International Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Science

2018; 5(1): 1-6

http://www.aascit.org/journal/ijcecs
ISSN: 2472-9558 (Print); ISSN: 2472-9566 (Online)

Partial Replacement of River Gravel

with Crushed Granite to Determine
the Optimum Compressive Strength
of Concrete
Emmanuel Okechukwu Nwafor*, Matthew Igbalumun Aho
Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria

Email address
[email protected] (E. O. Nwafor)
*
Corresponding author

Keywords Citation
Concrete, Emmanuel Okechukwu Nwafor, Matthew Igbalumun Aho. Partial Replacement of River Gravel
River Sand, with Crushed Granite to Determine the Optimum Compressive Strength of Concrete. International
Crushed Granite, Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Science. Vol. 5, No. 1, 2018, pp. 1-6.
River Gravel,
Abstract
Compressive Strength,
This study investigates the effect of partial replacement of river gravel with crushed
Coarse Aggregates,
granite in concrete production. River gravel was replaced from 0% to 100% in the
Partial Replacement
interval of 10% of crushed granite. Sieve analysis of river sand, river gravel and crushed
granite was carried out. Concrete mix design was carried out and the mix ratio obtained
was 1:1.78:3.98. Slump and compacting factor test was performed on the fresh concrete.
Compressive strength test was also carried out on the concrete specimen cured for 7, 14
Received: November 27, 2017
and 28 days respectively. The crushed granite sample was found to be uniformly graded
Accepted: December 12, 2017
and the concrete mixes had true slumps with decreasing consistency as the quantity of
Published: January 11, 2018
crushed granite increased. The compressive strength result shows that concrete made
with river gravel replaced with crushed granite increases with age of curing. Optimum
result was obtained when river gravel was partially replaced with 50% crushed granite
which was 37.1N/mm2 at 28 days on compressive strength.

1. Introduction
The vast bulk of our build environment is formed from raw materials obtained from
the earth by the extractive industries. Without the raw materials with which to build
houses, hospitals, school etc. life would certainly be basic and less comfortable than we
presently experience. Concrete is a composite inert material comprising of a binder
course (e.g. cement), mineral filler (body) or aggregates and water. The production of
concrete is quite easy but however this must be done in such a manner as to allow the
necessary processes that will lead to desire concrete properties to take place. One of
these processes is the hydration of cement to produce chemical reaction that lead to
bonding of the constituent materials together and harden to give the concrete its desirable
property [1].
Aggregate used in concrete production are of two category, fine (sand) and coarse
(gravel or crushed stone) aggregate. The first consideration in the design of concrete
structures is that they should be strong enough to support the loads that they will carry.
Strength of concrete is commonly considered as its most valuable property, although in
many practical cases, other characteristics such as durability and impermeability may in
fact be more important. Nevertheless strength usually gives an overall picture of the
quality of concrete because strength is directly related to the structure of the hardened
2 Emmanuel Okechukwu Nwafor and Aho Matthew Igbalumun: Partial Replacement of River Gravel with Crushed
Granite to Determine the Optimum Compressive Strength of Concrete

