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Aggregate Size

Coarse Aggregate Size

Size of Aggregates

Does the use of larger coarse aggregate in a mix tend to produce concrete of higher strength? A recent report by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association reached the following conclusions:


  • 1. At given water ratio, within the range employed in most structural concrete, smaller maximum sizes of aggregate will tend to produce higher concrete strengths than larger ones.
  • 2. The larger sizes will require less mixing water and hence, for a given cement factor, will produce concrete of lower water-ratio than the smaller sizes.
  • 3. The advantage of small aggregate in the water-ratio strength relationship may or may not be sufficient to offset the effects of its higher mixing water demand. It appears that optimum maximum size, so far as strength is concerned, will vary for different aggregates, different cement factors, different test ages and probably other conditions.
  • 4. A realistic appraisal of the recent data for several different aggregates must lead to the conclusion that size of aggregate, within a reasonable range, is of less importance to concrete strength than other aggregate characteristics. Even in the leaner mix, where the larger aggregate gave higher strength, the advantage was inconsequential in relation to strength differences between aggregates of the same size from different sources.

Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction

Size of Aggregates Scope

This classification defines aggregate size designations and ranges in mechanical analyses for standard sizes of coarse aggregate and screenings for use in the construction and maintenance of various types of highways and bridges.

With regard to sieve sizes and the size of aggregate as determined by the use of testing sieves, the values in inch-pound units are shown for the convenience of the user; however, the standard sieve designation shown in parentheses is the standard value as stated in specification.

The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

Size of Aggregates Significance and Use

Some contract documents specify certain aggregate sizes for specific uses or may suggest one or more of these sizes as appropriate for the preparation of various end-product mixtures. In some cases, closer limits on variabi1ity of the aggregate grading are required.

Size of Aggregates Manufacture

The standard sizes of aggregate described in this c1assificationare manufactured by means of any suitable process used to separate raw material into the desired size ranges. Production of standard sizes by blending two or more different components is permitted.


Fine Aggregate for Concrete

1) Sand Equivalent – 80 (min)
2) Soundness --10% loss (max)
3) Friable Particles --3.0% (max)
4) Coal plus Lignite -- 0.50% (max)
5) Uncompacted Voids (FAA) -- 47% (max)
6) Organic Impurities -- Not darker than standard

Concrete Aggregate Size • Department will allow any combination of natural, crushed, or conglomerate sand when the combination is achieved in the concrete plant weigh hopper
– Combined sand must meet the minimum requirements for use in concrete
• Wearing surfaces for vehicular traffic
– Use natural or conglomerate sand
• Engineer may allow other sands

Stand size of processed aggeregates


Coarse Aggregates Section

• Crushed stone and crushed or uncrushed gravel
• Includes lightweight aggregates or slag where permitted
• Department’s List of Approved Materials
• Aggregate Source List

• Class A and Class B Polish Resistant Aggregate Sources

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