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Natural aggregates in the performance and durability of concrete: physical characteristics
Author(s) -
Fookes Peter G.,
Walker Mike J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
geology today
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.188
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1365-2451
pISSN - 0266-6979
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2451.2011.00801.x
Subject(s) - durability , geology , natural (archaeology) , geotechnical engineering , composite material , materials science , paleontology
The production of rock aggregates for construction is the largest of the extractive industries in Britain. Natural aggregates form the main component, by volume, in the manufacture of concrete but the part played by aggregates in the durability and performance aspects of concrete is still only moderately understood. This feature summarizes the main characteristics of common aggregate in concrete, especially those leading to cracking and deterioration. Physical and mechanical causes of concrete cracking are of immense importance but are omitted from the following. The feature expands on the earlier one: ‘Concrete: a man‐made rock?’ ( Geology Today , 2010, v.26, n.2). To follow is another that will continue the story by looking at chemical reactivity in concretes.