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Australian Standard: Aggregates and Rock For Engineering Purposes Part 1: Concrete Aggregates
Australian Standard: Aggregates and Rock For Engineering Purposes Part 1: Concrete Aggregates
Australian Standard: Aggregates and Rock For Engineering Purposes Part 1: Concrete Aggregates
1—1998
Australian Standard
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Australian Standard
PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Standards Australia Committee CE/12, Aggregates and
Rock for Engineering Purposes, to supersede AS 2758.1 — 1985.
This Standard is part of a series which covers specification of aggregates and rock. The
other Parts are as follows:
Part 2: Aggregate for sprayed bituminous surfacing
Part 5: Asphalt aggregates
Part 7: Railway ballast
This Standard is called up by AS 3600, Concrete structures. In this Standard, extensive
reference is made to AS 1141, Methods for sampling and testing aggregates , which is
designed to include all aggregate tests, not only those for concrete.
The following clauses cover properties that are required to be known for a mix design and
the works specification should provide choices or limits for them:
(a) Clause 7.1, for particle density.
(b) Clause 7.2, for bulk density.
(c) Clause 7.3, for water absorption.
(d) Clause 8.1, for particle size distribution.
(e) Clause 10, for alkali aggregate reactivity.
(f) Clause 14.3, for soluble salts if above the limits given.
The remaining aggregate properties in this Standard are given limits.
Durability of coarse aggregate is related to the use of concrete and its exposure and is not
a mix design factor. The works specification should select an exposure classification and a
method of assessment (see Clause 9.3).
NOTE: Exposure classifications for various uses of concrete can be found in Appendix A.
Appendix B gives information on petrological terminology and classification of aggregate
sources including particle shape and texture.
When works specifications are being drafted by consultants or engineers based on this
Standard, it is intended that only one procedure be nominated for each property being
specified. A specification is likely to lead to conflict if more than one procedure is
specified for a particular property (see coarse aggregate durability).
It is recognized that satisfactory concrete can sometimes be made with aggregates which
will not comply with this Standard in all respects, but the use of such aggregates should
be authorized only after special testing or consideration of previous experience with the
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CONTENTS
Page
1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2 APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5 SAMPLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6 TESTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
7 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
8 DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
9 DURABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
10 ALKALI-REACTIVE MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
11 WEAK PARTICLES IN COARSE AGGREGATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
12 LIGHT PARTICLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
13 DRYING SHRINKAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
14 IMPURITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
15 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SLAG AGGREGATES . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
16 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT AGGREGATES . . . . . 15
APPENDICES
A EXPOSURE CLASSIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
B TERMINOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION (PETROLOGICAL) . . . . . . . . . . 19
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STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Australian Standard
Aggregates and rock for engineering purposes
1 SCOPE This Standard provides a basis for specifying requirements for aggregates
intended for use in the production of concrete, including precast products. The
requirements and alternatives relate to quality of rock and the properties of aggregates
including lightweight aggregates, and refer to the relevant test methods in AS 1141,
AS 1012 and AS 4489.
(b) fulfils the requirements for aggregate to be used in concrete in B1, B2 exposure
classifications; and
(c) complies with Clauses 7 to 15 inclusive of this Standard.
