By

Prof. Dr. Khan Shahzada Engr. Izaz Ahmad

CED UET Peshawar Lecturer, CED UET Peshawar

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 Lecture Outlines

 Introduction to Aggregates

 Classification of aggregates according to size, shape, and weight

 Gradation of aggregate sieve analysis

 Fineness Modulus of aggregate; numerical examples

 Bulk density; relative density; absorption and Moisture content; bulking

of sand and soundness of aggregate

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 Introduction to Aggregate

Definition:
Aggregates is a type of construction material used in civil engineering structures, it
includes sand, gravel, crushed stones etc.

 Aggregates are the inert materials mixed with binding materials such as
cement, lime etc. in the preparation of mortar or concrete and asphalt etc.
 In building construction, aggregates are used in the preparation of concrete.
 Introduction to Aggregate

 Aggregates occupy at least three-quarters of the volume of concrete. Aggregate is

cheaper than cement and it is, therefore, economical to put into the mix as much of
aggregates and as little of cement as possible.

 Economy is not the only reason for using aggregates, aggregates give a higher
volume stability and better durability to concrete.
 Cement paste alone has no such higher volume stability, strength and durability.
 Introduction to Aggregate

Aggregate Sources:

 Crushed Stone (Crushed Rock)

 Natural Sand and Gravel Deposits
 Blast Furnace Slag
 Artificial and Processed Materials
 Pulverized (Crushed) Concrete and Asphalt
 Introduction to Aggregate

Aggregate Sources:
Sand Quarry Stone Quarry
 Introduction to Aggregate

Aggregate Sources:
Stone Crushing Gravel Crushed Stone

Blast Furnace Slag is a by-product of iron in blast-furnace

 Introduction to Aggregate

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 Introduction to Aggregate

Functions of Aggregates
 Aggregates have the following main functions in concrete:

1. To provide a mass of particles which are suitable to resist the action of applied

loads & show better durability than cement paste alone.

2. To provide a relatively cheap filler for the cementing material.

3. To reduce volume changes resulting from setting & hardening process & from

moisture changes during drying.

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 Introduction to Aggregate

The properties of concrete are affected by the characteristics of aggregate:

1. The mineral character of aggregate affects the strength, durability, elasticity of

concrete.

2. The surface characteristics of aggregate affects the workability of fresh mass &

the bond between the aggregate & cement paste in hardened concrete. If it is
rough, workability decreases & bond increases.

3. The grading of aggregate affects the workability, density & economy.

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 Introduction to Aggregate

The properties of concrete are affected by the characteristics of aggregate:

4. Higher aggregate amount/unit volume of concrete results in:
 in less volume changes during setting & hardening or moisture changes.

(increase in volume stability)

 Increase in strength & durability

 Decrease in cost

 It is a common practice to use as much aggregate as possible in concrete

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 Introduction to Aggregate

According to Source
Natural Aggregate:
 Natural aggregates consists of rock fragments that are used in their natural state, or
are used after mechanical processing such as crushing, washing, and sizing.
 Some natural aggregate deposits, called pit-run gravel, consist of gravel and sand
that can be readily used in concrete after minimal processing
Artificial Aggregate:
 They are obtained either as a by-product or by a special manufacturing process such
as heating. (blast furnace slag, expanded perlite, expanded clay and shale)

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 Classification of Aggregates
According to Petrological Characteristics
 Sedimentary
Sedimentary rocks are formed from particles of sand, shale, pebbles, and other
fragments of material. Together, all these particles are called sediment. Gradually, the
sediment accumulates in layers and over a long period of time hardens into rock.
Generally, sedimentary rock is fairly soft and may break apart or crumble easily. You
can often see sand, pebbles, or stones in the rock, and it is usually the only type that
contains fossils.
Examples of this rock type include conglomerate and limestone.

Petrological: The branch of geology that studies rocks.

