Modulus of elasticity of concretes produced with basaltic aggregate

Basalt is a type of volcanic rocks, grey to black in colour, contains less than 20% quartz, 10% feldspathoid, and at least 65% of the feldspar of its volume. Basalt is considered an igneous rock with fine grains due to the rapid cooling of lava. Basaltic rocks have been widely used as aggregate for various purposes. The study presented in this paper was carried out on basalts that are widespread in the Madeira Island of Portugal and that comprise the major source of local crushed rock aggregates. This paper discusses an experimental programme that was carried out to study the effects of basaltic aggregate on the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of concrete. For this purpose, cylinder specimens with 150×300 mm dimensions and prism specimens with 150×150×375 mm dimensions were cast. The experimental programme was carried out with several concrete compositions belonging to strength classes C20/25, C25/30, C30/37, C40/50 and C60/75. The Eurocode 2 indicates the modulus of elasticity should be 20% higher when the aggregates are of basaltic origin, however results showed significant differences and a correction is proposed. Copyright © 2016 Techno-Press, Ltd.