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AS
1012.20 Method 20: Determination of chloride and sulfate in hardened concrete and
concrete aggregates
1141 Methods for sampling and testing aggregates
1141.3.1 Method 3.1: Sampling— Aggregates
1141.3.2 Method 3.2: Sampling— Rock spalls, boulders and drill core
1141.4 Method 4: Bulk density of aggregate
1141.5 Method 5: Particle density and water absorption of fine aggregate
1141.6.1 Method 6.1: Par ticle density and w ater absorption of coarse
aggregate — Weighing-in-water method
1141.6.2 Method 6.2: Par ticle density and w ater absorption of coarse
aggregate — Pycnometer method
1141.11 Method 11: Particle size distribution by sieving
1141.12 Method 12: Material finer than 75 µm in aggregates (by washing)
1141.13 Method 13: Material finer than 2 µm
1141.14 Method 14: Particle shape, by proportional calliper
1141.15 Method 15: Flakiness index
1141.22 Method 22: Wet/dry strength variation
1141.23 Method 23: Los Angeles value
1141.24 Method 24: Aggregate soundness — Evaluation by exposure to sodium
sulphate solution
1141.25.1 Method 25.1: Degradation factor — Source rock
1141.26 Method 26: Secondary mineral content in basic igneous rocks
1141.30 Method 30: Coarse aggregate quality by visual comparison
1141.31 Method 31: Light particles
1141.32 Method 32: Weak particles (including clay lumps, soft and friable particles)
in coarse aggregates
1141.34 Method 34: Organic impurities other than sugar
1141.35 Method 35: Sugar
1141.37 Method 37: Iron unsoundness
1379 The specification and manufacture of concrete
3600 Concrete structures
4489 Test methods for limes and limestones
4489.7 Method 7: Loss on ignition
AS/NZS
ISO 9002 Quality systems for production and installation
ASTM
C 294 Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for Concrete
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SAA
HB18.25 General requirements for the competence of calibration and testing
laboratories
HB79 Alkali Aggregate reaction—Guidelines on Minimising the Risk of Damage to
Concrete Structures in Australia
4 DEFINITIONS For the purpose of this Standard the definitions below apply.
NOTE: Appendix B provides some general definitions for reference purposes.
4.1 Aggregate
4.1.1 Coarse aggregate — aggregate having a nominal size greater than or equal to
5 mm.
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4.1.2 Fine aggregate —aggregate having a nominal size of less than 5 mm.
4.1.3 Heavyweight aggregate — aggregate composed of inorganic materials having a
particle density on a dry basis of greater than or equal to 3.2 t/m 3.
4.1.4 Lightweight aggregate — aggregate composed of materials having a particle density
on a dry basis of less than 2.1 t/m 3 , and greater than or equal to 0.5 t/m 3.
4.1.5 Normal weight aggregate — aggregate composed of inorganic materials having a
particle density on a dry basis of less than 3.2 t/m 3 and greater than or equal to 2.1 t/m 3 .
4.1.6 Ultra lightweight aggregate —aggregate composed of materials having a particle
density on a dry basis of less than 0.5 t/m 3.
4.2 Bulk density — the mass of a unit volume of oven-dried aggregate. It may be
determined for aggregate in either compacted or loose states (previously known as unit
mass).
4.3 Nominal size — a designation of an aggregate which gives an indication of the
maximum size particle present. The concept of nominal size is for convenience of
reference and of ordering.
4.4 Particle density — the mass of the oven-dried particles divided by their saturated
surface-dried volume (previously known as bulk density).
4.5 Recycled aggregate — crushed concrete composed of aggregate fragments coated
with cement paste or cement mortar.
4.6 Single size aggregates — concrete single size aggregates are as defined in Table 1.
5 SAMPLING
5.1 General The sampling of aggregate and of source rock shall be carried out in
accordance with the methods described in AS 1141.3.1 and AS 1141.3.2 respectively.
NOTE: The frequency of sampling should be nominated in the works specification.
5.2 Tender samples When required by the purchaser, tender samples shall be provided
as evidence of the quality and grading of the materials proposed to be supplied.
NOTE: The works specification may alternatively require the supplier to provide test data to
indicate the quality and grading of the aggregate proposed for supply.
6 TESTING Testing of aggregates shall be carried out in accordance with the methods
described in the relevant parts of AS 1141 and AS 1012, and in AS 4489.7. Proportions,
ratios and percentages are expressed on the basis of mass.
7 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
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7.1 Particle density When determined in accordance with AS 1141.5 for fine
aggregate, and AS 1141.6.1 or AS 1141.6.2 for coarse aggregate, the particle density of
the aggregate shall be as follows :
(a) For heavyweight aggregate, not less than 3.2 t/m 3.
(b) For normal weight aggregate, less than 3.2 t/m 3 and greater than or equal to
2.1 t/m 3.
(c) For lightweight aggregate, less than 2.1 t/m 3, and greater than or equal to 0.5 t/m 3.
