CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. What is the difference between a natural aggregate and a manufactured aggregate?

- Natural aggregate consists of manufactured crushed stone and sand created by crushing
bedrock, or naturally occurring unconsolidated sand and gravel. It is taken from Natural deposits
without change in their nature during production with the exception of crushing, sizing, and
washing. On the Other Hand, Manufactured Aggregates are aggregates of mineral origin
resulting from an industrial process involving thermal and other modifications. These aggregates
are products of Manufacturing Industries. These two aggregates are classified depending on
the process they undergo.
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2. Aggregates may be classified as fine aggregate or coarse aggregate; explain the difference.
-  Fine aggregates generally consist of natural sand or crushed stone with most particles passing
through a 3/8-inch sieve. Coarse aggregates are any particles greater than 0.19 inch, but
generally range between 3/8 and 1.5 inches in diameter. These two are being filtered in an
equipment called Sieve with different sizes of diameters, and these aggregates are filtered from a
big diameter sieve down to the smallest diameter sieve.

3. Explain how aggregates are processed for use as a Portland cement concrete or as a bituminous
concrete ingredient.
- After harvesting, aggregate is processed:  crushed, screened, and washed to obtain proper
cleanliness and gradation. If necessary, a benefaction process such as jigging or heavy media
separation can be used to upgrade the quality. Once processed, the aggregates are handled and
stored to minimize segregation and degradation and prevent contamination.

4. . How does particle shape affect the use of aggregate in base-course materials? In Portland cement
concrete? In bituminous concrete?
- The shape and texture of aggregate affects the properties of fresh concrete more than hardened
concrete. Concrete is more workable when smooth and rounded aggregate is used instead of
rough angular or elongated aggregate. Most natural sands and gravel from riverbeds or
seashores are smooth and rounded and are excellent aggregates. Crushed stone produces
much more angular and elongated aggregates, which have a higher surface-to-volume ratio,
better bond characteristics but require more cement paste to produce a workable mixture.

5. Why is gradation important in Portland cement concrete?

- The grading or size distribution of aggregate is an important characteristic because it
determines the paste requirement for workable concrete. ... The more these voids are filled, the
less workable the concrete becomes, therefore, a compromise between workability and
economy is necessary.88