The classification of aggregates is the determination of the size of aggregates used for construction works. Coarse-grained aggregate is classified according to size (10 mm, 12 mm &). It consists of particles of all sizes. The voids are almost filled with smaller aggregates that give the constant unit weight of the compacted mass.
It is the most preferred classification of a global sample. This sample has high stability and less permeability. In practice, there is no maximum size for the aggregate. But usually the highest you'll want to go for structural applications is 40mm, unless you're running a mass concreting project, such as a dam.
So you can go up to 150 mm. The aggregate mixture is poured into the upper sieve and the pile is shaken. The weights retained on each screen are then recorded and the gradation curve can be plotted on a semi-logarithmic scale. The following table shows some commonly used screen designations along with opening sizes (aperture per linear inch).
Proper gradation of coarse-grated aggregates is one of the most important factors in the production of workable concrete. Proper gradation ensures that a sample of aggregates contains all standard fractions of aggregate in the required proportion, so that the sample contains minimal voids. A sample of the well-graded aggregate that contains minimal voids will require a minimum of paste to fill the voids in the aggregates. Minimal paste means less cement and less water; leading to greater economy, greater strength, lower shrinkage & greater durability.
Workability is improved when there is an excess of paste above that required to fill the voids in the sand, and also an excess of mortar (sand plus cement) above that required to fill the voids in the coarse-grained aggregate because the fine material lubricates the larger particles. Cement paste or “matrix” that binds coarse-grated aggregates is weaker than aggregates. It is this matrix that is vulnerable to all the ills of concrete. It is more permeable and susceptible to deterioration from attack by aggressive chemicals.
Therefore, the smaller the amount of such a weak link in concrete, the better the concrete will be. This objective can be achieved by having well-graded aggregates. Gradual separation aggregate is used to provide more economical mixing, since less sand can be used for a given workability. However, such aggregates rated at the maximum density give a hard concrete that is very difficult in ordinary concreting.
Aggregates are classified according to the code IS 383, when the aggregate size is less than 4.75 mm it is called fine aggregate 26%, more than 4.75 mm is called coarse-grained aggregate. A concrete core portion with a separation slope, or jump slope, shows a small size aggregate field interspersed with large, slightly isolated pieces of aggregate embedded in a small size aggregate. A portion of a well-graded aggregate concrete core exhibits a compact field of many different particle sizes. Concretes with voids rank between good and poorly leveled in terms of performance and economy.
A gap- or step-graded sample is missing some sizes in the mix and is therefore never preferred in preparing concrete for construction purposes. A global sample is said to be well-graded if it has all the required sizes in the required proportions. The classification limit for single-size coarse-grained aggregate and nominal size graded coarse-grained aggregate has been listed according to the IS standard. Poorly graded concretes generally require excessive amounts of cement paste to fill voids, making them uneconomical.
Concretes with uniformly graded aggregates are difficult to compact and are likely to have high permeability and low stability. .
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