Concrete Aggregate

Concrete Aggregate

Aggregates give body to the concrete. They also reduce shrinkage and effect overall economy. Since aggregate is cheaper than cement, it is economical to put as much aggregates as practically possible. Not only the use of more volume of aggregate in concrete is economical, it also provides higher volume stability to the concrete.

Generally they occupy 60-70% of the total volume of concrete. At the same time the aggregates should be strong because the weak aggregates can’t make strong concrete and they may limit the strength of concrete. Therefore the selection of aggregate becomes very vital.

 Earlier aggregates were viewed as an inert ingredient of concrete but now their importance has been understood and these are no more considered inert. Their physical, chemical as well as thermal properties greatly influence the properties of concrete.