Effect of Aggregate Washing on Compressive Strength of Concrete produced Using Bida Natural Stone

Abstract

Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world, second to water as the most utilised substance on earth. Coarse aggregate is an essential component in concrete production; it has effect on the workability and mechanical properties of concrete. Bida Natural Stone (BNS) which is the by-product of Precambrian deposits of Bida trough was used as coarse aggregate, utilising unwashed and washed aggregates. A total of 80 concrete cubes of 150 × 150 × 150 mm were cast and used for this study, compressive strength tests were conducted after 28 days curing. The result of physical properties test conducted proved that BNS is suitable for concrete production. The result of compressive strength tests conducted shows that concrete produced using washed aggregate results in an increase in average compressive strength of about 11.46 % when compared to that produced using unwashed aggregate. Hence, construction professionals and workers utilising this aggregate (BNS) in the Bida basin are encouraged to practice aggregate washing before concrete works.