Case Studies in Construction Materials 13 (2020) e00438

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Case Studies in Construction Materials

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Case study

Impact of mechanical resistance of aggregate on properties of

concrete
Jacek Góraa,*, Wojciech Piastab
a
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka 40, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
b
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kielce University of Technology, Tysiaclecia PP 7, 25-314 Kielce, Poland

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Article history: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of mechanical properties of aggregates
Received 25 July 2020 on ordinary and high performance concretes with these aggregates. Research included
Received in revised form 9 September 2020 aggregate crushing resistance and mechanical properties of 24 concretes with: basalts,
Accepted 21 September 2020
granites, granodiorite, dolomite, quartzite, gravels from 13 Polish and Ukrainian mines.
Properties of concretes are consistent with aggregate strength. The strongest impact of
Keywords: aggregate crushing resistance on concrete modulus of elasticity was found. A similar strong
Concrete
impact applies to tensile strength of concretes, while effect of crushing resistance on
Elastic modulus
Splitting tensile strength
compressive strength of concretes was just moderate.
Compressive strength © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC
Stress-strain relationship BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Coarse aggregate
Crushing value
Crushing resistance

1. Introduction

One of the most important factors shaping the strength and deformation properties of concrete is the microstructure and
properties of the aggregate-cement paste interfacial transition zone, which is responsible for the aggregate-cement paste
bond strength [1,2]. The adhesion of aggregate and cement paste causes concentration of internal stress in the transition
zone of the interface paste [3,4]. Due to the locally higher porosity and layered microstructure of the interfacial paste [5–7],
they are the weakest areas in concrete. Therefore, microcracks in the transition zone may be formed as a result of shrinkage
or thermal stress without external loads [8]. With increasing load, this is the place where concrete destruction will start [4]. It
should also be taken into account that if the aggregate is made of weak rock material, even at low stresses, the grains may be
cracked like the aggregate - ITZ paste. The formation of stress transfer through aggregate in concrete is possible due to the
adhesion of the cement paste to the aggregate. The adhesion depends on its own mineral composition, micro and macro
roughness, smoothness or ability to overlap with the paste [9–11]. Thanks to the bond with the paste, the aggregate deforms
and stresses. According to some authors [12–14], the effect of the paste's adhesion to aggregate on the modulus of elasticity is
more important and stronger than its effect on concrete strength. In our opinion, the modulus refers to the stress (which is
the conventional limit of elasticity) only slightly lower than the stress initiating microcracks in ITZ paste. In addition, coarse
aggregate accounts for about half the volume of concrete, which is why it is significantly affected with properties of
aggregate. One cannot ignore the fact that some grains, especially weak and irregular or made of weak raw material (rocks),
being constrained by adhesion to the hardened cement paste, undergo local cracks.

* Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: j.gora@pollub.pl (J. Góra), wpiasta@tu.kielce.pl (W. Piasta).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2020.e00438
2214-5095/© 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
J. Góra, W. Piasta Case Studies in Construction Materials 13 (2020) e00438

