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Soil and Rock Testing
Specific Gravity Test of Soil and Aggregate
Specific gravity testing to IS 2720 Part 3 and IS 2386 Part 3 — soil solids and aggregates, for soil classification, mix design and void ratio calculations
NABL TC-14144
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ISO/IEC 17025:2017
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NHAI / PWD / BRO Approved
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24-72h Mobilisation
IS 2720 Part 3 Sec 1
IS 2720 Part 3 Sec 2
IS 2386 Part 3
What is the specific gravity of soil (IS 2720 Part 3)?
The specific gravity (G) of soil is the ratio of the density of its solid particles to that of water — typically 2.6–2.75 for most soils — determined by the pycnometer / density-bottle method per IS 2720 (Part 3). It is used in void-ratio and phase calculations. NKMPV performs the specific gravity test as a NABL-accredited laboratory.
The specific gravity of a soil or aggregate is the ratio of the mass of a given volume of the material to the mass of an equal volume of distilled water at a reference temperature. It is a fundamental index property used in nearly every geotechnical calculation, from void ratio to degree of saturation.
What Is the Specific Gravity Test?
Specific gravity (G) quantifies how dense the solid particles of a soil or aggregate are compared to water. For most natural soils, G falls in the range of 2.60 to 2.80, with organic soils sometimes dropping below 2.50 and iron-rich laterites exceeding 3.00. In aggregate testing, specific gravity values determine the mass-volume relationships essential for concrete and bituminous mix design.
The test method varies depending on the material. For fine-grained soils, the pycnometer method per IS 2720 Part 3 Section 1 is used. For fine aggregates and soil fractions passing 4.75 mm, the density bottle method per IS 2720 Part 3 Section 2 is standard. For coarse aggregates retained on 10 mm sieves, the wire basket method per IS 2386 Part 3 is employed. When testing expansive or highly reactive soils, kerosene is used instead of water to prevent hydration and swelling during the test.
NKMPV performs specific gravity testing as part of comprehensive grain size analysis and aggregate quality assessment packages. The results feed directly into void ratio calculations, settlement analysis, compaction control, and concrete mix proportioning. Our laboratory serves contractors, geotechnical consultants, and government agencies across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
Test Parameters & Acceptance Criteria
The following parameters are measured or derived during specific gravity testing. Acceptance criteria depend on the material type and the design application — soil classification, mix design, or earthwork quality control.
| Parameter | Value / Range | Unit | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity of Soil (Fine-Grained) | 2.60-2.80 (typical) | IS 2720 Part 3 Sec 1 | |
| Specific Gravity of Soil (Organic/Peaty) | 1.80-2.50 (typical) | IS 2720 Part 3 Sec 1 | |
| Specific Gravity — Density Bottle (Fine Aggregate) | 2.50-2.70 (typical) | IS 2720 Part 3 Sec 2 | |
| Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregate (Oven-Dry Basis) | 2.50-3.00 (typical) | IS 2386 Part 3 | |
| Water Absorption of Coarse Aggregate | < 2% (most specifications) | % | IS 2386 Part 3 |
| Apparent Specific Gravity | Higher than oven-dry Gs | IS 2386 Part 3 | |
| Temperature Correction Factor (Ct) | Applied for tests not at 27 °C | IS 2720 Part 3 Sec 1 Table 1 |
Applicable Indian Standards
IS 2720 Part 3 Sec 1
Methods of Test for Soils — Determination of Specific Gravity (Fine-Grained Soils) — Fine, Medium and Coarse Grained Soils
IS 2720 Part 3 Sec 2
Methods of Test for Soils — Determination of Specific Gravity — Fine, Medium and Coarse Grained Soils (Density Bottle Method)
IS 2386 Part 3
Methods of Test for Aggregates for Concrete — Specific Gravity, Density, Voids, Absorption and Bulking
IS 1498
Classification and Identification of Soils for General Engineering Purposes
IS 2720 Part 2
Methods of Test for Soils — Determination of Water Content
Equipment Used
Pycnometer (1000 ml)
Standard IS pycnometer with brass conical cap
1000 ml capacity, fits fine-grained soil samples up to 400 g
CalibratedDensity Bottle (50 ml)
Borosilicate glass with ground-glass stopper
50 ml capacity, suitable for fine aggregate and soil passing 2 mm sieve
CalibratedWire Basket Apparatus
Stainless steel mesh basket with suspension frame
Accommodates coarse aggregate samples up to 3 kg, mesh aperture 6.3 mm
CalibratedVacuum Desiccator with Pump
Glass desiccator with mechanical vacuum pump
Removes entrapped air from soil-water slurry in pycnometer
CalibratedConstant Temperature Water Bath
Thermostatically controlled stainless steel bath
Maintains temperature at 27 ± 0.2 °C as required by IS 2720 Part 3
CalibratedDigital Weighing Balance
Shimadzu / Mettler Toledo
Least count 0.01 g (for density bottle) and 0.1 g (for pycnometer), NABL-calibrated
CalibratedTesting Process
1
Sample Collection & Preparation
Day 1A representative soil or aggregate sample is collected from the project site or received at the laboratory. For fine-grained soil, approximately 200-400 g of oven-dried material passing the 4.75 mm IS sieve is prepared. For coarse aggregates, a sample of approximately 2 kg is washed, dried, and graded. The appropriate test method — pycnometer, density bottle, or wire basket — is selected based on particle size.
