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Aggregate

Sources and Testing

Aggregate

Important element in concrete

60 -75 % volume

Used as filler

Reduce drying shrinkage

Relatively cheap constituent

Types of Aggregate

3 basic types

Normal : naturally occurring gravels rocks
and sand

Lightweight

High density

Petrology classified geology
 Doesnt say if suitable for concrete

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Principal types in UK

Basalt, Granite, Porphyry BS882, BS1201

Used in all concretes

High strength

Abrasion resistant

Resistant to skidding

Principal Types in UK

Limestone BS882, BS1201

Select carefully varies in quality

Poor resistance to skidding

Reacts with acids

Flint

Gravel pits, sea dredging

Suitable for all concretes except High Strength

Aggregate Production

Quarrying and crushing

Extraction from gravel pits

Sea dredging

Coarse Aggregate - > 5mm square mesh

Fine Aggregate smaller 600m to 150m

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Moisture Content in Aggregate

Important influence on workability

Important influence on final quality of
concrete

4 conditions m/c can be considered

Bone Dry absorbs moisture affects workability and
hydration

Air Dry surface dry absorbs moisture ditto

Saturated and Surface dry adds water, mix wet, reduced
strength

Moist adds water, mix wet, reduces strength

In Practice aggregates saturated / surface dry or moist

Designing Concrete Mix

Water / Cement ratio important 0.4 0.6

Determine how much of each constituent
needed to obtain characteristic strength

Characteristic Strength withstand load
applied

Design concrete to withstand live and dead
loads

200 cars 3 people / car, safety factor 20

Coarse v Fine Aggregate

Fine aggregate passing 600m sieve

More effect of characteristics of concrete

Fine aggregate = sand

Stored on site outside damp

Adjust quantity of water needed by that in
sand

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Testing Moisture Content

Laboratory Test

Slow weigh out sample

Dry sample in oven

Weigh sample 1 week later

On Site Speedy Moisture Test

Engineer measures moisture content in
minutes