 Classification of Aggregates
 Metamorphic
Metamorphic rocks are formed under the surface of the earth from the
metamorphosis (change) that occurs due to intense heat and pressure
(squeezing). The rocks that result from these processes often have ribbon like
layers and may have shiny crystals, formed by minerals growing slowly over
time, on their surface. Examples of this rock type include slate and marble.
 Classification of Aggregates
 Igneous
Igneous rocks are formed when magma (molten rock deep within the earth) cools
and hardens. Sometimes the magma cools inside the earth, and other times it
erupts onto the surface from volcanoes (in this case, it is called lava). When lava
cools very quickly, no crystals form and the rock looks shiny and glasslike.
Sometimes gas bubbles are trapped in the rock during the cooling process, leaving
tiny holes and spaces in the rock. Examples of this rock type include basalt.
 Classification of Aggregates
According to Unit Weight

Heavy Weight aggregates:

 The aggregates having the bulk density more than 2800 kg/m3, are called heavy weight
aggregates. Heavy weight aggregates include hematite, magnetite, barite, Limonite etc.

 Specific Gravity, Gs > 2.8.

 Those aggregate with high density and is used primarily in the manufacturing of heavy
weight concrete for the protection against nuclear radiation and as a bomb shelter.

 Radiation shields protect the operating personnel against the biological hazards in the
nuclear energy industry or x-ray, gamma ray at therapy centers.

 Tendency of aggregate to segregate in a concrete mixture increases with the density of

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the aggregate.
 Classification of Aggregates
According to Unit Weight

Light weight aggregates:

 The light weight of the aggregate is due to the cellular or highly porous
microstructure. Natural lightweight aggregates are made by crushing igneous
volcanic rocks such as pumice etc.

 Synthetic lightweight aggregates are manufactured by thermal treatment of a

variety of materials, for instance, clays, shale, slate, diatomite, perlite,
vermiculite, blast-furnace slag, and fly ash.

 Density ranges from 1350 to 1850 kg/m3 Expanded perlite, burned clay Gs < 2.4

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 Classification of Aggregates

According to Unit Weight

Normal weight aggregates:
 Gravel, sand, crushed stone 2.4 < Gs < 2.8

 Produce normal-weight concrete 2200 to 2400 kg/m3

 Most common aggregates: Sand, Gravel, Crushed stone

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 Classification of Aggregates

Types of Aggregates: (classification according to size)

1. Fine Aggregate
2. Coarse Aggregate.
1) Fine Aggregates:
The aggregate which passes through 4.75 mm sieve and retained on 75 micron sieve
are known as fine aggregate.
Or
The size of aggregates whose size is 4.75 or less are considered as fine aggregates.
 The size of fine aggregate ranges from 2.8mm to 3.1mm is coarse sand.
 The size of fine aggregate ranges from 2.5 to 2.8mm is medium sand.
 The size of fine aggregate ranges from 2.3mm to 2.5mm is fine sand.

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 Classification of Aggregates
Types of Aggregates: (classification according to size)
1. Fine Aggregate
2. Coarse Aggregate.
2) Coarse Aggregates:
The size of aggregates that are bigger than 4.75mm are considered as coarse
aggregates.
 Coarse aggregates is the basic material of the concrete. Crushed stone or gravel
used in concrete.

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 Classification of Aggregates

According to Size
Coarse aggregate
 Gravel (shingle) and crushed stone 5 mm

 Typically between 9.5 and 37.5 mm

 Aggregates containing a whole range of

particles are named as “all-in” or “pit-run”
aggregates.

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 Factors Contributing to Aggregate Characteristics

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Important characteristics of aggregates towards making concrete include:

 Bulk Density and Specific gravity

 Moisture absorption and Bulking of sand

 Size, Shape and surface texture and index

 Impact, abrasion and crushing resistance

 Elastic Modulus

 Soundness

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Gradation of Aggregate
 Grading is the particle-size distribution of an aggregate as determined by a sieve

analysis (ASTM C 136)

 The grading and grading limits are usually expressed as the percentage of material

passing each sieve.

 There are several reasons for specifying grading limits and nominal maximum

aggregate size; they affect relative aggregate proportions as well as cement and water
requirements, workability, economy, porosity, shrinkage, and durability of concrete.

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Gradation of Aggregate

 Variations in grading can seriously affect the uniformity of concrete from batch to
batch.

 In general, aggregates that do not have a large deficiency or excess of any size and
give a smooth grading curve will produce the most satisfactory results.

 The cement paste requirement for concrete is related to the void content of the
combined aggregates.

