Civil Engineering Materials, Testing & Evaluation - Vol 1 | 5. Aggregates – Properties, Grading, Testing by Abraham | Learn Smarter
K12 Students

Academics

AI-Powered learning for Grades 8–12, aligned with major Indian and international curricula.

Professionals

Professional Courses

Industry-relevant training in Business, Technology, and Design to help professionals and graduates upskill for real-world careers.

Games

Interactive Games

Fun, engaging games to boost memory, math fluency, typing speed, and English skills—perfect for learners of all ages.

Typing
Memory
Math
English Adventures
Knowledge
5. Aggregates – Properties, Grading, Testing

Aggregates play a crucial role in construction, affecting the strength, durability, and workability of concrete. Their classification, properties, grading, and testing methods are essential for civil engineers to ensure quality and performance in concrete structures. An understanding of both natural and recycled aggregates, along with their physical, mechanical, and chemical characteristics, contributes to more sustainable construction practices.

Enroll to start learning

You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.

Sections

  • 5

    Aggregates – Properties, Grading, Testing

    This section covers the classification, properties, grading, and testing of aggregates used in concrete, emphasizing their impact on concrete's strength, durability, and workability.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1

    Classification Of Aggregates

    This section classifies aggregates based on size, origin, shape, and density, highlighting their importance in concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.A

    Based On Size

    This section classifies aggregates based on size into fine and coarse aggregates, emphasizing their significance in concrete work.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.A.1

    Fine Aggregates

    Fine aggregates are essential constituents of concrete, influencing its strength, durability, and workability.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.A.2

    Coarse Aggregates

    Coarse aggregates, primarily gravel and crushed stone, play a crucial role in the composition and performance of concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.B

    Based On Origin

    This section categorizes aggregates based on their origin, detailing natural, artificial, and recycled materials.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.B.1

    Natural Aggregates

    Natural aggregates are essential components in concrete, sourced from nature and significantly influencing the material's properties and performance.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.B.2

    Artificial Aggregates

    Artificial aggregates are materials manufactured for use in construction, impacting the properties of concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.B.3

    Recycled Aggregates

    Recycled aggregates are materials derived from demolished concrete and construction waste, providing an environmentally friendly option for construction.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.C

    Based On Shape

    This section discusses the classification of aggregates based on their shape, which impacts properties such as bond strength and workability in concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.C.1

    Rounded Aggregates

    Rounded aggregates are naturally weathered and smooth materials, typically found in riverbeds, that are essential for the quality and performance of concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.C.2

    Irregular Aggregates

    Irregular aggregates are partially shaped materials that enhance bond strength in concrete over rounded aggregates.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.C.3

    Angular Aggregates

    Angular aggregates are rough, sharp-edged materials crucial for high-strength concrete due to their interlock properties.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.C.4

    Flaky And Elongated Aggregates

    Flaky and elongated aggregates are undesirable in concrete due to their poor interlocking and high surface area, which can affect the mechanical properties of concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.D

    Based On Density

    This section categorizes aggregates based on their density, highlighting the different types such as normal weight, lightweight, and heavyweight aggregates.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.D.1

    Normal Weight Aggregates

    Normal weight aggregates are inert materials used in concrete, typically with a density ranging from 1520 to 1680 kg/m³, which play a crucial role in determining the overall strength and durability of concrete structures.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.D.2

    Lightweight Aggregates

    Lightweight aggregates are materials with a density of less than 1120 kg/m³, used in specialized construction applications such as thermal insulation and lightweight concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1.D.3

    Heavyweight Aggregates

    Heavyweight aggregates are materials with a density greater than 2000 kg/m³, used primarily for radiation shielding in construction.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2

    Properties Of Aggregates

    This section covers the essential physical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of aggregates that influence concrete performance.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.1

    Physical Properties

    This section discusses the physical properties of aggregates, which are critical for understanding their influence on concrete performance.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.1.1

