Suitability of Using Bush Pebble (Coarse Aggregate) in the Production of Concrete

Abstract

This study is aimed at evaluating the suitability of using Bush pebble (aggregate) as coarse aggregatein the production of concrete. Slump (workability) test, compaction factor test and compressive strength tests were conducted on concrete. Moreover, 1:2:4 and 0.45, 0.55 and 0.65 were used as a mix ratio and water-cement ratios respectively. The results of workability (slump) and compaction factor show that as the water-cement ratio increases the workability (slump) and compaction factor increase. On the other hand, the compressive strength of concrete produced with Bush pebble increases as the curing age and water-cement ratio increase. Furthermore, the densities of concrete produced with the water-cement ratios fall within the limits of 2200 kg/m3 to 2600 kg/m3for normal concrete. The regression model developed for the compressive strength of concrete is adequate for predicting the compressive strength of concrete produced with Bush pebble (aggregate). It was concluded that, based on different tests carried out, the Bush pebble (aggregate) can be used in the production of concrete as a substitute for normal coarse aggregate