What type of aggregates are recommended for the production of high strength concrete?

What type of aggregates are recommended for the production of high strength concrete?

What is an Aggregate in Construction?

An aggregate is a broad category of coarse to medium-grained material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, and recycled concrete.

Types of aggregates 

There are 2 types of aggregates. 

1 Fine aggregates

2 coarse aggregates

For high-strength concrete, angular crushed stone  is recommended due to its rough texture, which provides superior mechanical interlocking and a stronger bond with the cement matrix. 

Key recommendations for high-strength concrete aggregates:

Aggregate Type/Material: Crushed stone or gravel (e.g., granite) is ideal because of its durability and strength.

Shape: Angular, crushed aggregates are best for high strength. They create a better bond than rounded gravel, which is poor in interlock.

Size: Smaller maximum aggregate sizes (e.g., 10 mm to 12.5 mm) are preferred as they enhance bond strength and reduce internal stresses.

Texture and Grading: Rough-textured, cubical, and well-graded particles are best to minimize voids and maximize density.

Fine Aggregate: Manufactured sand (M-Sand) is recommended over natural sand for high-strength applications due to its clean, graded, and angular nature.