What is BS 812-2 - Determination of density, voids and bulking of aggregates about?
BS 812 is the British Standard for testing aggregates. The main objective of the BS 812 series is to provide the best industry guidance to ensure construction materials contribute to the structural integrity of your civil engineering works.
BS 812-2 is the second part of the BS 812 series that describes methods for the determination of the particle density, water absorption, bulk density, voids and bulking of aggregates and of the particle density, bulk density and voids of filler.
Some of the tests are intended for use in obtaining assurance that material complies with British Standard or other requirements, for research, production control or assessment of variation.
However, other methods are not intended for assurance testing and their suitability for other purposes is defined.
Who is BS 812-2 - Determination of density, voids and bulking of aggregates for?
BS 812-2 on the determination of density, voids and bulking of aggregates is useful for:
- Manufacturers of aggregates
- Mineral materials and products manufacturers
- Cement and concrete industry
- Civil engineers
- Contractors
Why should you use BS 812-2 - Determination of density, voids and bulking of aggregates?
Bulking can cause significant errors in proportioning volume therefore the density of the aggregates is required in mixture proportioning to establish weight-volume relationships. The bulk density measures the volume that the graded aggregate will occupy in concrete, including the solid aggregate particles and the voids between them.
In this regard, BS 812-2 specifies the reporting of test methods, sampling certificate and the significance of test results in determining the density of aggregates.
For the determination of particle densities and water absorption, three main methods are described for aggregates in BS 812-2:
- A wire basket method for aggregates larger than 10 mm
- A gas jar method for aggregates between 40 mm and 5 mm
- A pyknometer or gas jar method for aggregates 10 mm nominal size and smaller.
BS 812-2 covers the test methods for the determination of bulk density, voids and bulking of aggregates.
As a result, if you are an aggregate manufacturer, complying with BS 812-2 can demonstrate the quality, performance, and dependability of your products, achieving the structural integrity required for building works.