The formation of even the smallest microcracks facilitates the mutual movement of broken parts of the material. The
formation of any microcracks in concrete reduces its elastic properties. Any cracking of aggregate grains, even in small
quantities, e.g. weak grains, will also have a significant direct impact on elastic strains. This aggregate feature is considered by
testing its crushing strength, and the measure is the aggregate crushing value (ACV) [15]. Therefore, this indicator can be
used for auxiliary and comparative estimation of concrete deformation properties. Testing the strength or elastic modulus of
aggregate is not so easy, and the modulus of elasticity can only be determined for the rock from which the aggregate was
made. However, the results of aggregate deformation tests under load are unknown. According to Alexander [16], it is
difficult and impractical to test Eagg (elastic modulus of aggregate) on aggregate grains. The module is easily tested on drilled
rock cores. Alternatively, Eagg can be determined in notch bending tests. It seems quite logical to suggest that aggregate
testing can be replaced by testing the rocks from which they originate.
According to Neville [15], the results of rock strength tests indicate more the quality of parent rock than the quality of
broken aggregate used for concrete. Joint tests of strength and deformation properties of parent rocks, crushed aggregates
and concretes, carried out, among others by the authors [17]. In most cases, conformity was found between mechanical
properties (strengths, elasticity modules, deformations) of rocks, aggregates and concretes. Based on the results of
deformation tests [17], it was determined that the impact of the type of coarse aggregate on the modulus of elasticity and
boundary deformation is stronger than on the strength of concrete.
From the practical point of view, it is more appropriate to directly examine the strength of bulk aggregate rather than
indirect research of mechanical properties of the rock [15]. The rock may have microdefects, which are usually removed
during the crushing process. The advantage of this examination is also partial consideration of the influence of grain size and
shape. According to the authors of this article, it is most right to test the strength of bulk aggregate as crushing strength
defined as the aggregate crushing value (ACV).
According to standards (BS 812-110 and PN-B-06714-40) [18,19]. This test consists in crushing the aggregate by a piston
pressing 400 kN on the aggregate located in a steel cylinder [18].
The pressure is 22,1 MPa. The pressure time is 10 min. Thus, the crushing test of the aggregate is extremely static. The final
measure is the aggregate crushing value (ACV), which is the relative weight of the crushed grains. According to the authors of
this paper, the ACV index is highly useful when selecting aggregates for concrete in building structures. The test results of the
index are consistent with properties of concrete [20,21].
Another test of the mechanical properties of coarse aggregate for concrete is the Resistance to Fragmentation (LA)
fragmentation index, determined in a rotating Los Angeles drum [22]. The action of falling steel balls on aggregate
fragmentation as well as friction and mutual friction in the rotating drum occur only during its movement. The operation of
the Los Angeles drum is therefore dynamic aggregate destruction as opposed to completely static loading when testing the
ACV crushing index. However, there are opinions that the test results of the aggregate LA disintegration ratio are consistent
with the strength of the concrete from the tested aggregate [23]. The test results assessing the quality of coarse aggregate
showed good conformity of the fragmentation index (LA) to the crushing index (ACV) [24].

2. Aim and scope of the experiment

The aim of this study has been to investigate and determine the impact and relationship between the mechanical
properties of aggregates and concrete made with these aggregates. Relationships relating to both ordinary concretes (OC)
and high performance concretes (HPC) have been analyzed and compared.
The research included 6 types of coarse aggregates: basalts, granites, granodiorite, dolomite, quartzite, gravels from
various mines and a total of 24 concretes of 0.55 and 0.30 w/c ratios made with these aggregates.
The aim of the conducted research was to find out whether, thanks to the knowledge of the mechanical resistance of
aggregates, it is possible to predict the quality of concrete in terms of basic mechanical and deformation properties. From a
practical point of view, this is very important for the selection of coarse aggregate for structural concretes. Typically, at the
concrete design stage, research is limited to determining the properties of the fresh concrete mix and the compressive
strength of hardened concrete.
The remaining tests are practically not performed or are performed sporadically, and are very important due to the use of
structural elements. The ability to predict the effect of coarse aggregate on concrete properties on the basis of a simple to
perform crushing strength of aggregate test would be of great practical importance.

3. Materials and methods

3.1. Materials

Six types of aggregates as well as ordinary concretes of w/c ratio 0.55 and high performance concretes of w/c ratio
0.30 with these aggregates were examined. Polish and Ukrainian mines were selected for the research, from which
aggregates commonly used in the production of concretes are obtained. Aggregates came from the following Polish deposits
- basalt Ge (Gracze Mine), basalt WG (Winna Góra Mine), basalt Ln (Luban  Mine), granite Ga (Graniczna Mine), granite Se
(Siedlimowice Mine), granite Sm (Strzegom Mine), Dolomite (Laskov Mine), quartzite (Wisniowka Mine), gravel plant

