Geological Survey Department

The study of the soundness of aggregates with aim at the improvement of the durability of concrete, which was approved and funded by the Research Promotion Foundation, dealt with the study of soundness of aggregates in respect to the improvement of the durability of the produced concrete. Contractor of this research project was the Federation of Associations of Building Contractors Cyprus (O.S.E.O.K.) with partners the University of Cyprus (Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering), the Department of Public Works, the Geological Survey Department, the Mosfiloti and KAOS quarries and the researcher Dr. George Constantinou. A number of tests have been carried out to characterize calcareous and diabase aggregates from various quarries in Cyprus. In order to achieve a proper and complete research, the tests were carried out both in the laboratories of the University of Cyprus and in the Laboratories of Public Works and the Water Development Department. From this study, certain conclusions were drawn, demonstrating that additional research is needed in order to ensure the quality of the concrete. The quality of the constructions and their durability is of prime importance for the economy and sustainable development of the island and it is largely based on the quality of aggregates. Through tests under this research program, it was found that:
1. The test of soundness of the coarse aggregates using the European standard EN 1367-2 is appropriate and it should be continued.
2. It is questionable whether the soundness test with EN 1367-2is suitable for the study of fine grain aggregates, but it should not be removed without being replaced by another method. Possible adoption of EN 1367-2 with a weighted average should be studied, as well as the limits to be selected.
3. There is a correlation between the soundness of aggregates and the quality of the final product. The problems of the soundness may not arise in the strength measurements of the concrete. More information about the program can be found at website given below:
http://library.tee.gr/digital/m2456/m2456_fournari.pdf

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Research and Projects