ISO 20290-1:2021

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 20290-1
First edition
2021-11
Aggregates for concrete — Test
methods for mechanical and physical
properties —
Part 1:
Determination of bulk density,
particle density, particle mass-per-
volume and water absorption
Granulats pour béton — Méthodes d'essai relatives aux propriétés
mécaniques et physiques —
Partie 1: Détermination de la masse volumique apparente, de la
masse volumique des particules, de la masse volumique réelle et de
l'absorption d'eau
Reference number
© ISO 2021
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Determination of bulk density .2
4.1 Principle . 2
4.2 Apparatus and materials . 2
4.3 Sampling . 3
4.4 Procedure . 3
4.4.1 Calibration of container . 3
4.4.2 Uncompacted bulk density . 3
4.4.3 Compacted bulk density . 3
4.4.4 Compaction by other methods . 4
4.5 Expression of test results. 4
4.6 Test report . 4
5 Determination of particle density and water absorption – Hydrostatic balance
method . 5
5.1 Principle . 5
5.2 Apparatus and materials . 5
5.3 Sampling . 5
5.4 Procedure . 6
5.5 Expression of test results. 7
5.6 Test report . 8
6 Determination of the particle density and water absorption - Pycnometer method .8
6.1 Principle . 8
6.2 Apparatus and materials . 8
6.3 Sampling . 10
6.4 Procedure . 10
6.5 Expression of test results. 11
6.6 Test report .12
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
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electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
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expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
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www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 71, Concrete, reinforced concrete and pre-
stressed concrete, Subcommittee SC 1, Test methods for concrete.
This edition of ISO 20290-1, together with ISO 20290-2 and ISO 20290-3, cancels and replaces
ISO 6274:1982, ISO 6782:1982, ISO 6783:1982 and ISO 7033:1987, which have been technically revised.
A list of all parts in the ISO 20290 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 20290-1:2021(E)
Aggregates for concrete — Test methods for mechanical
and physical properties —
Part 1:
Determination of bulk density, particle density, particle
mass-per-volume and water absorption
1 Scope
This document describes procedures for determining certain properties of aggregates for use in
concrete for the determination of the loose or compacted bulk density, the determination of particle
density and water absorption using the hydrostatic balance method and the determination of the
particle mass-per-volume and water absorption using the Pycnometer method.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 565, Test sieves — Metal wire cloth, perforated metal plate and electroformed sheet — Nominal sizes
of openings
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
bulk density
ratio obtained by dividing the mass of a sample of aggregate filling a specified container by the known
volume of the container, expressed in units of mass per unit volume, i.e. kilograms per cubic (1) meter
(kg/m )
Note 1 to entry: In some countries, the phrases "unit mass", "unit weight" and "density" are used instead.
3.2
particle density
ratio obtained by dividing the mass of a sample of aggregate particles by the volume, including both
permeable and impermeable pores within the particles (but not including the voids between the
particles)
Note 1 to entry: It is expressed as a mass per unit volume, i.e. kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m ).
3.3
oven dry density
ratio obtained by dividing the mass of a sample of aggregate particles heated in an oven until reaching
a constant mass by the volume including both permeable and impermeable pores within the particles
(but not including the voids between the particles)
3.4
saturated surface dry density
ratio obtained by dividing the mass of a sample of aggregate particles and water contained in its
permeable voids by the volume including both permeable and impermeable pores within the particles
(but not including the voids between the particles)
3.5
water absorption
increase in mass of an aggregate sample due to water penetration into the pores of the dry aggregate
particles (to exclude water adhering to the outside surface of the particles) during a prescribed period
of time
Note 1 to entry: It is expressed as a percentage of the dry mass.
3.6
constant mass
mass determined after successive weighings at least 1 h apart not differing by more than 0,1 %
4 Determination of bulk density
4.1 Principle
The determination of the loose or compacted bulk density of dry or moist aggregates (normal or
lightweight) for concrete is defined by weighing of the aggregate sample using a constant volume
container.
4.2 Apparatus and materials
4.2.1 Cylindrical container, with a smooth inside, fitted with handles and with dimensions
approximately like those given in Table 1.
The container shall be watertight, corrosion resistant, and sufficiently rigid to retain its dimensions
despite rough usage. The top rim shall be smooth, planar to within 0,25 mm and parallel to the base to
within 0,5°. The ratio of the height of the container to its diameter shall be within the range 0,5 to 1,5.
Table 1 — Minimum capacity of container depending on aggregate size
Maximum size of aggregate Capacity
mm l
4 1
8 2,5
16 5
31,5 15
63 30
Note  Other sizes of aggregates maybe different as valid in the place of use.
4.2.2 Balance, accurate to 0,2 % of the mass of the material to be weighed.
4.2.3 Tamping rod, made of straight metal with a diameter of 16mm, a length of approximately
600 mm and rounded ends.
4.2.4 Shovel or scoop.
4.2.5 Calibration equipment.
4.2.6 Clear plate, a piece of flat, transparent material larger on all sides than the diameter of the
calibrated cylindrical container (‎4.2.1). It shall be sufficiently rigid to remain planar when placed on
the container.
4.2.7 Thermometer, with a range of at least 10 °C to 32 °C and an accuracy of at least 0,5 °C.
4.3 Sampling
The sample shall be taken in accordance with the procedure described in the relevant national standard.
If the test is to be performed on dry aggregates, dry the sample to a constant mass at (105 ± 5) °C in
(24 ± 4)
...