Experimental evaluation of modulus of elasticity of concrete using limestone and basalt aggregates determined according to different standard test methods

Abstract

The modulus of elasticity of concrete is influenced not only by its compressive strength but also by the geological origin of the coarse aggregate used. However, current standards employ diverse testing methods and predictive equations, many of which neglect the aggregate’s contribution. This study presents experimental data for concrete with compressive strengths ranging from 30 MPa to 55 MPa, produced using two Vietnamese coarse aggregates: Ha Nam limestone and Hoa Binh basalt. The modulus of elasticity was measured according to three standards: EN 12390-13:2021, ASTM C469-10, and TCVN 5726-2022. At a constant water-to-cement ratio, concrete incorporating Ha Nam limestone exhibited comparable compressive strength to that of Hoa Binh basalt, yet demonstrated a higher elastic modulus. Based on the experimental data, this study proposes using preliminary coefficients of 21,000 and 19,700 - corresponding to Ha Nam limestone and Hoa Binh basalt aggregates, respectively - for estimating the modulus of elasticity in accordance with EN 1992-1-1:2004. For estimations in accordance with ACI CODE-318-25, the recommended preliminary  factors are 5,250 and 4,810, respectively.