(d) For ultra lightweight aggregate, less than 0.5 t/m 3 .
7.2 Bulk density When determined in accordance with AS 1141.4 the compacted bulk
density of lightweight aggregate shall be less than 1.2 t/m 3.
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7.3 Water absorption Where specified, the percentage of water absorption shall be
determined in accordance with AS 1141.5, AS 1141.6.1 or AS 1141.6.2.
NOTES:
1 The maximum permissible water absorption should be nominated in the works specification.
2 The average absorption of aggregate, other than lightweight or vesicular, is about 2 percent.
However, normal weight aggregates of higher absorption values may be acceptable based on
local performance records and provided that the materials meet the requirements of
Clauses 9 and 13.
3 The water absorption of lightweight or vesicular aggregates can exceed 2 percent
considerably without affecting many of the properties of concrete made using such
aggregates. To minimize any effect of absorption variations, it is recommended that
lightweight and vesicular aggregates be pre-wetted prior to the commencement of the
mixing process.
4 Owing to their cellular structure, lightweight or vesicular aggregates have a higher water
absorption. Care must be exercised if water absorption is the result of deleterious
mineralogy. Aggregates of this type should only be accepted if they comply with the
requirements given in Clauses 9 and 13 or other durability tests specific for lightweight
aggregate.
8 DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
8.1 Particle size distribution (grading)
8.1.1 General The supplier shall provide grading figures to indicate the average
grading of the aggregate proposed for supply, which shall be known as the ‘submitted
grading’.
NOTE: The works specification may alternatively require the supplier to submit a sample the
grading of which will be the basis for acceptance of the quotation, tender or source of supply.
This sample is known as the ‘submitted sample’.
The ‘limits of deviation’ (see Tables 2 and 3) are the maximum variations in percentage
between the submitted grading or the grading of the submitted sample and any particular
test result during the course of the contract.
NOTES:
1 Reasonably consistent grading is necessary for aggregate supplied under any one contract to
ensure practical control of concrete manufacture.
2 It is recognized that smaller deviation values than those specified in Tables 2 and 3 may be
more appropriate to particular projects. Where smaller deviations are required, values should
be nominated in the works specification.
3 Provided that the concrete mix can be designed to achieve the required properties,
satisfactory concrete may be made with aggregates with grading envelopes other than those
given in Tables 1 and 3.
For example —
a) in some regions acceptable concrete is produced when the only fine aggregates
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8.1.3 Fine aggregate When determined in accordance with AS 1141.11, the grading of
fine aggregate supplied shall not deviate from the submitted grading, or the grading of the
submitted sample, by more than the maximum permissible deviations given in Table 3.
Unless otherwise specified, the grading shall conform to the respective overall limits for
these materials as specified in Table 3.
TABLE 1
COARSE AGGREGATE— GRADING REQUIREMENTS
* Single-size aggregate should always be specified where strict control of grading and of concrete mix design is
considered essential. Graded aggregates are considered more susceptible to segregation in transport and handling, and
may introduce difficulties in uniform concrete production.
† Although 5 mm nominal size is defined as coarse aggregate, it is often used in concrete as a fine aggregate.
‡ See Clause 8.2. In addition, where coarse aggregates contain more than about 1 percent of material passing the 75 µm
sieve, particular care should be taken to remix or wash this material to minimize the effect of segregation.
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TABLE 2
COARSE AGGREGATE— LIMITS OF DEVIATION
TABLE 3
FINE AGGREGATE — GRADING REQUIREMENTS AND
LIMITS OF DEVIATION
150 µm 0 to 20 ±5 0 to 25 ±5
75 µm* 0 to 5 — 0 to 20 ±5
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8.3 Particle shape in coarse aggregate Unless otherwise specified, the proportion of
misshapen particles in coarse aggregate retained on the 9.50 mm test sieve shall not
exceed 10 percent when determined in accordance with AS 1141.14 using a 3:1 ratio or
the flakiness index shall not exceed 35 percent when determined in accordance with
AS 1141.15.
NOTES:
1 In some areas the available aggregate may not comply with the shape requirements set out
above. In such cases, acceptance of the aggregate should be related to the purpose for which
the concrete is to be used and to the design of the mix.
