

i. Specific Gravity
1. Aggregate sample.
2. Analytical weighing balance.
3. Water tank.
4. Wire Basket
5. Oven.
6. Towel

ii. Gradation test

1. Aggregate sample (1200 gram)
2. Sieve with standard sizes (75 mm, 63 mm, 50 mm, 37.5 mm, 25 mm, 19 mm, 12.5
mm, 9.5 mm, 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 µm, 300 µm, 150 µm, and 75 µm).
3. Mechanical sieve shaker
4. Tray.
5. Analytical weighing balance.
6. Brush.

5. PROCEDURE

i. Specific gravity
1. Washed samples were weight.
2. The dried aggregates samples were immersed in water for 24 hours.
3. Aggregates samples were removed from water and towel was used to blot the
aggregates sample until no visible water film detected (aggregates surface samples
is moist).
4. The aggregates samples were weighted.
5. The aggregates samples were weighted while being submerged in water.
6. The aggregates samples were oven dried again for 24 hours at 105 – 110 ºC.
7. The aggregates samples were taken out from the oven and weighed.

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ii. Gradation test
1. Washed aggregates samples were weighed 1200g from both 20-14 mm and 14-10
mm with 600 g respectively.
2. Sieves were stacked and arranged descending order of size with the largest opening
on top and the pan at the bottom.
3. Aggregates samples were placed on the top sieve. The lid was closed, and screw
was tightened to make sure no leakage occurs during shaking process.
4. The mechanical sieve shaker was turned on for 15 minutes. After shaking, each
sieve was removed carefully to ensure no material is lost.
5. Aggregates sample retained on each sieved were weighed and the mass was
recorded.

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 6. RESULT AND DATA ANALYSIS

i. Specific Gravity Test

Day 1
aggregate size 20mm + aggregate size 14mm
(D) 1500.1g

Day 2
After 24 hours soaked in water
weight empty bucket 433.9g
weight aggregate + weight bucket 1404.6g
weight aggregate (C) 970.7g

Weight of the aggregate is wiped 1709.6g

weight empty tray 225.1g
Weight of aggregate (B) 1484.5g

Day 3
After 24 hours dried in oven
weight empty tray 225.1g
weight aggregate + weight tray 1697.3g
Weight of aggregate (A) 1472.2g

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Bulk Specific Gravity, Gsb = A / (B-C)
= 1472.2g / (1484.5g – 970.7g)
= 2.865g

Apparent specific Gravity, Gsa= A / (A-C)

= 1472.2g / (1472.2g – 970.7g)
= 2.936g

Water Absorption, % = [ (B – A) / A] x 100

= [ (1484.5g – 1472.2g) / 1472.2g] x 100
= 0.84%

Apparent specific Gravity, Gsa > Bulk Specific Gravity, Gsb

ii. Gradiation Test

Total Weight of Aggregate = 2 kg

weight % of
Pan Size Before sieve (g) After sieve (g) passing passing Cumulative %
20mm 1364.4 1375.5 11.1 0.56 100.00
14mm 1086.7 1745.5 658.8 32.97 99.44
10mm 1083.3 1355.7 272.4 13.63 66.48
5mm 1097.0 1864.2 767.2 38.39 52.85
3.35mm 1147.6 1267.1 119.5 5.98 14.46
1.18μm 937.7 1028.9 91.2 4.56 8.48
0.425mm 839.0 877.8 38.8 1.94 3.91
0.15mm 567.3 579.5 12.2 0.61 1.97
0.075mm 602.4 610.5 8.1 0.41 1.36
pan 747.0 766.1 19.1 0.96 0.96
total 1998.4 100.00

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6
7. DISCUSSION

The laboratory experiments aimed to determine the specific gravity, water

absorption, and gradation of aggregates to evaluate their suitability for pavement
construction. These properties are critical for ensuring the strength, durability, and
performance of construction materials, particularly in asphalt applications. Apparent
Specific Gravity only measures the specific gravity of the solids. Bulk Specific Gravity
is a measurement of the volume of the aggregate particle as well as the volume of the
water permeable voids.

