Influence of Aggregate Type on Mechanical Behavior of Normal- and High-Strength Concretes

Abstract

Effects of coarse aggregate type on the mechanical properties of both normal- and high-strength concretes (HSCs) were investigated under compressive loading. Basalt, sandstone, and Triassic and Devonian crushed limestone coarse aggregates were used in the concretes. For each coarse aggregate type, 6 concrete mixtures were made with the same portland cement and natural sand. Nominal slump, effective water-cement ratio, and cement content were kept constant in each concrete class. In all mixtures, the grading and maximum particle size were the same. Triassic limestone containing concrete had the highest compressive strength. However, in HSCs, the compressive strength of basalt containing concrete had the highest value. In HSCs, the hysteresis loops of Triassic and Devonian limestone concretes are generally narrower than those of basalt and sandstone concretes. It can be concluded that the irreversible energy up to prepeak stress in compression decreases significantly and the loop becomes narrower with an increase in compressive strength. The brittleness index increases substantially with the compressive strength of concrete.