MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
UNIVERSITY OF TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS

NGO HOAI THANH

RESEARCH ON UTILIZATION OF QUARTZITE
AGGREGATE IN THANH SON, PHU THO TO PRODUCE
CEMENT CONCRETE FOR ROAD PAVEMENT

Discipline
Code
Major

: Transport Construction Engineering
: 9580205
: Automobile and urban road construction

SUMMARY OF TECHNICAL DOCTORAL THESIS

HA NOI – 2019


The study was completed at
University of Transport and Communications

Academic supervisor

Prof. Dr.Pham Duy Huu
University of Transport and Communications

Referee 1:

cement concrete in Viet Nam, which are systematic and complete regarding the
thermal properties of concrete using quartzite, i.e. calculation and real measurement
of the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of cement concrete using quartzite ;
investigation into the relationship between the CTE with the age and different kinds
of aggregates.
For such reasons stated above, the research on the physio-mechanical properties
of quartzite, design of concrete composition, the thermal properties of concrete
determined by the CTE, the strength and the thermal stress of concrete utilizing
quartzite aggregate from Thanh Son, Phu Tho has met the demand of traffic works
construction for high quality and efficient cement concrete while making use of the
local materials. Thus, "Research on utilization of quartzite aggregate in Thanh
Son, Phu Tho to produce cement concrete for road pavement " is essential with
obvious scientific and practical significance.
2. Aims of the research
The research aims to complete the scientific fundamentals as well as the
practice of utilizing quartzite aggregate in Thanh Son, Phu Tho to produce cement
concrete for road pavement, which meets the technical requirements of road
construction in the north-western region. It also contributes to reasonably
exploiting the local materials for construction.
3. Scope of the research
Utilization of quartzite in Thanh Son, Phu Tho as aggregate for cement concrete
in road pavement construction; Experiments on main mechanical properties of
cement concrete using quartzite in Thanh Son, Phu Tho as required by pavement


2
design and construction. The design of cement concrete pavement using quartzite
aggregate from Thanh Son, Phu Tho uses data on the load, climate, base and
subgrade as set in Decision QĐ3230[5].
4. Research methods

- Concrete using quartzite at Days 3, 7, 14, 28 has the thermal expansion
coefficient of 11.1925, 11.2248, 11.2200 and 11.1819 (10-6/0C ), respectively.
- Concrete using limestone at Days 3, 7, 14, 28 has the thermal expansion
coefficient of 7.4791, 7.3830, 7.3996 and 7.4132(10-6/0C ), respectively.
+ Calculations show that the expected sizes of cement concrete plates using
quartzite and limestone are 4m x 3.5m x 0.25m and 4.5m x 3.5m x 0.25m as set by
Decision QĐ3230[5] by Transport Ministry.
- In design of the same composition, the strength and the thermal stress of


3
concrete using quartzite increase concurently with those of concrete using
limestone, with the tensile strength growing by 1.1% and the maximum thermal
stress going up by 33.59%.
- Due to the above stated factors, concrete pavement using quartzite is more
likely to crack on the plate surface than concrete pavement using limestone with a
deviation rate of 5.41%.
- Cement concrete plates using quartzite should be shorter than those using
limestone. The cement concrete slabs using quartzite aggregate should be 3.8m
long.
+ Quartzite concrete meets the requirements of the strength and economic
efficiency thanks to its lower cost compared to limestone concrete.
CHAPTER 1. OVERVIEW OF CEMENT CONCRETE FOR ROAD
CONSTRUCTION AND UTILIZATION OF
QUARTZITE IN CONCRETE PRODUCTION
1.1. History of cement concrete pavement development
According to documents [26] and [28], concrete is a kind of building materials
often used in large volume and indispensable in modern construction. Due to high
requirements in harsh conditions, non-reinforced cement concrete pavement has
long been used in many countries such as the UK, the USA, Russia, Germany,