2
Calibration of Apparatus
Day 1The pycnometer or density bottle is cleaned, dried, and weighed empty (W1). It is then filled with distilled water (or kerosene for expansive soils), brought to the reference temperature of 27 °C in a constant-temperature water bath, and weighed again (W2). This calibration establishes the mass of water the apparatus holds at the standard temperature, which is essential for all subsequent calculations.
3
Soil/Aggregate Introduction & De-airing
Day 1The oven-dried soil sample is placed into the pycnometer (W3 recorded), and distilled water is added until the pycnometer is approximately half full. The slurry is gently heated or subjected to vacuum in a desiccator for at least 30 minutes to remove all entrapped air — a critical step, as even small air bubbles cause significant error. For the wire basket method, the saturated surface-dry aggregate is weighed in air (Wa) and then submerged in water (Ww).
4
Temperature Equilibration & Final Weighing
Day 1After complete de-airing, the pycnometer is topped up with distilled water to the calibration mark, the cap is secured, and the assembly is placed in the constant-temperature water bath at 27 °C for at least 1 hour. Once equilibrated, the pycnometer is removed, dried externally, and weighed (W4). The difference between W2 and W4, corrected for the soil mass, gives the volume of soil solids displaced.
5
Repeat Determination
Day 1-2To ensure reliability, a minimum of two parallel determinations are performed on separate sub-samples as required by IS 2720 Part 3. If the two values differ by more than 0.03, a third determination is carried out. For aggregate testing per IS 2386 Part 3, duplicate tests are standard practice. This repetition is a core requirement of our NABL quality system.
6
Calculation & Reporting
Day 2-3Specific gravity is calculated using the formula G = (W3 - W1) / [(W2 - W1) - (W4 - W3)], with a temperature correction factor applied if the test was not conducted exactly at 27 °C. For aggregates, oven-dry, saturated surface-dry, and apparent specific gravities are computed along with water absorption percentage. The NABL-accredited report includes all raw weights, temperature readings, individual and average Gs values, and the applicable IS code reference.
Where This Test Is Used
Specific gravity is one of the most fundamental material properties in geotechnical and construction engineering. In soil mechanics, it is used to compute void ratio, porosity, and degree of saturation — parameters that underpin soil classification per IS 1498 and settlement analysis for foundations. For concrete technology, the specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregates is an essential input for volumetric mix design per IS 10262. In highway construction, the bulk specific gravity of aggregate determines theoretical maximum density for bituminous mix design. Specific gravity also helps verify soil mineralogy — unusual values may indicate organic content, mineral contamination, or the presence of heavy minerals. NKMPV often performs this test alongside moisture content determination as part of a standard soil characterisation package.
Void ratio and porosity calculation for settlement analysis
Soil classification per IS 1498 using grain size and Gs data
Concrete mix design per IS 10262 — volumetric batching
Bituminous mix design — theoretical maximum density calculation
Earthwork compaction control — phase relationship verification
Identification of organic or contaminated soils with anomalous Gs values
Quality control of imported fill material and borrow-area soils
Detailed Information
The specific gravity test of soil and aggregate is a fundamental laboratory test used to determine the relative density of soil particles and aggregates compared to water. NKMPV conducts specific gravity tests of soil and aggregate in accordance with applicable IS standards to support mix design, soil classification, and quality assessment for construction and infrastructure projects.
What Is the Specific Gravity Test
The soil and aggregate gravity test measures the ratio of the weight of soil or aggregate particles to the weight of an equal volume of water. This property helps engineers understand the composition, density, and quality of materials used in geotechnical and construction applications.
