Properties of aggregates

Introduction
Strength of aggregate
Particle shape and texture
Grading
Moisture content
Classification of aggregate

Aggregates
Aggregates commonly considered as inert
filler material which occupy 60 to 80
percent of the volume of concrete/70 to 85
percent of the weight of concrete.
Sand, gravel and crushed stone are the
primary aggregates used.
All aggregates must be essentially free of
silt (size 60 - 2 m) and/or organic matter.

Aggregates
Coarse aggregates > 5 mm
Fine aggregates < 5 mm
The physical and mineralogical properties
of aggregates must be known before
mixing concrete to obtain a desirable
mixture.

Fine aggregate

Natural sand, crushed stone dust or

manufactured sand by crushing rock

Material passing 75 m sieve should not be 4%

by weight

Sand (sea, river, lake or pit) should be properly

Coarse aggregate

Maximum size 200 mm for mass concrete

Nominal size of 20 mm for normal concrete

Moisture content 0.25 % - 4%

Bulk density 1500 1600 kg/m3

Properties
Strength Compressive strength
Tests
Aggregate crushing value
Aggregate impact value
10% fines value (12.5 10 mm size)
Soundness: Reaction of aggregates with sulfate.
Bulk density kg/m3

Mechanical properties
Toughness Resistance of aggregate
to failure by impact (AIV, 10% fines)
Hardness Resistance to wear
(aggregate abrasion value test (Los
Angeles test))
AAV< 30% for wearing surfaces
AAV<50% for non-wearing surfaces

Properties
Mechanical properties BS 882:1992
Type of
concrete

10% fines
(min.) kN

AIV (max.) %

Heavy duty
150
concrete floors

25

Pavement
wearing
surfaces

100

30

Others

50

45

Particle shape and texture

It will affects the properties of fresh concrete

Natural sands and gravel from river beds are smooth and
rounded in shape, hence concrete will be high workable.

Crushed stone --- rough angular or elongated -- low

workability

High surface to volume ratio, better bond characteristics but

require more cement paste to produce workable mixture.

Classification of particle shape

As far as coarse aggregate concerned, flaky
and elongated particles are undesirable.
The mass of flaky particles expressed as a
percentage of the mass of the sample is
called the flakiness index.
Shall not exceed 60 for uncrushed gravel and
40 for crushed rock or gravel

Grading of aggregate

It determines the paste requirement for workable concrete.

This paste requirement is the factor controlling the cost since cement is most
expensive component

Therefore, it is desirable to minimize the amount of paste consistent with the

production of concrete that can be handled, compacted, and finish while
providing the necessary strength and durability.

Required cement paste ---- amount of void space filled and total surface area to
be covered.

When uniform sizes are used, the spacing is the greatest

When range of sizes are used, void spaces are filled and paste required is
lowered but less workable concrete.

Hence, compromise between workability and economy is necessary.

Sieve analysis of sand limits (BS

882:1992)

Sieve analysis of sand BS 882

(coarse)

Sieve analysis of sand BS 882

(medium)

Sieve analysis of sand BS 882

(fine)

limits
(BS 882:1992)

For example: a 20 mm single size aggregates means an aggregate most of

which passes through a 20 mm sieve and major portion is retained on 10 mm sieve.

Moisture content
Important factor when developing the
proper W/C ratio.
All the aggregates contain some
moisture based on the porosity of the
particles and the moisture condition of
the storage area (1% - 40%).

Moisture states
Oven dry (OD) all moisture is removed from the
aggregate by heating in an oven 105 C to constant
weight.
Air dry (AD) all moisture removed from surface, but
internal pores partially full.
Saturated surface dry (SSD) all pores filled with
water, but no film of water on the surface.
Wet All pores completely filled with water with a
water film on the surface.

Classification of aggregates
Based on bulk density
Light weight, normal weight and heavy weight
Normal concrete (1520 1680 kg/m3)
Lightweight concrete (less than 1100 kg/m3)
Heavyweight concrete (more than 2080 kg/m3)

Concrete admixtures
When concrete is made, it is possible to
add various substances that could provide
desirable properties. They are called
admixtures that could improve
Workability (Super plasticizes)
Reduce the amount of water needed for a given
workability (waterreducing admixes)
Increase the time required for setting of cement
(retarders)
Reduce the time required for setting by
increasing the rate of hydration of cement while
generating additional heat (accelerates)

Admixtures
Admixtures are ingredients other than
portland cement, water, and aggregates.
Admixtures are added to the concrete
mixture immediately before or during
mixing.

Retarding admixtures:
are used to slow the rate of concrete
hardening.
They are useful for concrete that is placed
during hot weather.

Accelerating admixtures
such as calcium chloride, are used to
increase the rate of hardening--usually
during cold weather.

Water
Water to be used in the concrete work should have
the following properties:

It should be free from injurious amounts of acids

or alkalis or other such organic or inorganic
impurities.

It should be fit for drinking purposes