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(Suwałki Mine), gravel plant Dzce (Dziergowice Mine) and Ukrainian deposits - basalt UA (Ivanichi Mine), granite UA
(Vyrivskij Karjer Mine), granodiorite UA (Klesov Mine).
In order to avoid the influence of different grain sizes, all crumble piles of individual aggregates were formed from
separate fractions 24, 48, 816 mm, taking into account different volumetric densities of coarse aggregates, so that the
content of individual fractions in concretes of the same w/c volume was the same. Natural rinsed quartz sand was used for
concretes (Suwałki Mine).
For concrete with all aggregates, Portland cement CEM I 42,5 R with properties consistent with EN 197-1 [25] was used.
No mineral additives were used for concrete mixes. In mixtures with w/c = 0.30 in order to maintain similar consistency a
superplasticizer (mixture of polycarboxylic ether and calcium lignosulphonate) was used. The consistency index of all the
concrete mixes made, determined by precipitation method, was 12  3 cm.
In order to be able to reliably compare the powers of an influence of the aggregate type on the properties of concretes in
mixtures with the same w/c ratios, the principle of maintaining the same volume of cement paste in 1 m3 of the mixture was
adopted. Therefore, the content of cement, water and sand in mixtures with the same w/c ratio was constant. In this way, the
principle of maintaining the same volume of coarse aggregate in the concretes being compared was also adopted.

3.2. Test methods

3.2.1. Aggregates testing methods

The crushing strength of an aggregate was determined by means of the so-called aggregate crushing index according to
PN-B-06714-40 [19], analogous to the British method of determining aggregate crushing value (ACV) according to BS 812
[18], but with some differences. A specimen of aggregate in a steel cylinder with an internal diameter of 150 mm was loaded
with a force of 200 kN. The test is carried out on 48 mm, 816 mm and 1631.5 mm fractions. The tests were carried out on
fractions 48, 816 mm, 3 specimens for each aggregate fraction. The crushing index of the examined aggregate fraction is
determined as a percentage of grains crushed into grains smaller than 1/4 of the lower sieve size of a given fraction. The
crushing index can be used to classify the aggregate and assess its suitability for proper concrete. The apparent density of
aggregates was tested according to EN 1097-6 [26].

3.2.2. Concrete testing methods

Cylindrical specimens with a base diameter of 15 cm and a height of 30 cm were used to test the compressive strength,
modulus of elasticity and the relation s-e of concrete. The specimens were treated in water at 20  2  C and tested at 28 days
of age. The upper surfaces of the specimens were ground so that their bases were parallel. For determining the deformation
characteristics of concrete (modulus of elasticity Ec, relation s-e), 60 mm long electric resistance wire strain gauges were
used to measure the deformation. Three strain gauges for measuring longitudinal deformations were applied to each
specimen. The points for measuring the deformation were placed symmetrically in relation to the bases at 120 intervals. In
measurements of Ec size, the stress range from 0.5 MPa to 0.4 fcm was assumed, according to the requirements of EN 1992-1-1
[27]. The rate of stress growth was constant and was 0.5 MPa/s. Compressive strength tests of concrete were carried out
according to EN 12390-3 [28]. Splitting tensile strength tests of concrete were carried out according to EN 12390-6 [29]. Each
of the properties was determined on 6 cylindrical specimens.

4. Test results and analysis of the results

The results of the mechanical properties of aggregates and ordinary and high performance concretes are shown in Table 1
(OC) and Table 2 (HPC), respectively. First of all, aggregate crushing value (ACV) and corresponding values (100 - ACV) were
given. By calculating (100 - ACV), the percentage of uncrushed aggregate grains in aggregate was determined. The values of
compressive strength (fcm), splitting tensile strength (fctm,sp) and modulus of elasticity of concrete (Ecm) were then presented.
In order to analyze the results of the research in a clear and understandable way, the difference (100 % – ACV) was used. It
presents the content of uncrushed aggregate grains in the specimen of aggregates examined. It directly represents the
percentage of uncrushed aggregate grains and the term aggregate crushing resistance was used. In the analysis of the
research results, it was assumed that aggregate crushing resistance can be treated as an independent variable, while each
tested property of concrete as a dependent variable.
To accurately and clearly analyze and reliably assess the impact of aggregate crushing resistance on the tested concrete
properties, the study was carried out separately for ordinary concretes (OC) and high performance concretes (HPC).
In order to objectively evaluate the obtained research results, the analyses of linear regression and correlation were
carried out. In these analyses (Figs. 1–8), aggregate crushing resistance was the independent variable. When analyzing the
power of conformity of elastic and strength properties of concrete from aggregate crushing resistance, coefficients ri of
correlation between the modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, compressive strength and aggregate crushing resistance were
used. The correlation coefficient is a measure of the linear agreement between variables and ranges from 1 to 1.
On the other hand, Figs. 1–8 show the regression lines and the coefficients of determination Ri2. Coefficient of
determination, R-squared, is a statistical measure of how close the data are to the fitted regression line (Figs. 1–8) and ranges
from 0 to 1. In the case of linear regression, there is a relationship between the correlation and determination coefficients: ri2
= Ri2.

