Assessment of the Compressive Strength Properties of Concrete Made with Various Aggregate Sizes in Imo State

Abstract

The selection of coarse aggregate size is a critical factor influencing the fresh and hardened properties of concrete. This study investigated the effect of coarse aggregate size on the workability and compressive strength of concrete produced using granite aggregates obtained from Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, examined the compressive strength development of the concrete, and evaluated the influence of aggregate size on compressive strength using a constant mix ratio of 1:2:4. Experimental procedures involved slump tests and compressive strength tests conducted at 7, 14, and 28 days. Conversely, compressive strength decreased with increasing aggregate size. The 12.5 mm aggregate produced the highest compressive strengths of 18.3 MPa, 22.6 MPa, and 26.4 MPa at 7, 14, and 28 days, respectively, while the 20 mm aggregate produced the lowest strengths. The study concluded that 12.5 mm granite aggregate provides optimum performance for structural concrete produced with Ishiagu aggregates. The findings contribut