Definition:

“Aggregates are the inert materials that are mixed in fixed

proportions with a Binding Material to produce concrete“.
Types:

(1.) Aggregate Types on the basis of

Grain Size.
Two types of aggregates are distinguished: (Fine and Coarse).
(i) Fine Aggregates.
In the Fine Aggregates, the grain-size lies between 4.75 mm
and 0.15 mm.

(ii) Coarse Aggregates:

Coarse aggregates are those that are retained on the sieve of
mesh size 4.75 mm.

(2.) Types on the Basis of origin.

There are three types on the Basis of Origin.

(i) Natural:
These include all those types of fine and coarse aggregates,
that are available in almost ready to use form, from natural
resources.

(ii) Bye-product:
These include materials obtained as wastes from some
industrial and metallurgical engineering operations.
(iii) Processed:
These form a special class in Aggregate. They are specifically
manufactured for use in making Quality Concretes.

(3.) Types on the Basis of Density.

Three types of aggregates are distinguished on the basis of
their weight per unit volume.

(i) Standard or Normal:

These types of aggregates give strength and weighting to the
Concrete of around 2300 to 2500 kg/m3.
(ii) High-Density Aggregates:
These are that type of Aggregates, which is used in standard
proportions yield in heavy weight concretes.Such concretes are
especially useful as shields against X-rays and radiations in the
atomic power plant.

(iii) Light weight Aggregate:

They consist of natural and artificial materials of very low
density so that the resulting concrete is also quite Light in
weight, generally with in a range of 350 to 750 kg/m3.
They are specially used in sound proofing and fire proofing
constructions.

Source:

Aggregates are the most important constituents in concrete. They give body to
the concrete, reduce shrinkage and effect economy. Natural aggregates are
inert granular materials such as sand, gravel stone or crushed stone that are
used with a binding medium i.e. water, bitumen, portland cement, lime, etc. to
form compound materials i.e. asphalt concrete and portland cement concrete.
Almost all the natural aggregate materials originate from bed rocks. There are
three types of rocks; igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. These
classifications are based on the manner of formation of rocks.

It may be recalled that igneous rocks are formed by the cooling of molten
magma or lava at the surface of the crest (trap and basalt) or deep beneath
the crest (granite). They are hard, tough and dense. They may be acidic or
basic depending upon the percentage of silica content. They may occur in
light colours or dark colours.

The sedimentary rocks are formed below the sea bed and subsequently lifted
up. Sedimentary rocks vary from soft to hard, porous to dense and light to
heavy. The degree of consolidation, the type of cementation, the thickness of
layers and contamination, these all are important factors to determine the
suitability of sedimentary rock for concrete aggregates.

Metamorphic rocks are originally either igneous or sedimentary rocks which

are subsequently metamorphosed due to extreme heat and pressure. Many
metamorphic rocks particularly quartzite and gneiss have been used for the
production of good concrete aggregates.

Sizes:
Coarse aggregates are particulates that are greater than 4.75mm. The usual range employed
is between 9.5mm and 37.5mm in diameter. - Fine aggregates are usually sand or crushed
stone that are less than 9.55mm in diameter. Typically the most common size
of aggregate used in construction is 20mm.

Imp:

An aggregate is the important material for concrete and also for the construction
industry.The significant reality is that some of 70-80% of the amount of concrete
volume is taken by the aggregates itself. It is therefore significantly important to
obtain the right types and quality of aggregates at the site. Aggregate’s impact on
different characteristics and properties of concrete is certainly huge. Properties of
concrete include workability, durability, strength, weight and shrinkage. An
aggregate provides body i.e. volume/mass of the concrete, reduces shrinkage
and also help to achieve economy.