aggregates

Aggregate Sources
Natural Aggregate
• Sand and Gravel Mine (Pit):
Aggregates that come from
unconsolidated sand and

AGGREGATES gravel deposits. Typically

deposited by streams
(alluvium) or glaciers.
• Quarry: Aggregates that
CE 333- CONSTRUCTION come from bedrock deposits.
Bedrock, which is
MATERIALS AND TESTING consolidated rock includes:
granite, basalt, quartzite,
gabbro, etc.
Contrived Aggregate
• Recycle: Products that include
crushed concrete, bituminous,
or demolition debris and in
some instances taconite
tailings.

• The term “aggregates” METHODS OF

generally refers to mineral
particles which have rock as EXTRACTION AND
their origin unless otherwise PROCESSING
specified. •Underwater Sources
• Aggregate: the inert filler
1.Dragline Excavation
materials, such as sand or
gravel, used in making 2.Dredging
concrete •Land Sources
• Aggregates make up 60-75%
of total volume of concrete 1.Track Drills
(normal/ordinary concrete) 2.Blasting Bedrock
90% of asphalt pavements .
3.Crushers and Screens
• Sand, gravel, boulders, stones
or rock that can be crushed
into particles.
• By- product or waste material
from industrial process or
mining operation.

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Rounded Aggregate
The rounded aggregates are completely
Classification of Aggregates
shaped by attrition and available in the
Based on Shape
form of seashore gravel. Rounded
Rounded aggregates aggregates result the minimum percentage
Irregular or partly rounded of voids (32 – 33%) hence gives more
aggregates workability. They require lesser amount of
water-cement ratio. They are not
Angular aggregates considered for high strength concrete
Flaky aggregates because of poor interlocking behavior and
Elongated aggregates weak bond strength.
Flaky and elongated aggregates
Irregular Aggregates
The irregular or partly rounded aggregates are
partly shaped by attrition and these are
available in the form of pit sands and gravel.
Irregular aggregates may result 35- 37% of
voids. These will give lesser workability when
compared to rounded aggregates. The bond
strength is slightly higher than rounded
aggregates but not as required for high
strength concrete.
Angular Aggregates
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. They give 10-20% more
compressive strength due to development
of stronger aggregate-mortar bond. So,
these are useful in high strength concrete
manufacturing.
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aggregates
Elongated Aggregates Flaky Aggregates
When the length of aggregate is When the aggregate thickness is
larger than the other two small when compared with width
dimensions then it is called and length of that aggregate it is
elongated aggregate or the said to be flaky aggregate. Or in
length of aggregate is greater the other, when the least
than 180% of its mean dimension of aggregate is less
dimension. than the 60% of its mean
dimension then it is said to be
flaky aggregate.
Classification of Aggregates Based on Size
Aggregates are available in nature in different sizes. The size of
aggregate used may be related to the mix proportions, type of work etc.
the size distribution of aggregates is called grading of aggregates.
Following are the classification of aggregates based on size:
FINE AGGREGATES AND COARSE AGGREGATES
FINE AGGREGATES
• Sand and/or
crushed stone
• < 5 mm (0.2 in.)
• F.A. content usually
35% to 45% by
mass or volume of
total aggregate
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 aggregates

COARSE AGGREGATES Rock and Mineral Constituents in Aggregates

• Gravel and 1. Minerals 2. Igneous rocks 3. Sedimentary rocks
crushed stone •Silica • Granite • Conglomerate
– Quartz, Opal • Sandstone
•  5 mm (0.2 in.)
• Syenite
•Silicates • Diorite • Claystone, siltstone,
– Feldspar, Clay • Gabbro argillite, and shale
• typically between •Carbonate • Peridotite • Carbonates
9.5 and 37.5 mm – Calcite, Dolomite • Pegmatite • Chert
•Sulfate
(3/8 and 1½ in.) – Gypsum, Anhydrite
• Volcanic glass
4. Metamorphic rocks
• Felsite
•Iron sulfide  Marble Schist
• Basalt
– Pyrite, Marcasite  Amphibolite Metaquartzite
•Iron oxide  Hornfels Gneiss
– Magnetite, Hematite  Slate Phyllite
 Serpentinite

