HOW TO DEFINED COARSE AGGREGATES BASED ON ITS:

SIZE

SHAPE

QUALITY

SIZE

 When the aggregate is sieved through 4.75mm sieve, the aggregate retained is
called coarse aggregate. In general, 40mm size aggregate used for normal
strengths, and 20mm size is used for high strength concrete.

The size range of various coarse aggregates:

Coarse aggregate Size

Fine gravel 4mm – 8mm

Medium gravel 8mm – 16mm

Coarse gravel 16mm – 64mm

Cobbles 64mm – 256mm

Boulders >256mm
SHAPE

 Rounded, Angular, Flaky, Elongated and Irregular are some types on shapes

of coarse aggregates.

Rounded Aggregate

 The rounded aggregates are completely shaped by attrition and available in the
form of seashore gravel.

Angular Aggregates

 The angular aggregates consist well defined edges formed at the intersection of
roughly planar surfaces and these are obtained by crushing the rocks.
Flaky and Elongated Aggregates

 When the aggregate length is larger than its width and width is larger than its
thickness then it is said to be flaky and elongated aggregates. The above 3 types
of aggregates are not suitable for concrete mixing. These are generally obtained
from the poorly crushed rocks.

Irregular Aggregates

 The irregular or partly rounded aggregates are partly shaped by attrition and
these are available in the form of pit sands and gravel.
QUALITY

 The selection of good quality coarse aggregate is essential for the production of
concrete that meets the desired strength and durability requirements. Ideal
construction aggregate should have a rough surface texture and should be clean,
strong, and free from the coating and other dirt particles.

How to Choose Quality Coarse Aggregate for Concrete Construction?

In order to select good quality coarse aggregates, engineers should consider the
following crucial points:

1. The typical coarse aggregate size ranges from 4.75 mm to 18 mm.

2. Gravel or broken stone aggregates with rough and non-glassy texture are the
best aggregates because they create a good bond with the cement paste.
3. Aggregates need to be hard, strong, chemically inert, and non-porous.
4. Organic substances and dirt coating compromise the strength and durability of
concrete.
5. Coarse aggregates should not absorb moisture by more than 10% of their weight
after submersion in water for 24 hours.
6. If aggregates absorb water by more than 10% of their weight, they are
considered as porous aggregate that are undesirable for concrete production.
7. Aggregates should no contain flaky and elongated particles by more than 35% of
their total quantity.
8. Angular and fairly cubical coarse aggregate particles are desirable.
9. Coarse aggregate should contain various fraction sizes to ensure adequate
compaction of particles, hence resulting in increased density and reduced voids
in concrete.
10. In the majority of concrete works, aggregate sizes of 20 mm or smaller are used.
11. To ensure good coarse aggregate compaction and higher concrete density, it is
recommended to mix 20 mm and 10 mm coarse aggregates in the ratio of 70:30
or 60:40.
12. It is recommended to stack different aggregate sizes to use them efficiently.  
13. Prevent the use of friable and chert aggregates. The former is susceptible to
splitting, whereas the latter has low resistance against weathering and is likely to
cause popouts.