Aggregate

Aggregate

In ordinary structural concrete the aggregates  occupy about 70 to 75 % of the volume

of harden mass. The reminder consist of hardened cement paste uncombined water (i.e. water not
involved in the hydration of cement) air voids. The later evidently do not contribute to
the strength of concrete. In general more densely they can be packed, the better the durability and
economy of concrete.
For this reason gradation of particle size to produce close packing is of considerable importance.
It is important that they has good strength durability and water resistance that its surface is free
from impurities such as loam, clay, silt and organic matter that may weaken the bond with
cement paste.

Types of Aggregate
Normally they are classified as

1)     Fine
2)     Coarse
1)     Fine Aggregate
It may include sand, clay, silt and surkhi.

2)     Coarse Aggregate
Coarse include crushed stone, brick ballast and gravels

Gradation of Aggregates

Gradation

Gradation

There are four types of gradation

1)     Well Graded
2)     Poor Graded
3)     Gap graded
4)     Single Sizes

1)  Well Graded
“It is the type in which the particles of all sizes are in good proportion
The well graded stones are preferred for concrete work
2)  Poorly Graded
“It is the type in which the particles of all sizes are not in good gradation.
3)    Gap Graded
It is the type in which any particle size is missing
4)  Single Sized
It is the type in which all particles are of same size.