Aggregates are granular materials such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone used

primarily in the construction of concrete and other building materials. They occupy
about 60-75% of the total volume of concrete, making their properties and
characteristics critical to the overall performance of the final product. Aggregates are
categorized into different types, and their physical, mechanical, and chemical
properties must be considered during construction.

1. Classification of Aggregates
Aggregates can be classified based on several criteria such as size, origin, shape, and
density.
1.1 Based on Size
• Fine Aggregates: Aggregates passing through a 4.75 mm sieve.
o Examples: Natural sand, crushed stone sand.
o Uses: Fill voids between coarse aggregates, improve workability, and
provide a smooth finish.
• Coarse Aggregates: Aggregates retained on a 4.75 mm sieve.
o Examples: Gravel, crushed stone, and pebbles.
o Uses: Provide bulk to concrete, reduce shrinkage, and contribute to the
strength.
1.2 Based on Source
• Natural Aggregates: Obtained from natural sources like river beds or quarries.
o Examples: River gravel, crushed rock.
• Artificial Aggregates: Produced through industrial processes or synthetic
materials.
o Examples: Blast furnace slag, recycled concrete aggregates, lightweight
expanded clay aggregates.
1.3 Based on Shape
• Rounded Aggregates: Naturally shaped and smooth, typically found in
riverbeds.
o Examples: River gravel.
o Uses: Improve workability but reduce the interlocking of particles.
 • Angular Aggregates: Crushed rocks with sharp edges and rough surfaces.
o Examples: Crushed stone.
o Uses: Provide better interlocking, leading to stronger concrete.
• Flaky Aggregates: Thin and flat in shape with a large surface area compared to
volume.
o Uses: Not ideal for high-strength concrete as they reduce bonding.
• Elongated Aggregates: Long and thin aggregates, prone to breakage.
o Uses: Generally avoided in high-strength applications due to poor
workability and bond strength.
1.4 Based on Density
• Normal-Weight Aggregates: Typical aggregates used in concrete production
with a specific gravity between 2.4 and 2.9.
o Examples: Crushed stone, gravel.
• Lightweight Aggregates: Lower density aggregates, typically less than 2.0
g/cm³.
o Examples: Expanded clay, pumice, and perlite.
o Uses: Used in lightweight concrete to reduce the dead load in structures
like high-rise buildings.
• Heavyweight Aggregates: Dense aggregates with a specific gravity above 3.0.
o Examples: Barite, magnetite.
o Uses: Used in radiation shielding and other special applications.

2. Physical Properties of Aggregates

The physical properties of aggregates play a significant role in their selection for
various construction applications.
2.1 Particle Size Distribution (Grading)
• Well-graded aggregates (a mix of different sizes) produce denser and more
workable concrete.
• Importance: Affects workability, strength, and durability of concrete.
2.2 Specific Gravity
 • Indicates the density of the aggregate material.
o Normal values: 2.4–2.9 for natural aggregates.
o Importance: Influences the overall density and strength of the concrete.
2.3 Water Absorption
• The amount of water an aggregate can absorb when submerged in water.
o Importance: Affects the water-cement ratio and the overall durability of
concrete.
o Typical range: 0.1–2.0% for natural aggregates.
2.4 Porosity and Voids
• Refers to the amount of empty space within the aggregate particles.
o Importance: High porosity leads to lower strength and durability as it
allows water and harmful chemicals to penetrate the concrete.
2.5 Moisture Content
• Aggregates can be classified into four moisture conditions: oven-dry, air-dry,
saturated surface dry (SSD), and wet.
o Importance: Impacts the effective water-cement ratio and the mix design.
2.6 Fineness Modulus
• An index number representing the mean size of particles in the aggregate.
o Importance: Helps in determining the proportions of fine and coarse
aggregates.
2.7 Shape and Surface Texture
• Smooth, rounded particles improve workability, while rough, angular particles
improve bond strength with cement paste.
o Importance: Impacts the mix design, strength, and workability of
concrete.

3. Mechanical Properties of Aggregates

Mechanical properties dictate the aggregate's ability to resist different types of forces
applied to the concrete mix.
3.1 Compressive Strength
 • The ability of the aggregate to resist crushing.
o Importance: High compressive strength aggregates contribute to the
overall strength of concrete.
3.2 Impact Value
• The aggregate’s ability to resist impact forces.
o Importance: High impact value aggregates are more suitable for
pavements and road construction.
3.3 Crushing Value
• The measure of the aggregate's resistance to crushing under a gradually applied
compressive load.
o Importance: A low crushing value is preferred for high-strength concrete.
3.4 Abrasion Resistance
• The ability of the aggregate to resist wear and tear caused by friction.
o Importance: Aggregates with good abrasion resistance are preferred in
surfaces subjected to heavy traffic or loads.
3.5 Tensile Strength
• The resistance of the aggregate to tensile forces.
o Importance: While aggregate tensile strength is not commonly measured
directly, it influences the overall tensile strength of concrete.
3.6 Modulus of Elasticity
• A measure of the stiffness of the aggregate.
o Importance: Affects the deformation characteristics of concrete under
load.

4. Alkali-Aggregate Reaction (AAR)

Alkali-aggregate reaction refers to the chemical reaction between the alkali
hydroxides in cement and certain reactive minerals in the aggregate. This reaction can
cause the expansion and cracking of concrete over time.
4.1 Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR)
 • Occurs when aggregates containing reactive silica react with alkali hydroxides,
forming a gel that swells when it absorbs water.
o Symptoms: Cracking, expansion, and loss of structural integrity.
o Prevention: Use of low-alkali cement, non-reactive aggregates, or the
addition of pozzolanic materials like fly ash or silica fume to mitigate the
reaction.
4.2 Alkali-Carbonate Reaction (ACR)
• Occurs when aggregates containing certain types of carbonate minerals, such as
dolomite, react with the alkalis in the cement.
o Symptoms: Swelling, cracking, and reduced durability.
o Prevention: Use of non-reactive aggregates or controlling the cement
alkali content.

5. Thermal Properties of Aggregates

The thermal properties of aggregates affect how concrete responds to temperature
variations, especially in large or high-heat structures.
5.1 Thermal Expansion
• Aggregates expand and contract with temperature changes, which can induce
stresses in the concrete.
o Importance: Aggregates with low coefficients of thermal expansion are
preferred to reduce the risk of cracking in concrete due to temperature
variations.
o Examples: Quartzite aggregates have a high coefficient of thermal
expansion, while limestone has a lower coefficient.
5.2 Thermal Conductivity
• Refers to the ability of aggregates to conduct heat.
o Importance: Affects the heat retention and thermal insulation properties
of concrete. Aggregates with low thermal conductivity are preferred in
environments where insulation is important.
5.3 Heat Resistance
 • The ability of aggregates to resist damage or disintegration when exposed to
high temperatures.
o Importance: Aggregates used in fire-resistant structures or furnaces
should have good heat resistance.
o Examples: Basalt and granite are good heat-resistant aggregates, while
limestone may break down at high temperatures.
5.4 Heat of Hydration
• The heat released during the cement hydration process.
o Importance: High thermal conductivity aggregates help dissipate the heat
of hydration, reducing the risk of thermal cracking in massive structures
like dams.