Experimental Investigation of Coarse Aggregates Used for Concrete Production in the Construction of Higher Educational Institution (HEI) Buildings

In the construction industry, an aggregate is an important material used in the production of concrete. The strength of any building component, constructed using concrete will depend on the type and texture of aggregates used. It is on this base that this study analysed two different types of coarse aggregate (crushed granite and washed gravel) used in the production of concrete for higher educational institution (HEI) buildings. The following experimental procedures such as silt content, water absorption, specific gravity, sieve analysis, were conducted on the aggregates sampled to determine the property quality of the aggregates when used with other adhesive. Concrete of ratio 1:2:4 were produced using crushed granite and the washed gravel sampled and its strength was tested with the compressive strength testing machine. The 28 days average compressive test of concrete produced with crushed granite and washed gravel are 23.36 N/mm2 and 20.44N/mm2 respectively. The study suggests that locally sourced gravel should be washed before use to reduced silt content and impurities in the coarse aggregate. The study concludes that base on the compressive strength result of the study both crushed granite and washed gravel can be used for concrete work in construction work or project, but their selection for usage should be based on expected imposed load.