STRENGTH PERFORMANCE OF CONCRETE MADE WITH AGGREGATES MINED FROM IBIONO IBOM, AKWA IBOM STATE

Purpose: This paper assesses the suitability of aggregate obtained from Use Ikot Amama and AfahaItiat both in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State for concrete production. The paper also compared the evaluated engineering properties of these gravels with conventional granite from Akamkpa in Cross River State. Purpose: This paper assesses the suitability of aggregate obtained from Use Ikot Amama and AfahaItiat both in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State for concrete production. The paper also compared the evaluated engineering properties of these gravels with conventional granite from Akamkpa in Cross River State. Findings: The results indicated the mean compressive strength of 24.07N/mm² for AfahaItiat follow by 19.56N/mm² for Use Ikot Amama compared to the crushed granite which gave 26.96N/mm² at 28days. It furthers indicated that AfahaItiat gravel has the highest Impact value while Use Ikot Amama had the highest crushing value. Research limitations/Implications: The challenge facing the usages of these aggregates is adequate strength characterization. Practical implications: The result of the study revealed that the minimum compressive strength from both Use Ikot Amama and AfahaItiat were greater the minimum limit of 17 N/mm² specified by ASTM 330 for lightweight concrete at 28days. Originality/value: The study concluded that gravels obtain from AfahaItiat performed better and suitable for structural normal weight concrete applications.