CHAPTER 6B
Tests on Aggregates
• Grading is the distribution of particles of angular materials among various sizes. Grading is
usually expressed in terms of cumulative percentage passing each sieve.
Different standards and specifications specify grading limits for both fine and coarse aggregates. There
are several reasons for specifying grading limits and maximum aggregate size, they affect relative:
• Relative aggregate proportions
• Cement and water requirement
• Workability
• Pump ability
• Economy
• Shrinkage and durability of concrete
• Aggregates that do not have deficiency or excess of any size and give smooth grading curve will
produce the most satisfactory results.
• The aggregate particle size is determined by using wire-mesh sieves with square openings:
• 7 standard sieves ranging from 150 μm to 9.5 mm (No. 100 to 3/8 in) for fine aggregates
• 13 standard sieves ranging from 1.18 mm to 100 mm (0.046 in. to 4 in) for coarse aggregates
• Proper selection of various sizes will be very effective in reducing the total volume of voids
between aggregates (see Figure 5-7). The cement paste requirement is related to the void
content of the combined aggregates.
• Production of satisfactory; economical concrete requires aggregates of low void content, but not
the lowest.
• Proper selection of various sizes will be very effective in reducing the total volume of voids
between aggregates (see Figure 5-7). The cement paste requirement is related to the void
content of the combined aggregates.
• Production of satisfactory; economical concrete requires aggregates of low void content, but not
the lowest.
Fine Aggregate Grading
Wide range in fine aggregate gradation is permitted by ASTM C 33. The most desirable fine-aggregate
gradation depends on the type of work, the richness of the mixture, and the maximum size of coarse
aggregate.
For example, in leaner mixtures, or when small-size coarse aggregates are used, a grading that
approaches the maximum recommended percentage passing each sieve is desirable for workability.
The following table shows the limits of ASTM C 33 with respect to fine aggregates, these limits are
generally satisfactory for most concretes:
Other requirements by ASTM C 33
• The fine aggregate must not have more than 45% retained between two consecutive standard
sieves.
• The fineness modulus (FM) must not be less than 2.3 nor more than 3.1
Fineness Modulus (ASTM C 125)
• The fineness modulus (FM) for both fine and coarse aggregates is obtained by adding the
cumulative percentages by mass retained on each of a specified series of sieves and dividing the
sum by 100.
• The FM is an index of the fineness of the aggregate. The higher the FM, the coarser the
aggregate. FM of fine aggregate is useful in estimating proportions of fine and coarse aggregate
in concrete mixtures.
Coarse Aggregate Grading
• ASTM C 33 permits a wide range in grading and variety of grading sizes (See Table 5-5)
• Usually, more water and cement is required for small-size aggregate than for large sizes, due to
an increase in total aggregate surface area.
• The optimum maximum size of coarse aggregate for higher strength depends on:
• Relative strength of the cement paste
• Cement-aggregate bond
• Strength of the aggregate particles
• Maximum size of aggregate: the smallest sieve that all of a particular aggregate must pass
through.
• Nominal maximum size of an aggregate: the smallest sieve size through which the major
portion of the aggregate must pass (90%-100%).
• Example: Aggregate size number 7 has a maximum size of 19 mm, and a nominal maximum size
of 12.5 mm.
Examples for determining Max and nominal Max size of aggregate
• The maximum size of aggregate that must be used generally depends on the following:
– Size and shape of the concrete member
– The amount and distribution of reinforcing steel
• In general, the maximum size of aggregate particles should not exceed:
– 1/5 of the narrowest dimension of a concrete member
– 3/4 the clear spacing between reinforcing bars and between the reinforcing bars and
forms
– 1/3 the depth of slabs
Gap-Graded aggregates
• When certain particle sizes are intentionally omitted. Ex., for an aggregate of 19 mm maximum
size, the 4.75 mm to 9.5 mm particles can be omitted without making the concrete harsh subject
to segregation. Gap-graded mixes are used in architectural concrete to obtain uniform textures
in exposed –aggregate finishes.
Particle Shape and Surface Texture
• The shape and surface texture affect the properties of fresh concrete more than the properties
of hardened concrete.
• Rough-texture, and angular particles require more water to produce workable concrete than do
smooth, rounded and compact particles. For both crushed or non-crushed aggregate, proper
gradation gives the same strength for the same cement factor.
• Bond between cement paste and a given aggregate generally increases the particles surfaces
change from smooth and rounded to rough and angular. The increase in bond is important for
selecting aggregates for concrete where strength at early age is important.
• Aggregate should be free of flat or elongated particles. Because they require an increase in
mixing water and thus may affect the strength of concrete particularly in flexure.