Study on the Distribution of Coarse Aggregate in Concrete

Abstract

The distribution of coarse aggregate in concrete at different depths from the surface layer was investigated. Based on the fractal theory, the fractal dimension model of the coarse aggregate in concrete was induced. Meantime, the cross-sectional area percentage of the coarse aggregate in concrete was calculated by sectioning method. The fractal dimension value was also indirectly estimated. The results indicate that there was certain change regularity of the coarse aggregate content in concrete, which presents a low percentage value in the surface region and a high percentage value at the depth. That may be caused by the effect of the size effect and boundary effect during the process of the production. In addition, the fractal dimension value of the coarse aggregate in concrete is about 1.35, which differs from the traditional Euclidean geometry. That may be due largely to the coarse aggregate in concrete with fractal character.