Aggregates: These are broad categories of coarse- to medium-grained particulate material used

in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, etc.

Characteristics of Aggregates

Aggregates generally make up the bulk of the concrete. These are available in fine and coarse

grades. For mortar the size of aggregates is very small ranging from 0-4mm, and for general

concrete work the size varies from 5-20mm.

Requirements of Aggregates

All aggregates should be:

● clean
● free from sediments
● sound
● strong – not easily crushed
● well graded
● well shaped

Types of Aggregates

1. Coarse Aggregate
Gravel – This consists of small pieces of stone which are somewhat rounded in shape. It

makes good coarse aggregate because it is hard and closed textured. (Source= gravel

banks, river beds).

Crushed Stones – Trap rock is the hardest and most durable stone that can be crushed and

used for making concrete. This stone is dark, heavy and close-grained. Granite makes

good crushed stone and is less expensive than trap rock. The stone should be graded in

sizes 6mm-20mm.

2. Fine Aggregates
For concrete work these are sand, crushed stones or gravel screening. The most important

of these is sand. Sand is a fine divided material of rock which will pass through a

standard 5mm sieve. Sand is not subjected to disintegration, decay or expansion.