 The effect of a collection of various sizes in reducing the total volume of voids between
aggregates is illustrated by the simple method shown on next slide

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Gradation of Aggregate

 Note that when the beakers are filled with one particle size of equal volume, the void
content is constant, regardless of the particle size. When the two aggregate sizes are
combined, the void content is decreased. If this operation were repeated with several
additional sizes, a further reduction in voids would occur.

Aggregate Gradation

Volume of Voids (pores)

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Gradation of Aggregate
 The main factors governing the desired aggregate grading are:

1. The surface area of the aggregate, which determines the amount of water

necessary to wet all the solids

2. The relative volume occupied by the aggregate

3. The workability of the mix

4. The tendency to segregation.

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 Characteristics of Aggregate
Gradation of Aggregate

Sieve Analysis Method

 Particle size distribution is determined by sieve analysis method. Sieve analysis is the
name of the operation of dividing a sample of aggregate into fractions, each consisting
of particles of the same size. In practice each fraction contains particles between
specific limits, these being the openings of standard test sieves.

Sieve Shaker

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Gradation of Aggregate
Sieve Analysis Method

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 Characteristics of Aggregate
Gradation of Aggregate
Sieve Analysis Method (Fine-Aggregates Grading)
 Requirements of ASTM are:

1. The fine aggregate must not have more than 45% retained between any two
consecutive standard sieves.
2. The fineness modulus must be not less than 2.3 nor more than 3.1. If this value is
exceeded, the fine aggregate should be rejected unless suitable adjustments are made in
proportions of fine and coarse aggregate.

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Gradation of Aggregate
Sieve Analysis Method (Fine-Aggregates Grading)
 The fineness modulus (FM) of either fine or coarse aggregate according to ASTM C
125 is calculated by adding the cumulative percentages by mass retained on each of a
specified series of sieves and dividing the sum by 100.
(𝒄𝒖𝒎𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆)
F.M=
𝟏𝟎𝟎

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Gradation of Aggregate
Sieve Analysis Method (Fine-Aggregates Grading)
 FM is an index of the fineness of an aggregate, the higher the FM, the coarser the

aggregate.

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Gradation of Aggregate
Sieve Analysis Method (Fine-Aggregates Grading)

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 Characteristics of Aggregate
Gradation of Aggregate
Sieve Analysis Method
 Standard test sieves are as follows:

 Coarse aggregate: 75mm, 38mm, 20mm, 10mm

 Fine aggregate: 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 0.600mm, 0.300mm, 0.150mm

 Fineness modulus limits:
 Fine aggregate: 2.3-3.1

 Coarse aggregate: 5.5-8.0

 Combined aggregate: 4.0-7.0

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Types of Gradation
 Gap grading is a grading in which one or more intermediate size fractions are omitted.

 Well Graded means sizes within the entire range are in approximately equal amounts

(friction at many points, excellent interlocking, very few voids)

 Uniform gradation means a large percentage of the particles are of approximately the

same size (poor interlocking, high percentage of voids, friction at few points of contact)
 Combined gradation means fine and coarse aggregates are combined (friction at many

points, good interlocking, few voids, economical).

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Particle Shape and Surface Texture

 The shape, angularity, and surface texture of the individual particles of aggregate

have an important influence on the workability of freshly mixed concrete and the
strength of hardened concrete
 Shape refers to geometrical characteristics such as round, angular, elongated, or

flaky.
Rounded shaped aggregate:
 Rounded shape aggregates are naturally occurring aggregate.

 It is fully water worn or completely shaped by abrasion. e.g. river or sea shore gravel,

desert and wind blown sand.

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 Characteristics of Aggregate
Irregular/partly rounded shape aggregate:
 Naturally irregular or partly shaped by abrasion and having rounded edges. e.g.
(hard grey siliceous stone).
Angular shaped aggregate:
 Possessing well defined edges formed at the intersection of roughly planar surfaces.
 These are obtained by crushing the rocks. e.g. crushed rock of all types
Flaky aggregate:
 Materials of which the thickness is small as compare to width and length of that
aggregate. e.g. laminated rocks, both naturally occurring as well as crushed.
Flaky and Elongated:
 Materials having the length considerably larger than the width and the width
considerably larger than the thickness.

