Question

Difference between absorption and moisture content of aggregate

Answer 1

Aggregate stored in a stockpile or bin is typically in a wet condition, meaning it contains absorbed water andmoisture coating the surface, called free or surface moisture. The totalmoisture content of an aggregatesample is the sum of the absorbed moisture and the free surfacemoisture.

Answer 2

The aggregate should be oven-dried at high temperature before sieving to prevent lump formation of the fine particles due to moisture content, which might clog the fine sieve holes.