Influence of Aggregate Properties on Concrete Mechanical Performance
While the effect of paste properties on concrete performance has been extensively studied, the influence of aggregate characteristics on concrete performance has not been investigated in detail. Based on previous research that demonstrated significant strength differences for two similar concrete mixtures, one prepared with limestone aggregates and the other with siliceous gravel, a joint study between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) was initiated to explore in detail the influence of aggregate properties on concrete mechanical performance. Eleven aggregates of differing mineralogy were identified and obtained both for bulk characterization and for incorporation into two concrete mixtures. The first concrete mixture was based on a 100 % ASTM Type I/II ordinary portland cement, while the second consisted of a volumetric blend of 60 % of this cement, 30 % of a Class C fly ash and 10 % of a fine limestone powder. The results show a wide variation in concrete performance amongst the different aggregates. Several of the aggregate properties were found to have some influence on the concrete performance, but the extent of this effect depends mainly on the concrete property. Nevertheless, it appears that the greatest aggregate impact is how its modulus of elasticity relates to the paste modulus of elasticity. Data presented herein suggest that concrete performance is largely controlled by the level of bonding between aggregates and cement paste, a property that was only assessed in an indirect manner in the present study.
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Supplemental Notes:
- This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AFP70 Standing Committee on Aggregates.
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Corporate Authors:
500 Fifth Street, NW
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Authors:
- Tanesi, Jussara
- Bentz, Dale P
- Jones, Scott Z
- Mengesha, Beyene
- Kim, Haejin
- Ardani, Ahmad
- Arnold, Joshua
- Stutzman, Paul E
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Conference:
- Transportation Research Board 96th Annual Meeting
- Location: Washington DC, United States
- Date: 2017-1-8 to 2017-1-12
- Date: 2017
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Figures; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 20p
- Monograph Title: TRB 96th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bonding; Concrete; Fly ash; Limestone aggregates; Mechanical properties; Modulus of elasticity; Portland cement
- Subject Areas: Highways; Materials;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01628588
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: 17-01716
- Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
- Created Date: Mar 7 2017 5:27PM