Influence of Maximum Aggregate Grain Size on the Strength Properties and Modulus of Elasticity of Concrete

Abstract

Depending on the dimensions of concrete elements, aggregates of different grain sizes are used for the building structures. Taking this fact into account, the authors of the paper have undertaken in their work an issue concerning the analysis of the influence of maximum aggregate grain size on the strength properties and modulus of elasticity of concrete. This is also due to the fact that few published research results are available in this area. In this paper, the influence of the maximum grain size on the basic strength and deformation properties of concrete is discussed. The research concerns both concretes and gravel aggregates used for their construction with maximum grain sizes of 8 mm, 16 mm and 31.5 mm. The values of the compressive and splitting tensile strength, brittleness and modulus of elasticity of concretes with w/c = 0.45 were analysed. The analysis showed that the strength properties are proportional not only to the maximum size of aggregate grain, but also to the crushing strength of the aggregate. There were no analogous relations found with respect to the modulus of elasticity of the tested concretes. Tensile strength was particularly susceptible to the observed changes.