Physico-Chemical Properties of Some Fine Aggregates in Akure, Ondo State, for Building Construction

The goal of this study is to determine the physical and the chemical characteristics of the fine aggregates used for building constructions in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. This is because the outcomes of the studies conducted in this study area showed that the compressive strength values of concrete obtained from the use of the fine aggregates in the areas did not meet up to the required compressive strength values. As a result, samples of fine aggregates were taken from six different locations in Akure, Ondo State for the investigation. The samples were analyzed for their physical properties. The test results revealed that Sample E has the highest moisture content, indicating that it contains the most microfine particles. The organic matter test indicates that all of the samples are appropriate for use in construction while the soil samples were found to have specific gravities ranging from 2.27 to 2.67, with only samples B and D meeting the needed value. The silt level of all the sample was higher than the 8% standard value, with sample B having the closest figure of 11.3%. The aggregates bulk compacted densities ranged from 1573 kg/m^3 to 1756 kg/m^3, whereas the loose, uncompacted (loose) bulk densities ranged from 1646 kg/m^3 and 1902 kg/m^3. When the samples reached a sieve of 150 µm, no sample satisfied the minimum required percentage that ranges from 0 – 20%. This suggests that no sample has the necessary distribution of silt and sand content. For the chloride ion, sample F recorded the highest ppm of 48.99 while sample C has the lowest ppm of 19.17. No presence of sulphate was identified in the soil samples. It was therefore concluded that the soil aggregates should be desilted properly to reduce the silt contents before usage.