IMPORTANCE OF FINE AGGREGATE SHAPE AND GRADING ON PROPERTIES OF

CONCRETE

Construction Materials Group, R&D Technical Center, Vulcan Materials Company

Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.A.

Abstract

The particle shape, angularity, surface texture, and grading of fine aggregate used in portland cement
concrete, may significantly affect the properties of the concrete that are important to its behavior in
service. Fine aggregates vary widely in their physical properties. Some natural aggregates have
spherical particles while others contain angular, more cubical particles. Most manufactured fine
aggregates are angular and cubical in shape, but some may contain flat or elongated particles. The
characteristics of the fine aggregate significantly influence water requirement, workability,
fmishability, bleeding, segregation, strength, and durability properties of the concrete. In addition,
mixture economics can be adversely impacted by these fine aggregate properties.
This paper presents information on the significance of particle shape and grading of the fine
aggregate on pertinent properties of the fine aggregate and the concrete in which used. The void
content of the fine aggregate is discussed in detail. A method to measure the uncompacted voids as
an indicator of particle shape, surface texture and grading is briefly reviewed, and data to
demonstrate the variability in this measured characteristic for various "natural" and "manufactured"
fine aggregates are provided.
The need to increase the minus No. 200 content of manufactured fine aggregate to reduce the
void content of the aggregate, thereby lubricating the aggregate system without increasing the water
requirement of the mixture is demonstrated. It is recommended that a fines content in excess of 5
percent, and up to and even exceeding 10 percent, be considered when the fines are dust of fracture
without clay or silt and when used in concrete that is not exposed to low humidity and dry winds.
Lastly, it is emphasized that a fine aggregate grading that is suitable for relatively spherical
particles is not suitable for a grading containing highly non-spherical particles. When used, the
 performance of the resulting concrete may be expected to be less satisfactory than if a more
appropriate grading had been employed. Concrete should be designed to have close to the minimum
void space in the aggregate combination to maximize its desired properties.
Keywords: Grading, manufactured fine aggregate, particle shape, portland cement concrete.

1. Introduction

The shape, surface texture, angularity and grading of the fine aggregate used in portland cement
concrete mixtures significantly affect the workability, strength, and performance of the concrete
mixtures in service. Shape, surface texture, and angularity are the result of the interaction of nature,
structure, and texture of the rock of which the particles consist and the forces to which they were
subjected during and after formation of the particles [1]. When rock is crushed it generally breaks
along the interfaces between the mineral crystals making up the rock. This is where the binding is
weakest [2]. It is difficult to produce particles having a cubical shape from a strong homogenous
rock such as fine grained traprock or basalt. Homogenous rock tends to disintegrate into flakes.
Sedimentary rocks commonly are laminated, and the strength of the material is lower in one
direction than in others [2]. This rock tends to form slabby particles. Rocks having closely spaced
partings or cleavages in one of two directions produce flat or elongated particles.
Particle shape is also influenced by crusher type and operation of crushing equipment. Impact
crushers break rock by "hitting" the material, thereby giving the rock a sudden blow of high energy.
• This causes the rock to break along natural zones of weakness along grain interfaces. Impact
crushers generally produce particles having good cubical shape. Gyratory and cone crushers break
rock by compression. Size and shape can be controlled within relatively wide limits with such
crushers. Product shape is influenced by 1) the reduction ratio and 2) the degree to which the
crushing chamber is filled with rock. The "best" particle shape is obtained when the crusher
chamber is full because a large part of the crushing work is accomplished by interparticle contact.
Flat or elongated particles are readily broken into more cubical shape. Jaw crushers and large
gyratories generally produce particles with poor (non-cubical) shape due to the fact that the crushing
chamber is rarely full to permit interparticle crushing, and the degree of reduction is high.
Repeated crushing in several stages improves particle shape successively. Cubical shape is
improved by keeping cone crushers used to produce fine aggregate products 1) choke-fed, 2) by
using a moderate degree of reduction, and 3) by making sure that the feed material to the crushers
is of the proper size [2].
The "equidimensionality" (sphericity) and "angularity" of both the coarse and fine aggregate
particles significantly affects the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. Differences in particle
shape affect bulk void contents of the aggregates, and in turn, the ingredient proportions, mechanical
properties, and the economy of concrete mixtures [3]. The compressive and flexural strength, the
elasticity, and the stress distribution within the concrete are all influenced by the equidimensionality,
angularity, surface texture, surface area of, and coatings on, the coarse and fine aggregate
particles [3]. Coarse and fine aggregate grading also has a significant influence on these properties.
Equidimensional particles are generally preferred to flat and elongated particles for use as
concrete aggregates because they present less surface area per unit volume and generally produce
 tighter packing when consolidated [1]. Equidimensional particles of a given grading require a
minimum of cement paste for a given degree of workability of concrete [1].
Cubical particles tend to decrease workability and thus require more cement and water unless
the grading (minus No. 200 fraction) of the fine aggregate is increased to reduce the void content of
the aggregate combination used. Decreasing roundness or increasing angularity directly affects the
percentage of voids in the aggregate, and this in turn affects workability ar the mixture proportions
required [1].
The strength of concrete is also influenced by the shape, surface texture, and grading of the
aggregate. The flexural strength is more affected than the compressive strength [4]. The effects of
shape, texture and grading are particularly significant in high strength concrete. Concrete made with
spherical aggregate particles will have less strength than concrete made with non-spherical particles.
Angular particles increase strength since they have larger surface area, and, therefore, greater
adhesive forces develop between aggregate particles and the cement matrix [4].

