Aggregate effect on concrete cone capacity

Abstract

Recently, a large experimental campaign was completed that attempted to establish a link between petrography of the coarse aggregate, the concrete material properties and the system response in terms of concrete cone capacity. The investigation focused on three normal strength concretes having different coarse aggregate types (quartz, limestone, basalt) but otherwise similar mix design. All specimens of each concrete were cast from the same batch, carefully cured following three sets of curing protocols, and systematically characterized. The investigation comprised aggregate and concrete characterization, and structural tests performed at two ages on cast-in headed stud anchors under tensile loading. The aggregate characterization included the determination of Los Angeles coefficient, hardness and Young’s modulus. In order to characterize the concretes, standard compression and indirect tension tests, were performed together with fracture tests. The experimentally obtained material and structural data finally served for the evaluation of current predictive models in terms of concrete compressive strength or concrete fracture properties as well as a correlation study. Aided by photogrammetric analysis, the concrete cone shape was determined for each individual test and analyzed to uncover possible dependencies on the coarse aggregate type.