as follows: Step 1 (Selecting the slump), Step 2 (Determining the amount of water),
Step 3 (Determining the ratio X/N), Step 4 (Determining the amount of cement X),
Step 5 (Determining the amount of stone D), Step 6 (Determining the amount of
sand C), Step 7 (Determining the amount of superplastic additive).
1.5.3. Using the experimental planning method to identify factors
influencing the strength of cement concrete for road construction and
calculate ratio N/X
According to document [30], the output norms used to evaluate objects are
often called objective functions. Experimental planning is employed for calculation,
based on the scientific experiment plan to select the cement concrete composition
in order to satisfy 2 objective functions: the compressive strength and the bending
tensile strength of cement concrete. By experimental planning, it is possible to find
out the regression equations describing the relationship between the objective
functions: compressive strength and bending tensile strength with influencing
factors such as ration D/C, ratio X/N, thereby, calculating ratio N/X.
1.6. Investigating the geographic, topographic and geological features of
quartzite quarry in Thanh Son, Phu Tho
The quartzite quarry is located in Thuc Luyen commune, Thanh Son district, Phu
Tho province [2].

Figure1.2. Images of quartzite quarry
1.6.1. Geographic and topographic features
1.6.2. Geological features
+ Mineral geological features
The quartzite layer lies on the slate, extending from the North to the South,
about 150-200m thick, divided into 3 seams, bottom-up distributed by seams 1,2,3.
- Seam 1: Lying on the quartz mica slate, quartzite is yellowish opaque.
- Seam 2: Lying evenly on the rock clamping between the slate and quartzite



2. Seam 2
97.23
0.77
0.54
> 17300
3. Seam 3
96.68
1.11
0.97
> 17300
1.7. Studies on quartzite and pavement cement concrete using quartzite.
1.7.1. Studies on quartzite and pavement cement concrete using quartzite
in the world.
According to document [39], quartzite is a metamorphic stone from silicon
sandstone with crystalline quartz particles bound together. Quartzite is white or
pink, purple, dark because of impurities. Quartzite is well weathered. This kind of
stone is used for the outer lining of a building, or as stone and crushed stone.
Quartzite is also found among raw materials for manufacturing fire resistant
components.
Cement concrete for pavement makes use of quartzite, an artificial stony
material obtained after the concrete mixture solidifies. Concrete mixture is
composed of cement, water, coarse quartzite aggregate and fine quartzite aggregate.
According to K. Kavitha [51], the increased construction activities have entailed
the increased demand for different materials used in concrete manufacturing,
especially river sand as fine aggregates. This study has investigated the effect of
quartzite in place of fine aggregate in Grade 30 concrete (M30). Conclusions have
been drawn as follows: Quartzite sand used to replace fine aggregate has small
density and lower weight than river sand, so the specific weight of concrete can
decrease. Quartzite sand changes color well and has smooth surface, which cannot
be observed in natural sand. Quartzite sand is a better alternative than river sand at

high temperatures still affect its mechanical properties. This study has investigated
effect of high temperatures on the mechanical properties of limestone concrete,
quartzite concrete and granite concrete. The results show that concrete made from
granite has higher mechanical properties at all temperatures, followed by quartzite
concrete and limestone concrete.
According to NIST [56], the study has expanded the comparison with aggregate
taken from 11 different quarries across the United States but mainly on the eastern
coast, and especially in the MD-VA corridor where quartzite quarries lie.
+ According to documents [52] and [61], quartzite belongs to the group of
metamorphic rock. Its mineral composition is mainly quartz. The stone is white,
light pink, yellow or gray. The stone is very hard, not easy to get weathered when


7
exposed to the air. When super-high strength concrete is studied, quartzite sand is
often used.
+ According to G. J. Verbeck and W. E. Hass [46], the CTE of a kind of
aggregate affects the CTE value of concrete containing that aggregate, meaning
the higher CTE of aggregate, the higher CTE of concrete. The CTE varies by
original stone kind with the common range from approx. 0.9×10-6/0C to 16×10-6/0C
(0.5×10-6/0F to 8.9 ×10-6/0F)
+ According to R. Rhoades and R. C. Mielenz [59], each kind of stone has
different CTE.
+ According to D. G. R. Bonnell and F. C. Harper [43], the CTE value of
concrete using quartzite cured in water environment is lower than that of concrete
using quartzite not cured.
1.7.2. Studies on quartzite and pavement cement concrete using quartzite
in Viet Nam.
+ The research on composition, mechanical properties of super-high strength
concrete and its application in bridge structures conducted by doctoral candidate

2.3.2. Chart of the selected technology and related parameters
Chart of the quartzite processing technology is shown in Figure 2.3. Products of
the process are quartzite stone and quartzite sand as illustrated in Figure 2.4 below.

