Comparison Of The Strength Of Concrete Produced With Coarse Aggregate In Different Location
(A Case Study Of Abakiliki, Lokpanta And Otanmiri Samples)
The strength characteristics of concrete, a fundamental construction material, exhibit notable disparities contingent upon the geographical origin of coarse aggregates. This investigation delves into the comparative analysis of concrete strength derived from diverse coarse aggregate sources. Through comprehensive testing protocols encompassing compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths, this study discerns the nuanced performance of concrete across distinct locales. The research elucidates the influence of geological attributes, climatic conditions, and aggregate composition on the resultant concrete strength, shedding light on factors shaping material properties in construction practices. Insights gleaned from this inquiry are vital for optimizing concrete formulations tailored to specific regional exigencies, enhancing structural integrity, durability, and sustainability in diverse construction contexts.
This project work is aimed at investigating and comparing the strenght of coarse aggregate from different source. These include both the physical and mechanical properties of coarse aggregate materials collected from different sources. The sample is collected from Abakaliki quarry site in Ebonyi State, Lokpanta quarry site in Umunneochi,Abia State and Otanmiri River in Owerri, Imo State, all in South East part of Nigeria. The properties of these aggregates differ from place to place due to the composition of the parent material, weathering and other environmental factors.
Some regulatory bodies like British Standard Institute BSI and American Association of State Highway and Transportation officials AASHTO has formulated standard testing methods for investigating the physical and chemical properties of aggregate. Based on BS and ASTM, some tests were carried out on the different samples which includes; Los Angeles Abrasion test, Aggregate Impact Value test, Specific Gravity and Water Absorption tests, Grading test (sieve analysis) and Compression test. These tests were carried out on the three samples to investigate their properties and finally, a comparison was made on their different properties.
Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of Content
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Scope of the Study 4
1.3 Significance of the Study 4
1.4 Objective of the Study 4
1.5 Limitation of the Study 5
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review 6
2.1 Aggregates 6
2.2 Classification of Aggregate 8
2.3 Properties of Aggregates 18
2.4 Aggregate Tests 23
2.5 Concrete and its Constituents 37
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Materials and Tests 41
3.1 Samples and Classification 41
3.2 Grading Test 42
3.3 Los Angeles Abrasion Test 44
3.5 Impact Value Test 46
3.6 Specific Gravity/water Absorption Tests 49
3.7 Compression Test 51
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Presentation and Analysis of Results 54
4.1 Presentation of Results 55
4.2 Design of Concrete Mix 58
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 General aggregate properties 67
CHAPTER SIX0
6.0 Conclusion and Recommendations 73
6.1 Conclusion 73
6.2 Recommendations 75
Reference 76
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
Aggregates are very important constituent in construction work. They reduce shrinking, give body to concrete and effect economy. (Shetty, 2005). In road construction, aggregates are combined with asphalt binding medium to form a compound material. It can also be use with a stabilizer or by self for base and sub-base courses.
Aggregates are used in almost all construction works like:
1. Road bases and sub-bases
2. Asphalt concrete
3. Asphalt surface
4. Portland cement concrete
5. Rails and ballasts
6. Trench backfill
7. water filtration beds
8. Rip rap and gabion materials
Aggregates were earlier considered as a chemically inert material but now it has been found out that some of the aggregates are chemically active and also that some aggregate exhibit chemical bonds at the interface of aggregate and cement paste.
Aggregate can occur naturally or artificially. Naturally curing aggregates are particles resulting from the weathering of rocks. They can be gotten from rivers, say gravels and sand stone or crushed rock called chippings.
The mere fact that aggregate occupy 70-80 percent of the volume of concrete and 40 percent of asphalt concrete, has an impact on various characteristics and properties of concrete and asphalt.
To know more about concrete, it is important that one should know more about aggregate, which constitute the major volume.
