FOP LIBRARY WAQTC FOP AASHTO T 304 (19)

UNCOMPACTED VOID CONTENT OF FINE AGGREGATE

FOP FOR AASHTO T 304

Scope
This procedure covers the determination of the loose uncompacted void content of a sample
of fine aggregate in accordance with AASHTO T 304-17. When measured on an aggregate of
a known grading, void content indicates the aggregate’s angularity, sphericity, and surface
texture compared with other fine aggregates tested in the same grading. When void content is
measured on an as-received fine aggregate grading, it can indicate the effect of the fine
aggregate on the workability of a mixture in which it is used.

Apparatus
• Cylindrical Measure – approximately 100 mL right cylinder made of seamless
smooth wall metal, inside diameter approximately 39 mm and inside height
approximately 86 mm, with a metal bottom at least 6 mm thick, which is firmly
sealed to the cylinder with means for aligning the axis of the cylinder with that of the
funnel (see Figure 1).
• Funnel – the lateral surface of the right frustum of a smooth metal cone at least 38
mm high sloped 60 ± 4 degrees from the horizontal with an opening of 12.7 ± 0.6 mm
diameter with a volume of at least 200 mL or with a supplemental glass or metal
container to provide the required volume (see Figure 2).
• Funnel Stand – A three or four-legged support capable of holding the funnel firmly in
position 115 ± 2 mm above the top of the cylinder with the axis of the funnel colinear
(within a 4 degree angle and a displacement of 2 mm) with the axis of the cylindrical
measure. A suitable arrangement is shown in Figure 2.
• Glass Plate – minimum 4 mm thick, approximately 60 mm by 60 mm used to
calibrate the cylindrical measure.
• Pan – flat metal or plastic pan of sufficient size to contain the funnel stand and to
prevent loss of material.
• Metal spatula with a straight edged blade approximately 100 mm long, and at least
20 mm wide with an end cut at a right angle to the edges.
• Scale or balance accurate and readable to ±0.1 g within the range of use, capable
of weighing the cylindrical measure and its contents.

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FOP LIBRARY WAQTC FOP AASHTO T 304 (19)

Figure 1
41 mm Approx.

39 mm Approx.

Metal Cylinder~

x
0
0..
Q.
<(
E
E
'°co

_.- Epoxy Resin Filled Joint ---.._

C , '\' ==f'tm
Metal Plate / Approx. 6 mm dia. Drilled Hole
Minimum 6 mm Thick Approx. 3 mm Deep
Used for Centering Container
on a Mating Dowel in the Center
of the Stand Base

Figure 2

One Quart (Liter)

Mason Jar
Pycnometer
(Remove bottom
of g la ss jar)

I
±2mm

Pan to Retain
Fine Aggregate
Particl/
I

Section through center of Apparatus

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 T 304

FOP LIBRARY WAQTC FOP AASHTO T 304 (19)

Preparation of Test Samples

Obtain the standard graded sample from one of the following:
1. Use the sieve analysis samples from the FOP for AASHTO T 27/11.
2. Store the dry separate size fractions obtained from one (or more) sieve analysis in
separate containers for each size.
OR:
1. Obtain sample according to the FOP for AASHTO R 90
2. Reduce according to the FOP for AASHTO R 76
3. Wash sample over a 150-µm (No. 100) or 75-µm (No. 200) sieve according to FOP
for AASHTO T 27/11.
4. Dry to constant mass according to the FOP for AASHTO T 255.
5. Using sieves in Table 1, separate into individual size fractions according to FOP for
AASHTO T 27/11
6. Weigh out and combine the following quantities of material identified in Table 1.

Table 1
Individual Size Fraction

Passing Retained On Mass

g

No. 8 (2.36 mm) No. 16 (1.18 mm) 44.0 ± 0.2

No. 16 (1.18 mm) No. 30 (600 µm) 57.0 ± 0.2

No. 30 (600 um) No. 50 (300 µm) 72.0 ± 0.2

No. 50 (300 um) No. 100 (150 µm) 17.0 ± 0.2

Total 190.0 ± 0.2

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FOP LIBRARY WAQTC FOP AASHTO T 304 (19)

Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregate

The fine aggregate bulk specific gravity (Gsb) is used to determine the uncompacted void
content. Use the Gsb from the source if it is known. If it is unknown determine the Gsb on the
minus No. 4 (4.75 mm) material according to AASHTO T 84.
If the Gsb of some size fractions differ by more than 0.05 from the Gsb typical of the complete
sample, the Gsb of the fraction (or fractions) being tested must be determined.
Note 1: An indicator of differences in specific gravity of various particle sizes is a comparison of specific
gravities run on the fine aggregate in different gradings. Specific gravity can be run on gradings with and
without specific size fractions of interest. If specific gravity differences exceed 0.05, determine the specific
gravity of the individual 2.36 mm (No. 8) to 150 um (No. 100) sizes for use either by direct measurement or
by calculation using the specific gravity data on gradings with and without the size fraction of interest.
A difference in specific gravity of 0.05 will change the calculated void content about 1 percent.
Procedure
1. Record the mass of the empty measure to the nearest 0.1 g.
2. Mix test sample with the spatula until it appears to be homogeneous.
3. Position the jar and funnel section in the stand and center the cylindrical measure as
shown in Figure 2.
4. Using a finger, block the opening of the funnel, pour the test sample into the funnel.
5. Level the material in the funnel with the spatula.
6. Withdraw finger allowing the sample to freely flow into the cylindrical measure.
7. After the funnel empties, strike-off excess fine aggregate from the cylindrical
measure with a rapid single pass of the spatula with the width of the blade vertical
using the straight part of its edge in light contact with the top of the measure.
Until strike-off is complete, avoid vibration or disturbance which could cause
compaction of the material in the measure.
Note 2: After strike-off, the cylindrical measure may be tapped lightly to compact the sample to make it
easier to transfer the container to scale or balance without spilling any of the sample.
8. Brush adhering grains from the outside of the container
9. Determine and record the mass of the cylindrical measure and contents to the nearest
0.1 g.
10. Recombine the sample from the pan and cylindrical measure
11. Stir until homogenous
12. Repeat Steps 3 through 9.
13. Determine net mass of aggregate in measure by subtracting mass of the measure from
the mass of measure and fine aggregate.
14. Calculate the uncompacted void content (Us) of each determination to the nearest 0.1
percent.
15. Average the results of the two determinations (Um) to the nearest 0.1 percent.

