Aggregate Water Absorption Test Calculator

Table of Contents

✔ The formula that we need to utilize to calculate aggregate water absorption is as follows:

✔ Aggregate Water Absorption = [( $\frac{W_{B} - W_{A}}{W_{A}} \times 100$ / Wa ]*100%

✔ If the Water Absorption value is less than 2%, aggregate can be used in construction.

✔ The apparatus required for the test of water absorption of aggregate is mentioned below:

a. Weighing Balance

b. Thermostatically controlled oven

c. Wire basket

d. Container

e. A shallow tray and two absorbent clothes

About 2 kg of aggregate sample is taken, washed to remove fines, and then placed in a wire basket. The basket is then immersed in water at a temperature between 22°C and 32°C.
After submerging the sample, remove trapped air by lifting the basket 25mm above the tank base and dropping it 25 times at a rate of one drop per second.
The basket with aggregate is completely immersed in water for 24 ± 0.5 hours.
The basket and aggregate are weighed while suspended in water at a temperature between 22°C to 32°C.
Firstly, to begin the process, the basket and aggregates are carefully removed from the water and dried thoroughly using an absorbent cloth. Once dry, the weight of the surface of the aggregates is measured.
Next, the aggregates are placed in a shallow tray and subjected to a controlled heating process in an oven set at a temperature range of 100 to 110 degrees Celsius for a period of 24 hours, with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.5 hours.
Lastly, the aggregates are allowed to cool in an airtight container and then weighed again.

Weight of saturated aggregates in the air (A) =

Weight of oven-dry aggregates in the air (B) =

Water Absorption = (A-B)/B x100%

The water absorption should not exceed 2%, although up to 3% may be acceptable in certain cases.

a. The sample must be washed completely to separate finer particles and dust.

b. Multiple dry cloths should be used to clean aggregate surfaces.

a. Knowing the water absorption capacity of aggregates can help us determine whether to use it as a construction material or not.

b. Used to prepare workable concrete.

c. Used to define water-cement ratio.

Verified Article By Er. Madhu Krishna Poudel