Figure 2.4. Quartzite stone and quartzite sand

2.4. Analyzing chemical composition of quartzite in Thanh Son, Phu Tho
After studying the geological features of Thanh Son quartzite quarry, the author
conducted an analysis of the chemical composition of quartzite.
Table 2.1. Result of full analysis of chemical composition
Order
Mineral-chemical index
Outcome
Unit
1
SiO2
96.95
%
2
Fe2O3
0.32
%
3
Al2O3
1.80
%
4
CaO
0.00
%

Thanh Son quartzite utilization in road construction, it is necessary to carry out
survey, analysis and planning of sampling.
After a field survey, the research team selected samples including coarse
aggregate of 5x10 and 10x20 quartzite stones and quartzite sand crushed from
quartzite rock as fine aggregate. Samples taken at the site were taken to the
Transport Engineering Laboratory of the University of Transport Technology to
serve the next experiments and studies. The author tested the technical
specifications of quartzite to analyze and propose possibility of using quartzite in
automobile road construction.
2.5.2.2. Coarse aggregate
Coarse aggregate is quartzite stone of 5x20, sampling as per TCVN 7572-1:2006.

Figure 2.6. Experiment to determine granular composition of aggregate
Accumulated remaining,
%

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

Particle composition
as calculated

2
Specific weight
Kg/m3 ≥ 2500 TCVN7572-4:2006
2633
Pass
3
Water permeability
%
≤ 2,5 TCVN7572-4:2006
0.5
Pass
4
Content of flat
TCVN7572%
≤ 15
4.05
Pass
elongated grains
12:2006
5
L.A. abrasion
TCVN7572%
≤ 30
12
Pass
12:2006
6
Strength of original
TCVN7572MPa
≥ 80

10
Softening
TCVN75720.78
Pass
coefficient
11:2006
11
Granular
TCVN7572-2:2006 Chart
Pass
composition
2.5.2.3. Fine aggregate
The fine aggregate stated in the thesis is quartzite sand. The granular
composition of quartzite sand is determined as per TCVN 7572-2:2006. The chart
of granular composition of quartzite sand is illustrated in Figure 2.10 below.
Accumulated
remaining, %

7

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90

Result Assessment
Volume
weight

Kg/m3

2

Specific
weight

3

Kg/m

3

Water
permeability

%

≥
1350
≥
2500
≤ 2.5

4


Pass
clay content
8:2006
6
Scale
2.2TCVN75722.94
Pass
modulus
3.5
2:2006
7
Granular
TCVN7572Chart
Pass
composition
2:2006
Remarks: The survey and experiment results of quartzite at the quarry
show that it is definitely possible to utilize this source of material for
pavement cement concrete production.
2.5.2.4. Water used for cement concrete production
The water used for cement concrete production should be good enough according to
TCVN 4506:2012 [14].
2.6. Materials for cement concrete production using limestone
To obtain a basis for research and contrast against cement concrete using
quartzite aggregate, the author has performed experiments on cement concrete
using limestone and Lo river sand. Experimental results of the technical
specifications of each material are as follows.
2.6.1. Limestone 5x20 from Minh Quang quarry, Vinh Phuc as coarse
aggregate (for contrast)
The experiment results of the technical specifications of quartzite sand are