cement paste [2]. Many factors therefore have great influence reduced. In considering the void between dense particles, it
on the properties of concrete. These factors include the should be remembered that scale of size large or small makes
properties of the aggregate used in the concrete, their sizes no difference to void percentage [9]. Aggregate gradation
and their texture, whether angular or sub angular, other determines the void content within the structure of aggregate
factors include the type of cement used, the water-cement and consequently the amount of cement paste that is required
ratio used the method of mixing and curing, relative to fill the void space and ensure a workable concrete [10].
humidity, temperature, etc. These factors must be adequately Concrete mixture with well-graded or optimized gradations
controlled to ensure that the desired properties of the have a less likely chance to segregate and will minimize
concrete are obtained [3]. finishing labour [11]. For all concretes natural rounded sands
Aggregates, one of the constituents of concrete, play an and preferable to crashed stone fines flaky particles in coarse
important role in the strength properties of concrete their or fine aggregate are less satisfactory than rounded or cubical
shapes and texture is important since they affect the shaped particle [12]. For effective performance, they must be
workability of concrete. For low and medium strength clean, hard, tough, strong, durable, inert, free from dust and
concretes, smooth round gravels an usually to be preferred well graded [13]. Test is carried out on concrete to determine
but for high crushing strength or flexural strength, concretes its properties. The most common of all tests on hardened
made with angular and rough or crystalline crushed rock e.g. concrete is the compressive strength test. Tests can be made
granite, carboniferous limestone may demonstrate a benefit for different purposes but the main two objectives of tests are
[4]. The preparation of crushed stone aggregates is not easy control of quality and compliance with specifications.
as that of gravel. The overburden must first be removed, the Additional tests can be made for specific purposes; example,
method depending on the formation of the top surface of the compressive strength test to determine the strength of
rock. The rock is next blasted and conveyed in lump in concrete at transfer of pre-stress or at the time of striking the
trucks. A primary crusher of the studded roll, jaw reduces form work be due to the fact that cement is more expensive
most of the material to less than 75mm diameter. The than aggregate, in concrete production and aggregate shape,
material is separated above and below 75mm site and that texture and grading significantly affect concrete workability
passing the primary screen is conveyed to the final screens and strength [14]. To achieve the same workability, poorly
[5]. Gravel is composed of unconsolidated rock fragments shaped and poorly graded aggregates usually require more
that have a general particle size range and include size paste (cement and water). The additional paste is needed to
classes from granule to boulder sized fragments. Gravel can compensate for the low packing density of those aggregates
be sub- categorized into granule (>2mm to 4mm). Large and for the higher inter-particle friction between them [15].
gravel deposits are a common geological feature being River gravel is partially replaced with granite to get the
formed as a result of the weathering and erosion of rocks. mixing proportion of river gravel and granite that will give
The action of rivers and waves tends to pile up gravel in large the required workability and strength of concrete which in
accumulations. This can sometimes result in gravel becoming essence will minimize the amount of cement paste used in
compacted and concreted into the sedimentary rock called concrete production [16].
conglomerate. Where natural gravel deposits are insufficient
for human purposes, gravel is often produced by quarrying 1.1. Aim and Objectives
and crushing hard wearing rocks such as sandstone, The aim of this study is to unveil the effect of coarse
limestone or basalt [6]. The shape and texture of aggregate aggregate type on the compressive strength of concrete.
affects the properties of fresh concrete more than hardened The objective of this project is to determine the optimum
concrete. Concrete is more workable when smooth and strength of concrete when river gravel is partially replaced
rounded aggregate is used instead of rough angular or with granite.
elongated aggregate. Most natural sands and gravel from
river beds or seashores are smooth and rounded and are 1.2. Scope and Limitation
excellent aggregates. Crashed stone produces much more
angular and elongated aggregates, which have a higher The scope to this research covers the partial replacement
surface to volume ratio, better bond characteristic but require of Granite with river gravel in the production of concrete.
more cement paste to produce a workable mixture [7]. A This study is restricted to the use of granite obtained from
graded material is one that has some particles of all sizes Gboko, sand and gravel obtained from River Benue in
from the coarsest permitted to the finest, without excess of makurdi. The granite is Located in Ahua of Mkar near Gboko
any size. It should be appreciated that the void in sand are where PW Construction Company blasted rocks for
considerable as a percentage [8]. When fine particles are construction purpose
made to fill the spaces between the coarse the voids are
 International Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Science 2018; 5(1): 7-6 3

Figure 1. Site Location of Crushed Granite in Mkar Gboko, Benue State.

BS1377. The workability test (slump test and compacting

2. Methodology factor test), casting, and crushing of the cubes were carried out
2.1. Source of Materials in accordance to BS1881 part 3 (1992). The cubes were cured
in accordance with BS8110, Part 1 (1985). The concrete mix
The materials used in this research work include water, design was carried out and the method used was the British
ordinary Portland cement, river sand, river gravel and method for normal weight concrete, developed for department
crushed granite. The portable water used for the experiments of environment in 1975 and revised in 1988. Concrete mix
was taken from the concrete laboratory water tank. The design of 1:1.78:3.98 was used and batching was done
crashed granite sample used was obtained from Gboko in manually. cubes of 150mm × 150mm × 150mm in size were
Benue State where PW Construction Company blasted rocks used for the casting. The proportion of the river gravel was
for construction purpose. Ordinary Portland cement used was replaced by crushed granite at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%,
dengote cement obtained from cement dealer in makurdi. 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100% replacement levels.
River sand and river gravel were obtained from river Benue Two cubes were cast at each and average was taken. The load
in Benue state. at failure divided by the effective area of the cubes in mm2 was
taken as the compressive strength of the cubes cured for 7, 14
2.2. Test Carried out and 28 days respectively. The curing of the concrete was by
The Specific Gravity and the Particle Size Distribution complete immersion in water. Table 1 below shows the
Analysis for the samples were carried out in accordance to batching of the materials at different replacement levels
Table 1. Batching of the Materials at Different Replacement Levels.

