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TECHNICAL PAPER

3. MATERIALS USED 3.3 Coarse aggregate (CA)

The following ingredients were utilized for casting the samples. The coarse aggregates used in this study were 20 mm nominal
[8]
Control concrete ingredients properties and physical properties size and well-graded, as per IS: 383 (2002) . They had a specific
of pumice coarse aggregate are shown in Table 1 and Table 2 gravity of 2.8, a bulk density of 1500 kg/m³, a fineness modulus
respectively. of 7.7, water absorption of 0.6 %, crushing strength of 40 N/mm²,
and an impact strength of 31 %.
3.1 Cement 3.4 Pumice coarse aggregate (PCA)

The study employed 53 Grade Ordinary Portland cement that The pumice lightweight coarse aggregate used was a well-
adhered to IS: 12269 (2013) . This cement had a specific gravity graded 20 mm nominal size aggregate. It had a specific gravity
[7]
of 3.1 and exhibited initial and final setting times of 40 minutes of 2.1, a bulk density of 700 kg/m³, a fineness modulus of 7.25,
and 600 minutes, respectively. water absorption of 40 %, crushing strength of 10 N/mm², and
an impact strength of 25 %.
3.2 Fine aggregate (FA)
The coarse aggregates used in this study has particle
The fine aggregate utilized in this study met Zone-2 distribution curve as shown in Figure 1.
requirements according to IS: 383 (2002) . It had a specific
[8]
3.5 Water
gravity of 2.8, a bulk density of 1450 kg/m³, water absorption of
0.79 %, and a fineness modulus of fineness modulus of 3.14. In this study, potable water was utilized for both mixing and
curing the concrete specimens.
Table 1: Control concrete ingredients properties
3.6 Superplasticizer (SP)
INGREDIENT PROPERTY
In this study, a polycarboxylate ether-based high-range water
Specific gravity 3.14 reducer (HRWR) 1 % of cement weight conforming to ASTM
Cement
[14]
Normal consistency 29.50 % C494 was used as a superplasticizer. This admixture improved
Specific gravity 2.8 the workability of the concrete mixes by enabling lower water-
cement ratios.
3
Fine aggregate Bulk density 1450 kg/m
(FA) Fineness Modulus 3.14
4. METHODOLOGY
Water absorption 0.79 %
To conduct the research efficiently and systematically, it was
Specific gravity 2.8
crucial to carefully plan and outline the different stages that
Bulk density 1500 kg/m 3
would guide the study. Each phase had to be clearly defined and
Coarse aggregate Fineness modulus 7.7 adhered to, ensuring organization and consistency throughout
(CA) Water absorption 0.60 %
120
Crushing strength 40N/mm 2
100
Impact strength 31 %
Cumulative % passing 60
Table 2: Pumice coarse aggregate physical properties 80

PROPERTY 40
Specific gravity 2.1
20
Fineness modulus 7.25
0
Bulk density 700 kg/m 3
1 10 100
Crushing strength 10N/mm 2 Particle size (mm)
Water absorption 40 % NCA PCA
Figure 1: Normal coarse aggregate (NCA) and pumice coarse aggregate
Impact strength 25 %
(PCA) particle size distribution

THE INDIAN CONCRETE JOURNAL | FEBRUARY 2026 57