Optimization of Particle Size Distribution of Concrete Aggregates

Abstract

This paper investigates the optimization of concrete aggregate particle size distribution under a dense arrangement of a group of sphere particles with maximum diameter of 25 m. The proposed sphere model reflects the particles that constitute 'aggregate' in concrete. In scope of this, the volume proportions on some regular close-packed arrays of spheres, such as face center cubic (FCC) lattice packing will be discussed. Such space filling between this regular crystalline system is taken into consideration as it suggests a regular arrangement and the possibility to attain a dense mixture of different aggregate sizes is considerable. The main objective is to compare the generated particle size distribution and its corresponding density with those proposed by European standards, referring EN 933-2 and EN 1097-3. The concept of gradation, compacted density, packing and Fuller distribution are also discussed.