Geotechnical approach to evaluate natural fine aggregates concrete strength, Sohag, Governorate, Upper Egypt

Aggregates are used in a variety of construction applications, and each application has its particular requirements as to the aggregate’s properties. Aggregates for concrete production occupy 70–80 % of its volume, where fine aggregates represent about 1/3 of the total volume of aggregates. Fluvial aggregate constitutes one of the most naturally occurring resources of building materials. In Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt, natural fluvial fine aggregates of Qena Formation are distributed with a wide range of potential sources. Geological and engineering characteristics of these aggregates are of vital importance in the evaluation of these aggregates, especially when they are used as a construction material. The estimated reserve of fine aggregates covers more than 833 million m3. Fineness modulus value of these aggregates varies from 2.2 to 2.9 and their roundness degree indicates small amounts of inter-particle void content and tight pack. The fine aggregates of Qena Formation are composed mainly of quartz (95 %), feldspars (4 %), and trace amount of calcite (~1 %). The chemical analyses proved that theses aggregates can be used to produce concrete without chemical destructive attack. Based on the mineralogical composition and chemical stability data of the studied fluvial fine aggregates of Qena Formation, these aggregates are stable enough (compositionally and chemically) and are capable of producing concrete without sulfate and other alkalis attack.