The separation of ingredients from relatively fresh concrete does making it non uniform is called as segregation. More specifically it can be defined as separation of coarse aggregate from the mortor as the sizes, density ,shape is different.
Honeycomb can be produced in the concrete due to the segregation affect the strength of concrete and its porosity. Durability will be affected due to the segregation on the site.
For construction of your own house or you are working on the site you have to it deeply have a knowledge about out segregation of concrete. For good concrete mix the ingredients should be properly mixed. If the coarse aggregate separates from the the rest of the ingredients it shows that segregation of concrete.
Types of Segregation of Concrete
There are mainly 2 types :
- In this type of segregation the heavier particle tends to separate out from the mix because they can travel faster with the slope and settle down easily than the fine particle this type of segregation may occur when the mix is dry.
- When the water and cement are the particle which is separated from the mix due to the low of specific gravity is the reason for the this type of segregation. it can occur when the concrete mix is too wet where it is batched well it will not segregate.
Causes of Segregation in Concrete ?
- The specific gravity of different ingredients are different so the segregation will be present.
- The difference in the size of aggregate.
- Improper grading of aggregates.
- Improper handling of aggregates.
- Bad practices and handling and transporting of concrete.
- Too much vibration of concrete.
- Where the proportion of concrete in the mix is not uniform.
- Placing of concrete from a greater height.
- The mixture which are used for concrete mix design having worn-out blades or it is discharged from a badly designed mixture.
How to Prevent Segregation of Concrete ?
- Concrete should not be poured from the height more than 1.5 m especially while using the transit mixer on the construction site.
- The grading of aggregate should be done properly.
- Air-entraining agents can be used to improve the viscosity of concrete which reduces segregation.
- Mechanical vibrators should not be used at a long time in the mass concreting projects.
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