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FOP LIBRARY WAQTC FOP AASHTO T 304 (19)

Calculations
Calculate the uncompacted voids for each determination:

𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 − �𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 �
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = × 100
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
Where:
Us = uncompacted voids in the material to the nearest 0.1 percent
V = volume of cylindrical measure, mL
F = net mass, g, of fine aggregate in measure
Gsb= Bulk dry specific gravity of fine aggregate;

Calculate the average uncompacted voids for the two determinations:

𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈1 + 𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈2
𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 =
2
Where:
Um = the average uncompacted void content to the nearest 0.1 percent
U1 = first determination
U2 = second determination

Example:
146.2 𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔
99.8 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 − � �
𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 2.636 × 100 = 44.4%
99.8 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

Where:
Us = uncompacted voids in the material to the nearest 0.1 percent
V = 99.8 mL
F = 146.2 g
Gsb= 2.636

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FOP LIBRARY WAQTC FOP AASHTO T 304 (19)

The average uncompacted voids for the two determinations:

48.7% + 49.9%
𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = = 49.3%
2
Where:
Um = the average uncompacted void content to the nearest 0.1 percent
U1 = 48.7%
U2 = 49.9%

Report

• The Uncompacted Voids (Us) in percent to the nearest 1 percent.

• The specific gravity value used in the calculations.

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FOP LIBRARY WAQTC FOP AASHTO T 304 (19)

ANNEX — CALIBRATION OF CYLINDRICAL MEASURE

(Mandatory Information)
1. Apply a light coat of grease to the top edge of the dry, empty cylindrical measure.
2. Determine the mass of the measure, grease, and glass plate to the nearest 0.1 g.
3. Fill the measure with freshly boiled, deionized water at a temperature of 18 to 24ºC
(64.4 to 75.2ºF).
4. Record the temperature of the water.
5. Place the glass plate on the measure, being sure that no air bubbles remain.
6. Dry the outer surfaces of the measure.
7. Determine the combined mass of measure, glass plate, grease, and water to the
nearest 0.1 g.
Calculations
Calculate the volume of the measure as follows:

𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 = 1000 ×
𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷

Where:
V = volume of cylinder, to the nearest 0.1 mL
M = net mass of water, g
D = density of water kg/m3 (see Table B1 in the FOP for
AASHTO T 99/T 180 for density at the temperature
used)
Example

𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 = 1000 × = 99.8 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷

Where:
V = volume of cylinder, to the nearest 0.1 mL
M = 99.6 g
D = 997.99 kg/m3, density of water at 21ºC (69.8ºF)

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Performance Exam Checklist
UNCOMPACTED VOID CONTENT OF FINE AGGREGATE

FOP FOR AASHTO T 304

Participant Name    Exam Date 

Record the symbols “P” for passing or “F” for failing on each step of the checklist.

Preparation of Test Samples Trial 1 Trial 2

1. Sample obtained per FOP for AASHTO R 90?
2. Sample reduced to testing size per FOP for AASHTO R 76?
3. Sample washed over 150-µm (No. 100) or 75-µm (No. 200) sieve in accordance
with FOP for AASHTO T 27_T 11?
4. Sample dried to constant mass?
5. Separated into individual size fractions?
6. Material weighed out and combined per Table 1?
7. Fine aggregate bulk specific gravity (Gsb) determined according to procedure?

Procedure Element Trial 1 Trial 2

8. Cylindrical measure calibrated according to Annex?
9. Mass of empty measure recorded to nearest 0.1 g?
10. Test sample mixed until it appears homogeneous?
11. Cylindrical measure centered on stand per Figure 2?
12. Finger used to block funnel opening?
13. Test sample poured in funnel and leveled with spatula?
14. Finger withdrawn and sample allowed to freely flow into cylindrical measure?
15. After funnel empties, excess material struck off with spatula correctly?
16. Care taken to avoid any vibration or disturbance?
17. Adhering grains brushed off before weighing the cylindrical measure?
18. Mass of the cylindrical measure and contents determined to nearest 0.1 g?
19. Sample recombined and stirred until homogenous?
20. Procedure Steps 3 through 9 repeated?
21. Uncompacted void content (Us) calculated for each determination to nearest
0.1 percent?
22. Results of both determinations (Um) averaged to nearest 0.1 percent and reported
to the nearest 1 percent?

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First Attempt: Pass  Fail         Second Attempt: Pass  Fail

Signature of Examiner 

Comments:

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