STUDY OF SOME PROPERTIES OF NO –FINES CONCRETE USING LOCALMATERIALS

Abstract

No–fines concrete is obtained by omitting fine aggregate from the mix and the coarse aggregate particles are surrounded by a coating of cement paste.In the present work, well-graded coarse aggregate (20 mm maximum size) was used in preparing the mixes, instead of single sized coarse aggregate as recommended always for No –fines concrete. Concrete mixes with different aggregate /cement ratios were prepared to find an optimum mix giving the highest strength. The influence of aggregate /cement ratio on the unit weight, absorption and compressive strength were studied at different conditions of curing. It was found that the strength of No –fines concrete is lower than that of ordinary concrete. Also, this type of concrete behaves like the ordinary concrete relating to the growing of strength with the age.According to the properties investigated, No –fines concrete is sufficient enough to be used in different constructions, like low-rise buildings, pavements and other application.