Adequacy of carbonate aggregates as an alternative for chert aggregates in concrete manufacture.

Abstract

Carbonate and chert aggregates are extensively used in concrete manufacture. The present study assesses the effectiveness of both aggregates in different concrete mixtures. The diagenetic processes control the dissolution of carbonate aggregates and their physical and mechanical properties. Although the mechanical properties of the chert aggregates increase the concrete strength, the physical properties of the carbonate aggregates benefit largely the concrete strength. Sewer water is more effective than the rain and tap water in carbonate dissolution, so the chemical deterioration of the carbonate aggregates could decrease the concrete durability.