Evaluating Aggregate Quality of Lorestan Province to Enhance the Mechanical Properties of Concrete Mix Designs

Document Type : Regular Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Khorramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Khorramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of aggregate quality on the mechanical properties of concrete samples, utilizing a comprehensive analysis of aggregates sourced from 46 different batching plants across Lorestan Province. The quality assessment of these aggregates was conducted through several tests, including the sand equivalent test, sieve analysis, fineness modulus, and flakiness index. Following this initial evaluation, compressive strength tests were performed on a range of mix designs to identify the most suitable aggregate type for further experimentation. Subsequently, eigth optimized mix designs were developed, encompassing normal concrete, self-compacting concrete, and high-performance cementitious concrete reinforced with steel fibers. The mechanical properties of these selected mix designs were thoroughly evaluated, focusing on compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength. Results demonstrated that the high-performance cementitious concrete, particularly those incorporating steel fibers, exhibited superior mechanical properties compared to the other mix designs. This study underscores the critical role of aggregate quality in enhancing the mechanical performance of concrete, providing insights that can inform future concrete mix design practices. Also, the comparison between results shows that adding fibers can increase the flexural and splitting strength of specimens by up to 47% and 43%, respectively.

Graphical Abstract

Evaluating Aggregate Quality of Lorestan Province to Enhance the Mechanical Properties of Concrete Mix Designs

Highlights

  • High-performance cementitious concrete with steel fibers enhances mechanical properties significantly.
  • Aggregate quality assessment improves concrete mix design for better compressive strength.
  • Self-compacting concrete demonstrated superior workability and durability in mix evaluations.
  • Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity testing confirmed improved material integrity in fiber-reinforced concrete.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 07 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 05 February 2025

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