Durability Assessment of River Aggregate in Natural, Immersed, and Chemically Treated Conditions
摘要
In contemporary construction practices, the importance of durable concrete structures, as well as the subbase and base of pavements, capable of withstanding high stress levels cannot be overstated. The abrasion resistance of aggregates plays a crucial role in determining the longevity and resilience of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and pavements. Given that aggregates constitute more than half of concrete composition, their selection is pivotal, necessitating careful consideration of both abrasion resistance and crushing strength. Water is a significant weathering agent, and prolonged immersion of aggregates in water leads to weathering, resulting decline in abrasion resistance and overall durability. This study investigates the impact of water immersion, as well as immersion in Magnesium sulfate, on the durability of aggregates sourced from five different rivers (Manahari, Rapti, Samari, Amlekhgunj, and Bakaiya). Tests for Aggregate Impact Value (AIV), and Los Angeles Abrasion Test (LAA) were conducted initially on dry aggregates to establish baseline values. Subsequently, the aggregates were subjected to immersion in water and Magnesium sulfate for varying durations (1, 7, 28, 45, and 60 days), followed by drying, and the tests were repeated. The obtained values were then compared with the baseline values to assess the effects of water and chemical immersion on aggregate durability. The results offer valuable insights into how immersion impacts aggregate durability, thereby contributing to informed decision-making in construction material selection and infrastructure design.