An investigation of the effect of different aggregate types on concrete properties with thin section and nondestructive methods

Abstract

Concrete is the most important material in construction industry. Aggregate is one of the most important components of concrete, which consists of many different components. In this study, concrete of constant water/cement ratio was produced by using different types of aggregates and the effect of aggregate on concrete properties was investigated. After determining the physical properties of the aggregates, the textural properties of the aggregates were investigated with the help of image analysis. Standard water cure was applied to concrete test samples for 7, 28, 90 and 180 days. After the curing process, the physical and mechanical properties of the samples were determined by destructive and non-destructive methods. Thin section samples were taken from hardened concrete samples and cement aggregate interface investigations were performed under microscope. As a result, it has been determined that aggregate type creates a change in concrete strength and this situation is related to aggregate properties.