INFLUENCE OF COARSE AGGREGATE SHAPES ON THE WORKABILITY AND STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of coarse aggregate shape on the compressive strength and density of concrete. Five aggregate types—angular, elongated, smooth-rounded, flaky, and a control mix—were used to cast 60 concrete cubes using a 1:3:6 mix ratio and a water-cement ratio of 0.5. The cubes were cured for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, after which their average compressive strength and density were determined. The results showed that compressive strength for all aggregate types increased with curing age. The control aggregate produced the highest strength values, reaching 26.01 N/mm² at 28 days, followed by angular and flaky aggregates, which achieved 18.28 N/mm² and 18.16 N/mm², respectively. Elongated and smooth rounded aggregates yielded lower 28-day strengths of 16.36 N/mm² and 16.98 N/mm². Density measurements also varied with aggregate shape and curing time, ranging from approximately 2099 kg/m³ to 2432 kg/m³. The study concludes that aggregate shape significantly influences concrete properties, with angular and control aggregates providing superior compressive strength compared to other shapes.