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

This study investigates the influence of aggregate quality on the mechanical properties of concrete samples, utilizing a comprehensive analysis of aggregates sourced from ۴۶ 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 ۴۷% and ۴۳%, respectively.

کلیدواژه ها:

Fine and coarse aggregate ، Mechanical properties ، Self-compacting concrete ، High performance concrete