Factors that affect the compressive strength and the bending tensile strength of
cement concrete are numerous, such as aggregate quality, cement strength, ratio
D/C and ratio X/N. Since only one kind of cement is used and only quartzite
aggregate is taken into account, the cement strength is unchanged. So, the factors
that most notably affect the two objective functions stated above are 2 elements
below:
X1: Ratio of stone upon sand (coded as D/C)
X2: Ratio of cement upon water (coded as X/N)
The experimental plan includes experimental sites, also known as plan points.
Specific values of the input factors are set at the plan points, called factor levels,
with the upper, lower and basic levels. The basic level X0j of the factors is the
experimental conditions that the researcher is particularly interested in. Along with
the input factor level, we also have to determine the changing interval (step) of
input factor ΔXj. Based on the cement concrete aggregates selected by some
countries and surveyed in some projects in Viet Nam, the author of the thesis has
chosen the variable values of 2 influencing factors X1 (1,4 ≤ X1 ≤2,0); X2 (2,5 ≤ X2
≤3,5) with X10 = 1,7; X20 = 3,0; ΔX1= 0,3; ΔX2= 0,5.
Table 3.1. Value and variable interval of influencing factors
Value
X1
X2
Variable interval
1.4 ≤ X1 ≤2,0
2.5 ≤ X2 ≤3.5
X0j
1.7
3.0
ΔXj
0.3
0.5

2,5
+
+
y11
y12
2
2,0
2,5
+
+
y21
y22
3
1,4
3,5
+
+
y31
y32
4
2,0
3,5
+
+
+
+
y41
y42
With y1 and y2 as the compressive strength and the bending tensile strength of
concrete, b as the descriptive parameter is determined by formula (3.2) given in the

1,7

3,0

0

0

0
y21

0
y22

To determine values of y1 (compressive strength) and y2 (bending tensile
strength) for calculation by experimental planning, we have to design composition
of cement concrete and perform experiments that specify the compressive strength
and the bending tensile strength of cement concrete as described below.
3.1.1.3. Designing composition of cement concrete using quartzite from
Thanh Son, Phu Tho
The composition of cement concrete for 6 mixtures is designed as follows.
+ Mixture 1 includes Grade 40 concrete, Chinfon PCB40 cement, coarse
aggregate of quartzite rock from Thanh Son, Phu Tho, fine aggregate of quartzite
sand from Thanh Son, Phu Tho, original slump of 4cm, ratios D/C=1.4; X/N=2.5.
Mixture 1 is composed of N= 185 (litre), X = 463 (kg), C = 711 (kg), D = 996 (kg).
+ Mixture 2 includes Grade 40 concrete, Chinfon PCB40 cement, coarse
aggregate of quartzite rock from Thanh Son, Phu Tho, fine aggregate of quartzite
sand from Thanh Son, Phu Tho, original slump of 4cm, ratios D/C=2.0; X/N=2.5.
Mixture 2 is composed of N= 185 (litre), X= 463 (kg), C= 569 (kg), D = 1138 (kg).
+ Mixture 3 includes Grade 40 concrete, Chinfon PCB40 cement, coarse

Order
Average slump (cm)
Mixture 1
3.2
Mixture 2
3.1
Mixture 3
3.6
Mixture 4
3.7
Mixtures 5 and 6
3.4
+ Moulding, curing and selecting the size of test samples are done as per TCVN
3105-93 [6]. Images of sample moulding and curing can be seen below.

Figure 3.2. Sample moulding

Figure 3.3. Sample curing and up-picking


15
+ Experimenting to determine compressive strength and bending tensile strength
Experiments to determine the compressive strength and the bending tensile
strength of cement concrete were carried out by the author according to TCVN
3118-93 [8] and TCVN 3119-93 [9]. Images of those experiments can be seen
below.

Figure 3.4. Sample pressing
Figure 3.5. Sample bending and pulling
Experiment results of the compressive strength are summarized in Table 3.10

Mixture 1
5.26
2
Mixture 2
5.28
3
Mixture 3
6.23
4
Mixture 4
6.32
5
Mixture 5
5.81
6
Mixture 6
5.7
Remarks: The experiment results and the evaluation as per Decision QĐ1951[4]
have proved that quartzite concrete meets the requirements of bending tensile
strength.
+ Experiments of elastic modulus: The experiments were performed as per
TCVN 5276-93 [10]. To obtain data for later calculation in the next chapter, the
author conducted elastic modulus experiments for cement concrete using quartzite
aggregate of the same composition as Mixture 6 with X = 495 kg, Đ = 1067 kg, N
= 165 litre, C = 628 kg. The experiment results are illustrated in Table 3.12.