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Table 1
Average results of tests of mechanical properties of ordinary concretes (OC).

Oznaczenie kruszywa Properties

Aggregates Concretes

ACV, % (100 - ACV), % fcm, MPa fctm,sp, MPa Ecm, GPa

basalt Ge 4.1 95.9 47.5 3.61 34.8
basalt WG 4.8 95.2 44.2 3.56 34.9

basalt Ln 4.0 96.0 48.8 3.72 35.0
basalt UA 6.6 93.4 40.8 3.44 31.7
granite Ga 15.1 84.9 36.9 3.06 25.0
granite Se 15.7 84.3 39.7 3.18 24.3
granite Sm 14.8 85.2 39.1 3.20 26.2
granite UA 8.0 92.0 40.1 3.31 30.7
granodiorite 6.0 94.0 37.9 3.41 33.0
dolomite 6.9 93.1 44.9 3.73 35.3
quartzite 5.5 94.5 46.4 3.60 29.7
gravel Ski 9.0 91.0 41.8 3.32 31.0
gravel Dzce 8.1 91.9 38.0 3.35 31.3

4.1. Ordinary concretes

Table 2
Average results of mechanical properties of high performance concretes (HPC).

Oznaczenie kruszywa Properties

Aggregates Concretes

ACV, % (100 - ACV), % fcm, MPa fctm,sp, MPa Ecm, GPa

basalt Ge 4.1 95.9 93.2 6.16 44.1
basalt WG 4.8 95.2 90.7 6.12 43.8
basalt UA 6.6 93.4 87.2 5.98 42.3
granite Ga 15.1 84.9 78.3 5.64 35.2
granite Se 15.7 84.3 82.5 5.60 34.6
granite UA 8.0 92.0 83.0 5.78 38.4
granodiorite 6.0 94.0 83.8 5.86 41.6
dolomite 6.9 93.1 89.0 6.20 44.5
quartzite 5.5 94.5 103.6 6.10 40.6
gravel Ski 9.0 91.0 82.6 5.69 39.0
gravel Dzce 8.1 91.9 86.9 5.76 39.2

The results of tests on the mechanical properties of ordinary concrete (OC) depending on aggregate crushing resistance
are shown in Figs. 1–3. The modulus of elasticity of concretes - aggregate crushing resistance relationship, regression line and
coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.8499) are presented in Fig. 1. In addition, the correlation coefficient r was calculated,
which in this relationship is 0.92. This indicates that it is a very strong correlation.
Figs. 2 and 3 show the results of the splitting tensile strength and compressive strength of concretes in dependency on
aggregate crushing resistance.
Regression lines are also visible in the drawings. The coefficients of correlation between splitting tensile strength of
concretes and aggregate crushing resistance is 0.87 and it is strong correlation. In contrast, the correlation between
compressive strength and crushing resistance is moderate (r = 0.64).
Moreover, the modulus of elasticity and compressive strength of concrete relationship is shown in Fig. 4. Moderate
correlation was stated between these properties (r = 0.59).

4.2. High performance concrete

Based on the results obtained, the impact of aggregate crushing resistance on the mechanical properties of HPC was
assessed. To this end, three properties were analyzed: modulus of elasticity; splitting tensile strength and compressive
strength of HPCs in dependency on aggregate crushing resistance (Figs. 5–7).
The regression lines showing the conformity of the mechanical properties of concrete and aggregates are also shown in
Figs. 5–7. Correlation coefficients were calculated to quantify this conformity. A very strong correlation (r = 0.90) occurs
between the elastic properties of concrete and aggregate crushing resistance. The correlation between splitting tensile

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Fig. 1. Modulus of elasticity - aggregate crushing resistance relationship of ordinary concretes (Ri2 - coefficient of determination).

