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We may be sound but are our aggregates sound?
Soundness of aggregates is defined at the ability of it to resist excessive changes in volume due to changes in environmental conditions such as thermal changes and alternating wetting and drying. Normally construction professionals pay little attention to this factor but unsound aggregates may result in deterioration of concrete. This is because unsound aggregates demonstrate volume changes and this will affect the durability of concrete. The defects may manifest as surface cracking or disintegration over considerable depth. So, the damage may range from merely unsightly appearance to effect on structural integrity.
BS EN 12620:2013 specifies the properties of aggregates and filler aggregates obtained by processing natural, manufactured or recycled materials and mixtures of these aggregates for use in concrete in conformity with BS EN 206-1 and concrete used in roads and other pavements and for use in precast concrete products. It covers testing of magnesium sulfate soundness of coarse aggregates
So, there you go. Not only must we be sound but our aggregates must be sound too!