Influence of physical and geometrical properties of granite and limestone aggregates on the durability of a C20/25 strength class concrete

This paper presents an experimental study to evaluate the influence of physical and geometrical properties of granite and limestone aggregates on the durability of a C20/25 strength class concrete. Different granite and limestone aggregates were collected from seven quarries. Physical, geometrical and mechanical properties of aggregates as well as the rock weathering state were quantify by several tests such as, abrasion, surface hardness, uniaxial compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, water absorption by capillarity, vacuum water absorption and oxygen permeability. Using aggregates from each quarry, several C20/25 strength class concrete mixes have been produced, with the same workability and volume proportions. Concrete specimens have been cured under water for 90 days; after that time concrete durability parameters were obtained through tests such as, vacuum water absorption, capillarity water absorption, water permeability and oxygen permeability. Relevant statistical correlations have been obtained between absorption and permeability test of rock material and rock deterioration state (weathering). Valid statistic correlation was also obtained between durability parameters as well as among aggregates geometrical properties and concrete durability parameters.