Email Address is required Invalid Email Address
In today’s market, it is imperative to be knowledgeable and have an edge over the competition. ACI members have it…they are engaged, informed, and stay up to date by taking advantage of benefits that ACI membership provides them.
Read more about membership
Learn More
Become an ACI Member
Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete.
Staff Directory
ACI World Headquarters 38800 Country Club Dr. Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439 USA Phone: 1.248.848.3800 Fax: 1.248.848.3701
ACI Middle East Regional Office Second Floor, Office #207 The Offices 2 Building, One Central Dubai World Trade Center Complex Dubai, UAE Phone: +971.4.516.3208 & 3209
ACI Resource Center Southern California Midwest Mid Atlantic
Feedback via Email Phone: 1.248.848.3800
ACI Global Home Middle East Region Portal Western Europe Region Portal
Home > Tools > Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does the strength of the aggregate particles affect the strength of the concrete? A. The strength of concrete is affected very little by the strength of aggregate particles, except when aggregates are of lower strength than the strength of the matrix. Just because an aggregate is low density does not mean it is low strength. Some expanded-clay, low-density aggregates are quite strong and have been used to produce concrete with strength in excess of 70 MPa (10,000 psi). References: SP-1(02); E-1(16); ACI 221R-96; ACI 214R-11; ACI 213R-14; ACI 363R-10; ASTM C33 Topics in Concrete: Aggregate; Concrete Fundamentals; Materials; High Performance Concrete
Q. How does the strength of the aggregate particles affect the strength of the concrete?
A. The strength of concrete is affected very little by the strength of aggregate particles, except when aggregates are
of lower strength than the strength of the matrix. Just because an aggregate is low density does not mean it is low strength. Some expanded-clay, low-density aggregates are quite strong and have been used to produce concrete with strength in excess of 70 MPa (10,000 psi).
References: SP-1(02); E-1(16); ACI 221R-96; ACI 214R-11; ACI 213R-14; ACI 363R-10; ASTM C33
Topics in Concrete: Aggregate; Concrete Fundamentals; Materials; High Performance Concrete
Search other resources on the ACI website for answers to technical questions