The density of Cement, Sand and Aggregate

 

Density, also known as the unit weight, is the mass per unit volume of the material. The symbol RHO (ρ) denotes it. It explains the degree of compactness of a material. If the density of any substance is high, that means it is denser.

Mass per unit volume of any construction material refers to its density. It is presented in Kg/m or lb/ft and shows the construction material’s compactness.

Density can be stated as ρ = m / v = 1/v

Where ρ = Density, m = Mass, V = Volume.

 

Density of Cement


A cement is a binding substance utilised in construction work that hardens and gains strength quickly underwater.

Only cement is unusually used; it is used to bind coarse and fine aggregate to produce mortar and concrete. The cement mixed with fine aggregate to have mortar for plaster and masonry, and with sand and coarse aggregate to give concrete.

As I said, earlier density is the material’s mass per unit volume. Since we measure mass in kg or lb and volume in litre or cubic meter or cubic feet, hence density is stated in Kg/m or lb/ft . The density of OPC cement is = 1440 Kg/m .

 

 Sand Density


The density of sand may change if it is a dry or wet condition as well as loose and compacted state. When sand is packed, sand particles are forced to form narrow disposition, resulting in more material in the volume.

When sand is in wet condition, water is present in sand particles that change material quantity in the volume. The average density of sand in a different state are as follows:

Loose Sand Density : 1442 Kg/m3

Dry Sand density : 1602 Kg/m3

Packed Sand Density : 1682 Kg/m3

Packed Sand Density : 2082 Kg/m3


Density of Aggregate


Aggregates are chemically idle substances which are bonded by cement paste to make concrete. Aggregates produce the majority of the total concrete’s volume; hence, they affect concrete strength significantly.

Based on their size, the aggregates are named as:

1)                        Fine Aggregate

2)                        Coarse Aggregate

The material below 4.75 mm size refers to Fine aggregate. The percentage of all types of harmful matter in Fine aggregate should not surpass 5%. Crushed stone dust or natural sand is the fine aggregate chiefly utilised in the concrete mix.

Sand may be collected from the river, sea, lake or pit. Still, when used in the concrete mix, it should be adequately cleaned and tested to determine that the total percentage of silt, salts, clay and other such organic stuff does not pass the defined limit.

The substance that particles are retained on IS sieve no 480 (4.75mm) refers to coarse aggregate. The Nature of the work decides which size of coarse aggregate should be used. The maximum size maybe 20 cm for mass concrete, such as in dams etc. and 63 mm for plain cement concrete work.

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