Determination of suitability of the limestone aggregates as coarse aggregate for concrete

Abstract

The use of limestone in the construction industry has been increasing due to its potential as aggregate. Some of the benefits of limestone include good strength, low possibility of alkali-silica reaction and the decrease in drying shrinkage in concrete. In the northern part of the Sri Lanka, limestone is used as aggregate in concrete due to its availability'. The aim of this research is to observe, evaluate, compare and discuss general characteristics of the limestone aggregate in the northern part of Sri Lanka and check the suitability of the limestone as coarse aggregates in concrete. There are two different kinds of limestone there, namely Red limestone and white limestone. Then experiments are conducted for both kinds of limestone together with the normal coarse aggregates. The properties of density, water absorption, particle size distribution, Flakiness Index, Los Angeles Abrasion Value, Aggregate Impact Value, Aggregate Crushing Value and Soundness of the aggregate are observed. The results are compared with the properties of the coarse aggregates and then suitability of limestone aggregates is evaluated.