ASTM D7172-14 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determining the Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregates Using Infrared — a short procedure describing use of an infrared (IR) measurement device and associated sample preparation and calculations to determine the relative density (specific gravity) and water absorption of fine aggregate materials.

Abstract

This test method provides instructions for preparing fine-aggregate specimens, operating an infrared-based apparatus to measure sample volume/mass, and calculating oven-dry, saturated-surface-dry (SSD) and apparent relative density (specific gravity) and absorption values. It is intended as an alternative technique to gravimetric/volumetric procedures and reports values in SI units.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (withdrawal recorded July 5, 2022).
• Publication date: Current edition approved June 1, 2014 (designated D7172-14; published 2014).
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 91.100.30 — Concrete and concrete products (aggregates/aggregate testing).
• Edition / version: D7172-14 (2014 edition).
• Number of pages: 5 pages (typical published form).

Scope

This test method covers determination of the relative density (specific gravity) and absorption of fine aggregates using an infrared measurement method. It applies to fine aggregate samples where IR-based volumetric/mass measurement is suitable, and specifies the SI unit reporting, specimen conditioning (oven-dry and saturated-surface-dry states), calibration and procedural limits. The method is intended as an alternative to established gravimetric or volumetric procedures for fine aggregates.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of measured properties: oven-dry (OD), saturated-surface-dry (SSD), and apparent relative density (specific gravity) and water absorption.
• Specimen preparation: sample splitting, drying, soaking (typical 24 h soaking where specified), and SSD conditioning.
• Infrared apparatus operation: filling, calibration, measurement sequence and frequency, and required calibration checks for water pump and IR unit.
• Calculation procedures: formulas to compute relative density and percent absorption from measured masses/volumes.
• Reporting: SI units, required test conditions, and limitations where IR technique may not be appropriate (e.g., certain porous or contaminated materials).
• Reference and replacement history: supersedes earlier D7172 editions (2006 series) and is part of the aggregate testing family of standards.

Typical use and users

Used by highway/transportation agencies, materials testing laboratories, aggregate producers, quality control/quality assurance engineers, and research organizations that evaluate fine aggregate properties for concrete, asphalt and other construction uses. Laboratories adopting the IR technique use this method to speed measurement and reduce handling compared with some gravimetric procedures, subject to suitability and calibration.

Related standards

Closely related to traditional ASTM aggregate density/absorption tests such as ASTM C128 (Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate) and ASTM C127 (coarse aggregate density and absorption). Earlier editions of this ASTM procedure include D7172-06 / D7172-06e1. These documents are commonly used together when selecting or validating methods for aggregate specific gravity and absorption.

Keywords

fine aggregate, absorption, specific gravity, relative density, infrared, IR measurement, aggregate testing, D7172-14

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D7172-14 is a 2014 ASTM test method that describes using an infrared-based apparatus to determine the relative density (specific gravity) and water absorption of fine aggregates.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation (drying, soaking, SSD conditioning), IR instrument calibration and operation, measurement procedures, and calculations to report OD, SSD and apparent specific gravity and percent absorption in SI units.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing labs, state DOTs, aggregate producers, QC/QA engineers, and researchers who need to determine fine-aggregate specific gravity and absorption and who may prefer an IR-based measurement workflow.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: D7172-14 is not current; the 2014 edition was recorded as withdrawn (withdrawal noted July 5, 2022). Users should confirm applicable and accepted test methods with their contract authority and check for any replacement or preferred alternative (for example, ASTM C128 and other aggregate standards).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the family of ASTM aggregate test methods (D7172 previous editions, and the broader set of ASTM/AASHTO procedures for specific gravity and absorption). It is referenced alongside established concrete-aggregate standards such as ASTM C128 (fine aggregate) and ASTM C127 (coarse aggregate).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Absorption; aggregate; infrared; relative density; specific gravity; fine aggregates; D7172-14.