Background
Accurate measurements of the specific gravity and absorption
of coarse and fine aggregates are essential to the development
of satisfactory mix designs and production of both
portland cement concrete (PCC) and hot mix asphalt (HMA).
To determine the specific gravity and absorption of an aggregate
blend used in HMA and PCC, the aggregate is separated into
two distinct portions—coarse and fine aggregates—based on a
particular grain size (i.e., 4.75 mm). The test methods for coarse
and fine aggregate portions are different. Current standard test
methods for determining the specific gravity and absorption
capacity of coarse and fine aggregates are AASHTO T 85 (or
ASTM C127) and AASHTO T 84 (or ASTM C128), respectively.
Although these standard test methods can be conducted at
a reasonable cost in concrete and asphalt laboratories, they
have several shortcomings in terms of subjectivity of measurements,
precision, and time requirements for conditioning
and testing. Therefore, there is a need to develop new
methods or improve the current test methods for determining
the specific gravity and absorption of aggregate for use in HMA
and PCC mix design/proportioning and production.