Properties of Some Natural Fine Aggregates in Minna, Nigeria and Environs

This paper investigates the properties of some natural fine aggregates in Minna and its environs. Nine soil samples were obtained from different locations and transported to Civil Engineering Laboratory, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. Tests conducted on the soil samples include: specific gravity, sieve analysis, bulk density and silt content. Test result revealed the specific gravities of the soils to be between 2.60 to 2.84, compacted bulk densities to be between 1470 Kg/m to 1867 Kg/m, loose bulk densities to be between 940 Kg/m to 1013 Kg/m and silt contents to be between 0.97 to 5.50 natural fine aggregates are suitable for construction purposes. Most of the soils satisfy the overall grading limits for natural fine aggregates and they are mainly fine grading except samples 6 and 9 which are medium grading and sample 2 which is coarse grading. These soils can be used for construction purposes but a good knowledge of mix design is essential and soils should be tested before use to obtain durable product.