Fig. 2. Splitting tensile strength - aggregate crushing resistance relationship of ordinary concretes (Ri2 - coefficient of determination).

strength and crushing resistance is strong (r = 0.81). A weaker correlation (r = 0.63) has been found between compressive
strength of concretes and aggregate crushing resistance.
By assessing directly the elastic properties of HPCs, the lowest, only weak moderate r = 0.54 correlation was found
between modulus of elasticity and compressive strength of HPCs (Fig. 8).
Nevertheless, the research on concretes with different aggregate types was also carried out and the results have been
shown in Figs. 9 and 10. In order to verify the impact of aggregate crushing resistance on mechanical properties of concretes,
the results of stress-strain (s-e) relationship of concretes with various aggregate types were also tested and analyzed. For
detailed discussion in the article, the results of research on s-e concretes with the three most characteristic aggregates were
selected: from volcanic rock - basalt, from plutonic rock - granite and the most traditional aggregate - ordinary river gravel
with a predominance of grains from sedimentary rocks. Aggregate crushing resistance of three aggregates was intentionally
very different - crushing resistance of basalt aggregate was the highest (96 %) and that of gravel was average (91 %), and that
of granite aggregate was the lowest (85 %).

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Fig. 3. Compressive strength - aggregate crushing resistance relationship of ordinary concretes (Ri2 - coefficient of determination).

Fig. 4. Elastic modulus - compressive strength relationship of ordinary concretes (Ri2 - coefficient of determination).

The curvilinear stress-strain plots indicate a large impact of various aggregates on the behavior of ordinary concretes as
well as HPCs under increasing temporary load. The quality, construction value and suitability of concretes are significantly
influenced by the modulus of elasticity and deformation, which should be tested and used to assess concrete - especially
when the selection of aggregate may substantially affect the quality of concrete. Particularly poor deformation properties of
concrete with granite aggregate have been found in research results. In the case of ordinary concrete and HPC with granite
aggregate, stress-strain curves (Figs. 9 and 10) show several distinctive features and indications associated with this
aggregate. They are the smallest inclinations in relation to the strain axis; the highest compressive strains in the concrete at
peak stress; the lowest stress to which strains are linearly proportional, the lowest ultimate stress i.e. the lowest compressive
strength. Concretes with basalt aggregate behave quite differently than concretes with granite aggregate (Figs. 9 and 10). Due
to the biggest inclinations in relation to the strain axis and highest stress to which the strains are linearly proportional the
modules of elasticity of basalt concretes are the highest. Also ultimate stress i.e. strength is the highest and the strain at peak
stress the lowest. On the other hand, the course of the stress-strain plots of ordinary concrete and HPC with gravel is average
– much better than that of suitable granite concretes.

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Fig. 5. Modulus of elasticity - aggregate crushing resistance relationship of HPCs (Ri2 - coefficient of determination).

Fig. 6. Splitting tensile strength - aggregate crushing resistance relationship of HPCs (Ri2 - coefficient of determination).

When comparing stress-strain relationship of ordinary concretes and HPCs with various aggregates of (Figs. 9 and 10)
attention should be paid to the values of suitable aggregate crushing resistances, which are: granite 85 %; gravel 91 %; basalt
96 %. The comparison shows that the negative correlation is between the strains of concretes (Figs. 9 and 10) with the
different aggregate crushing resistances. This means that the concrete deformations are greater the lower the crushing
resistances of aggregate.
The significant importance of aggregate crushing strength for good mechanical concrete results can be observed on the
surfaces of fractured specimens (Fig. 11).
If the ultimate stress is exceeded, then the concrete specimen will crush. When the concrete is destroyed, only part of the
coarse aggregate grains fractures. On the surface (Fig. 11a) and b)) of fractured concrete specimen, fractured grains come
from weak sandstone rock (1), limestone (2), but there are also fractures of igneous rock grains that could have cracked
before concreting. The presented surface also shows grains cracked transversely to the fracture surface (3), (5), (6). Due to
low adhesion to the cement paste, the visible grains also include exposed undamaged aggregate grains (4) and traces of
detached grains (7).