2. Shape Classification

The concept of particle shape incorporates three geometrical ideas: sphericity, roundness, and
form [3]. "Sphericity" is a measure of how nearly equal are the three axes or dimensions of a
particle. "Roundness" is a measure of the sharpness of the edges and corners of a particle. "Form"
• is a measure of the relation between the three dimensions of a particle based on ratios between the
proportions of the long, a, medium, b, and the short, c, axes of the particle. Form, also referred to
as "shape factor," is used to distinguish between particles of the same numerical sphericity, but
having different axial proportions.
Shape is described in terms of ratios as follows:

Elongation ratio = q = b/a

Flatness ratio = p = c/b

ac
Shape factor = F = p/q =

When the shape factor is greater than 1, the intermediate length is closest to the shortest in
length, and prolateness is indicated. When the shape factor is less than 1, the intermediate length
is closest to the longest length, and oblateness is indicated. A graphical representation of various
shape categories is given in Figure 1.
Sphericity and roundness evaluations of individual particles are commonly obtained by use of
visual guides which assign numerical values to a silhouette chart as shown in Figure 2.
The sphericity and form of natural and manufactured fine aggregate is the result of 1) the degree
of anistropy of the rock (the result of bedding planes, schistosity, mineral cleavage, etc.), 2) the
original shape of the particle prior to the action of agents inducing roundness and sphericity,
 .

Neither Flat
0 Nor Elongated
213

SHORT I INTERMEDIATE

. Fig. 1. Shape categories defined by ratio of two thirds for b/a and c/b. The hyperboloid arc is a line
of equal sphericity. (Ref. 3)

0.9

>-
I— 0.7
C-)
Cr
U
I
CL 05
U)

0.3

0.1 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.9

ROUNDNESS

Fig. 2. Visual chart for estimating roundness and sphericity of particles. (Ref. 3)
 3) factors associated with the transportation and abrasion of natural sands, and 4) the action of
crushing and sizing equipment [3].
Particle shapes are strongly influenced by preferred orientations of any sort contributing to
anisotrophy. Rocks with bedding, cleavage, schistosity, shaly partings, mineral cleavage, etc.
generally yield particles more elongated or flattened than equidimensional. Rocks with no preferred
orientations generally produce more cubical particles on crushing.
The roundability of rock particles depends directly on their hardness and toughness, and
inversely on the presence of cleavage or cracks. Rounding of natural sands is chiefly the result of
geologic factors such as abrasion, attrition, chipping, rubbing and solution that occurred during
transport to the site of deposition.

