AN INVESTIGATIVE STUDY ON THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE USING GRAVEL, GRANITE AND LOCAL STONES WITH THE SAME GRADATION

Abstract

This project work contains a comprehensive details of the test done to investigate and compare the Compressive strength of concrete using local stones, gravel, and granite with the same gradation. The three different aggregate were collected from the same quarry site in Awka, Anambah State. Within the period of this study, it was discovered that the strength and workability of this aggregates differs due to the composition of the parent material, texture and other environmental factors. Based on BS and ASTM, some tests were carried out on this different samples which includes: Gradation test (Sieve Analysis), Slump Test, Compressive Strength Test. Sieve analysis test was carried out on the fine aggregate that was to be as a constituent in the overall concrete. Moreover, Slump Test and Compressive Strength Test was carried out on the coarse aggregates. The sieve Analysis carried out on the fine aggregates shows that it has a coefficient of uniformity of 3.0 and coefficient of curvature of 1.0 which defines the soil to be a uniformly graded soil. The slump Test carried out on the Local stones with water cement ratio of 0.6 resulted to a slump value of 10mm, while that of gravel gave a slump value of 25mm, while that of granite gave a slump value of 58mm. From this, it shows that Gravel and Granite are more preferable as regards the gradation size of 19mm in Construction works where consistency and workability over a significant distance is required before placing. The mix ratio used for the Compressive Strength Test is 1:2:4 and the results shows that granite produced the highest strength of 22.69N/mm2 followed by that of gravel with a Compressive Strength of 20N/mm2 then Local stone with the least Compressive Strength of 19.04N/mm2 . These values obtained by these aggregates is attributed to the size of the aggregate used, mode of formation and surface texture. By comparing the Compressive Strength produced by this aggregates, it was advised that gravel and granite of 19mm size can be used for medium load Construction work as it shows a medium resistance to load while that of local stones is preferable in low load Construction work.