Scribd
Upload
8 views

laboratory problem

Uploaded by

ramurqwerty
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
8 views

laboratory problem

Uploaded by

ramurqwerty
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Name:

Section:

Construction Materials & Testing


Laboratory Activity P2
Surface Moisture Content of Fine Aggregate

Background
Aggregates are porous materials capable of both absorbing moisture internally and
adsorbing moisture on the exterior surface. Although we seek out hard, dense, clean, sound,
stable and non-reactive aggregates for use in precast concrete, high-quality coarse aggregate
still contains miniscule pores. These pores are capable of holding measurable amounts of
moisture, which can drastically affect a concrete mix. Fine aggregate also needs to be carefully
monitored since it is susceptible to bulking, which is when fine aggregate holds water between
the aggregate particles.
Surface moisture is defined as moisture in excess of that contained by the aggregate
when in a saturated surface-dry condition. This is the value desired in correcting the batch
weights for Portland cement concrete. The accuracy of the method depends upon accurate
information on the bulk specific gravity of the material in a saturated surface-dry condition.
ASTM C70 “Standard Test Method for Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate” is not widely
used. However, it is a convenient procedure for field or plant determination of moisture content
of fine aggregate if specific gravity values are known and if drying facilities are not available.
Surface moisture content test can be used to adjust the aggregate mass for moisture content.

Objective
To determine the amount of surface moisture in fine aggregate by displacement in water
in accordance with ASTM C70.

Apparatus and Materials


1. Bring the ff.:
● At least 200 grams of fine aggregate (should not be visibly wet)
● Scoop
● Container
● Tamping rod (or any alternative)
● Permanent marker
2. Available in EAC Lab:
● Weighing scale

1
Procedure
Watch this before our meeting on Saturday: https://youtu.be/veMI0bqZ1I0

1. Place the sample inside the container. Mark the inside of the container, 1 to 2 inches
from the top of the sample.
2. Remove the sample from the container then record the mass of the container filled to
the mark with only water.
3. Before placing the sample back into the container, adjust the level of the water so that
it will be sufficient to cover the sample without going over the original mark.
4. Introduce the weighed sample of fine aggregate into the container and remove the
entrained air.
5. Fill the container to the original mark, and determine the mass in grams.

Formula

*bulk specific gravity of sand = 2.67

*assume that Pa = 1%

Observation Sheet
*use grams

2
Mass of container filled to the mark with water, Mc

Mass of sample, Ms

Mass of container & sample, filled to the mark with water, M

Mass of water displaced by sample, Md

Vd

Pd

Computation

Evaluation
1. Why is the surface moisture content test performed?

2. Does the amount of surface moisture in fine aggregate affect the quality of the
concrete mix?

You might also like