2 At the option of the purchaser, alternative limits may be specified for one or more of the
following —
(a) the appropriate proportion of misshapen particles determined in accordance with
AS 1141.14, using a 2:1 ratio;
(b) the appropriate proportion of flat particles determined in accordance with AS 1141.14,
using a 2:1 ratio; and
(c) the appropriate proportion of elongated particles determined in accordance with
AS 1141.14, using a 2:1 ratio.
9 DURABILITY
9.1 General Aggregate durability limits are given in Clauses 9.2 and 9.3 for the
exposure classification or the environment of the worst exposed concrete surface in which
the aggregate is intended to be used. A full description of the exposure classification is
given in Appendix A. Aggregate durability specifications shall be provided in the works
specification.
NOTES:
1 Aggregates conforming with the requirements of this Clause are expected to have sufficient
durability to withstand the conditions of the relevant exposure classification of the concrete
member for an estimated design life of 40 to 60 years. More stringent requirements than
those specified for the particular exposure classification would be required for a design life
exceeding 60 years.
2 Aggregate durability characteristics should not be taken as a direct predictor of the
mechanical and physical properties of the concrete. The true impact of the aggregate on
concrete properties can only be evaluated effectively in concrete mix trials.
3 Classification U in Appendix A represents an exposure environment not specified in
Tables A1 and A2 but for which a degree of severity of exposure should be assessed and
appropriate durability limits provided in the works specification.
9.2 Fine aggregates All fine aggregate intended for use in concrete exposure
classifications C and B2 shall show a weighted average loss not greater than 12 percent,
when determined in accordance with AS 1141.24.
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Crushed fine aggregate intended for use in concrete subject to exposure classifications A1,
A2 and B1 shall show a weighted average loss not greater than 15 percent, when tested in
accordance with AS 1141.24.
Uncrushed fine aggregates complying with all other requirements of this Standard will
generally possess sufficient durability to permit satisfactory use in concrete subject to
exposure classifications A1, A2 and B1 (see Notes 1, 2 and 3).
NOTES:
1 Experience has shown that uncrushed fine aggregates have generally sustained substantial
weathering in their natural environment and rarely require durability testing.
2 Other test methods of particular relevance to quality of fine aggregate for concrete are
materials finer than 2 µm (see Clause 8.2.3), and light particles (see Clause 12) and test
methods on reactive materials and impurities (see Clauses 10 and 14).
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3 Fine aggregates have been found to significantly influence the abrasion and skid resistance
of concrete. Additional properties may need to be specified in the works specification where
abrasion and skid resistance of the finished concrete are important.
9.3 Coarse aggregates
9.3.1 General The method of assessment of the durability of coarse aggregates shall be
one of those given in Clauses 9.3.2, 9.3.3 or 9.3.4.
NOTES:
1 The method of assessment would normally be specified in the works contract and should be
chosen on the basis that it has been shown by experience to be appropriate for the rock
sources to be used. In some cases experience may show that the pass criteria needs to be
adjusted for a particular rock source or the end use intended.
2 Various authorities in Australia have adopted and developed test methods or sets of test
methods for the assessment of the durability of aggregates, based on correlations between
the observed durability of aggregates in service and the results of their assessment
procedures.
Each of these procedures has been shown to be valid for a limited range of rock sources
located primarily within the areas of control of the authority using the particular
procedure. Certain supporting overseas data is also available but climatic and use conditions
may be different to the conditions experienced in Australia.
The three sets of methods represent those most commonly used in Australia.
9.3.2 Wet strength and wet/dry strength variation The wet strength and wet/dry
strength variation of aggregate, when determined in accordance with AS 1141.22, shall
comply with the appropriate limits given in Table 4.
TABLE 4
WET STRENGTH AND WET/DRY STRENGTH VARIATION
NO TE: For some aggregates other values could be adopted in Table 4, for
example in wet/dry strength variation for concrete exposure classification C.
Any changes should be based on satisfactory local experience of materials and
performance.
