CH 3

Ch3: Aggregates

Ch3: Aggregates Part 1

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Ch3: Aggregates

Aggregates
Since approximately three-quarters of the volume of
concrete is occupied by aggregate,
Not only may the aggregate limit the strength of concrete
but the aggregate properties greatly affect the durability and
structural performance of concrete.

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Ch3: Aggregates

Why use aggregate

Reduce the cost of the concrete (1/4 - 1/8 of the cement
price)
Reduce thermal cracking (100 kg of OPC produces about
12 oC temperature rise)
Reduces shrinkage (10% reduction in aggregate volume can
double shrinkage)
Imparts unit weight to concrete

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

Aggregates can be classified as to :

1. Size:
a) Fine aggregate: Aggregate smaller than (5 or 4.75 mm) in
diameter is classified as fine aggregate or sand.
b) Coarse aggregate: Aggregate larger than (5 or 4.75mm) in
diameter is classified as coarse aggregate.

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

2. Source:
a) Natural aggregate:
The natural sands and gravels are the product of weathering
and the action of running water,

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

2. Source:
b) Artificial aggregate:
are usually produced for some special purposes,
for example: burned expanded clay aggregate for making
lightweight concrete.
Some artificial aggregates are a by-product of industrial
process

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

3- Unit weight:
a) Normal weight aggregate:
It is usually the natural aggregate for which the unit weight
is between (1500 to1800) kg/m3.

Normal weight aggregate Lightweight aggregate (Pumic)

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

b) Lightweight aggregate: It can be artificial or natural.

The artificial lightweight aggregates are produced as both
coarse and fine materials.
They have a lower density due to increase in porosity which
results in an overall lowering of the concrete strength
ceiling.
Lightweight aggregates are not as dense as normal weight
aggregates ( unit weight less than 1000 kg/m3) and because
their elastic modulus is lower, produce concrete with a
lower elastic modulus and a higher creep and shrinkage.
Lightweight aggregates can be of natural sources such as
Pumice ( a volcanic rock).
Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

c) Heavyweight aggregate:

Where concrete of a high density is required, in radiation shielding

for example, heavyweight aggregates can be used.
The unit weight can be larger than 1800 kg/m3.
Concrete densities of 3500-4500 kg/m3 are obtained by using
Barytes (a barium sulphate ore).
Even greater concrete densities are obtained using iron or lead
shot - around 7000 kg/m3.

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

4. Particle Shape:
The particle shape is important in that it affects the
workability of the plastic concrete.
The more rounded an aggregate the lower the inter particle
friction, the smaller the surface/unit volume and therefore
less water is required for a given workability.
Therefore, a potentially higher strength is possible.

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

Cont.
Crushed aggregates can be used to produce higher strength
concrete ( greater than about 80 N/mm2 )
as a greater bond strength can be achieved between the
aggregate and the paste due to the rough angular texture of
the aggregate surface.
Natural gravels and sands tend to have a more rounded
shape.

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

Cont.
whereas crushes rock aggregates tend to be more angular in
shape.
Flat particles in concrete will have objectionable influence
on the workability of concrete, cement requirement,
strength and durability.
Aggregates can be classified as to shape into:

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

Note: Rounded, Irregular and Angular particles are more suitable for
concrete mixes.
Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

5. Surface Texture

Smother particles tend to produce a more workable

concrete.
The bond strength is, however likely to be higher with
rough textured materials.
The particles can be Glassy, smooth, granular, rough and
crystalline.

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

Ideal aggregates:

spherical or cubical
round shape, fine porous surface
reduced particle interaction (friction)
results in good workability and good surface area for
bonding
natural sands are good examples of this

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

Non Ideal aggregates:

Angular
Elongated
flaky or rough
high particle interaction
requires more cement paste to achieve workability
results in increased cost

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

CH 3

Aggregates- Classification of aggregates

Rounded: Good workability, low water demand, poor bond.

Irregular: Fair workability, low water demand.

Angular: Increased water demand, good bond.
Elongated : May lack cohesion and require increased fines.
Flaky: Aggregate stacks give workability problems

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

Thank You

Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

21 February 2016

Duhok Polytechnic University

QUESTIONS
AND
COMMENTS
Lecturer.Lawend Kamal Askar

2/21/2016