Philippine E-Journals

Investigation on the Effect of Gradual Addition of Basalt Coarse Aggregates in the Mechanical Properties of Concrete

Anthony T. De Castro

 

Abstract:

The researcher investigated on basalt rock as a coarse aggregate in the production of concrete in comparison to the widely used river coarse aggregates. Physical property test in determining the suitability of basalt as coarse aggregates were also determined including specific gravity and fineness of the cement, water absorption, unit weight of aggregates and Los Angeles abrasion loss of the coarse aggregates. The concept was to gradually substitute the river coarse aggregates by 25% increment of basalt coarse aggregates from 0% to 100% and determine the mechanical properties of concrete such as compressive, flexural and split-tensile strength. The control specimen was the 0% basalt coarse aggregates - 100% river coarse aggregates. The water – cement ratio was maintained at 50% for all mixture. Based on the results obtained, basalt coarse aggregates have proven to have better physical properties compared to river coarse aggregates. Meanwhile, the concrete using basalt coarse aggregates shows an improvement on the compressive, flexural and split tensile strength as compared to the concrete made of river coarse aggregates. Based on the 28 days curing period, the compressive strength, flexural strength and split tensile strength is increased by 6.99%, 16.19% and 31.41% respectively. Results showed that introduction of basalt coarse aggregates on concrete mixture improved the properties of hardened concrete.