3. Measurement

Several different methods have been developed and used to obtain a particle shape evaluation or a
particle shape index. These methods include, but are not limited to: 1) visual comparison of particle
silhouettes with standard shapes, 2) measurement of percentage of voids of individual size fractions,
or of standard gradings of fine particles, at one or more compactive efforts, 3) measurement of the
time of flow required for the material to pass through an orifice, 4) measurement of critical particle
dimensions using laser technology or from photographs, and 5) other. Most methods are based on
• the principle that the volume of voids in the fine aggregate combination is a function of particle
shape. ASTM Test Method C1252-93 entitled "Standard Test Method for Uncompleted Void
Content of Fine Aggregate (as influenced by Particle Shape, Surface Texture and Grading)" was
developed and adopted by the American Society for Testing and Materials in 1993 [5]. This method
has three specific procedures identified as Method A, Method B, and Method C. Method A and
Method B provide determination of the void content of a sample of fine aggregate when tested in
a grading that has been standardized. An increase in void content by Method A and by Method B
indicates 1) greater angularity, 2) less sphericity, 3) a rougher surface texture, or 4) a combination
thereof. A decrease in void content is associated with 1) rounded, 2) spherical, 3) smooth-surfaced
fine aggregate, or 4) a combination thereof.
When measured in a standard grading, the void contents of different fine aggregate can be
compared, and the "shape" can be quantified. However, the "shape" so determined should not be
a basis for acceptance or rejection of the fine aggregate for use in portland cement concrete mixtures,
since quality concrete can be made with fine aggregates of many different shapes.
Method C was included in ASTM C1252 to permit evaluation of a fine aggregate in an "as
produced" or "as received" grading (rather than a standard grading). When the void content of a fine
aggregate is measured in an as-received grading, the void content is an indicator of the workability
of the portland cement concrete made with the fine aggregate. Further, changes to the grading can
be made by an aggregate producer that will reduce the void content of the fine aggregate, and thereby
improve the workability of the plastic concrete mixture.

0
. 4. Grading
The grading of fine aggregate required to produce workable concrete is a function of aggregate
properties. The ideal grading for aggregate is frequently calculated by Talbot's formula:

P=
D

where: P = the accumulative percentage passing of a sieve size d

d = specific sieve size, mm
D = maximum size of aggregate, mm
n = a coefficient (exponent) generally taken as 0.5.

It is frequently assumed that, among comparable aggregates, the aggregate that has the smallest
percentage of voids is the most suitable for use in portland cement concrete. It is now known that
a minimum volume of voids is not the best target, except for lean concrete mixtures. The best
grading contains less fine aggregate than that giving a minimum content of voids [6]. However,
satisfactory concrete requires aggregates with a low content of voids, even if not the lowest possible.
Mather [1] reported that a coefficient, n, of 0.3 to 0.38 is appropriate for angular crushed
• aggregate, and 0.5 is appropriate for spherically shaped natural sands and gravels. Further, if a
grading suitable for relatively spherical particles is employed with particles that are highly non-
spherical, the results may be expected to be less satisfactory than if a more appropriate grading had
been employed [1].
The gradings of a fine aggregate calculated using an exponent of 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 are given in
Table 1. Also shown in this table is the specification for fine aggregate for use in portland cement
concrete as contained in ASTM C-33. Use of a coefficient of 0.3 to 0.4 for angular crushed
aggregate results in a greater proportion of the finer size fractions which reduce the voids in the
aggregate and provide mixture workability.

0
 Table 1. Grading of fine aggregate (percent passing by weight)

Sieve ASTM C-33 Talbot Talbot Talbot

Size Specification Grading for Grading for Grading for

n = 0.5 n0.4 n0.3
3/8 in. 100 100 100 100

No. 4 95 -100 70.7 75.8 81.2
No. 8 80-100 49.8 57.3 65.8
No. 16 50-85 35.2 43.4 53.5
No. 30 25 -60 25.1 33.1 43.6
No. 50 10-30 17.8 25.1 35.5
No. 100 2-10 12.6 19.0 28.8
No. 200 a! 0- 5 8.9 14.4 23.4
1 Limit is 0 - 3 percent for concrete subject to abrasion. If the material passing No. 200 is
dust of fracture, essentially free of clay or shale, the limits may be increased to 7 and 5%,
respectively.