    Size And Shape

    The size and shape of aggregates play a critical role in affecting the workability, strength, and durability of concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.1.2

    Surface Texture

    Surface texture of aggregates significantly impacts the strength and bonding of cement concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.1.3

    Specific Gravity

    Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of a specific volume of aggregate to the weight of an equal volume of water, which helps determine aggregate suitability for concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.1.4

    Water Absorption

    Water absorption refers to the ability of aggregate materials to absorb water into their pores, which impacts concrete mix design by indicating porosity and directly affecting water content.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.1.5

    Moisture Content

    Moisture content in aggregates refers to the total water present, which influences concrete mix design and performance.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.1.6

    Bulk Density

    Bulk Density refers to the weight of aggregate per unit volume and is crucial for proper batching in construction materials.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.1.7

    Voids Content

    The voids content refers to the percentage of space between aggregate particles, which influences the design of concrete mixtures.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.2

    Mechanical Properties

    This section outlines the mechanical properties of aggregates, including crushing strength, impact strength, and abrasion resistance, which are pivotal for assessing their suitability in concrete construction.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.2.1

    Crushing Strength (Aggregate Crushing Value - Acv)

    The Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) is a measure of an aggregate's resistance to crushing under pressure, essential for determining its suitability for construction in road applications.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.2.2

    Impact Strength (Aggregate Impact Value - Aiv)

    The Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) measures the resistance of aggregates to sudden shock or impact, with lower values indicating higher durability in concrete applications.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.2.3

    Abrasion Resistance (Los Angeles Abrasion Value - Laav)

    The Los Angeles Abrasion Value (LAAV) is a critical measure of an aggregate's resistance to wear and tear from friction, influencing the durability of concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.2.4

    Ten Percent Fines Value

    The Ten Percent Fines Value represents the load required to create fines equaling 10% of a total aggregate sample, serving as an important alternative to the Aggregate Crushing Value test.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.3

    Thermal And Chemical Properties

    This section outlines the essential thermal and chemical properties of aggregates that significantly influence concrete durability and stability.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.3.1

    Thermal Expansion

    This section discusses the thermal expansion of aggregates and its importance in ensuring compatibility with cement paste.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.3.2

    Chemical Stability

    Chemical stability in aggregates is crucial to resist adverse chemical reactions and ensure structural integrity over time.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.3.3

    Soundness

    Soundness refers to the ability of aggregates to resist weathering effects, such as cycles of wetting and drying or freezing and thawing.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.3

    Grading Of Aggregates

    Grading of aggregates involves understanding the distribution of particle sizes in a sample, which influences the properties and performance of concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.3.1

    Objectives Of Good Grading

    Good grading of aggregates aims to optimize concrete's performance by ensuring reduced void content, improved workability, and minimized cement consumption.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.3.2

    Types Of Grading

    This section discusses the different types of grading for aggregates, focusing on their characteristics and implications for concrete quality.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.3.2.1

    Uniform Grading

    Uniform grading consists of aggregates of similar sizes and results in higher voids and reduced stability in concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.3.2.2

    Gap Grading

    Gap grading refers to a type of aggregate grading where specific intermediate sizes are intentionally omitted, affecting concrete properties.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.3.2.3

    Well Graded

    The section discusses the concept of well-graded aggregates and their importance in achieving dense, strong concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.3.3

    Grading Limits And Zones

    This section discusses the classification of fine aggregates into four grading zones according to IS:383-2016 and outlines the grading limits for coarse aggregates based on nominal size.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4

    Testing Of Aggregates

    This section discusses various testing methods used to evaluate the properties and suitability of aggregates in concrete mix design.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.1

    Sieve Analysis

    Sieve analysis is a method used to determine the particle size distribution of aggregates by passing them through a series of standardized IS sieves.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.2

    Specific Gravity And Water Absorption (Is 2386 Part Iii)

    This section describes the testing methods for determining the specific gravity and water absorption characteristics of aggregates.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.3

