An Experimental Investigation on the Abrasion Strength of Aggregate: Elazığ Province Calcareous Aggregate

Abstract

In order to produce quality concrete in our country which is located in the earthquake zone, it is necessary to ensure that the aggregate to be used is subjected to the necessary abrasion and strength tests and to be used in concrete production after being controlled in accordance with the concrete norms. Due to the geological structure of the country, there are different kinds of aggregates with different properties in and in very large quantities in Turkey. Therefore, it is of great importance to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of aggregates in our country to use them in different fields. The present study aims to determine whether or not this calcareous aggregate, which cannot be stored, is sufficient in terms of abrasion strength. This shows that the strength of the concrete produced by the said aggregate will be high. Thus, both the production of concrete with improved properties is provided and the environmental pollution is prevented. In addition, because it is aimed to use the available resources in the most efficient way, it is thought that evaluating this calcareous aggregate found in nature will contribute to the country’s economy found in nature. In the present study, the abrasion strength of the calcareous aggregate extracted from Elazığ province was investigated. The abrasion resistance of the said aggregate was investigated experimentally by changing the Los Angeles parameters under different conditions. In addition, the microstructural morphology of the existing calcareous aggregate was investigated. In this context, Scanning Electron Microscopy test was conducted using an EDX micro-analyzer. As a result of the tests, it was observed that the aggregate abrasion strength decreased with the increasing numbers of balls and revolutions. It was seen that the abrasion strength of the existing calcareous aggregate was higher than most of the related aggregates in the previous studies and it was found to be suitable for use in concrete.