How does saturation affect aggregate properties?

Saturation significantly impacts the properties of aggregates, particularly affecting their weight and the water-to-cement ratio in concrete mixtures. When aggregates become saturated, they contain water within their pore spaces. This additional water must be calculated in the total water content of the concrete mix, which can lead to an increased weight of the mixture.

This change in weight is crucial because it affects the water-to-cement ratio, a key factor in determining the strength and durability of the concrete. An increased water-to-cement ratio could weaken the final product if not properly accounted for, as it can lead to a decrease in the density and an increase in porosity of the hardened concrete. Therefore, understanding the saturation of aggregates allows technicians to accurately adjust the mixture proportions to achieve the desired concrete performance.

In contrast, while thermal expansion, color properties, and workability are important factors in aggregate and concrete mixtures, they do not directly relate to the effect of saturation in the same way that weight and the water-to-cement ratio do.