Civil Engineering

Sand, Aggregate and Fillers

Since approximately three quarters of the volume of concrete is occupied by aggregates, it isn’t surprising that its quality is of prime importance. Not only may the aggregate limit the strength of concrete, but the aggregate properties also greatly affect the durability and structural performance of concrete.

Aggregate is relatively inexpensive, does not enter into complex chemical reactions with water, and has been customarily treated as an inert filler material. However, with the increasing awareness of the role played by aggregate, this concept is being challenged.

The important characteristics of aggregate which are significant in making concrete include porosity, grading or size distribution, moisture absorption, shape and surface texture, crushing strength, elastic modulus, and the type of deleterious substances present. Tinius Olsen has a range of product offerings to determine these characteristics:

Sampling and Physical Properties

Riffle boxes
Thickness gages and length gages
Density basket

Bulk density measures

Aggregate Impact Value and Abrasion
Crushing value apparatus
Aggregate impact tester with blow counter
Los Angeles Abrasion machine