Department of Civil Engineering 2020-21

Aggregate
In the construction industry, aggregate are used as filler material in the production
of concrete and mortar. Aggregate occupy around 70% to 80% of the volume of the
concrete, reduce shrinkage effects and minimize costs. The coarse aggregate form the
main matrix of concrete and the fine aggregates form the filler matrix between the
coarse aggregate.

Classification of Aggregate:
A. Based on Geological Origin:
On the basis of origin, aggregates can be classified into natural aggregates and artificial
aggregates.

Natural Aggregate:
The aggregates which are obtained crushing igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic
rocks are called natural aggregates. Aggregates obtained from igneous rocks have the
best engineering properties and hence they are most widely used aggregates.

Artificial Aggregate:
The aggregates which are obtained from manmade processes are called as artificial
aggregates. Surkhi, Blast furnace slag aggregate and synthetic aggregates are some kind
of examples of artificial aggregates.

Department of Collegiate & Technical Education Bengaluru 1

 Department of Civil Engineering 2020-21

B. Based on Size:
According to size, aggregates can be classified as coarse aggregates and fine aggregates.

Coarse Aggregate:

The aggregates which pass through the 80 mm sieve and are retained on the 4.75 mm
sieve are called as coarse aggregates.

The size of the aggregate bigger than 4.75 mm is considered as the coarse aggregate
i.e. basically, all other aggregates which are retained on 4.75mm IS sieve while sieve
analysis is performed. According to sources of coarse aggregates, it can be further
classified as:

(a) Uncrushed Gravel or Stone:

It results from natural disintegration of rock.

(b) Crushed Gravel Stone:

It results from the crushing of gravel or hard stone.

Perhaps, 80 mm size is the maximum size that could be conveniently used for
concrete making. Usually, the 20 mm size of aggregates is generally considered
satisfactory for reinforced concrete work.

Department of Collegiate & Technical Education Bengaluru 2

 Department of Civil Engineering 2020-21

Fine Aggregate:

All the aggregates which pass through the 4.75 mm sieve are called as fine aggregates.

Basically during sieve analysis, if the aggregates pass through 4.75mm IS sieve than
those types of aggregates falls into fine aggregates category. It means Fine
aggregates have a particle size less than 4.75mm. According to sources, fine
aggregates can be further classified as

(a) Natural Sand:

It is the fine aggregate resulting from the natural disintegration of rock. It is
deposited by streams or glacial agencies.

(b) Crushed Gravel Sand:

It is the fine aggregate which is produced by crushing hard gravel.

(c) Crushed Stone Sand:

It is the fine aggregate which is produced by crushing natural stone.

Department of Collegiate & Technical Education Bengaluru 3

 Department of Civil Engineering 2020-21

C. Based on Shape:
Based on the shape of the aggregates, they are classified as rounded, irregular, angular
and flaky.

Rounded Aggregate:
The aggregates which are obtained from river or sea shores are generally close to
spherical in shape and are called as rounded aggregates. These aggregates have
minimum surface area to the volume and have poor interlocking bond, making them
unsuitable for the production of concrete.

Irregular Aggregate:
Theses aggregates are irregular in shape and require more cement paste compared to
rounded aggregates. Because of the irregularity in shape, these aggregates form good
interlocking bond and are suitable in the production of concrete.

Department of Collegiate & Technical Education Bengaluru 4

 Department of Civil Engineering 2020-21

Angular Aggregate:
These aggregates are sharp and they have angular shape and rough texture. Those
aggregates are best suited for the preparation of high strength concrete.

Flaky Aggregates:

The aggregates whose thickness is less than 0.6 times the mean dimension are called as
flaky aggregates.

Elongated Aggregates:

The aggregates whose length is 1.8 times the mean dimension are called as elongated
aggregates.

Department of Collegiate & Technical Education Bengaluru 5

 Department of Civil Engineering 2020-21

Grading of Aggregates
Grading is the particle-size distribution of an aggregate as determined by a sieve
analysis using wire mesh sieves with square openings. As per IS:2386(Part-1)
Fine aggregate―6 standard sieves with openings from 150 μm to 4.75 mm.
Coarse aggregate―5 sieves with openings from 4.75mm to 80 mm.

Gradation (grain size analysis)

Grain size distribution for concrete mixes that will provide a dense strong mixture.
Ensure that the voids between the larger particles are filled with medium particles. The
remaining voids are filled with still smaller particles until the smallest voids are filled
with a small amount of fines.

Good Gradation:
Concrete with good gradation will have fewer voids to be filled with cement paste
(economical mix) Concrete with good gradation will have fewer voids for water to
permeate (durability)
Ensure maximum density and strength using a maximum density curve

Testing of Coarse Aggregate.

A. Shape and Size Test:
The shape and size of aggregates can be determined by flakiness index and elongation
index tests.

B. Strength Test:
The strength of aggregates is based on three parameters – Aggregate Crushing Value
(ACV), Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) and Aggregate Abrasion Value (AAV).

Department of Collegiate & Technical Education Bengaluru 6