One of the major factors contributing to the quality of concrete is the quality of aggregates used therein. With the wide range of aggregates available, it is essential to select an aggregate that is suitable for a given application. A number of mechanical tests have been suggested to determine the various characteristics of aggregates, for many applications, in which they play a vital structural role. In a given situation, for the particular aggregate, it may not be necessary to assess all the mechanical properties. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to determine before hand, the purpose for which the concrete is being used and the properties of the aggregates which require to be assessed.
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