Concrete as an artificial rock: Mineralogy of aggregates revisited
- Vol.96(8), Aug
- Mumbai ACC LTD 2022
- 5-36p.
Concrete is a conglomerate of aggregates encapsulated in a continuous matrix of binder phase. Concrete is comprised of aggregates more than 70 % by its volume and has a significant influence on the quality of concrete. Irrespective of the binder used, aggregates impart volume stability, stiffness and inertness to concrete. These properties are governed by the geochemistry of aggregates, which depends on the mineralogy. Currently, various sources of aggregates are used in the concrete production. A combined study on aggregate mineralogy, its influence on aggregate properties and performance in concrete is imperative to enable proper selection and effective utilization of available aggregate resources. This paper reviews the mineralogy of aggregates with respect to their geochemistry, and discusses the relevance pertaining to engineering properties, physical, chemical, and thermal constancies. Moreover, the paper also provides a colour atlas of common minerals in aggregates.