In Nigeria, the basic sources of aggregate either for concrete work or road constructions are from those occurring naturally which are cheaper and readily available. The most widely used aggregate is crushed rock, which are blasted from natural depositions and crushed to different sizes depending on the purpose and use. The study of aggregates (their types, properties and test) is of great important to the Civil Engineering.
This study is to ascertain the different properties of aggregates used in construction works. This process of testing provides or establishes a common basis for comparison of aggregates from different sources and to interchange ideas between different locations.
In this project work, we will be looking at different properties of coarse aggregates from different sources.
Case study include:
– Abakaliki
– Lokpanta
– Otanmiri River
The locations are all in South-Eastern part of Nigeria.
1.2 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This project work is limited to the investigation of the properties of coarse aggregate from different sources, including. Otanmiri River, Lokpanta quarry site and Abakaliki quarry site. All in South Eastern part of Nigeria.
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This project will be of great importance to construction firms that make use of aggregate.
Secondly, this work will be relevant and important to all students in the field of civil engineering who wish to expand their knowledge about coarse aggregates.
1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
1. To determine the properties of coarse aggregate. Sample collected from different locations. Abakaliki, Lokpanta and Otanmiri, all in south east part of Nigeria.
2. To compare the properties of these aggregates from different sources.
3. To determine the strength of aggregate from different source and compare.
1.5 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
During the course of this study, some constraints and limitations were encountered; the first limitation is that of sourcing for the material needed to carry on with the project work.
The second limitation is that of time. The time allocated for this project is short considering the practical involved.
The last limitation of this work is the availability of standard testing equipment, this limitation is the major limitation in this project and it led to the delay of the work as we source for the equipments required for the practical.
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Comparison Of The Strength Of Concrete Produced With Coarse Aggregate In Different Location
The strength of concrete produced with coarse aggregates can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the source and properties of the aggregates, the mix design, and the environmental conditions during curing. Here, we’ll discuss some key factors that can influence the strength of concrete produced with coarse aggregates in different locations:
Aggregate Source:
The geological origin of coarse aggregates can affect their properties. Aggregates from different locations may have varying mineral compositions and textures, which can impact concrete strength.
Aggregate Quality:
The quality of coarse aggregates, including their size, shape, gradation, cleanliness, and angularity, can influence concrete strength. Well-graded and clean aggregates tend to produce stronger concrete.
Mix Design:
The proportion of ingredients in the concrete mix, including the water-cement ratio, type and amount of cementitious materials (e.g., Portland cement, fly ash, slag), and admixtures, can significantly impact concrete strength. A well-designed mix with proper proportions can result in higher strength.
Environmental Conditions:
The environmental conditions during mixing, placing, and curing can affect concrete strength. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and curing duration can influence the rate of hydration and strength development.
Climate and Weather:
The climate and weather of the location where concrete is produced can impact the curing process. Extreme temperatures, freezing, or high humidity levels can affect concrete strength if proper curing methods are not employed.
Testing Methods:
The testing methods and standards used to assess concrete strength should be consistent across different locations to ensure accurate comparisons. Common testing methods include compressive strength tests (e.g., ASTM C39) and flexural strength tests (e.g., ASTM C78).
Quality Control:
Consistent quality control practices are essential to ensure that the concrete mix is produced and placed according to specifications. Regular testing and monitoring of the materials and construction processes help maintain quality.
Aggregates Gradation:
The grading of coarse aggregates, including the distribution of particle sizes, can impact the workability and strength of concrete. Properly graded aggregates help optimize particle packing and improve strength.
Local Materials:
The availability of local materials, including aggregates, can influence the concrete mix design. Using locally sourced aggregates may be cost-effective but may require adjustments to the mix design to achieve the desired strength.
In summary, the strength of concrete produced with coarse aggregates in different locations can vary due to a combination of factors related to the source and properties of aggregates, mix design, environmental conditions, and quality control practices. To accurately compare concrete strengths between locations, it’s important to consider and control these factors and adhere to standardized testing methods. Additionally, local conditions and materials should be taken into account when designing concrete mixes for specific locations.