Test for Aggregate Grading (Contd)

Percentage of sand in mixed aggregates

a) Volume change with and without fines

b) Volume change with mixed aggregates

Reduction in volume of voids on mixing fine and coarse aggregates

Effect of Aggregate Sizes

When larger size of aggregates is used, the porosity will increase as
the gap between the aggregates increases. It reduces
impermeability-meaning permeability increase and water can pass
through.
The strength will also be reduced as the porosity inside the concrete
increases
The concrete has more space to be compacted further, hence it
reduces the compressive strength
On the RIGHT Figure, the aggregates of all sizes (medium, small,
and large) are used; and it is well packed which means it has less
voids between the aggregates which are in turn filled by smaller
size aggregates and paste has less space to occupy.
It can resist more loads due to its compact structural
arrangement of all sizes of aggregates.
However, if aggregates of larger sizes are used, it creates more
voids between the aggregates and this requires more paste
Further, the bond between the aggregates isnt stronger as in the
first case. Hence, there is strong possibility that the voids between
the aggregates produce a weaker matrix and bond