Influence of Fine-Aggregate Grading on Properties of Concrete. A Review of Literature - Report 1.

A review of the literature on the influence of aggregate grading on the properties of concrete revealed a diversity of opinion concerning the optimum gradings of fine aggregates. In most of the investigations dealing with the amount of material passing the No. 100 sieve that will produce satisfactory concrete, it was indicated that less than 15 of this size material is desirable, and it was concluded that 10 is optimum for mass concrete. In general, the consensus was that fines cause an increase in the water requirement and influence air content. One of the studies reported indicated that high air content did not decrease the strength excessively for mass concrete and seemed to be beneficial. Therefore, it appears that a mass concrete mixture low in fines and having a high air content may prove satisfactory. It was generally concluded that the fine-aggregate grading influences in varying degrees the workability, durability, strength, water requirement, air content, bleeding, and density of concrete.