Impact of Coarse Aggregate Size on Concrete Strength

This study investigates the effect of coarse aggregate size on the compressive strength of concrete, utilizing aggregates with nominal maximum sizes of 10, 15, and 20 mm. Results indicate that medium-sized aggregates (15 mm) significantly enhance compressive strength compared to larger sizes, with higher strengths observed in both water and air-cured samples. The research highlights the importance of aggregate size in optimizing concrete performance for construction applications.

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Impact of Coarse Aggregate Size on Concrete Strength

Uploaded by

Omlsaed Amhimmid

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Libyan Academy – Misurata / Engineering School / Structural Engineering Department

Prepared by : Eng. Omlsaed Ahneesh / supervisor: [Link] [Link]

Abstract
The compressive strength of concrete is influenced by a multitude of factors,
including aggregate size, porosity, void ratio, and mix proportions. Concrete is a
composite material created by mixing cement, sand, gravel, and water, which
solidifies into a durable and resilient substance widely used in construction and
infrastructure .This study focuses on the impact of coarse aggregate size on the
compressive strength of concrete. A total of 36 cubes, each measuring
150x150x150 mm, were tested. Key physical properties such as specific gravity,
absorption capacity, and unit weight of coarse aggregates were assessed to
identify suitable aggregates. Coarse aggregate sizes were varied at nominal
maximum sizes (N.M.S) of 10, 15, and 20 mm to examine their effects on
concrete strength, while maintaining a constant water-cement ratio of 0.5 and a
mix ratio of 1:1.9:3. Results indicated that larger aggregate sizes correlated with
lower compressive strength. Specifically, concrete with a N.M.S of 15 mm
exhibited 2.4% and 1.7% higher compressive strength at 7 and 28 days,
respectively, compared to aggregates with a N.M.S of 10 mm. Furthermore, the
strength for water and air-cured samples with N.M.S of 15 mm was 10% and
0.5% higher at 7 days and 10% and 9.2% higher at 28 days than those with an
N.M.S of 20 mm. This research demonstrates that medium-sized aggregates (15
mm) contribute significantly to enhanced compressive strength in concrete
applications.
1 Introduction
The compressive strength of concrete is influenced by several interrelated factors,
including the quantity of cement used, the water-to-cement ratio, the type and
quality of aggregates, the duration and conditions of curing, and the incorporation
of various admixtures and additives (Wang and Zhang, 2019). Larger aggregate
particles typically require less mixing water compared to smaller aggregates;
however, smaller aggregates provide a greater surface area for adhesion with the
cement matrix (Whitney and Kosmatka, 2002). The size of coarse aggregates is
particularly crucial in determining the compressive strength and durability of
concrete, underscoring its importance in construction and engineering
applications (Lee and Park, 2017). Coarse aggregates constitute about 50-60% of
concrete's total volume, significantly affecting its overall strength and longevity
Research indicates that variations in the size, grade, and type of coarse aggregate
can substantially modify the strength and fracture characteristics of concrete
(Brown and Davis, 2018). Well-graded aggregate mixes, which feature a
balanced range of particle sizes, have been shown to enhance both workability
and compressive strength (Chen and Liu, 2019). This optimal distribution of
Libyan Academy – Misurata / Engineering School / Structural Engineering Department
Prepared by : Eng. Omlsaed Ahneesh / supervisor: [Link] [Link]

aggregate sizes improves particle packing efficiency, reduces voids, and fosters
better interlocking between aggregates and the cement paste. As a result, concrete
exhibits enhanced mechanical strength, increased durability, and improved
resistance to environmental factors, ultimately prolonging the lifespan of concrete
structures.
2- Objectives
To compare the results of Air cured samples versus those submerged in water at
the ages of 7 days and 28 days, the data provided in the tables can be analyzed
according to the average compressive strength.

2. MATERIALS:-

2.1 select materials

This study investigated the impact of coarse aggregates on the compressive

strength of concrete, utilizing brick aggregates sourced from the Alwashka stone
pit, with nominal maximum sizes of 10, 15, and 20 mm. Various physical
parameters, such as specific gravity, unit weight, and absorption capacity, were
assessed to characterize the aggregates effectively. Fine aggregates were obtained
from a local sand quarry known as Alsawawa, ensuring a consistent and
regionally relevant material selection for the concrete mix.

