Classification of Aggregates

The variability in density can be used to produce concrete of widely different unit
weights, see Table (1). The most common classification of aggregates on the basis of
bulk specific gravity is lightweight, normal-weight, and heavyweight aggregates. This
section specifically address the different characteristics found in both lightweight and
heavyweight aggregates.
Table (1), Density Classification of Concrete Aggregates, Mindess
Category

Unit Weight of Dryrodded Aggregate

(kg/m3)

Unit Weight
of Concrete
(kg/m3)

Typical
Concrete
Strengths
(MPa)

Ultra lightweight

300-1100
1100-1600
1450-1900

<7
7-14
17-35

Nonstructural

Lightweight

<500
500-800
650-1100

Structural
Lightweight

1100-1750
>2100

2100-2550
2900-6100

20-40
20-40

Masonry units
Structural

Typical
Applications

insulating material

Normal weight

Structural

Heavyweight

Radiation shielding

Lightweight aggregates:
As mentioned in the body of this paper, lightweight concrete contains aggregate that is
natural or synthetic which weighs less than 1100 kg/m3. The lightweight is due to the
cellular or high internal porous microstructure, which gives this type of aggregate a
low bulk specific gravity. The most important aspect of lightweight aggregate is the
porosity. They have high absorption values, which requires a modified approach to
concrete proportioning. For instance, slump loss in lightweight concrete due to
absorption can be an acute problem, which can be alleviated by prewetting (but not
saturating) the aggregate before batching.
Lightweight aggregates are covered in ASTM C330 (for structural concrete), C331
(for masonry units), and C332 (for insulating concrete). Additionally, these
specifications all contain the requirement that aggregates should be composed of
predominately lightweight-cellular and granular inorganic material. Expanded clay,
shale and slate are the most common materials found in lightweight aggregate used in

structural concrete. Properties of concretes made with lightweight aggregate are listed
in Table (2).
Table (2) Properties of concretes made with lightweight aggregate, Mindess
Aggregate
Dry Unit
Weight
(kg/m3)

Origina

Concrete
Unit Weight
(kg/m3)

28-Day
Compressive
Strength
(MPa)

Absorption
(Wt %)

Expanded shale,
Clay, slate

550-1050

PN

Foamed slag

650-900
600-1000
65-200
65-250

S
S

110-1850
110-1850
1350-1900
400-950
550-800
800-1300
1200
300-900
1750-1900
2250-2400

14-42
14-42
14-42
0.67-3
0.6-3.5
4-5
9
0.7-12.5
7.7-21
21-50

5-15
5-25
14-24
20-35
10-50
5-10
19-36
0.5-2.0

Aggregate

Sintered fly ash

Exfoliated

Vermiculite
Expanded perlite

PN
PN

250-500
30-150

N
S
S

Pumice
750
Expanded glass

S
N

1450-1750

Expanded
polystrene beads
Brick rubble
Crushed stoneb
a PN,

processed natural material; N, natural material; S, synthetic material

b Natural aggregate listed for comparison

Heavyweight aggregates:
Heavyweight concrete contains aggregates that are natural or synthetic which
typically weigh more than 2,080 kg/m3 and can range up to 4,485 kg/m3. Heavy
weight aggregate is most commonly used for radiation shielding, counterweights and
other applications where a high mass-to-volume ratio is desired. ASTM C637 covers
aggregates used for radiation shielding and Table (3) contains the physical properties
of heavy weight aggregates.

Table (3), Properties of heavy weight aggregates, Mindess

Material

Classificationa

Bulk Specific
Gravity

Unit Weight
(kg/m3)

Unit Weight of
Concrete (kg/m3)

N
N
N
N
N
N
S
S

3.5-3.7
3.4-4.0
4.0-4.6
4.3-4.8
4.2-5.2
4.9-5.3
5.8-6.8
6.2-7.8

2100-2250
2100-2400
2300-2550
2550-2700
2400-3050
2900-3200
3200-4150
3700-4650

2900-3200
2900-3350
3350-3700
3500-3700
3350-4150
3850-4150
4100-5150
4650-6100

Goethite
Limonite
Barite
Illmenite
Magnetite
Hematite
Ferrophosphorus
Steel
a

N, natural material; S, synthetic material