    Aggregate Crushing Value Test (Is 2386 Part Iv)

    The Aggregate Crushing Value Test measures the resistance of aggregates to crushing under a compressive load, providing an important parameter in assessing the quality of aggregates for concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.4

    Aggregate Impact Value Test

    The Aggregate Impact Value Test measures the resistance of aggregate samples to sudden shock or impact.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.5

    Los Angeles Abrasion Test (Is 2386 Part Iv)

    The Los Angeles Abrasion Test assesses the abrasion resistance of aggregates by determining the percentage of wear when subjected to friction in a rotating drum.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.6

    Flakiness And Elongation Index Test

    The Flakiness and Elongation Index Test measures the shape characteristics of aggregates, which affect their performance in concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.7

    Soundness Test

    The Soundness Test evaluates the ability of aggregates to withstand weathering effects, essential for ensuring concrete durability.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.8

    Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity Test

    The Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity Test evaluates the potential for aggregates to react with alkalis in cement, leading to expansion and potential damage in concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.9

    Bulk Density And Voids

    This section covers the concept of bulk density and voids in aggregates, discussing how they are measured and their significance in determining concrete mix proportions.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.10

    Moisture Content Test

    The Moisture Content Test determines the water present in aggregates, essential for accurate water-cement ratio adjustments when designing concrete mixes.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.10.1

    Oven Drying Method

    The Oven Drying Method is a laboratory technique used to determine moisture content in aggregate samples, which is crucial for accurate concrete mix design.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.10.2

    Calcium Carbide Method

    The Calcium Carbide Method is a quick testing technique to determine moisture content in aggregates, essential for concrete mix design.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.10.3

    Infrared/microwave Method

    The section discusses the Infrared/Microwave Method used for determining the moisture content in aggregate samples, highlighting its rapidity and suitability for field conditions.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.11

    Deleterious Materials Test (Is 2386 Part Ii)

    The Deleterious Materials Test identifies harmful substances in aggregates that can compromise concrete durability.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.12

    Alkali-Silica Reactivity (Asr) Test

    The ASR Test evaluates the long-term chemical reactions between alkalis in cement and reactive silica in aggregates, which can lead to concrete expansion and cracking.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.13

    Petrographic Examination (Is 2386 Part Viii)

    The Petrographic Examination assesses the mineral composition and texture of aggregates to identify harmful constituents and evaluate their durability.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.5

    Field Considerations And Storage Of Aggregates

    This section discusses the critical considerations in handling, storing, and batching aggregates to maintain their quality and performance in construction.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.5.1

    Aggregate Handling

    Aggregate handling is critical to prevent segregation and contamination during construction.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.5.2

    Storage Of Aggregates

    This section outlines best practices for storing aggregates to maintain their quality and prevent contamination.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.5.3

    Batching And Mixing Considerations

    Batching and mixing considerations focus on the importance of aggregate moisture management to ensure proper water-cement ratios in concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.6

    Use Of Recycled And Alternative Aggregates

    This section discusses the use of recycled and alternative aggregates in construction, highlighting their benefits, challenges, and applications.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.6.1

    Recycled Aggregates

    Recycled aggregates are derived from construction waste and offer environmental benefits, but they also present challenges related to quality and strength.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.6.2

    Manufactured Sand (M-Sand)

    Manufactured sand (M-sand) is created by crushing rocks to produce fine particles, providing a consistent quality alternative to river sand.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.6.3

    Lightweight Aggregates

    Lightweight aggregates are materials used in construction that have a lower density compared to traditional aggregates, offering benefits like improved thermal insulation.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.6.4

    Heavyweight Aggregates

    Heavyweight aggregates are used in construction primarily for radiation shielding.

    Learning Practice

References

Chapter_5_Aggreg.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Aggregates constitute 70%-8...
  • Different classifications o...
  • Testing and grading of aggr...

Final Test

Revision Tests