Characteristics of aggregates in ُُُEastern Saudi Arabia and their influence on concrete properties

Abstract EN

The coarse aggregates utilized in concrete by the construction industry in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are mostly of dolomotic limestone.

These aggregates generate considerable dust on crushing and some of them do not meet all the ASTM C 33 criteria.

In view of this there is an apprehension as to the applicability of those criteria, particularly the magnesium soundness loss, to the local aggregates.

Also, the effect of dust in the aggregates on concrete properties and reinforcement corrosion is not very well investigated.

This paper presents the results of a study conducted to assess the characteristics of local coarse aggregates on the properties of concrete.

The data indicate that the excess magnesium soundness loss, noted in some of the local aggregates, did not influence the concrete properties.

Similarly, excess chloride concentration in some of the aggregates did not affect reinforcement corrosion.

Further, up to 10% dust, by weight of coarse aggregates, did not influence the compressive strength of concrete and induce reinforcement corrosion.