What is the formula for calculating the absorption percentage of aggregate given the specific weights?

The formula to calculate the absorption percentage of aggregate accurately reflects the relationship between the wet weight and the dry weight of the aggregate. When determining the absorption, the focus is on how much water the aggregate has taken in compared to its dry weight.

In this formula, the wet weight is the total weight of the aggregate when it is saturated with water, while the dry weight represents the weight of the aggregate when all moisture has been removed. By subtracting the dry weight from the wet weight, you obtain the amount of water absorbed by the aggregate. This difference is then divided by the dry weight, establishing a proportional relationship that shows how much water the aggregate has absorbed relative to its original mass. Multiplying by 100 converts this ratio into a percentage.

This approach is particularly useful in the context of concrete mix design, where understanding the absorption characteristics of aggregates helps ensure that the right amount of water is included in a mix to achieve the desired strength and durability properties.