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Fig. 7. Compressive strength - aggregate crushing resistance relationship of HPCs (Ri2 - coefficient of determination).

Fig. 8. Elastic modulus - compressive strength relationship of HPCs (Ri2 - coefficient of determination).

5. Discussion

The inclusion of numerous aggregates - 3 basalt, 3 granite, granodiorite, quartzite, dolomite and 2 river gravels - in the
research allowed to assess the relationship between the basic mechanical properties of ordinary concrete (OC) and HPC
(modulus of elasticity, splitting tensile and compressive strength) and aggregate crushing resistance. The regularity and
conformity of the effect of aggregate properties on ordinary concrete and HPC was stated. Very good properties of concrete
with basalt aggregate, in addition to the best crushing strength of this aggregate, may also result from the micro-roughness
and angularity of basalt grains. In turn, granite contains large quartz crystals with a smooth, shell-like breakthrough, which
can significantly reduce the strength of concrete. However, the conformity power of not all these concrete properties with
aggregate resistance to crushing is equally high. The strongest impact of aggregate crushing resistance on the modulus of
elasticity of concrete is confirmed by high values of correlation coefficients, which are 0.92 for ordinary concrete and 0.90 for
HPC. The effect of aggregate crushing resistance on splitting tensile strength is slightly weaker as the correlation coefficients
are 0.87 and 0.81, respectively. It can be considered that splitting tensile strength of concretes is consistent with aggregate

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Fig. 9. Stress - strain relationship of ordinary concretes.

Fig. 10. Stress - strain relationship of HPCs.

crushing resistance. The contribution to sustaining stress by the coarse aggregate increases the strength of concrete the
increase is proportional to the strength of the aggregate and the angularity of the aggregate grains (Fig. 11). However, the
correlation between compressive strength of concretes and aggregate crushing resistance is significantly weaker - it is only
moderate (rOC = 0.64; rHPC = 0.63). The small value of these correlation coefficients logically explains why the effect of
compressive strength on the modulus of elasticity of ordinary concretes is only moderate (rOC = 0.61), and for HPCs weak
moderate (rHPC = 0.54).
Significantly weaker impact on the compressive concretes strength indicates a differentiation in the power of conformity
of both modulus and strength with aggregate crushing resistance. Considering the strong dependence of modulus of
elasticity and deformation of concrete on aggregate crushing resistance (100 % - ACV), one should explain what it results
from. The much stronger correlation between modulus than compressive strength and aggregate crushing resistance seems
to be quite surprising for these properties, given that both were tested on the same specimens under increasing axial
compressive load.

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Fig. 11. The surface of a cracked concrete specimen with gravel.

a) 1 – sandstone, 2 – limestone, 3 – transverse crack to surface in aggregate grain, 4 – exposed basalt aggregate grain.
b) 5 and 6 – transverse cracks to surface in aggregate grain, 7 – traces of detached grains.