Importance of Specific Gravity in Construction
Specific gravity plays a critical role in:
• Soil classification and identification
• Concrete and bituminous mix design
• Determination of void ratio and porosity
• Assessment of material quality and consistency
• Geotechnical analysis and design calculations
Specific Gravity Test for Soil
For soils, the specific gravity test is used to evaluate mineral composition and particle characteristics. Typical values vary depending on soil type:
• Sands and silts generally range between 2.65 to 2.70
• Clays may have higher values depending on mineral content
The results are essential for compaction analysis, permeability studies, and stability assessment.
Specific Gravity Test for Aggregate
For aggregates, the test determines density characteristics that influence:
• Concrete strength and durability
• Bituminous mix performance
• Water absorption behavior
• Mix proportioning and quality control
Accurate specific gravity values help ensure consistency in construction materials.
Testing Methodology and Standards
The specific gravity test of soil and aggregate is conducted as per relevant Indian Standards (IS). The testing methodology involves controlled measurement of mass and volume using standardized equipment and procedures to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
Applications of this Test
This test is commonly used in:
• Soil and rock testing programs
• Concrete and bituminous mix design
• Quality control of construction materials
• Geotechnical investigations
• Research and laboratory analysis
References Code: IS 2720 (Part 3)
Why Choose NKMPV for Specific Gravity Testing
• NABL-accredited laboratory facilities
• Standardized testing as per IS guidelines
• Experienced technical professionals
• Accurate and reliable test results
• Support for design and quality decisions
Photos & Lab Images
Why Choose NKMPV for Specific Gravity Testing?
NABL Accredited Results
Our specific gravity test reports carry NABL accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025:2017), making them accepted by NHAI, state PWDs, courts, and arbitration tribunals without additional verification.
All Three Standard Methods
We perform the pycnometer method (fine-grained soil), density bottle method (fine aggregates and sand), and wire basket method (coarse aggregates) — covering the full range of materials you may encounter on a project.
Vacuum De-airing for Accuracy
Entrapped air is the primary source of error in specific gravity testing. Our vacuum desiccator setup removes air bubbles far more effectively than manual boiling, yielding reproducible results within ± 0.02 of the true value.
Same-Day Express Option
For urgent projects, we offer same-day specific gravity testing with results delivered within 24 hours. Standard turnaround is 2-3 days including full NABL-accredited reporting.
Comprehensive Soil Package
We combine specific gravity with grain size analysis, Atterberg limits, moisture content, and compaction tests — giving your geotechnical consultant a complete dataset in a single engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most natural inorganic soils have a specific gravity between 2.60 and 2.80. Sandy soils with predominantly quartz particles typically show G around 2.65. Clayey soils range from 2.67 to 2.80 depending on mineral composition. Organic and peaty soils can have values as low as 1.80-2.20, while lateritic and iron-rich soils may exceed 3.00.
The standard methods are covered under IS 2720 Part 3. Section 1 covers the pycnometer method for fine, medium, and coarse-grained soils. Section 2 covers the density bottle method for fine-grained soil and fine aggregate. For coarse aggregates used in concrete, IS 2386 Part 3 is the applicable standard. NKMPV tests as per both standards depending on the material type.
Kerosene is used when testing expansive or highly plastic soils such as black cotton soil. These soils swell and absorb water on contact, which would alter the measured volume of soil solids and produce incorrect results. Kerosene, being a non-polar liquid, does not cause swelling or hydration, ensuring accurate measurement of true particle density.
For the pycnometer method (fine-grained soil), approximately 200-400 g of oven-dried soil passing a 4.75 mm sieve is required. For the density bottle method, about 50-100 g of material passing a 2 mm sieve is sufficient. For coarse aggregate testing by the wire basket method, a sample of approximately 2 kg is needed. We recommend sending extra material to allow for repeat determinations.
A standard specific gravity test takes 2-3 days from sample receipt to report delivery. The actual laboratory procedure — including oven-drying, de-airing, temperature equilibration, and duplicate determinations — typically takes 1-2 days. Report preparation and NABL-accredited documentation adds an additional day. Express same-day testing is available for urgent requirements.
Specific gravity alone does not indicate soil strength or quality, but it reveals important information about soil composition. A value significantly below 2.60 suggests the presence of organic matter or lightweight minerals. A value above 2.80 may indicate heavy minerals or metallic inclusions. In geotechnical design, specific gravity is essential for calculating void ratio (e), degree of saturation (S), and dry density — all of which directly influence foundation design, settlement predictions, and compaction specifications.
