How to define Strength of Aggregate

The conventional technique which increases the strength of aggregates is often referred as stabilizing techniques. As the aggregate members are weak in tension while in compression as a axial load is applied. They do not transmit the compressive force as it is appeared from one aggregate to another. The stabilizing techniques perform the aggregates in the container with an uneven manner with downward force acting on one aggregate. Then the force is distributed to more particles and deeper into the container and spread in most of the bottom container. In order to spread the load horizontally, vertical force is to be distributed evenly through the point of contact. The aggregates need to be compacted before all the settlement should be done before the aggregate is used. The tendency to move aggregate horizontally is restricted by the interlocking force due to surface friction which depends upon the roughness and smoothness of material.

The stabilizing techniques are depended on some factors:

Well graded aggregate should be used because a well graded aggregate is stronger than a non-graded aggregate and increases the strength of aggregate.

The size of aggregates plays an important role in this technique as larger is the size, greater is the strength of aggregate, because larger size has greater interlocking and hence increases the strength.

The flat surface increases the strength of the concrete due to greater interlocking. Flat surfaces fit together more compactly with maximum contact between faces than the round shape particles.

Compaction should be done especially by vibration increases the shearing strength of aggregate of any size, shape and grade.