% Replacement Sand (Kg) Cement (Kg) River Gravel (Kg) Granite (Kg)
100% P 0% G 18.95 10.98 40.26 0
90% P 10% G 18.95 10.98 36.23 4.03
80% P 20% G 18.95 10.98 32.21 8.05
70% P 30% G 18.95 10.98 28.18 12.08
60% P 40% G 18.95 10.98 24.16 16.1
50% P 50% G 18.95 10.98 20.13 20.13
40% P 60% G 18.95 10.98 16.1 24.16
30% P 70% G 18.95 10.98 12.08 28.18
20% P 80% G 18.95 10.98 8.05 32.21
10% P 90% G 18.95 10.98 4.03 36.23
0% P 100% G 18.95 10.98 0 40.26

P=River Gravel, G=granite Mix Ratio= 1:1.78:3.98

4 Emmanuel Okechukwu Nwafor and Aho Matthew Igbalumun: Partial Replacement of River Gravel with Crushed
Granite to Determine the Optimum Compressive Strength of Concrete

3. Result
3.1. Physical Property of Sample

Table 2 below shows the summary of the physical properties of the sample (River Sand, River Gravel and Crushed Granite)
used for the experiment. From the particle size distribution curves in figure 2 and 3, the uniformity coefficient of river sand,
river gravel and crushed granite were calculated to be 0.24, 1.08 and 1.35 respectively.

Table 2. Physical Property of Sample.

Sample
Property
Sand River Gravel Crushed Granite
Specific Gravity 2.59 2.63 2.67
% Gravel (> 4.75mm) 0 98.87 99.9
% Sand (< 4.75 to 0.075mm) 99.7 1.13 0.11
% Fines < 0.075mm 0.27 0 0
Coefficient of Uniformity 0.24 1.08 1.35
Cc 0.13 0.93 0.96

The specific gravity of river sand, river gravel and crushed granite were 2.59, 2.63 and 2.67 respectively. This show how
dense and suitable the material is in concrete production.

Figure 2. Particle Size Distribution of Sand.

Figure 3. Particle Size Distribution of River Gravel and Crushed Granite.

 International Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Science 2018; 5(1): 7-6 5

3.2. Slump Test and Actual Water/Cement Replacement of River Gravel with Granite % Compacting Factor
Ratio 60% P 40% G 0.9345
50% P 50% G 0.9150
The slump test result shown in table 3 below gave medium 40% P 60% G 0.9360
workability in all mixes, ranging from 0% to 100% of river 30% P 70% G 0.9160
20% P 80% G 0.9250
gravel replaced with crushed granite. 10% P 90% G 0.9019
0% P 100% G 0.9250
Table 3. Slump and actual Water/cement Ratio.

Replacement of Gravel Actual Water/Cement 3.4. Compressive Strength

Slump (mm)
with Granite Ratio
100% P 0% G 0.50 51.00 Table 5 below shows the compressive test result. The
90% P 10% G 0.50 49.50 compressive strength of the concrete increases with age at
80% P 20% G 0.52 53.00 each replacement of river gravel with crushed granite.
70% P 30% G 0.52 50.00
60% P 40% G 0.53 52.50 Table 5. Summary of Compressive Test result.
50% P 50% G 0.53 50.00
40% P 60% G 0.55 53.50 Mix Ratio 7 Days 14 Days 28 Days
30% P 70% G 0.55 51.50 100% P 0% G 25.3 28.2 31.6
20% P 80% G 0.57 52.50 90% P 10% G 27.3 31.1 32.7
10% P 90% G 0.57 48.50 80% P 20% G 24.8 31.2 34.2
0% P 100% G 0.58 52.50 70% P 30% G 31.2 31.6 35.3
60% P 40% G 27.1 31.6 36
3.3. Compacting Factor Test 50% P 50% G 29.6 34.2 37.1
40% P 60% G 28.4 31.6 36.4
Table 4 below shows the compacting factor of the fresh 30% P 70% G 27.3 31.1 34.8
concrete 20% P 80% G 26.7 32 34.3
10% P 90% G 27.30 29.80 33.70
Table 4. Compacting Factor Test Result. 0% P 100% G 25.60 30.40 33.30

Replacement of River Gravel with Granite % Compacting Factor Figure 4 below shows the graph of 7, 14 and 28 days
100% P 0% G 0.9282 compressive strengths achieved at different replacement level
90% P 10% G 0.9160
of river gravel and crushed granite.
80% P 20% G 0.9125
70% P 30% G 0.9096

Figure 4. Compressive Strength Achieved at Different Replacement Level.

Classification System USCS. The value of coefficient of

4. Discussion uniformity Cu < 4 and coefficient of gradation is not between
4.1. Particle Size Distribution 1 and 3 as shown in table 2. The gradation contains most of
the particles in a very narrow size rage. With this grading, the
The study gives a picture of the effects of coarse aggregate aggregates are not effectively packed, and more paste was
type on the compressive strength of concrete. The particle added to avoid porosity of the concrete.
size distribution curve of the three materials in figure 2 and 3
shows that the materials are uniformly graded (poorly 4.2. Slump Test
graded) aggregate according to the Unified Soil The slump test result gave medium workability in all
6 Emmanuel Okechukwu Nwafor and Aho Matthew Igbalumun: Partial Replacement of River Gravel with Crushed
Granite to Determine the Optimum Compressive Strength of Concrete

mixes, ranging from 0% to 100% of river gravel replaced References

with crushed granite. This was because as the percentage of
[1] Abdullahi, M. (2012): Effect of Aggregate type on
crushed granite increases, the slump value degree. The Compressive Strength of Concrete. International Journal of
water/cement ratio was increase by 0.01 to make the concrete Civil and Structural Engineering, 2 (3), 791-800.
mix workable
[2] Oyenuga, V. O., (2008). "Reinforced Concrete Design", 2nd
4.3. Compacting Factor Edition, Asros Limited, Pp 3-5.

