AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE GUIDELINES FOR USING HIGHER CONTENTS OF AGGREGATE MICROFINES IN PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE

The use of manufactured fine aggregate (MFA) in portland cement concrete becomes more common as sources of natural sands are depleted. There is a great need to utilize MFA better, particularly the minus 85 micro m sizes. The development of specifications that aid aggregates producers, engineers, and specifying agencies in the utilization of MFA is of interest to many parties. Better utilization of crushed aggregates has both economic and environmental benefits for the construction and materials industry. This report presents some of the effects of high-fines on the properties of cement mortar and concrete. A total of 5 sands were used in this mortar study, 10 of which were included in the concrete research. A summary of aggregate characteristics that affect the properties of mortar and concrete are presented along with the correlations evaluated between these properties.