5. Use of increased minus No. 200
.
Manufactured fine aggregate containing percentages of clean dust of fracture (minus No. 200)
greater than presently permitted by ASTM C-33 or similar specifications should be considered and
specified. Current specifications permit a maximum of 10 percent passing the No. 100 sieve, and
a maximum of 5 percent passing the No. 200 sieve if the minus No. 200 fines consist of dust of
fracture essentially free of clay or shale. When the fines are not dust of fracture, the limit on the
minus No. 200 for concrete subject to abrasion is reduced to a maximum of 3 percent. Increasing
the minus No. 200 dust of fracture in a manufactured fine aggregate to 5 to 10 percent can have a
very beneficial affect on the physical properties of portland cement concrete in most applications and
environments [7]. Exceptions may include concrete produced for use in climates of low humidity
and dry winds that frequently produce plastic shrinkage problems when concrete bleeding is
minimized. In most other applications/environments, use of high fines content manufactured fine
aggregate permits production of concrete having improved workability, having increased density
and/or having a lower water-to-cement ratio and, therefore, higher strength than concrete made with
fine aggregate meeting existing specifications. Data which demonstrate the beneficial effects of high
fines contents on the properties of concrete have been reported previously [7]. These results are
briefly presented herein. The gradings of several fine aggregates used in a laboratory study [8]
performed at Vulcan Materials Company (VMC) to permit evaluation of the suitability of the
aggregates for use in portland cement concrete are given in Table 2. The fine aggregates were
produced from a common product from a given source.


.
Table 2. Grading of manufactured sand products evaluated for unconfined
voids content, flow rate, and mortar cube compressive strength.

Grading Grading Grading Grading

No.3 No.4 No.5 No.6
3/8 100 100 100 100

4 99.9 99.9 99.9 99.9

8 90.8 90.5 90.2 89.9

16 52.8 51.2 49.7 48.1

30 31.7 29.4 27.2 24.9

50 22 19.4 16.9 14.2

100 16.5 13.7 11 8.1

200 12.2 9.3 6.4 3.4
FM 2.86 2.96 3.05 3.15

The relationship between void content and flow rate of each of the fine aggregates is depicted
in Figure 3. Pertinent test data obtained in the VMC study are tabulated in Table 3. These data
indicate that as the minus No. 200 content of the fine aggregate is increased, the void content is
reduced and the flow rate is increased.
The water required for a given degree of workability (slump) is directly related to the void space
in the aggregate. When the void space is high, the water requirement necessary for a given
workability will also be high, and the strength of the concrete after curing will be low unless
additional cement is utilized.
The void content of manufactured fine aggregate (when identically graded by weight) is
generally greater than that of natural sands. Exceptions to this will be found when the natural sand
contains a high proportion of highly angular or freshly crushed particles. These voids must be filled
(with water, cement, fly ash, stone fines, or other "fines") to provide concrete having desired
workability and strength.
In fresh concrete, the particle shape, angularity, and surface texture of the aggregate affect the
volume of cement paste that must be used first to fill the voids in the aggregate and then to provide
sufficient extra volume of cement paste to float the aggregate and provide the mass with enough
plasticity to achieve thorough mixing and dispersion of the ingredients [3].

0
 Table 3. Properties of mortar mixtures.

Measured Grading Grading Grading Grading

Property No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6
Water 407 410 411 411
Requirement (1)
(ml)
Unit Wt. 2.310 2.318 2.305 2.273
(g/cc)
Wic 0.547 0.554 0.554 0.545
Air (%) 1.3 0.8 1.3 2.7
Percent Voids (2) 46.7 47.1 47.5 48.2
Flow Rate 2 50.5 48.5 46.7 46.1
(sec)

. (1) Required for a constant flow of 104 percent.
(2) Test performed on the minus No. 8 fraction of each fine aggregate.

Figure 4 shows the relationship between void content of the fine aggregate as measured by
ASTM C 1252, Method C and the percentage of minus No. 200 fines contained in the fine aggregate.
As the amount of minus No. 200 is increased, the void content determined by Method C decreases.
The data plotted in Figure 5 indicate the relationship between the amount of minus No. 200 size
material in the fine aggregate and the water required to produce mortars having constant workability.
This relationship is for fine aggregate from a constant source having a given particle shape. These
data indicate that the water requirement is fairly constant over the range of minus No. 200 contents
included in the study. One might even conclude that the water requirement decreases at the higher
minus No. 200 contents due to the lubricating effect of the fines.