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9.3.3 Los Angeles value and sodium sulfate soundness The Los Angeles value of the
aggregates, when determined in accordance with AS 1141.23, shall comply with the
appropriate limits given in Table 5 and the sodium sulfate soundness, when determined in
accordance with AS 1141.24, shall show a weighted average loss not greater than the
values given in Table 6.
NOTES:
1 Some coarse-grained rocks, e.g. granite, have been known to lose whole crystals during the
Los Angeles value test procedure. Care should be exercised when interpreting the results of
tests from a quarry containing rock of this type.
2 For some aggregates other values could be adopted than those given in Table 5 based on
satisfactory local experience of materials and performance, e.g. vesicular aggregates.
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AS 2758.1 — 1998 12
TABLE 5
LOS ANGELES VALUE
TABLE 6
SODIUM SULFATE SOUNDNESS
9.3.4 Los Angeles value and unsound and marginal stone content The Los Angeles
value, when determined in accordance with AS 1141.23, shall comply with the appropriate
limits given in Table 5 and the unsound stone content, when determined in accordance
with AS 1141.30, shall not exceed the following values —
(a) unsound stone content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 percent; and
(b) total of unsound stone content and marginal stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 percent.
NOTE: Some rock sources contain secondary minerals or exhibit other properties which may
affect the long-term durability of the product and give rise to poor service performance.
AS 1141.30 provides a method for visual comparison with reference specimens to allow visual
comparisons and quality assessments. Suggested values of degradation factor, when determined
in accordance with AS 1141.25, and secondary mineral content, when determined in accordance
with AS 1141.26, used to classify the reference specimens are as follows:
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10 ALKALI-REACTIVE MATERIALS
10.1 General Aggregates intended for use in concrete that will be subjected to frequent
wetting, extended exposure to humid atmosphere, or contact with moist ground, shall not
react with alkalis in the concrete to an extent that may result in excessive expansion.
10.2 Requirements The supplier shall provide appropriate documentation to allow
assessment of the potential reactivity of the aggregate. The works specification shall
define the method of assessment and the test methods to be used.
NOTE: Guidance on assessment and mix design is given in SAA HB79.
13 DRYING SHRINKAGE Except where the potential contribution of fine and coarse
aggregates to the shrinkage of concrete has been tested for a particular concrete mix in
accordance with AS 1012.13, the following materials shall not be used as aggregates (see
Notes 1, 2 and 3):
(a) Volcanic breccia.
(b) Mudstone.
(c) Sandstone.
(d) Shale.
(e) Highly weathered or altered rocks.
NOTES:
1 The degree of shrinkage of concrete depends on a number of factors which are related to the
particular mix. These include the influence of the water demand of the mix, cement
characteristics and aggregate characteristics. The concrete shrinkage is dependent on the
individual factors and their interaction (see AS 1379 for full discussion of the various
factors).
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2 Aggregate assists in resisting the shrinkage of the cement paste if it has a high modulus but
may contribute to the shrinkage of concrete when the minerals comprising the rock
substance include swelling clays or the rock substance itself has a capacity to absorb water.
With the exception of lightweight aggregate, absorptions of about 2 percent are average, so
values in excess of this are more likely to be associated with higher than average concrete
shrinkage.
3 Grading, shape and texture of aggregate, particularly fine aggregate, influence water demand
in concrete and therefore influence concrete shrinkage.
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AS 2758.1 — 1998 14
14 IMPURITIES
14.1 Organic impurities Where fine aggregate is tested in accordance with
AS 1141.34, the colour obtained shall not be darker than the standard colour of the
reference solution.
NOTE: The performance of the suspect sand may be evaluated by comparing its performance in
concrete to that of a similar concrete manufactured using a known satisfactory fine aggregate.
14.2 Sugar When tested in accordance with AS 1141.35, the aggregate shall test
negative to the presence of sugar.
14.3 Soluble salts
NOTE: Excessive quantities of some soluble salts may cause efflorescence on the concrete,
corrosion of the reinforcing steel or disintegration of the mass of the concrete. Permissible
levels of soluble salts are generally expressed as the proportion of the relevant ion present in
the concrete by mass of concrete or by mass of portland cement.
