Introduction for Aggregates for concrete
Here I will show you different aggregate sizes for concrete which are generally used for preparing different grades of concrete. Different sizes of aggregate are used for concrete and are necessary if we required good-quality of concrete.
So, if you are a civil engineer then you must know about the different sizes of aggregate while you design any structure like a building, tunnel, bridge, or road pavement of concrete.
There are mainly two types of aggregates used by civil engineering construction work to prepare concrete. Concrete is used for different purposes like foundations, pavement, etc.
About 40 to 80 percent of concrete is made up of aggregate. So, aggregates used in concrete must be free from dust, clay, and organic materials like vegetables, leaves, etc. It should be washed clearly with the help of non-acidic water before use to prepare concrete.
Types of Aggregates for concrete
- Fine aggregates
- Coarse aggregates
Aggregate types and sizes
1) Fine aggregates:- The aggregates whose size is less than 4.75 mm are known as fine aggregates. Fine aggregate is also known as sand.
2) Coarse aggregate:- The aggregate whose size is greater than 4.75 mm is known as coarse aggregate. Stone is also known as coarse aggregate.
The size of aggregates commonly used for preparing different grades of concrete is given below.
Difference between Coarse and Fine aggregate size
S.N | Coarse Aggregate | Fine Aggregate |
1. | The size of coarse aggregate ranges from 4.75 mm to 20 mm | The size of fine aggregate ranges from 75 microns to 4.75 mm |
2. | The shape of coarse aggregates is found mostly in flaky, elongated, Angular, or rounded | It Provides strength and stability to the concrete |
3. | The shape of fine aggregates is found mostly in Rounded and smooth | The shape of fine aggregates are found mostly in Rounded and smooth |
4. | Its density is High | Its density is Low |
5. | It has a low water absorption capacity | It has low water absorption capacity |
6. | It has low binding capacity capacity | It has a low water absorption capacity |
7. | Coarse aggregates are mostly used in the lower layer of a concrete structure | Fine aggregates are primarily used in the upper layer of a concrete structure |
8. | Coarse aggregate has rough surface texture. | Coarse aggregate has a rough surface texture. |
9. | It has less segregation potential. | It has high segregation potential. |
Coarse Aggregate size in mm
Grade of Concrete | Mix of (Cement:Sand:Aggregate) | Coarse aggregate size in mm |
M20 | 1:1.5:3 | 20 mm |
M15 | 1:2:4 | 12.5 mm,20 mm,40 mm |
M10 | 1:3:6 | 20 mm, 40 mm, 60 mm |
M7.5 | 1:4:8 | 40 mm, 63 mm |
M5 | 1:5:10 | 40 mm, 63 mm |
Low Grade | 1:6:12 | 40 mm, 63 mm |

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Properties of aggregates- Physical properties, Chemical properties