6. NCAT evaluation of particle shape and texture

Brown, et. al. [9] performed a study of ten fine aggregates with varying degrees of particle shape,
texture, and angularity as a study of the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT). Although
this study was performed to evaluate the suitability of fine aggregate for use in asphalt concrete
 51

. 50

349
a)
Cl)

48

LL 47

46

45
45 46 47 48 49 50
Void Content (%) (ASTM Cl 252, Method C)

Fig. 3. Relationship between void content and flow rate for one fine aggregate.

.
50

49
Grading
No.
48 6
a)
0
0
:2 47

3
46

45
2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Percent Minus No. 200 in Fine Aggregate

Fig. 4. Relationship between Minus No. 200 content of fine aggregate and void
content measured by ASTM C1252, Method C.
 mixtures, the data obtained are suitable for evaluating fine aggregates for use in portland cement
concrete. Five natural and five manufactured fine aggregates were included in the study. Pertinent
information for these fine aggregates is given in Table 4..
The study showed that the percent voids for fine aggregate in a standard grading (Method A)
ranged from 39.8 to 47.6 percent for a natural sand, and from 39.8 to 54.5 percent for the
manufactured fine aggregates. In general, the manufactured fine aggregates had a higher
uncompacted void content than did the natural sands.

7. NCSA Study

The National Crushed Stone Association (NCSA) conducted an extensive study of the effects of
variations in particle shape and grading of manufactured fine aggregates on the properties of freshly
mixed and hardened air-entrained portland cement concrete approximately 20 years ago. The results
of the study were reported by Nichols [10]. Pertinent information developed in the NCSA study is
presented herein that supports the position that "satisfactory air-entrained concrete can be produced
in the normal strength range with fine aggregate containing more fines (passing the No. 100 and No.
200 sieves) than allowed in typical specifications."
The gradings of the fine aggregates included in the NCSA study are summarized in Table 5.

.
.

E 412
0 6 5Grading
Li.. 410
Co
U)
C
0
0
0
406
Co
I-

Cr
404

402

400 L
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Percent Minus No. 200 in Fine Aggregate

Fig. 5. Relationship between Minus No. 200 content of fine aggregate and water
required to produce mortar having constant flow.

—38

Co

36
Q.
E
(I)
C
Co
.34
0
0

32

:3Q
47.1 49 50 51.1 53.4 55.2
Void Content of Fine Aggregate (%) (ASTM C1252, Method B)

Fig. 6. Relationship between shape of fine aggregate (as measured by uncompacted

void content, ASTM C1252, Method B) and amount of water required to produce
concrete having constant workability.
 Table 4. Information on fine aggregates included in NCAT study (Brown, et. al. Ref 9).

Sample FA Classification Origin Percent Percent Angle of

ID Type Voids Voids Internal
ASTM ASTM Friction
C1252 C1252 (Direct
Method A Method B (2) Shear) (3)
A N Coarse Natural South 47.6 50.5 37.7
Washed Sand Carolina
B N Coarse Natural Alabama 45.7 47.7 38.5
Washed Sand
C N Fine Natural Sand Alabama 44.3 47.3 39.1
D N Fine Natural Sand Alabama 41.4 47.0 39.4
E N Coarse Natural Louisiana 39.8 43.2 36.4
Washed Sand
F M Granite Georgia 48.8 53.1 44.2
G M Argillite Pennsylvania 54.5 55.1 43.0
H M Dolomitic Marble Alabama 47.6 51.3 43.5
I M Chert Texas 40.8 46.1 41.8
• J M Blast Furnace Slag Pennsylvania 39.8 44.3 43.4
" Standard Grading (No. 8 to No. 100)
(2) Average of voids in three separate size fractions (8 x 16; 16 x 30; 30 x 50)
(3) Equal amounts of material retained on the No. 16, No. 30, and No. 50 sieve sizes.

Table 5. Grading of fine aggregate included in the NCSA laboratory study.

