Experimental Investigation on the Properties of Gap Graded Aggregate Medium Strength Concrete
Arathy S. Mohan1, M. Nazeer2
1Arathy S. Mohan, PG Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, TKM College of Engineering, Kollam (Kerala), India.
2Dr. M. Nazeer, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, TKM College of Engineering, Kollam (Kerala), India.
Manuscript received on 10 October 2016 | Revised Manuscript received on 18 October 2016 | Manuscript Published on 30 October 2016 | PP: 64-69 | Volume-6 Issue-1, October 2016 | Retrieval Number: A4748106116/16©BEIESP
Open Access | Editorial and Publishing Policies | Cite | Mendeley | Indexing and Abstracting
© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Concrete is a mixture of cementations material, aggregate, and water. Aggregate is commonly considered inert filler, which accounts for 60 to 80 percent of the volume and 70 to 85 percent of the weight of concrete. Thus concrete properties are highly affected by physical properties of its aggregate. The particle size distribution of coarse and fine aggregate (grading of aggregate) may have an effect on concrete behaviour. However, due to the inherent difficulties related to the characterization of fine sized particles, little research has been made to evaluate the effect of grading. In the present investigation, packing density of combined aggregate is considered as the criteria for aggregate gradation thus selecting four combinations of gap graded aggregate for making medium strength (M40) concrete mixes. The workability, density and strength results from these concrete mixes are finally compared with conventional concrete to propose a suitable aggregate gradation. Within the premises of this study, it is concluded that gap graded concrete, though of a relatively stiffer and drier mix, can be placed and finished without undue effort for the non-structural, massive construction works demand less workability wherein continuously graded concrete has been customarily used heretofore. A considerable saving in cement content, sand and notable improvements in mechanical properties are the realistically achievable advantages through the use of gap graded concrete. Good control and, above all, care in handling, so as to avoid segregation, are essential.
Keywords: Aggregate, Gap Graded, Gradation, Packing Density
Scope of the Article: Concrete Structures