Effect of Gravel from Mekong River as Coarse Aggregate to Concrete Properties

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the properties of concrete using the gravel from Mekong River as a coarse aggregate. The results of gravel properties, it was found that Flakiness Index, Elongation Index and abrasion resistant of concrete within the standards for general concrete and abrasion resistant concrete. The results of the compressive strength test of concrete showed that the use of gravel as a coarse aggregate instead of limestone causes the compressive strength of concrete to be reduced by 7% and 4% for concrete used in general structure and prestressed concrete respectively. The results of shear strength test showed that concrete using gravel as a coarse aggregate instead of limestone effect to shear resistance reduced in 27% and 30% for concrete used in general structure and prestressed concrete respectively. This was a result of shear resistance from aggregates interlocking of concrete using gravel was lower than limestone as a coarse aggregate because of a smoother surface. However, concrete using gravel as coarse aggregate has shear strength greater than shear strength of concrete required in the design of non-prestressed concrete building elements approximately 3 times.