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Surface Texture
 Surface texture is a measure of relative degree to which particle is polished or dull.

 Smooth: Bond b/w cement paste & aggregate is weak.

 Rough: Bond b/w cement paste & aggregate is strong.

 Rough textured has better bond in tension

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Importance of Particle Shape and Surface Texture

 The particle shape and surface texture of an aggregate influence the properties of
freshly mixed concrete more than the properties of hardened concrete.

 Rough-textured, angular, elongated particles increase voids between aggregate

particles than do by smooth, and rounded aggregates. The mixing water and cement
requirement tend to increase as aggregate void content increases.

 Hence, aggregate particles that are angular require more cement to maintain the same
w/c ratio.

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Importance of Particle Shape and Surface Texture

 The bond between cement paste and a given aggregate generally increases as particles
change from smooth and rounded to rough and angular.

 This increase in bond is a consideration in selecting aggregates for concrete where

flexural strength is important or where high compressive strength is needed.

 A rougher texture results in a larger adhesive force between the particles and the
cement matrix resulting in a better aggregate-cement bond.

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Bulk Density or Unit Weight

 The bulk density or unit weight of an aggregate is the mass or weight of the aggregate
required to fill a container of a specified unit volume.

 The term bulk is used since the volume is occupied by both aggregates and voids. The
approximate bulk density of aggregate commonly used in normal-weight concrete
ranges from about 1200 to 1750 kg/m3 (75 to 110 lb/ft3).

 Methods of determining the bulk density of aggregates and void content are given in
ASTM C-29 (AASHTO T -19) Useful to classify between light and heavy weight
aggregate Converting proportions by weight to proportions by Volume.

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Bulk Density or Unit Weight

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Bulk Density or Unit Weight

 The void content between particles affects paste requirements in mix design.

 Most natural aggregates have particle densities of between 2400 and 2900 kg/m3 (150

and 181 lb/ft3).

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 Characteristics of Aggregate
Specific Gravity

 The relative density (specific gravity) of an aggregate is the ratio of its mass to the mass
of an equal absolute volume of water.

 It is used in certain computations for mixture proportioning and control, such as the
volume occupied by the aggregate in the absolute volume method of mix design.

 Most natural aggregates have relative densities between 2.4 and 2.9.

 Test methods for determining relative densities for coarse and fine aggregates are
described in ASTM C-127 (AASHTO T -85) and ASTM C-128 (AASHTO T -84)
respectively.

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 Characteristics of Aggregate
Density:

 Mass per unit volume is called density.

 An approximate value of 1000 kg/m3 (62.4 lb/ft3) is often used for the density of
water.

 Most natural aggregates have particle densities of between 2400 and 2900 kg/m3
(150 and 181 lb/ft3).

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 Assignment#2

 Define and Explain Impact, abrasion and crushing resistance of Aggregates

 Define and explain Elastic Modulus of Aggregates

 Define and explain Soundness test of Aggregates

 Define and explain Bulking of Sand

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Absorption and Surface Moisture

 The absorption and surface moisture of aggregates should be determined according to

ASTM C 70, C 127, C 128, and C 566 so that the total water content of the concrete can
be controlled and correct batch weights determined.

 The amount of water added at the concrete batch plant must be adjusted for the
moisture conditions of the aggregates in order to accurately meet the water
requirement of the mix design.

Moisture conditions

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Absorption and Surface Moisture

 Oven Dry condition: All the evaporable water has been driven off by heating the
aggregate to around 100C

 Air Dry condition: Dry at the particle surface but containing some interior moisture,
thus still somewhat absorbent

 Saturated-surface dry condition (SSD): When all the permeable pores are full and
there is no water film on the surface

 Wet or damp condition: When the aggregate is saturated and there is also free
moisture on the surface
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 Characteristics of Aggregate
Absorption and Surface Moisture

 Absorption capacity is defined as the total amount of moisture required to bring an

aggregate from the oven-dry to the SSD condition

 Effective absorption is defined as the amount of moisture required to bring an

aggregate from the air-dry to the SSD condition

 Surface moisture is the amount of water in excess of the water required for the SSD
condition

 The absorption capacity, effective absorption, and surface moisture data are invariably
needed for correcting the batch water and aggregate proportions in concrete mixtures

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 Characteristics of Aggregate
Bulking of Sand

 Bulking is “the increase in total volume of moist fine aggregate over the same
mass dry”. Surface tension in the moisture holds the particles apart, causing an
increase in volume

 Bulking increase with increase in moisture content to certain limit and thereof
results in decrease in volume increase

 At condition of Saturation point, fine sands shows no bulking

 Extremely fine sands can bulk as much as 40%

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Bulking of Sand

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Bulking of Sand

 In case of weight batching, determination of free water is necessary to correct w/c ratio.