14.3.1 Chlorides The chloride ion content of aggregates determined quantitatively in
accordance with AS 1012.20 shall be reported if in excess of 0.01 percent (see Note).
NOTE: A combination of aggregates where the total chloride salt content (expressed as Cl -)
exceeds 0.04 percent should not be used in reinforced concrete. A combination of aggregates
where the total chloride salt content exceeds 0.15 percent should not be used in plain concrete.
14.3.2 Sulfates The sulfate ion content of aggregates determined quantitatively in
accordance with AS 1012.20 shall be reported if in excess of 0.01 percent (see Note).
NOTE: Aggregates should not be used which, when tested in accordance with AS 1012.20,
contain sulfates (expressed as SO 3) in proportions which result in the sulfate content of the
concrete mix exceeding 5.0 percent by mass of portland cement.
14.3.3 Other salts Aggregates which contain other strongly ionized salts, such as
nitrates, shall not be used unless it can be shown that they do not adversely affect
concrete durability. Restrictions on the presence of these salts may be specified in the
works specification.
sulfur.
15.2 Falling or dusting unsoundness Fresh slag shall only be used as an aggregate in
concrete if it has been allowed to cool to below 50°C.
NOTE: During the cooling of some blast furnace slag the inversion at around 490°C of any beta
dicalcium silicate in the slag to the gamma form, may result in disruption of the slag mass. This
disruption leads to what is known as falling or dusting unsoundness. Any beta dicalcium silicate
that is retained in the cooled slag is considered to be kinetically stable and will not invert to
cause disruption of the slag. No evidence has been found either in Australia or overseas of
delayed inversion of beta dicalcium silicate in iron blast furnace slag, or of deterioration of
concrete due to the presence of beta dicalcium silicate.
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15.3 Stockpiling of iron blast furnace slag aggregate Crushed blast furnace slag
aggregate intended to be used in concrete shall be stockpiled in moist condition at or near
the saturated surface dry condition, prior to use. The moisture condition shall be
maintained by sprinkling with water.
Prior to use of blast furnace slag from a new source or when significant changes in
furnace chemistry occur in an existing source which may result in the presence of free
lime, the potential for pop-out formation shall be assessed by determining the free-lime
content of the slag by petrographic examination or quantitive x-ray diffractometry on a
representative sample obtained in accordance with AS 1141.3.1.
If the level of particles containing free lime exceeds 1 in 20 then stockpiling of the slag
represented by the tested sample shall be continued under the above moisture conditions
until further testing shows that the level has fallen below 1 in 20.
NOTE: The previous requirement of prolonged weathering of the aggregate was designed to
eliminate the occurrence of ‘pop-outs’ in the concrete containing the slag aggregate resulting
from the incomplete assimilation of the calcined limestone in the blast furnace. Modern blast
furnace practice in Australia is intended to ensure all flux materials including limestone are
fully assimilated into the molten slag. Where that is achieved no unassimilated particles of
calcined limestone are present in the solidified slag. Hence the occurrence of popouts as a result
of the hydration of these particles cannot occur.
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AS 2758.1 — 1998 16
APPENDIX A
EXPOSURE CLASSIFICATIONS
(Normative)
The exposure classification for an aggregate shall be determined from Table A1, Table A2
and Figure A1. The exposure classification of a concrete member shall be taken as the
most severe exposure of any of its surfaces. The exposure conditions are classified A to C
in increasing order of their aggressiveness to the concrete element or structure. There are
no limits given in Clause 9 for the classification U.
