ASTM C128-22 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C128-22 — Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate. This test method defines procedures to determine the relative density (specific gravity) of fine aggregate in oven‑dry (OD), saturated‑surface‑dry (SSD), and apparent forms, and to determine the absorption of fine aggregate for use in mix design and material characterization.

Abstract

This standard specifies how to prepare and test samples of fine aggregate to measure specific gravity and water absorption. Results are used to compute absolute volumes of aggregate in hydraulic cement concrete, bituminous mixtures, and other construction materials; to determine surface moisture corrections; and to support other ASTM and AASHTO aggregate tests. The procedure includes controlled drying, immersion/soak, surface‑drying, and mass determinations in air and water.

General information

• Status: Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2022; published January 2023 (designated C128‑22). (Current as of February 20, 2026.)
• Publication date: Approved Dec 15, 2022; published January 2023.
• Publisher: ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 91.100.30 — Concrete and concrete products (aggregates).
• Edition / version: C128‑22 (current revision of C128).
• Number of pages: Typically published as a short test method (about 6 pages in the ASTM PDF).

Scope

This test method covers determination of relative density (specific gravity) and absorption of fine aggregates, reporting OD (oven‑dry), SSD (saturated‑surface‑dry), and apparent specific gravity values. It does not apply to lightweight aggregates that fall under Specification C332 (Group I). Values are stated in SI units. The standard includes notes and references to related ASTM and AASHTO procedures used for sampling, reducing samples, and related volumetric computations.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and distinctions: OD, SSD, and apparent relative density (specific gravity) and absorption.
• Soak requirement: fine aggregate is immersed for a prescribed period (commonly 24 h ± 4 h) to fill accessible pores prior to SSD determinations.
• Mass measurements: procedures for weighing oven‑dry, SSD, and submerged masses to compute specific gravity and absorption.
• Use of SI units as the standard and references to related test methods (for example C29/C29M, C70, C117).
• Limitations: not intended for specified lightweight aggregates (see C332) and does not replace safety, health, or environmental precautions that users must follow.

Typical use and users

Used by construction materials laboratories, aggregate suppliers, civil engineers, transportation departments, concrete producers, and researchers to obtain specific gravity and absorption data required for mix design, quality control, and material specifications. Accredited testing labs commonly perform C128 testing for DOT projects and contract compliance.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards and specifications include: ASTM C29/C29M (bulk density/unit weight and voids in aggregate), ASTM C70 (surface moisture in fine aggregate), ASTM C117 (materials finer than 75 µm), AASHTO T84 (specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregates), and ASTM C332 (lightweight aggregates). These documents are used together for sampling, sample reduction, and complementary measurements.

Keywords

specific gravity, relative density, absorption, fine aggregate, SSD, oven‑dry, aggregate testing, mix design, ASTM C128, C128‑22.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C128‑22 is the ASTM test method for determining the relative density (specific gravity) and absorption of fine aggregate (reporting OD, SSD, and apparent values).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation, soaking and drying procedures, and mass measurements (including submerged weights) needed to calculate specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregates; it is intended for normal (non‑lightweight) fine aggregates used in concrete and bituminous mixtures.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing laboratories, DOTs and other agencies, aggregate producers, concrete and asphalt mix designers, and researchers who need accurate aggregate density/absorption data for volumetric calculations and quality control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The current ASTM edition is C128‑22, approved Dec. 15, 2022 and published January 2023. (Status noted here is current as of Feb 20, 2026.) Users should confirm whether any later revisions or withdrawals have occurred since that date.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the ASTM family of concrete and aggregate test methods maintained by Committee C09 (Concrete and Concrete Aggregates) and is routinely used alongside related ASTM/AASHTO aggregate standards (for coarse aggregate, bulk density, sampling, and moisture determinations).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Specific gravity, relative density, absorption, fine aggregate, saturated surface dry (SSD), oven‑dry (OD), aggregate testing, mix design.