 When volume batching is adopted, determination of water content of fine aggregate

does not become necessary but consequent of bulking of sand and correction of volume of
sand is necessary.

 Most sands are delivered at the job site in a damp condition, leading to wide
variations in the batch quantities if batching is done by volume.

 For this reason, good practice has long favored weighing the aggregate and adjusting
for moisture content when proportioning concrete.

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 Characteristics of Aggregate
Resistance to Freeze and Thaw

 The frost resistance of an aggregate, an important characteristic for exterior concrete,

is related to its porosity, absorption, permeability, and pore structure.

 An aggregate particle may absorb so much water (to critical saturation) that it cannot
accommodate the expansion and hydraulic pressure that occurs during the freezing of
water.

 If enough of the offending particles are present, the result can be expansion of the
aggregate and possible disintegration of the concrete.

 If a single problem particle is near the surface of the concrete, it can cause a pop out
(conical fragments that break out of the concrete surface).
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 Characteristics of Aggregate
Resistance to Freeze and Thaw

 Generally it is coarse rather than fine aggregate particles with higher porosity values
and medium-sized pores (0.1 to 5 µm) that are easily saturated and cause concrete
deterioration.

 At any freezing rate, there may be a critical particle size above which a particle will fail
if frozen when critically saturated.

 This critical size is dependent upon the rate of freezing and the porosity, permeability,
and tensile strength of the particle.

 For fine-grained aggregates with low permeability, the critical particle size may be
within the range of normal aggregate sizes.
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 Characteristics of Aggregate
Abrasion Resistance

 The abrasion resistance of an aggregate is often used as a general index of its quality.

 Abrasion resistance is essential when the aggregate is to be used in concrete subject to

abrasion, as in heavy-duty floors or pavements.

 Low abrasion resistance of an aggregate may increase the quantity of fines in the
concrete during mixing; consequently, this may increase the water requirement and
require an adjustment in the water-cement ratio.

 The wear resistance of concrete is determined more accurately by abrasion tests of the
concrete itself.

 Especially when concrete is used in roads or floor surfaces subjected to heavy traffic
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load.
 Characteristics of Aggregate

Abrasion Resistance
Los Angeles Abrasion test
 Hardness, or resistance to wear (abrasion) is determined by
Los-Angeles abrasion test

 The aggregates with a specified grading is placed inside the

L.A. Testing Machine

 Loose steel balls are placed inside the drum. The apparatus is
rotated for a specified cycles. Finally the loss in weight is
determined by screening with #12 sieve.

 Resistant → <10% for 100 revolutions and <50% for 500

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revolutions
 Characteristics of Aggregate

Soundness of Aggregate
 Soundness is the ability of aggregates to resist volume changes to environmental effects
such as

 Freezing & Thawing

 Alternate Wetting & Drying

 Temperature Changes

 The soundness test determines an aggregate’s resistance to disintegration

by weathering and, in particular, freeze-thaw cycles. Aggregates that are durable
(resistant to weathering) are less likely to degrade in the field
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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Soundness of Aggregate

 Aggregates are said to be unsound when volume changes results in deterioration of

concrete. This effect may result in:

 Local scaling

 Extensive surface cracking

 Disintegration over a considerable depth

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 Characteristics of Aggregate

Soundness of Aggregate

 To detect unsound particles, aggregate are treated with Na2SO4 or MgSO4 solutions.

 18 hours of immersion

 Dry at 105°C+5°C to constant weight

 After 5 cycles determine the loss in weight of the aggregates.

 Following limits should not be exceeded.

Aggregate Na2SO4(%) MgSO4(%)
Fine 19 27
Coarse 15 22

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 Thank You..

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