Sieve Grading Grading Grading Natural

Size A B C Sand
No.4 100 100 100 100
No.8 92±4 93±3 94±3 90±1
No. 16 65±6 69±5 72±5 68±2
No. 30 35±3 41±4 45±4 47±5
No. 50 16±2 21±1 27±2 20±5
No. 100 6±2 11±1 16±1 3±1
No. 200 3±1.6 7±1.5 11±1 2±1

L
. Concrete mixtures were made with a No. 57 size coarse aggregate with 5 to 6 percent entrained air
and a slump of 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches. The mixtures were prepared using a fixed cement content of
395, 470, 588 and 705 lbs/yd3 . The amount of mixing water was varied to produce concrete having
the desired slump. Pertinent properties of concrete mixtures prepared for the NCSA laboratory study
are given in Table 6. The relationship between water required to produce concrete having constant
workability (slump) and cement content is depicted in Figure 6. The following conclusions were
drawn from the NCSA data:
1) The water requirement of a concrete mixture varies with the source of the fine aggregate, and
is affected by particle shape.
2) As the percentage of voids in individual size fractions (ASTM C1252, Method B) of the fine
aggregate increases, the water required to produce concrete having constant slump also increases.
3) When the particle shape of a manufactured fine aggregate (as measured by ASTM C1252,
Method B) is less than or equal to 51.1 percent, concrete mixtures prepared with the fine
aggregate and containing a high fines content (Grading C) require less water for concrete of
constant workability than do mixtures prepared with fine aggregate having a low fines content
(Grading A).
4) When the particle shape is less than or equal to 51.1 percent, the water required to produce
concrete of constant workability for concrete made with manufactured fine aggregate is equal
to or less than that required for concrete made with the natural sand used in the NCSA study.

Table 6. Pertinent properties of concrete mixtures prepared for NCSA laboratory study.

Cement Content Cement Content
395 lbs/ cu yd 470 lbs/cu yd
Water Water Water Water
Percent Voids Req'd Req'd Req'd Req'd
FA ASTM C1252 (gaL'yd3) (gal/yd3) (gaL'yd3) (gal/yd3)
Source Method B Grading A Grading C Grading A Grading C
1 49.0 31.3 30.4 31.6 30.5 -

2 50.0 32.2 31.3 32.2 32.2
3 51.1 32.2 31.8 32.2 32.2
4 53.4 35.6 35.6 34.4 35.6
5 55.2 37.0 37.9 37.8 37.8
6 47.1 31.3 31.0

0
• 8. Particle shape of sands in SHRP data base

At the Third Annual CAR Symposium last year, Gaynor of the National Aggregate Association
(NAA) presented information on the particle shape of many fine aggregates that were tested and
included in the SHRP database for asphalt concrete mixtures [ii]. The NAA/NRMCA laboratory
tested the fine aggregates recovered from field sections for uncompacted void content using the
ASTM C1252, Method A procedure. Gaynor reported that worked performed by others prior to
1970 demonstrated that the void content of fine aggregate is directly proportional to the concrete
mixing water required in a mixture for constant workability. He further cautioned that using the
terms "natural" and "crushed" in relation to available fine aggregates is simplistic and frequently
misleading, and that a test method is needed to permit quantification of particle shape and surface
texture. ASTM C1252, Method A was selected as an easy, yet reliable procedure. A sketch of the
equipment used in the ASTM procedure is shown in Figure 7. Gaynor reported that the single
laboratory precision (is) of the test method is 0.1 to 0.13 percent voids. This suggests a single lab
D2S of 0.9 percent voids.
Data showing the maximum, minimum, and average void content by state are given in Table 7.
These data are compared to average void data for concrete sands in Figure 8. These data suggest
that the particle shape of fine aggregates used in concrete by most states is more spherical (lower
average voids) than fine aggregate used in asphalt concrete mixtures.