2.2 aggregate
2.2.1 Coarse Aggregate:-
The coarse aggregates utilized in this study had nominal maximum sizes of 10
mm, 14 mm, and 19 mm. These aggregates were crushed, angular in shape, and
free from any dust contaminants, along with a comparison to the limitations
specified by ASTM standards.

2.2.3 fine aggregate

The fine aggregate employed in this study consisted of particles smaller than 5
mm in size., the grading of the fine aggregate aligns with the specified limits set
by ASTM standards, along with an additional limit "M."
Libyan Academy – Misurata / Engineering School / Structural Engineering Department
Prepared by : Eng. Omlsaed Ahneesh / supervisor: [Link] [Link]

2.3 Specific Gravity And Absorption of Coarse And Fine Aggregate:-

2.3.1 Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregates:-

NMS (mm) Specific Gravity SSD Absorption%

19 2.42 1.16

9.5 2.45 1.23

Table(1): Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregates

2.3.2 Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregates

NMS (mm) Specific Gravity SSD Absorption%

4.75 2.68 2.39

Table(2): Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregates

3. Moisture Content Of Coarse And Fine Aggregates

This test was done before mixing in order to correct the proportions
constituent materials. According to specifications (ASTM C-566-84).
The results were shows in table(3).

Moisture Dry agg Wt of N.M.Z Type of

content % (g) sample (g) (mm) aggregate
0.76 496.2 500 4.75 Sand
0.57 1988.6 2000 19.5 Gravel
19mm
0.59 1491.2 1500 9.5 Gravel
10mm
Table(3): moisture content of coarse and fine aggregates

4. Unit Weight And Void in Aggregate in its Compacted

This test method covers the determination of unit weight in a compacted
or loose condition and calculation of voids in fine and coarse aggregate.
according to the specifications (ASTM C 29-89). The result are shown in the
following table :
Libyan Academy – Misurata / Engineering School / Structural Engineering Department
Prepared by : Eng. Omlsaed Ahneesh / supervisor: [Link] [Link]

fine agg. Coarse agg. 19mm

test
loose Compact loose Compact

Unit weight kg/𝑚3 1082.06 1144.41 1543.26 1630.65

Void % 54.91 52.32 35.69 32.05

5. Preparation Samples

In this study, a total of 36 cubic specimens, each measuring 150x150x150 mm,

were prepared using a constant mix proportion. The mix ratio employed was
1:1.9:3, with the addition of silica fume at a rate of 1% relative to the weight of
cement. For experimental purposes, the specimens were categorized based on the
nominal maximum size (N.M.S) of the coarse aggregates: 12 cubes were created
with N.M.S of 10 mm, another 12 cubes with N.M.S of 15 mm, and the final 12
cubes with N.M.S of 20 mm. This systematic approach allowed for a
comprehensive evaluation of how different aggregate sizes influence the
compressive strength of concrete.

6. Curing of Concrete

Following the preparation of the concrete cubes, the specimens were subjected
to two distinct curing methods :

6.1 Water Curing: The first group of cubes was submerged in water for curing.
This method, specifically ponding, ensured consistent moisture levels,
promoting optimal hydration of the concrete.

6.2 Air Curing: The second group of samples was allowed to cure in the open
air after casting. This approach exposed the cubes to ambient conditions,
facilitating natural curing processes without additional moisture control.

These two curing methods were employed to evaluate their impact on the
compressive strength and overall performance of the concrete specimens under
different environmental conditions.
Libyan Academy – Misurata / Engineering School / Structural Engineering Department
Prepared by : Eng. Omlsaed Ahneesh / supervisor: [Link] [Link]

7. Testing of Specimens

The concrete specimens were tested at 7 and 28-day intervals to assess their
compressive strength. Prior to testing, the saturated samples were allowed to dry
for 30 minutes to achieve a consistent moisture level. Each specimen was then
subjected to a crushing test using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). During
this procedure, compressive loads were systematically applied to the samples, and
both the compressive strengths and failure patterns were carefully recorded for
analysis. This meticulous documentation aimed to provide insights into the
performance and structural integrity of the concrete under varying conditions.