What is an Aggregate?

Aggregates are the important constituents of the concrete which give body to the concrete and also reduce shrinkage. Aggregates occupy 70 to 80 % of total volume of concrete. So, we can say that one should know definitely about the aggregates in depth to study more about concrete.

Classification of Aggregates as per Size and Shape

Aggregates are classified based on so many considerations, but here we are going to discuss about their shape and size classifications in detail.

Classification of Aggregates Based on Shape

We know that aggregate is derived from naturally occurring rocks by blasting or crushing etc., so, it is difficult to attain required shape of aggregate. But, the shape of aggregate will affect the workability of concrete. So, we should take care about the shape of aggregate. This care is not only applicable to parent rock but also to the crushing machine used.

Aggregates are classified according to shape into the following types

• Rounded aggregates
• Irregular or partly rounded aggregates
• Flaky aggregates
• Angular aggregates
• Elongated aggregates
• Flaky and elongated aggregates

Rounded Aggregate

The rounded aggregates are completely shaped by attrition and available in the form of seashore gravel. Rounded aggregates result the minimum percentage of voids (32 – 33%) hence gives more workability. They require lesser amount of water-cement ratio. They are not considered for high strength concrete because of poor interlocking behavior and weak bond strength.

Irregular Aggregates

The irregular or partly rounded aggregates are partly shaped by attrition and these are available in the form of pit sands and gravel. Irregular aggregates may result 35- 37% of voids. These will give lesser workability when compared to rounded aggregates. The bond strength is slightly higher than rounded aggregates but not as required for high strength concrete.

Angular Aggregates

The angular aggregates consist well defined edges formed at the intersection of roughly planar surfaces and these are obtained by crushing the rocks. Angular aggregates result maximum percentage of voids (38-45%) hence gives less workability. They give 10-20% more compressive strength due to development of stronger aggregate-mortar bond. So, these are useful in high strength concrete manufacturing.

Flaky Aggregates

When the aggregate thickness is small when compared with width and length of that aggregate it is said to be flaky aggregate. Or in the other, when the least dimension of aggregate is less than the 60% of its mean dimension then it is said to be flaky aggregate.

Elongated Aggregates

When the length of aggregate is larger than the other two dimensions then it is called elongated aggregate or the length of aggregate is greater than 180% of its mean dimension.

Flaky and Elongated Aggregates

When the aggregate length is larger than its width and width is larger than its thickness then it is said to be flaky and elongated aggregates. The above 3 types of aggregates are not suitable for concrete mixing. These are generally obtained from the poorly crushed rocks.

Classification of Aggregates Based on Size

Aggregates are available in nature in different sizes. The size of aggregate used may be related to the mix proportions, type of work etc. the size distribution of aggregates is called grading of aggregates.

Following are the classification of aggregates based on size:

Aggregates are classified into 2 types according to size

• Fine Aggregate
• Coarse Aggregate

Fine Aggregate

When the aggregate is sieved through 4.75mm sieve, the aggregate passed through it called as fine aggregate. Natural sand is generally used as fine aggregate, silt and clay are also come under this category. The soft deposit consisting of sand, silt and clay is termed as loam. The purpose of the fine aggregate is to fill the voids in the coarse aggregate and to act as a workability agent.

Coarse Aggregate

When the aggregate is sieved through 4.75mm sieve, the aggregate retained is called coarse aggregate. Gravel, cobble and boulders come under this category. The maximum size aggregate used may be dependent upon some conditions. In general, 40mm size aggregate used for normal strengths and 20mm size is used for high strength concrete. the size range of various coarse aggregates given below.