PERFORMANCE STUDY OF LOCALLY AVAILABLE COARSE AGGREGATES OF AZAD KASHMIR

This paper presents results of an experimental study carried out to investigate the suitability of using locally available coarse aggregates in Azad Kashmir to make concrete. Aggregate samples were collected from three different quarries according to ASTM sampling procedure. The experiments were performed on collected samples of coarse aggregates to evaluate their physical and mechanical properties as per ASTM and BS standards. Concrete compositions made using the same aggregates were tested for mechanical properties (compressive strength and tensile strength). The results of this study showed that the concrete made using locally available aggregates in Azad Kashmir performed satisfactorily in terms of mechanical properties. Moreover, their performance was found to be quite similar to those aggregates commonly available and used in Pakistan such as Margallah and Sargodha aggregates.