TABLE A1
EXPOSURE CLASSIFICATIONS
Exposure
Surface and exposure environment classification
All concrete types
1 Surfaces of members in contact with the ground
(a) Members protected by a damp-proof membrane A1
(b) Residential footings in non-aggressive soils A1
(c) Other members in non-aggressive soils A2
(d) Members in aggressive soils See Table A2
2 Surfaces of members in interior environments
(a) Fully enclosed within a building except for a brief
period of weather exposure during construction A1
(b) In industrial buildings, the member being subject to
repeated wetting and drying B1
3 Surfaces of members in above-ground exterior environments
In areas that are:
(a) Inland (> 50 km from coastline) environment being—
(i) non-industrial and arid climatic zone
(Notes 3 and 4) A1
(ii) non-industrial and temperate climatic zone A2
(iii) non-industrial and tropical climatic zone B1
(iv) industrial and any climatic zone B1
(b) Near coastal (1 km to 50 km from coastline), any
climatic zone B1
(c) Coastal (up to 1 km from coastline but excluding tidal
and splash zones) (Note 5), any climatic zone B2
4 Surface of members in water
(a) In fresh water B1
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NO TES:
1 In this context, reinforced concrete includes any concrete containing metals which
rely on the concrete for protection against environmental degradation. Plain concrete
members containing reinforcement or other metallic embedments should therefore be
treated as reinforced members when considering durability.
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17 AS 2758.1 — 1998
2 The climatic zones referred to are those given in Figure A1, which is a simplified
version of Plate 8 of the Bureau of Meteorology publication, ‘Climate of Australia’,
1982.
3 ‘Industrial’ refers to areas that are within 3 km of industries that discharge
atmospheric pollutants.
4 For the purpose of this Table, the coastal zone includes locations within 1 km of the
shoreline of large expanses of salt water (e.g. Port Phillip Bay, Sydney Harbour east
of the Spit and Harbour bridges, Swan River west of the Narrows Bridge). Where
there are strong prevailing winds or vigorous surf, the distance should be increased
beyond 1 km and higher levels of protection should be considered. Proximity to small
saltwater bays, estuaries and rivers may be disregarded.
TABLE A2
EXPOSURE CLASSIFICATION — GROUND WATER
* Particularly in high and very high salinity soils which are permeable, evaporation and
capillary action can result in spalling of concrete protruding above the ground. Therefore,
consideration should be given to installing a membrane or adding an effective
waterproofing agent.
† For these situations, considerations should be given to the use of sacrificial aggregates.
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APPENDIX B
TERMINOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION (PETROLOGICAL)
(Informative)
properties under a number of simple headings. The system shown in Tables B4 and B5
has been devised for this purpose.
Characteristic specimens are illustrated in Figure B1 and tests for obtaining quantitative
assessment of particle shape are given in AS 1141.14.
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AS 2758.1 — 1998 20
TABLE B1
AN AID TO IDENTIFICATION OF ROCKS FOR ENGINEERING PURPOSES
(SEDIMENTARY ROCKS)
Tables B1 and B2 follow general geological practice, but are intended as a guide only;
geological training is required for the satisfactory identification of rocks. Engineering
properties cannot be inferred from rock names in the Table.
Gr ain size
Bedde d roc ks (mostly se dimen tary)
mm
Quartzite
Quartz grains and siliceo us ce me nt Calca renite TUFF
Medium
0.2__ Arkose
Ma ny fe ldspar grains
Greywack e
Fine
SILTSTONE
ARGILLACEOUS
0.002__
Ve ry fine-grained
Le ss SH ALE CLAYSTONE TUFF
than Calcilutite
Fiss ile Mostly cla y
0.002__
CARBON-
SILICEOU S CALCAREOUS SILICEOU S ACEOU S
Calca reous rocks contain c alc ite (c alcium car bonate) which efferves ces with dilute hydrochloric a cid.
* A more detailed classification is given in Clark, A.R. and Walker, B.F. Geotechnique , 1977, 27(1), 93-99.
