Bringing together in one volume the latest research and information, this book provides a detailed guide to the selection and use of aggregates in concrete. After an introduction defining the purpose and role of aggregates in concrete, the authors present an overview of aggregate sources and production techniques, followed by a detailed study of their physical, mechanical and chemical properties. This knowledge is then applied to the use of aggregates in both plastic and hardened concretes, and in the overall mix design. Special aggregates and their applications are discussed in detail, as are the current main specifications, standards and tests.

The purpose of the investigation was to either validate or disprove the assumption that a water-cement ratio (W/C) in excess of 0.8 by weight for interior concrete containing 4-1/2-in. maximum size aggregate can be used in mass concrete construction, and to compare the properties of concrete containing 4-1/2-in. maximum size aggregate with those of the concretes containing 3- and 6-in. maximum size aggregates. The investigation consisted of a laboratory test program in which a series of six lean mass concrete mixtures, both with and without pozzolan, containing 4-1/2-in. maximum size aggregate were proportioned with identical W/C's that had been selected from the work of a previous investigation. Specimens were cast and tests were made to evaluate the mixtures for workability, strength, permeability, and durability.

A novel method of concrete mix design is presented. Tests with various constituent materials are reported in great detail. Both laboratory tests and applications in industry show the method to be very successful for all kinds of normal constituent materials, including silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, natural pozzolans, blended cement, fine and coarse aggregates, water, air entraining admixtures, plasticizers and super-plasticizers.