Laboratory-Scale Investigation on Band Gradations of Aggregate for Concrete
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 25, Issue 11
Abstract
Aggregate gradations have significant effects on concrete properties because approximately 70% of the volume of concrete is occupied by aggregates. Various researchers, specifications, and codes have suggested different types of aggregate gradations for concrete mixtures. This paper presents a comparative analysis among available aggregate gradation methodologies and analyzes different aspects of two proposed band gradations through laboratory experiments. The overall research was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, concrete mixes were prepared using different aggregate gradation methodologies to find out the comparatively better aggregate gradation methodology in terms of concrete properties. Analyzing the results of this phase, the newly proposed 5-10-14-18 and 5-10-18-22 band gradations were found to give better concrete properties compared to other aggregate gradation methodologies with respect to concrete workability and compressive strength. The objective of the next stage was to assess different practical and theoretical aspects of these selected band gradations. In addition, a brief analysis is given on the possible application of the fineness modulus (FM) and fine aggregate to total aggregate (FA/TA) ratio chart to obtain an optimum aggregate gradation.
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Acknowledgments
The Concrete Laboratory of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) is gratefully acknowledged for providing all experimental facilities.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 25 • Issue 11 • November 2013
Pages: 1776 - 1782
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 16, 2011
Accepted: Oct 12, 2012
Published online: Oct 13, 2012
Discussion open until: Mar 13, 2013
Published in print: Nov 1, 2013
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