Analysis of the Aggregate Strength Variation along Different Sections of the River Basin

Abstract

Purpose: There is high demand of aggregates material in the construction industry of Nepal. Till date, river borne aggregate material fulfills major part of the demand. Among various rivers, Biring River is one of the major rivers in Province 1. The objective of this research was to analyze the strength of Aggregate variation along the selected section river basin with a case of Biring.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The selected section of Biring River is about 20 Km of Arjundhara Municipality from which 6 sites along the river was selected on the basis of accessibility and deposition for aggregate sources. Lab Test for Physical properties and mechanical properties were conducted on that sample to evaluate their quality for the construction works. Also 18 cubes (3 each from 6 selected sites) were casted to evaluate their compressive strength variation. A linear relationship between the ACV, AIV and LAA value with longitudinal variation of river was established. Also the economic analysis of revenue collected by selling the aggregate of Biring River was done.

Findings/Result: After conducting the lab test of physical properties of aggregate, Fineness Modulus, Water Absorption and Specific Gravity were found in the range of (7.16-7.49)%, (0.72-1.15)% and and (2.616-2.712) %. A linear equation for the longitudinal variation in the LAA, AIV and ACV value was established. For a longitudinal variation equation for LAA value y=-0.352x+37.41 ACV value an equation y=-0.212x+29.88 and AIV value an equation y=-0.0189x+27.15 where y = Value of LAA, AIV and ACV value and x = distance in km from upstream origin point. The average compressive strength for 7 and 28 days of all cubes were found to be within standard required. The economic contribution of revenue collected by selling the river bed materials as aggregate of Biring River on the total internal revenue of Arjundhara Municipality was found to be significant that is about 30.86%.

Originality/Value: The study contributes that the aggregate material becomes more suitable in their hardness, toughness and strength on moving from upstream towards the downstream along the Biring river.  The lower part of stream was assessed to have somewhat better quality of aggregates.

Paper Type: Applied Research