9. Conclusions
The quality of natural fine aggregate varies from one location to another. Most natural fine
aggregates are rounded in shape, and may contain undesirable materials such as clay. Some natural
fine aggregates, however, are cubical in shape with particles having two or more fractured faces, and
these aggregates do not contain deleterious fractions. As a consequence, some natural sands perform
acceptably in portland cement concrete, while others do not perform. Several tests have been
developed through the years for quantifying the particle shape and texture of fine aggregates.
However, tests that can predict performance and set limits for particular fine aggregates are not
currently available.
Variations in particle shape, angularity, surface texture, and grading of the fine aggregate may
significantly affect the properties of portland cement concrete that are important to its behavior in
service. These aggregate characteristics influence the void space existing in the fine aggregate, and
affect the volume of cement paste that must be used to first fill the voids in the aggregate and then
provide sufficient paste to "float" the coarser aggregate particles, and thereby provide mixture
workability.
Fine aggregate characteristics (shape, texture, angularity, grading) significantly influence the
1) water requirement, 2) workability, 3) finishability, 4) bleeding, 5) segregation, 6) strength, and
7) durability properties of the concrete. Current specifications for fine aggregate may not define a
fine aggregate that is suitable for use in concrete. Some fine aggregates that comply with ASTM
C33 requirements produce concrete that is unworkable, harsh and difficult to finish, and prone to
bleeding and segregation. Other fine aggregates which do not meet present specifications produce
concrete with satisfactory plastic and hardened concrete characteristics.
 Specifications currently used for fine aggregate for portland cement concrete are overly
restrictive for many concrete applications and environmental exposure conditions. Increasing the
minus No. 200 content of manufactured fine aggregate (with high quality dust of fracture) to levels
in excess of 5 percent (up to and even exceeding 10 percent) will have a beneficial affect on portland
cement concrete. Use of "high fines" fine aggregate in concrete will produce concrete having
improved workability, finishability, strength, and durability properties. The resulting concrete will
be more economical and/or superior to concrete made with currently specified fine aggregate.
When a fine aggregate grading suitable for relatively spherical particles is employed for a
grading containing highly non-spherical particles, the performance of the resulting concrete may be
expected to be less satisfactory than if a more appropriate grading had been employed. Concrete
should be designed to have a minimum amount of void space in the aggregate combination in order
to reduce the water requirement, minimize concrete shrinkage, and provide maximum flexural and
compressive strength for a given cement content.
Particle shape of the fine aggregate does influence the void space in the aggregate. As the
particles become more non-spherical, the void space increases. However, the potentially adverse
consequences of crushed particles (vs. rounded particles) can be controlled and "offset" by increasing
the fines (minus No. 200) content in the fine aggregate. The fines fill the voids and "lubricate" the
coarser aggregate particles in the mixture without the need for additional water or cement, resulting
in an economical concrete mixture.

0
 Table 7. Comparison of void content by State.
Item State No. No. Avg. Void Content Range
Samples Tests Voids Max Mm
MS 52 33 40.4 45.0 38.3 6.8
KS 35 32 41.2 44.1 39.4 4.6
MN 39 29 41.3 43.6 39.8 3.8
MO 38 27 42.2 45.4 39.1 6.3
OK 42 36 42.4 46.1 40.1 5.9
TX 120 69 42.5 48.1 38.7 9.4
FL 38 35 42.5 45.2 39.3 5.9
AZ 48 48 43.2 46.5 40.5 6.1
AL 47 29 43.9 48.9 40.3 8.6
NM 34 32 43.9 46.0 38.2 7.8
TN 70 58 44.1 46.8 41.3 5.5
PS 56 28 44.2 47.0 41.0 6.0
ID 20 20 44.7 50.4 42.7 7.7
NC 66 50 46.3 49.0 41.9 7.1
GA 42 39 46.8 51.0 43.4 7.6
AR 10 4 43.9 44.6 43.4 1.2
CT 6 2 44.2 44.4 44.1 0.3
DC 12 7 43.9 45.1 42.7 2.3
DE 2 1 43.6 43.6 43.6 0.0
IA 16 9 41.5 42.2 39.9 2.3
IL 20 16 41.4 43.6 37.1 6.5
IN 28 14 40.0 42.5 37.4 5.2
KY 17 9 44.3 47.2 42.3 4.8
MA 12 6 45.8 47.0 44.6 2.3
MB 17 13 41.8 43.2 41.0 2.2
. MD 16 8 44.1 46.0 43.3 2.6
ME 28 15 45.0 46.7 43.2 3.5
MI 24 14 40.0 41.9 38.5 3.4
MT 2 2 43.9 44.0 43.7 0.3
NB 18 12 43.9 45.4 42.2 3.3
ND 2 2 40.0 40.1 39.8 0.3
NE 18 10 42.7 45.8 38.2 7.6
NF 8 4 44.6 46.4 43.3 3.0
NH 4 2 43.5 43.5 43.5 0.0
NJ 32 16 44.5 47.8 41.3 6.5
NS 4 2 43.4 43.4 43.3 0.1
NV 6 6 43.7 44.7 42.2 2.5
NY 14 5 45.3 46.4 43.4 2.9
OH 12 7 43.4 46.0 41.0 5.0
ON 28 18 41.9 45.1 39.9 5.2
PE 12 7 44.7 45.5 44.0 1.5
PQ 16 11 43.3 45.2 42.7 2.6
PR 8 8 43.7 44.3 42.7 1.6
SC 8 7 45.1 47.7 42.3 5.4
SD 17 11 40.9 43.2 39.0 4.2
SK 18 12 41.3 42.1 40.6 1.5
UT 18 16 44.1 46.0 46.0 0.0
VA 34 17 45.4 46.9 43.6 3.2
VT 16 4 43.3 43.7 43.1 0.6
WI 2 0
WV 8 2 40.36 40.4 40.3 0.1
No. 51 51 50
Total 1260 864
Max. 46.78 51.0 46.0 9.4
Mm. 39.95 40.1 37.1 0.0
 no Quart (Liter)