The compacting factor test result shows that as the [3] Jimoh, A. A. and Awe, S. S., (2007). The Influence of
Aggregate Size and Type on the Compressive Strength of
percentage of crushed granite increase, the compacting factor concrete. Journal of Research Information in Civil
decreases. The water/cement ratio has to be increase to make Engineering, 4 (2) 157-168.
the concrete mix workable. This was because river gravel is
smooth rounded in shape and it has greater workability on [4] Shetty, M. S. (2005) Concrete Technology. rejendraravindra
printers pvt. ltd, New Delhi.
fresh concrete. The way river gravel was packed made
compaction easier than crushed granite [5] Marcus, Jerrold J. (1997). Mining Environmental Handbook:
Effects of Mining on the Environment and American
4.4. Compressive Strength Environmental Controls on Mining. London: Imperial College
Press.
The maximum strength was achieved at 50% replacement
of river gravel with crushed granite which gave a value of [6] Hogan, M, (2010). "Abiotic Factor Encyclopedia of Earth",
National Council for Science and Environment, Washington
37.1N/m2 at 28 days. The reduction in strength could be DC.
attributed to the amount of void filled with water in the
concrete. The compressive strength increases from 0% to [7] Mehta and Monteiro, (1993). Concrete Structure, Properties
50%, because foe water/cement ratio was not all that altered, and Material, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs.
from 0.5 to 0.52. As the water/cement ratio increases from [8] Ajamu S. O. and Ige J. A (2015). Influence of Coarse
0.52 to 0.58, the porosity of the cement paste in the concrete Aggregate type And Mixing Method On Properties of concrete
also increases and also as the porosity increases, the Made From Natural aggregates In Ogbomoso oyo state
compressive strength of the concrete decreases. Nigeria, Internal Journal of Engineering and Technology,
Centre of Professional research publication, Vol 5, No 7.

5. Conclusion [9] BS 882, 1983. Specification for aggregates from natural

sources for concrete, British Standard Institute London,
Based on the analysis conducted on concrete made of river United Kingdom.
gravel partially replaced with crushed granite, the following [10] Okonkwo V. O and Arinze Emmanuel (2015), Effect of
conclusion can be drawn: Aggregate Gradation on the properties of Concrete made from
1. River gravel can be partially be replaced with crushed Granite Chippings, International Journal of Advancements in
granite in concrete production. Research & Technology, Vol 4.
2. In partial or fully replacement of river sand with [11] Shilstone, J. M. 1990, “Concrete Mixture Optimization”
crushed granite, the compressive strength increases with Concrete International 12 (6): 33-38.
the age of concrete at curing for every percentage of
[12] Anderson, P. J. and V. Johansen (1993). A Guide to
river gravel replaced with crushed granite. Determining the Optimal Gradation of Concrete Aggregates,
3. Maximum strength attained was at 50% replacement of SHRP-C-334. Washington D. C., Strategic Highway Research
river sand with crushed granite which gave a Program, National research council: 200.
compressive strength of 37.1N/m2 at 28 days of curing.
[13] Akeem, A. R., Aliu, A. S., Emenike, A. J. (2013). Effect of
Curing Methods on Density and Compressive Strength of
Recommendation Concrete. International Journal of Applied Science and
Technology, Vol. 3 No. 4; pp 55-64.
From the research work, the following recommendations
[14] Arthanari, S, (1981). "Building Technology and Valuation",
are put forward: River gravel in concrete production has Mc Graw-Hill Publishing Co. Ltd., Pp. 53-54.
greater workability, less compressive strength and
economical in cost compared to crushed granite which have [15] Ramachandran, (1995), "Analysis of concrete", The Indian
high strength, less workable in fresh concrete and high cost. concrete journal, Pp. 45-50. Shilston, J. M, (1990). "Concrete
Mixture Optimization", 6th Edition, Concrete International,
Therefore 50% replacement of river gravel with crushed Vol. 12, Pp 33-39.
granite which gave a compressive strength of 37.1N/m2 will
be recommended in concrete production. [16] Joel M., (2010). Use of crushed Granite Fine as Replacement
to River Sand in Concrete Production, Civil Engineering
Department, University of Agriculture, Makurdi.