BS EN 1097-6:2022 - Tests for Mechanical and Physical Properties of Aggregates: Determination of Particle Density and Water Absorption

Standard Number: BS EN 1097-6:2022

Pages: 64

Released: 2022-03-14

ISBN: 978 0 539 04123 1

Status: Standard

Overview

The BS EN 1097-6:2022 standard is an essential document for professionals in the construction and materials testing industries. This comprehensive standard provides detailed methodologies for determining the particle density and water absorption of aggregates, which are critical parameters in assessing the quality and suitability of materials for various construction applications.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: Spanning 64 pages, this standard offers an in-depth exploration of the procedures and requirements for testing the mechanical and physical properties of aggregates.
• Up-to-Date Information: Released on March 14, 2022, the BS EN 1097-6:2022 standard incorporates the latest advancements and best practices in the field.
• Accurate Testing Methods: The standard outlines precise methods for determining particle density and water absorption, ensuring reliable and consistent results.
• International Recognition: As a part of the BS EN series, this standard is recognized and respected globally, making it a valuable resource for international projects and collaborations.

Why Particle Density and Water Absorption Matter

Understanding the particle density and water absorption of aggregates is crucial for several reasons:

• Structural Integrity: The density of aggregates affects the overall strength and stability of concrete and other construction materials. Accurate density measurements help ensure that the final product meets the required specifications and performance standards.
• Durability: Water absorption is a key factor in determining the durability of aggregates. High water absorption can lead to issues such as freeze-thaw damage and reduced lifespan of the material. By accurately measuring water absorption, engineers can select the most suitable aggregates for their projects.
• Quality Control: Consistent testing and monitoring of particle density and water absorption help maintain high-quality standards in construction projects, reducing the risk of material failure and ensuring long-term performance.

Detailed Methodologies

The BS EN 1097-6:2022 standard provides step-by-step instructions for conducting tests on aggregates. These methodologies are designed to be precise and reproducible, ensuring that results are consistent across different testing environments. Key aspects covered include:

• Sample Preparation: Guidelines for selecting and preparing aggregate samples to ensure representative and accurate testing.
• Testing Procedures: Detailed descriptions of the equipment and techniques used to measure particle density and water absorption.
• Data Analysis: Instructions for analyzing and interpreting test results, including calculations and reporting requirements.
• Quality Assurance: Recommendations for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of testing procedures through regular calibration and validation of equipment.

Applications

The BS EN 1097-6:2022 standard is applicable to a wide range of construction and materials testing scenarios, including:

• Concrete Production: Ensuring that aggregates used in concrete mixtures meet the required density and water absorption specifications for optimal performance.
• Road Construction: Assessing the suitability of aggregates for use in road bases, sub-bases, and asphalt mixtures.
• Building Materials: Evaluating the quality of aggregates used in masonry, plaster, and other building materials.
• Research and Development: Supporting the development of new materials and construction techniques through accurate and reliable testing data.

Conclusion

The BS EN 1097-6:2022 standard is an invaluable resource for professionals involved in the testing and evaluation of construction materials. By providing detailed methodologies for determining particle density and water absorption, this standard helps ensure the quality, durability, and performance of aggregates in a wide range of applications. Whether you are involved in concrete production, road construction, or building materials testing, the BS EN 1097-6:2022 standard is an essential tool for achieving reliable and consistent results.

BS EN 1097-6:2022

This standard BS EN 1097-6:2022 Tests for mechanical and physical properties of aggregates is classified in these ICS categories:

• 91.100.15 Mineral materials and products

This document specifies the reference methods used for type testing and in case of dispute, for the determination of particle density and water absorption of normal weight and lightweight aggregates. Other methods can be used for other purposes, such as factory production control, provided that an appropriate working relationship with the reference method has been established. For convenience, some of these other methods are also described in this document. The reference methods for normal weight aggregates are: - a wire basket method for aggregate particles retained on the 31,5 mm sieve (Clause 7, except for railway ballast which uses Annex B); - a pyknometer method for aggregate particles passing the 31,5 mm sieve and retained on the 4 mm sieve (Clause 8); - a pyknometer method for aggregate particles passing the 4 mm sieve and retained on the 0,063 mm sieve (Clause 9). In Clauses 7, 8 and 9, three different particle densities (oven-dried particle density, saturated and surface-dried particle density and apparent particle density) and water absorption are determined after a soaking period of 24 h. In Annex B, the oven-dried particle density is determined after soaking in water to constant mass. For aggregate particles passing the 31,5 mm sieve and retained on the 4 mm sieve, the wire basket method in Clause 7 can be used as an alternative to the pyknometer method in Clause 8. NOTE 1 The wire basket method can also be used for single aggregate particles retained on the 63 mm sieve. NOTE 2 The pyknometer method described in Clause 8 can be used as an alternative for aggregates passing the 4 mm sieve and retained on the 2 mm sieve. The reference methods for lightweight aggregates are: - a pyknometer method for aggregate particles passing the 31,5 mm sieve and retained on the 4 mm sieve (Annex C). Three different particle densities (oven-dried; saturated and surface-dried; apparent) and water absorption are determined after pre-drying and a soaking period of 24 h; - a method, using a Büchner funnel, for aggregate particles passing the 4 mm sieve (Annex D). The three particle densities and water absorption are determined using a vacuum in the range of 50 mbar to 100 mbar for at least five minutes. Three other methods for normal weight aggregates can be used to determine the pre-dried particle density, as specified in normative Annexes A and H: - a wire basket method for aggregate particles passing the 63 mm sieve and retained on the 31,5 mm sieve (A.3); - a pyknometer method for aggregate particles passing the 31,5 mm sieve and retained on the 0,063 mm sieve (A.4); - a pyknometer method for aggregate particles passing the 31,5 mm sieve, including the 0/0,063 mm size fraction (Annex H). NOTE 3 If water absorption is less than about 1,5 %, the apparent particle density can be assessed using the pre-dried particle density method as defined in Annex A. The quick method in normative Annex E can be used in factory production control to determine the apparent particle density of lightweight aggregates. The method in informative Annex F can be used to determine the particle density and water absorption of aggregate particles passing the 4 mm sieve. Data on the density of water at various temperatures is specified in normative Annex G. Guidance on the significance and use of the various density and water absorption parameters is given in informative Annex I. Precision data are presented in informative Annex J.