Rock and Mineral Constituents in Aggregate Property Test to be conducted

Aggregates Crushing Strength Test

ASTM C 39 (AASHTO T 22), ASTM C 78
Strength
(AASHTO T 97)

1. Minerals Abrasion Test ASTM C 131 (AASHTO T 96),

Hardness ASTM C 535, ASTM C 779

2. Igneous rocks
Impact Value Impact Test ASTM D5874-16

3. Metamorphic rocks Resistance against weathering

Soundness Test ASTM C88-13

4. Sedimentary rocks Shape of aggregate

Shape Test ASTM C 295, ASTM D 3398

Bitumen Adhesion Test ASTM D5100 -

Bitumen Adhesion
95a(2010)e1

Specific Gravity Test ASTM C 127 (AASHTO T

85)—fine aggregate ASTM C 128 (AASHTO T
Specific Gravity/ Relative Density
84)—coarse aggregate

Water Absorption Test ASTM C 70, ASTM C 127

(AASHTO T 85), ASTM C 128 (AASHTO T 84),
Water Absorption
ASTM C 566 (AASHTO T 255)

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 aggregates

Crushing Strength Test Shape test on Aggregates

on Aggregates Shape of aggregate is also important
consideration for the construction of
Aggregate crushing value
pavement. Aggregate should not
gives the Crushing contain flaky and elongated particles in
strength of aggregate up to it. If they contain this type of particles,
which it can bear the load they will affect the stability of mix.
without fail.

Bitumen Adhesion test on Aggregates

Abrasion Test on Aggregates Bitumen adhesion test will give the
Hardness property of aggregate stripping of bitumen from the aggregate. In
is determined by conducting case of bitumen pavement, the bitumen
abrasion test. Los Angeles should be in pure contact with aggregate.
To attain this aggregate should be clean
abrasion testing machine is
and dry. To determine the stripping value
used to conduct this test. of bitumen static immersion test is
conducted on aggregates.

Impact Test on
Specific gravity test on Aggregates
Aggregates Specific gravity of an aggregate is the ratio of
Impact value of its mass to that of an equal volume of distilled
aggregate will give water at specific temperature. The specific
aggregate capability gravity of aggregate is of two types. Bulk
against sudden loads specific gravity, in which total volume of
aggregates along with their void space is
or forces. considered. Apparent specific gravity, in which
the volume of aggregates without considering
void spaces is taken into account.
Soundness Test on Aggregates
Bulk specific gravity G = {dry weight of
To determine the weathering
aggregate/total volume of aggregate}/
resistance of aggregate soundness
density of water
test is conducted. If the resistance
Apparent specific gravity G= {dry weight of
against weathering is good for
aggregate/volume of aggregate without
aggregate, then it will have high
void space}/ density of water
durability.

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 aggregates

Water absorption test on Aggregates Fine-Aggregate Grading Limits

This test helps to determine the water absorption value of
aggregate.
Sieve size Percent passing by mass
9.5 mm (3/8 in.) 100
4.75 mm (No. 4) 95 to 100
2.36 mm (No. 8) 80 to 100
1.18 mm (No. 16) 50 to 85
600 µm (No. 30) 25 to 60
300 µm (No. 50) 5 to 30 (AASHTO 10 to 30)
150 µm (No. 100) 0 to 10 (AASHTO 2 to 10)

Grading of Aggregate Coarse Aggregate Grading

―Grading is the particle-size distribution
of an aggregate as determined by a
Size No. 57
sieve analysis using wire mesh sieves 25 to 4.75 mm [1 in. to No. 4]
with square openings.
Percent passing
Sieve size
ASTM C 33 by mass
37.5 mm (1½ in.) 100
Fine aggregate―7 standard sieves with 25.0 mm (1 in.) 95 to 100
openings from 150 μm to 9.5 mm
(No. 100 to 3/8 in.) 12.5 mm (½ in.) 25 to 60
Coarse aggregate―13 sieves with 4.75 mm (No. 4) 0 to 10
openings from 1.18 mm to 100 mm
(0.046 in. to 4 in.) 2.36 mm (No. 8) 0 to 5