Nevertheless, the upper stress level at testing the modulus of elasticity of concretes is usually not more than 0.4 (in the
conducted tests 0.4). This stress is less than the stress initiating the formation of micro-cracks in the aggregate-cement paste
interfacial transition zone (itz). Primarily, a linear elastic deformation in concrete occurs at low stresses (Figs. 9 and 10). Then
the continuity of the material in the aggregate-cement paste interface is maintained, and the aggregate participates in the
transmission of stress, directly affecting elastic deformation and modulus of elasticity. Therefore, an important factor
influencing the modulus of elasticity of concretes are the properties of rock material in aggregate [13,15,16]. In contrast,
compressive strength is tested at failure stress when the paste matrix is completely cracked and some of the aggregate grains
can also be cracked. At the critical stress the continuity of the paste between the aggregate grains has been interrupted.
However, the changes in concrete condition at the stress level of elastic deformation and at the level of ultimate stress
suggest that the influence of aggregate on modulus of elasticity may be greater than on compressive strength.
A very strong correlation (rOC = 0.92; rHPC = 0.90) between the modulus of elasticity of concrete and aggregate crushing
resistance is also associated with the coarse aggregate use of up to more than 50 % of the concrete. The maintenance of the
aggregate-cement paste interface at elastic stress and the large aggregate volume determine the strong dependence
(correlation) of modulus of elasticity on aggregate crushing resistance. Comparing correlations between modulus of
elasticity of concretes and aggregate crushing resistance (rOC = 0.92; rHPC = 0.90) and correlations between modulus of
elasticity and compressive strength of concretes (rOC = 0.59; rHPC = 0.54) one should emphasize much stronger impact of
aggregate crushing resistance on the concrete modulus than compressive strength. One important reason for this difference
in power of correlation is certainly that the most powerful factor affecting concrete strength is the w/c ratio. By the w/c ratio,
the porosity of the cement paste is created, on which the strength of the paste and concrete as well as other physical
properties depend on the most. In practice, the w/c ratio is always used when designing and calculating the composition of
concrete with the required compressive strength class. However, the impact of aggregate is taken into account in general
terms without considering in detail the raw material origin of the aggregate type and its properties.
The authors emphasize the very strong dependence of the modulus of elasticity of concrete on the mechanical properties
of coarse aggregate. The ACV value is thus useful for estimating the deformation properties of concretes with various

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aggregates. This is important from the point of view of assessing the quality and suitability of coarse aggregate for structural
concrete. And that's why the authors recommend taking ACV into account when choosing aggregate, especially for structural
concrete.

6. Conclusions

While analyzing the relationship between the mechanical properties of various coarse aggregates represented by
crushing strength resistance and the mechanical properties of concretes made with these aggregates, it was found that there
were clearly noticeable and repeatable relationships.

1 The strongest impact of aggregate crushing resistance was found in aggregate crushing resistance-concrete modulus of
elasticity relationship, which is confirmed by high values of correlation coefficients, 0.92 in the case of ordinary concrete,
and 0.90 in the case of HPC. The impact of aggregate crushing resistance on splitting tensile strength of concrete is not
much weaker, as the correlation coefficients are 0.87 for ordinary concretes and 0.81 for HPC concretes, respectively. In
contrast, the correlation between compressive strength of ordinary and high performance concretes and aggregate
crushing resistance is only moderate and the correlation coefficients are 0.64 and 0.63, respectively.
2 The authors explained unequivocally that this is due to the differences in the maximum stress values occurring in studies
of both concrete fc i Ec properties. The maintenance of uncracked aggregate-cement paste interface at elastic stress up to
40 % compressive strength and the large volume of aggregate in the concrete composition determine the strong
relationship (correlation) between modulus of elasticity and aggregate crushing resistance.
3 On the basis of regression analyses and correlation of research results, the impact of an aggregate type on the modulus of
elasticity of the tested concretes of the same w/c was found to be significant and statistically stronger than the impact of
different aggregates on the strength of concrete.
4 Knowing the relationships between aggregate crushing resistance and the properties of ordinary concrete and HPC with
different coarse aggregates is important in practical terms of the concrete production. On the basis of a simple and easy to
perform ACV test, it is possible to predict the effect of coarse aggregate on the properties of concrete.

In practice, when designing and calculating the composition of concrete of the required compressive strength class the w/
c ratio is always used. On the other hand, the influence of an aggregate is only taken into account in general terms without
considering the values of its properties in detail and the impact of the aggregate type. Knowing the results of ACV test and
concrete properties – aggregate crushing resistance relationships, it is possible to apply and accurately consider the effect of
aggregate in concrete design.

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Jacek Góra: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Methodology, Project administration,
Resources, Software, Supervision, Visualization, Writing - review & editing. Wojciech Piasta: Conceptualization, Formal
analysis, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Resources, Validation, Visualization, Writing - original draft,
Writing - review & editing.

Declaration of Competing Interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Acknowledgements

The Lublin University of Technology and Kielce University of Technology supported this study, within the research project
“Impact of technological and maintenance factors on technical properties of construction materials and on durability of
structures”.

References

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