INTRODUCTION

The Importance of Gravel and Sand in Concrete
Sand and gravel in concrete serve several purposes. Because they act as a filler, they
also add more volume to the concrete. More volume means less air and a stronger
product. The size of the gravel also helps to determine the concrete's strength.
Aggregates make up some 60 -80% of the concrete mix. They provide compressive strength
and bulk to concrete. Aggregates in any particular mix of concrete are selected for their
durability, strength, workability and ability to receive finishes.
Aggregates play a major role in holding the concrete together and adding to the durability of the
finished product. Using the right aggregates is important when it comes to the performance of
the concrete – they make up between 60% and 80% of concrete, after all. The main types
of aggregate are sand and gravel
i) Flakiness Index is the percentage by weight of particles in it, whose least dimension (i.e.
thickness) is less than three-fifths of its mean dimension.
(ii) Elongation Index is the percentage by weight of particles in it, whose largest dimension (i.e.
length) is greater than one and four-fifths times its mean dimension.
Weatherability is the ability of a material or structure to withstand, resist or endure harsh
atmospheric weather conditions, such as extremely hot or cold temperatures, humidity, salt air
or similar corrosive conditions
Affinity is the tendency of a chemical species such as an atom or molecule to react with
another to form a chemical compound. 

The shape of your chosen aggregates will have a significant effect on the workability of your

concrete. ... The different shapes of aggregates are: Rounded –
Natural aggregates smoothed by weathering, erosion and attrition. Rocks, stone, sand and
gravel found in riverbeds are your most common rounded aggregate
ANGULAR VS ROUNDED
The angular aggregates consist well defined edges formed at the intersection of roughly planar
surfaces and these are obtained by crushing the rocks. Angular aggregates result maximum
percentage of voids (38-45%) hence gives less workability.
Moisture content is, simply, how much water is in a product. It influences the physical
properties of a substance, including weight, density, viscosity, conductivity, and others. It is
generally determined by weight loss upon drying. There are many methods for determination
of moisture content

SPECIFIC GRAVITY the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a standard, usually
water for a liquid or solid, and air for a gas.

Specific gravity is the ratio of the mass of soil solids to the mass of an equal volume of
water. ... It gives an idea about suitability of the soil as a construction material; higher value
of specific gravity gives more strength for roads and foundations.
Bulk specific gravity is the ratio of the oven-dry weight of the aggregate to the bulk volume of
the aggregate particles.
True specific gravity is the ratio of unit weight of soil solids to that of water. But apparent
specific gravity is the ratio of unit weight of total soil mass to that of water.