Concrete And Coarse Aggregates

Coarse Aggregates:

Aggregates which Retained on 4.75mm sieve.

It can be natural gravel/stone or crushed gravel/stone. These aggregates are classified in two main
groups, single size & graded aggregates. Graded aggregates contain more than a single size sieve.

Size of aggregate affects several properties of concrete mainly strength and workability. Using the
largest possible maximum size will result in:

1. Reduction of cement content

2. Reduction in water content

3. Reduction of drying Shrinkage

Selection of Max Agg size

(i) one-fifth the narrowest dimension between sides of forms

(ii) one-third the depth of slabs

(iii) three-fourths the minimum specified clear spacing between individual reinforcing bars or wires,
bundles of bars, (ACI 318-19)

Shape of Coarse aggregates:

Particle shape is the vital property effecting workability of fresh concrete and later strength & durability.
The particle shape of aggregate is influenced by the parent rock from which aggregates have been
produced and also the type of crusher for crushing and screening.

Rounded – Water demand is less because of less surface area to volume ration, Bound is not fantastic,
Unsuitable for High strength concrete. (River gravels, Seashore gravels) (Voids 32-33%)
Angular – Water demand is a bit high as compared to rounded because of its angularity and roughness,
better packing and interlocking (Voids 38-40%)

Flaky – High water demand because of larger surface area, makes very poor concrete, also can be
broken while compaction which increases more fines in mix. (Required more cement for given strength
if aggregate contains more flaky and elongated particles) (also required more paste for better
pumpability)

Elongated - High water demand because of larger surface area, makes very poor concrete, required
more cement for given strength if aggregate contains more flaky and elongated particles

Conclusion:

In the region we are using 100% crushed faces aggregate because of required high strength and
durability requirements which cannot be possible with rounded aggregates. With crushed aggregate we
can achieve up to 40% more strength, where w/c ratio is low as 0.40 but with an increase in water-
cement ratio the influence of roughness of surface of the aggregate gets reduced, presumably because
the strength of the paste itself becomes paramount, and at a water-cement ratio of 0.65, no difference
in strength of concrete made with angular aggregate on rounded aggregate has been observed.

Secondly the aggregates which contain elongated and flaky particles more than limit can make concrete
workability and strength worsen due to higher water demand for the same mix. And also, the bond with
the cement paste may be weakened due to the accumulation of bleed water under the relatively large
surface areas of flat particles of aggregate.