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 aggregates

Calculation of fineness modulus of Sand

Fineness Modulus (FM) Dry weight of sample = 1000gm

. Cumulative
Cumulative
Weight percentage
Sieve size weight
retained (g) weight
• Obtained by adding the sum of the retained(g)
Retained (%)
cumulative percentages by mass of a
4.75mm 0 0 0
sample aggregate retained on each
of a specified series of sieves and 2.36mm 100 100 10
dividing the sum by 100. 1.18mm 250 350 35
• The specified sieves are: 150 µm 0.6mm 350 700 70
(No. 100), 300 µm (No. 50), 600 µm
0.3mm 200 900 90
(No. 30), 1.18 mm (No. 16), 2.36 mm
(No. 8), 4.75 mm (No. 4), 9.5 mm 0.15mm 100 1000 100
(3/8 in.), 19.0 mm (3/4 in.), 37.5 mm Total 275
(1½ in.), 75 mm (3 in.), and 150 mm
(6 in.). Therefore, fineness modulus of aggregate = (cumulative
% retained) / 100 = (275/100) = 2.75

Sieve Analysis and FM of Sand Testing of Sand Quality

at Construction Site
1.Organic impurities test – this test is
Percentage of Percentage Cumulative conducted at the field, for every 20
individual fraction passing, percentage re- cum or part thereof.
Sieve size retained, by mass by mass tained, by mass 2.Silt content test – this is also a field
test and to be conducted for every
9.5 mm (3/8 in.) 0 100 0 20 cum.
4.75 mm (No. 4) 2 98 2 3.Particle size distribution – this test
2.36 mm (No. 8) 13 85 15 can be conducted at site or in
laboratory for every 40 cum of sand.
1.18 mm (No. 16) 20 65 35 4.Bulking of sand – this test is
600 µm (No. 30) 20 45 55 conducted at site for every 20 cum
of sand. Based on bulking of sand,
300 µm (No. 50) 24 21 79
suitable water cement ratio is
150 µm (No. 100) 18 3 97 calculated for concrete at site.
Pan 3 0 —
Total 100 283

Fineness modulus = 283 ÷ 100 = 2.83

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 aggregates

1. Test for Silt Content Test of Sand

The maximum quantity of silt in sand shall
not exceed 8%. Fine aggregate containing
more than allowable percentage of silt shall
be washed so as to bring the silt content
within allowable limits.
2. Test for Grading of sand
On the basis of particle size, fine
aggregate is graded into four zones.
Where the grading falls outside the limits of
any particular grading zone of sieves, other
4. Test for Bulking of sand
Fine aggregate, when dry or saturated, has
almost the same volume but dampness
causes increase in volume. In case fine
aggregate is damp at the time of
proportioning the ingredients for mortar or
concrete, its quantity shall be increased
suitably to allow for bulkage.
Table below gives the relation Bulking percentage (by
Moisture content (%)
between moisture content and volume)

than 600 micron IS sieve, by a total percentage of bulking for guidance 2 15

amount not exceeding 5 percent, it shall be only. 3 20

regarded as falling within that grading
4 25
zone.
5 30

3. Test for Deleterious materials in sand

Sand shall not contain any harmful
impurities such as iron, pyrites, alaklies,
salts, coal or other organic impurities,
mica, shale or similar laminated materials,
soft fragments, sea shale in such form or in
such quantities as to affect adversely the
hardening, strength or durability of the
mortar.
The maximum quantities of clay, fine silt,
fine dust and organic impurities in the sand
/ marble dust shall not exceed the following
limits:
(a) Clay, fine silt and fine dust when
determined in accordance within not more
than 5% by mass in IS 2386 (Part-II),
natural sand or crushed gravel sand and
crushed stone sand.
(b) Organic impurities when determined in
colour of the liquid shall be lighter in lighter
in accordance with IS 2386 (Part –II) than
that specified in the code.

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