The impact of aggregate characteristics on the properties of concrete
Contemporary buildings and structures mostly made through concrete, also widely accepted material across the world. It derives strength and durability from the aggregated components within the mixture. At Firstchoice Readymix, we are highly committed to the quality of aggregates that are used for making buildings because it is highly responsible to provide bulk, stability and strength to the flooring concrete mixture. In this blog, we are going to evaluate factors of aggregate characteristics that influence concrete properties below.
Impact of aggregate characteristic
Water requirement
Aggregates with high absorption rate always demand more water to attain desired workability. That means, high absorption with more water able to reduce strength and durability as well of the concrete that has more long-term consequences on the structures. Alongside that, higher water percentage in aggregates also lead to greater shrinkage, lower workability that also provides difficulty to workers while mixing correctly.
Cohesiveness
Cohesiveness can be defined as an important property of concrete mix that helps to keep the solution homogeneous and also prevent segregation within the mixture. Cohesiveness of aggregates can be determined by passing through ideal sieve sizes. This specification allows it to contain much coarser material as well as fine material to permit nominal size of aggregates.
Workability
A concrete usually considered workable which is uniformly mixed, placed and finished. We recommend being careful about the shape and surface texture of aggregates in ensuring workability. Our products Superlitecrete and supermixture come with Unique Selling Proposition like better workability while working in construction through right aggregate texture.
Surface texture
Surface texture can be classified into different categories; rough- textured aggregates have better application than others because of offering stronger bonds that help to enhance the overall concrete strength. As a result, the client nowadays seeks the products that are highly durable with significant interlocking between the cement paste and aggregate. Another advantage of considering rougher surface texture is to bring adhesion, reducing permeability of water within the flooring concrete mix.
Shape and size aggregate
Aggregate shapes can be different types but angular and rounded shapes are the most common types used in concrete mix. For instance- at FCR balances both angular and rounded properties in it for better interlocking property, optimize blending along with fulfilling key requirements of Screeding application. FCR incorporates both large and small shapes of aggregates for strengthening durability and incorporates diverse applications within flooring concrete mix. Overall, both the products have different USPs that can add value to the client and also fulfill the requirements.
Deleterious material
It involves some other components like silt, clay and organic impurities influencing concrete properties. While preparing concrete mix, washing and screening of aggregates is important by separating harmful substances, dirt from it.
Aggregate crushing value
Aggregate crushing value (ACV) can be referred to as a limit that determines aggregate resistance. For example- Aggregates with less ACV shows higher strength and durability while higher ACV for lower strength.
Aggregate impact value
Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) checks resistance for sudden shocks that can be sustained by the structures or not. However, Supermixcrete is designed by less AIV for dealing with high- impact environments to provide resistance against any sudden shock.
Specific gravity
Concrete with lower specific gravity indicates high porosity that results in lower durability and strength. All the flooring concrete mixes are designed by using aggregates with porous nature and also maintained specific gravity between 2.4 to 2.9 to attain desired performance.
Soundness
Soundness test is usually performed to check the ability of aggregates. Aggregates passed the test, recognised as unable to degrade over time and vice versa. At Firstchoice Readymix, we suggest performing soundness tests on aggregates to ensure long-lasting performance in both indoor and outdoor applications.
Grading
Grading of aggregates is able to ensure packing density in concrete that can reduce unnecessary cement quantity. For example- Screedmix, Superlitecrete and Supermixcrete are designed with finely graded aggregates for ensuring strength and durability in the concrete structures.
Conclusion Overall, we have identified that Aggregates is such a crucial component that brings aesthetic appeal to the flooring concrete. Some of the common aggregates used in construction works are sands, gravel and crushed stone. Aggregates can be different types whether it is based on water absorption properties, lightweight nature and rounded shape. At Firstchoice Readymix, we understand and value the presence of right aggregates to optimize compaction within concrete.