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TABLE B2
AN AID TO IDENTIFICATION OF ROCKS FOR ENGINEERING PURPOSES
(METAMORPHIC AND IGNEOUS ROCKS)
Ob viously foliated r ocks Rocks with massive stru ct ure and cr ystalline textur e Gr ain size
(mostly met amorph ic) (mostly igneous) mm
__0.06
Mylonite Am orphous
Found in fault zones , Obsidian 5 Volca nic glass or crypto-
ma inly in igneous and cr ystalline
me tamorphic ar eas
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TABLE B3
ROCK TYPES COMMONLY USED FOR AGGREGATES
Breccia† Rock consisting of angular, unworn rock fragments, bonded by natural cement
Calcrete (var. A rock type formed from soil or rock fragments cemented with calcite
cali che)
Conglomerate† Rock consisting of rounded pebbles in a finer matrix bonded by natural cement
Dacite* A fine-grained intermediate rock having a composition in between rhyolite and andesite
Diorite An intermediate plutonic rock, consisting mainly of plagioclase, with hornblende, augite or
biotite
Dolerite A basic rock, with grain size intermediate between that of gabbro and basalt
Gabbro A coarse-grained, basic, plutonic rock, consisting essentially of calcic plagioclase and pyroxene,
sometimes with olivine
Granite An acidic, plutonic rock, consisting essentially of alkali feldspars and quartz
Granulite A metamorphic rock with granular texture and no preferred orientation of the minerals
Greywacke An impure type of sandstone or gritstone, composed of poorly sorted fragments of quartz, other
minerals and rock; the coarser grains are usually strongly cemented in a fine matrix
Hornfels A thermally metamorphosed fine grained rock containing substantial amounts of rock-forming
silicate minerals
Microgranite * An acidic rock with grain size intermediate between that of granite and rhyolite
Quartzite A metamorphic rock or sedimentary rock, composed almost entirely of quartz grains
Accessed by CONNELL WAGNER on 09 Mar 2004
Schist A metamorphic rock in which the minerals are arranged in nearly parallel bands or layers. Platy
or elongated minerals such as mica or hornblende cause fissility in the rock which distinguishes
it from a gneiss
Serpentinite A metamorphic rock type consisting predominantly of serpentine. The rock is derived from
metamorphism of ultra-basic or silicified limestone parent rocks
(continued)
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23 AS 2758.1 — 1998
TABLE B3 (continued)
Slag Typically a silica and calcium rich residue of metal smelting process. For the purposes of this
Standard, slags are classified as ferrous or non-ferrous as follows:
(a) Iron blast furnace slag aggregates — slag produced in the production of iron, consisting
essentially of silicates and alumino-silicates of calcium and other bases. By influencing
the cooling conditions and cooling rates, the molten blast furnace slag can solidify to the
following products with their own distinctive physical properties:
(i) Crystalline slag — results from the solidification of molten slag under atmospheric
conditions in pits or bays. Cooling may be subsequently accelerated by application
of water to the solidified surface.
(ii) Granulated slag — refers to the glassy granular material formed when molten slag is
rapidly chilled by the impingement of and mixing with a large volume of water.
(b) Non-ferrous metallurgical slag aggregate — slag produced from smelting processes for
metals such as copper, lead and nickel.
(c) Steel furnace slag — steel furnace slag is the non-metallic product consisting essentially of
calcium silicates and ferrites combined with fused oxides of iron, aluminium, manganese,
calcium and magnesium, that is developed in a molten condition simultaneously with steel
in a basic oxygen or electric arc furnace.
Slate A rock derived from argillaceous sediments or volcanic ash by metamorphism, characterized by
cleavage planes independent of the original stratification
Silcrete A rock type formed from soil or rock fragments cemented with silica
Syenite An intermediate plutonic rock, consisting mainly of alkali feldspar with plagioclase, hornblende,
biotite, or augtite
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TABLE B4
PARTICLE SHAPE*
Classification Description
Rounded Fully water-worn or completely shaped by attrition
Irregular Naturally irregular, or partly shaped by attrition and having
rounded edges
Angular Possessing well-defined edges formed at the intersection of
roughly planar faces
Flaky Material of which the thickness is small relative to the other
two dimensions
Elongated Material, usually angular, in which the length is considerably
larger than the other two dimensions
Flaky and elongated Material having the length considerably larger than the width,
and the width considerably larger than the thickness
* See also Figure B1.
TABLE B5
SURFACE TEXTURE
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25 AS 2758.1 — 1998
Flaky
Elongated
Angular
Blocky cubical
Sub-rounded
Rounded
Accessed by CONNELL WAGNER on 09 Mar 2004
Irregular
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Accessed by CONNELL WAGNER on 09 Mar 2004