Specific Gravity Testing Equipment

Specific Gravity

Specific gravity testing of aggregates measures the quality or strength of the material sample. Specific gravity — also known as relative density — can be defined as the ratio of the mass of a unit volume, including water permeable voids, to the mass of equal volume of distilled water at a stated temperature. Aggregate specific gravity and porosity are very influential in the strength and water absorption capacity of concrete.

Proper testing ensures that the coarse aggregates that occupy 70 – 80% of the volume of concrete will maintain the quality of properties like strength, durability and weight. Aggregate is a structural filler in concrete mix. The aggregate properties such as size, shape, water absorption, texture, abrasion — in addition to specific gravity — must be determined for any project.

Specific gravity is a measurement of aggregate density and thus it is the most critical measurement of quality and strength. The higher the specific gravity, the higher the strength. Low specific gravity indicates more porous material and these aggregates are weaker in strength.

ASTM C127 specifies the standard for specific gravity and absorption of coarse concrete, ASTM D6473 shows the standards for specific gravity and adsorption of rock for erosion control, and ASTM D7263 are the standard test methods for laboratory determination of density of soil specimens. Humboldt’s benches are compliant with all of these standards.

Humboldt’s inventory of Specific Gravity Test Equipment includes:
Benches and Components
Containers, Baskets and Buckets
Flasks and Bottles
Conical Mold and Tamper for Fine Aggregate
Pycnometer Top and Glass Jar