The specific gravity test revealed a Bulk Specific Gravity (Gsb) of 2.865 and
an Apparent Specific Gravity (Gsa) of 2.936, with a water absorption rate of
0.84%. The Bulk Specific Gravity (Gsb) will always be the intermediate value, and the
Apparent Specific Gravity (Gsa) will always be the highest, since the volume calculated
includes only the “solid” aggregate particle and does not include those voids permeable
to water. The low water absorption indicates that the aggregates are relatively non-
porous, reducing the likelihood of moisture-related issues such as freeze-thaw damage,
thereby improving pavement durability. The distinction between bulk and apparent
specific gravity is consistent with theoretical principles, as the final excludes water-
accessible voids, providing an accurate measure of the aggregates' solid material
density.

The gradation test demonstrated a well-graded particle size distribution,

essential for achieving optimal pavement performance. The analysis revealed a
balanced combination of coarse and fine particles, with the largest percentage passing
through the 5 mm sieve is 38.39% and minimal fines lesser than 0.075 mm at only
0.41%. A graph of total percent passing versus sieve size is used to present the results
of a sieve analysis. A sieve analysis determines the size distribution of aggregate
particles in a sample. The graph is used to assess the grading of the aggregate and how
suitable it is for construction. This distribution indicates that the aggregates are well-
suited for pavement applications, offering stability and reducing the risk of material
segregation. Proper gradation enhances the mix’s workability, compaction, and
mechanical stability, contributing to a more durable pavement that resists deformation
under heavy loads.
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 In conclusion, the results confirm that the tested aggregates meet the necessary
standards for road construction. The specific gravity values demonstrate sufficient
density and load-bearing capacity, while the gradation analysis supports the production
of a stable and durable pavement mix. For a more thorough assessment, additional tests,
such as angularity and shape factors, could provide deeper insights into aggregate
performance. These findings offer critical information for optimizing asphalt mix
designs to achieve efficient, durable, and cost-effective pavement structures. Finally, it
is important for future civil engineers in the highway engineering field.

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8. CONCLUSION

The laboratory tests conducted on the aggregates confirm their excellent suitability
for pavement construction, meeting critical quality standards required for durable road
structures. The specific gravity analysis yielded a bulk specific gravity of 2.865 and an
apparent specific gravity of 2.936, values that are consistent with high-density materials
capable of supporting substantial loads. These properties are essential in ensuring the
pavement's structural integrity and its ability to resist deformation under heavy traffic.
Furthermore, the low water absorption rate of 0.84% indicates the aggregates’ relatively
non-porous nature, which minimizes the risk of moisture-related issues such as freeze-
thaw damage. This characteristic not only enhances the lifespan of the pavement but
also reduces maintenance needs, making it a cost-effective solution for infrastructure
projects.

The gradation analysis further supports the aggregates’ suitability by revealing a

well-graded particle size distribution, critical for optimizing pavement performance.
The test showed a balanced combination of coarse and fine particles, with the majority
passing through the 5 mm sieve at 38.39%, and a minimal percentage of fines below
0.075 mm at only 0.41%. Such a gradation ensures improved workability during
mixing, efficient compaction during construction, and enhanced mechanical stability
during operation. The well-graded distribution reduces the likelihood of material
segregation, which could otherwise compromise the pavement's structural consistency
and durability. This characteristic is essential for withstanding high traffic loads and
preventing premature pavement failures such as rutting or cracking.

In conclusion, the findings from the specific gravity and gradation tests underscore
the aggregates’ high quality and their alignment with the demands of modern road
construction standards. Their sufficient density, low porosity, and optimal gradation
contribute to the development of robust and durable pavements, capable of enduring
harsh environmental conditions and heavy traffic loads. These results provide a solid
foundation for optimizing asphalt mix designs, ensuring cost efficiency and longevity
in road construction projects. To further enhance the understanding of these aggregates’
performance, additional tests focusing on angularity, shape factors, and surface texture
could be conducted.
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 9. REFERENCE

1. Gradation test – Pavement interactive. (n.d.).

https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/testing/aggregate-tests/gradation-test/

2. Coarse Aggregate Specific Gravity – Pavement interactive. (n.d.).

https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/testing/aggregate-tests/coarse-

aggregate-specific-gravity/

3. Gilson Company, Inc. (n.d.). Aggregate properties you need to know: Shape, size, and
specific gravity.
https://www.globalgilson.com/blog/aggregate-properties-shape-size-specific-gravity
4. Indiana Department of Transportation. (n.d.). AASHTO T 85: Standard method of test
for specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate.
https://www.in.gov/indot/div/mt/aashto/testmethods/aashto_t85.pdf

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10. APPENDIX

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