TO DEVELOP CONCRETE MIX BY USING SAND OF FINENESS MODULUS LESS THAN 2.4

Abstract

Concrete‟s compressive strength is dependent on the shape and gradation of both types of aggregate and how strongly the aggregates are bonded together. According to ACI provisions the Fineness modulus (FM) of sand to be used in concrete mix is in range of 2.4 to 3.0. But in Pakistan the sand available is much finer having FM around 2.0. So, In order to utilize the available sand in concrete mix design, we need to develop practice to use such type of sands in our concrete mix design. Through this project, we tried to find out the particular values of bulk volume of coarse aggregate against FM 2.0 and 2.2 of sand, for specific nominal maximum sizes of coarse aggregate i.e. 1/2” and 1”, while keeping water to cement ratio fixed at 0.55. The compressive and tensile strengths along with the slump values are considered as standard parameters as a practice when different combinations of coarse aggregates i.e.1/2” and 1” and sand with F.M of 2.0 and 2.2 are incorporated in concrete mix design.