The specific gravity test for fine aggregate follows IS 2386 Part 3:1963 using the pycnometer method: (1) Take 500 g of fine aggregate, oven-dry at 105°C for 24 hours, cool in desiccator. (2) Weigh the pycnometer (W1). (3) Fill pycnometer with the dried aggregate and weigh (W2). (4) Add distilled water to fill the pycnometer, eliminate entrapped air by agitating and applying vacuum, top up, and weigh (W3). (5) Empty, clean, refill pycnometer with only water, weigh (W4). Specific Gravity = (W2 − W1) / [(W4 − W1) − (W3 − W2)]. Typical values for fine aggregate (sand): 2.55–2.75 g/cc. Used in concrete mix design (IS 10262) to calculate aggregate proportions by volume.
The specific gravity test for coarse aggregate follows IS 2386 Part 3:1963 using the wire-basket method: (1) Take 5 kg of coarse aggregate retained on 10 mm sieve, wash thoroughly to remove dust. (2) Immerse in water at 22–32°C for 24 hours. (3) Weigh in water (W1) using a wire basket suspended from a balance. (4) Remove, surface-dry with absorbent cloth, weigh in air in saturated-surface-dry condition (W2). (5) Oven-dry at 105°C for 24 hours, cool, weigh (W3). Specific Gravity = W3 / (W2 − W1); Water Absorption (%) = (W2 − W3) × 100 / W3. Typical values: specific gravity 2.55–2.75, water absorption ≤2% for normal concrete aggregate per IS 383.
Specific gravity values for cement, fine aggregate, and coarse aggregate are the fundamental inputs to IS 10262 concrete mix design because mix proportions are calculated by absolute volume rather than weight. Without accurate specific gravity, the calculated mix volume will not match the target (typically 1 m³) and the resulting concrete will have wrong cement content, w/c ratio, or air voids. Cement specific gravity is typically 3.15 g/cc (OPC) or 2.9 g/cc (PPC, fly-ash blended). Aggregate specific gravity ranges 2.55–2.85 depending on source. Water absorption is also captured — high absorption (>2%) requires water-content adjustment in mix design. NKMPV provides full IS 2386 Part 3 specific gravity testing as part of every concrete mix design package.
Coverage
Specific Gravity Test Across India
Wherever your project is, there are two ways to work with NKMPV on Specific Gravity Test.
Standard
IS 2720 Part 3 Sec 1
Field work
On site, across India
Laboratory
Pinjore, Haryana
Service area
Pan-India
Or courier samples to our lab
Distance is not a constraint for laboratory testing. Send samples to our Pinjore laboratory and receive the digital report on completion — the route most of our out-of-region clients use.
Where NKMPV has delivered projects
- Chandigarh
- Panchkula
- Mohali
- Ambala
- Karnal
- Kurukshetra
- Yamunanagar
- Hisar
- Gurugram
- Faridabad
- Ludhiana
- Jalandhar
- Patiala
- Shimla
- Solan
- Haryana
- Punjab
- Himachal Pradesh
These are locations where we have completed projects — not the boundary of our service area. We mobilise across India on request. See full coverage & project locations →
Which standards does NKMPV follow for Specific Gravity Test?
Specific Gravity Test is carried out to IS 2720 Part 3 Sec 1, IS 2720 Part 3 Sec 2, IS 2386 Part 3 and IS 1498, as listed in the Applicable Standards section of this page. Tell us the specification your project must comply with and the quotation will state the standard the work follows.
Is there a Specific Gravity Test lab near me?
Our laboratory is at Pinjore, Haryana, within same-day reach of Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Ambala and the wider Tri-City. If you are further away, distance is not a constraint: our field team travels to site anywhere in India for on-site work, and for laboratory tests you can courier samples to the Pinjore lab and receive the report digitally. Clients across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh already work with us this way.
Do you carry out Specific Gravity Test outside your home region?
Yes. NKMPV operates pan-India. We have delivered projects across Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Ambala, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Hisar and beyond, and we mobilise to greenfield and remote corridors on request. The 18 locations listed on our site are the places we have already worked — not the limit of where we go.
How do I book Specific Gravity Test and what does it cost?
Send us the project details — location, quantity, and the standard you need to comply with — and you get a written quotation, usually within one working day. Pricing depends on sample count, site access and mobilisation distance, so we quote per project rather than publishing a fixed rate. Call +91-82953-60108 or use the quote form; every quotation states the applicable IS/IRC standard.
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