S / Mason Jar
/ Pycnometer
(Remove bottom
of glass jar)

Mm. 38 mm
60±4

2.7±0.6 mm cfIa
115±2mm
Pan to Retain
Fine Aggregate
// [Nominal 100 mL Measure
Particles

Fig. 7. Section through center of funnel stand apparatus with cylindrical measure for determining
uncompacted void content of fme aggregate (ASTM C1252). (Ref. 5)

100
90

Cl)
70

(I)
60
050

I::
20

10

0
36 40 44 48 52
Avg. Void Content (%) (ASTM C1252, Method A)

. Fig. 8. Distribution of average void content of concrete fine aggregates

and asphalt concrete fine aggregates in the United States. (Ref. 11)


10. References
1. Mather, B. "Shape, Surface Texture, and Coatings." ASTM Special Technical Publication
No. 169-A, pp. 415-43 1. Philadelphia, PA, 1966.
2. Bern, Richard. "Cubical Aggregates," Information Magazine for customers of the Crushing
and Screening Division. Allis Mineral Systems, No. 1, 1994, 10 pgs.
3. Ozol, M.A., "Chapter 35 - Shape, Surface Texture, Surface Area, and Coatings" ASTM
Special Technical Publication No. 169-B, pp. 584-625. Philadelphia, PA, 1978.
4. Neville, A. M., Properties of Concrete, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1963.
5. ASTM, "1994 Annual Book of ASTM Standards," Volume 04.02 Concrete and Aggregates,
pp. 643-647, Philadelphia, PA, 1994.
6. Powers, T. C., The Properties of Fresh Concrete, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY 1968.
7. Marek, Charles R., "Realistic Specifications for Manufactured Sand," ASCE Proceedings of
the Materials Engineering Congress, pp. 245-260, Atlanta, GA, August 10-12, 1992.
8. Marek, C. R., "Evaluation of Special Concrete Sand for Use in Portland Cement Concrete,"
Vulcan Materials Company R&D Report, 108 pps., December, 1982
9. Brown, E. R., Kandhal, P.S., and Winford, J. W., Jr., "Evaluation of Fine Aggregate Particle
Shape and Texture," ASCE Proceedings of the Materials Engineering Congress, pp. 216-230,
Atlanta, GA, August 10-12, 1992.
10. Nichols, F. P., Jr., "Manufactured Sand and Crushed Stone in Portland Cement Concrete,"
AC! Concrete International, August, 1982.
• 11. Gaynor, R., "SFIRP Database for Asphalt and Concrete Sands," Presentation made at Third
Annual CAR Symposium, Center for Aggregate Research, College Station, Texas, March
2-5, 1994.