Influencia del tamaño nominal máximo del agregado grueso en la resistencia a la compresión del hormigón simple

Abstract

This project addresses the substantial impact that the coarse aggregate size has on the compressive strength of plain concrete. Considering sizes of 1 inch, 3/4 inch, 1/2 inch, and 3/8 inch, and design strengths of 240 kg/cm2 and 280 kg/cm2, correlations were established between both variables, considering the existing relationship between the mentioned factors. The properties of the materials to be used were determined by applying tests governed by some of the NTE INEN standards. Following this, the concrete mix designs were designed for each nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate using the Central University of Ecuador's optimum density method. A total of 72 concrete cylinders were produced (9 for each nominal maximum size). 3 cylinders were tested according to each nominal maximum size at 7, 14, and 28 days, obtaining the necessary information for the data analysis, allowing the establishment of correlations between the nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate and the compressive strength. The results showed a coefficient of -0.60, indicating that as the nominal maximum size of the aggregate is reduced, strengths above 100 percent of the design strength can be obtained. Similarly, when proposing correlations with the hardened density of the concrete, this coefficient was 0.74, which means that the density has a greater influence than the size. This only occurs for the sizes mentioned in this study.