Influence of natural coarse aggregate size, mineralogy and water content on the permeability of structural concrete

This experimental work discusses the relevance of natural coarse aggregates of different geological sources in the permeability of structural concrete. Good quality granite, basalt, calcareous and marble natural coarse aggregates, obtained from different quarries, were used to produce structural concrete of strength class C30/37. Concretes were produced with constant volume proportions, workability, mixing and curing conditions using different sizes of each aggregate type. Aggregates were mixed in concrete in both dry and water saturated states. Concrete durability parameters, such as capillary water absorption and air permeability, measured at 28 days, were found to be affected by coarse aggregate size and its water content rather than aggregate mineralogy, as discussed.