16

Sample

16.00

33564.81

8.9 x10-6

0.05

437 x10-6

16.00
37257.65
ETB:
35821.29
3.1.1.5. Calculation process by experimental planning
The calculation process by experimental planning is described in detail in the
thesis. By experimental planning, the author has found the regression equations
describing the relationship between the objective functions: compressive strength
y1, bending tensile strength y2 with the influencing factor of ratio X/N. The two
regression equations are:

y1  19,19 X 2  5,62
y2  X 2  2,77

 2,5  X 2  3,5
 2,5  X 2  3,5

The formula describing the relationship between Rn and ratio X/N is:
X
Rn  19,19  5, 62

concrete
The slump of concrete was measured before sample moulding, curing and
testing. The result shows the average slump is 3.6 cm (data given in Table 3.19 of
the thesis).
+ Compressive strength: The data of the compressive strength of concrete
follows Table 3.20 of the thesis. After obtaining the experiment results, the author
conducted evaluation of the results, which yield the average strength of X  49,87
MPa, deviation S = 4.876 MPa, distribution coefficient CV  S / X  0,098 , Rđt =
Xo = X - 1.64, S=41.9 > 40, satisfying the requirements.
+ Bending tensile strength: The data of the bending tensile strength of concrete
follows Table 3.22 in the thesis. The evaluation of concrete quality as per Decision
QĐ1951[4] shows that quartzite concrete meets the requirements of bending tensile
strength.
+ Determining coefficient K in the formula (3.13) [19] describing the
relationship between the compressive strength and the bending tensile strength of
concrete. The experiment and calculation results show that coefficient K in the
experiment exceeds coefficient K as regulated, i.e. Ktn > Kqd = 0.7. Hence, in
practice, coefficient K = 0.7 is still applicable and ensures safety.
3.1.4. Conclusions of Chapter 3
CHAPTER 4. STUDYING THERMAL EXPANSION COEFFICIENT OF
CEMENT CONCRETE AND ECO-TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF
CONCRETE PAVEMENT UTILIZING QUARTZITE AGGREGATE FROM
THANH SON, PHU THO
4.1. Thermal behaviour of cement concrete pavement plates
4.1.1. Overview of thermal effects (impact of temperature)
4.1.2. Grounds for temperature description
4.1.3. Boundary conditions


18

4.3.1. Stress of cement concrete pavement in early age
4.3.2. Stress of cement concrete slabs as per current standards
4.4. Formula to calculate thermal expansion coefficient of cement concrete
by AASHTO TP 60 (2006) [32]
The formula to calculate CTE is as follows.


19
(4.19)
In which, ∆La = the sample length changing in reality during temperature
changing, mm; Lo= the sample length in room temperature, mm; ∆T= variation of
temperature.
The experiment results are achieved by the average value of 2 CTEs obtained
CTE1  CTE2
from 2 experimental segments: CTE 
2
4.5. Experimenting to determine distortion and thermal expansion
coefficient of cement concrete by AASHTO TP 60 (2006)
Currently, the method of determining the CTE of cement concrete by AASHTO
T336-15 is being applied worldwide. In Viet Nam, due to the lack of qualified
samples to standardize the CTE, the doctoral candidate had to employ AASHTO
TP 60 (2006). The experiments as per AASHTO TP 60 (2006) still abode by the
regulations set in AASHTO T336-15, therefore, AASHTO TP 60 (2006) is
recommended according to document [32].
4.5.1. Experimental equipment
Sample forming and experiments were performed at the laboratory of the
University of Transport Technology with following equipment: Strain gauge SDA–
830B (TML, Japan) using LVDT measuring head, thermostatic tank, electronic
scale, thermometer, cylinder of 100 mm in diameter and 200 mm high, electronic
measuring clamp, measuring head locator.

10
8
6
4
2
0

3 Days
7 Days
14 Days
28 Days
Quartzite stone

Limestone

Figure 4.20. Relationship between CTE and age of concrete
Remarks: Basing on the experiment results and the chart in Figure 4.20, it is
obvious that the CTE of quartzite concrete and limestone concrete does not rely on
the age of concrete.

CTE (10-6/OC)

CTE relies on kind of aggregate
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

4.8.3. Calculating cement concrete plates of 4.5m x 3.5m x 0.25m using
quartzite
4.9. Result analysis
4.9.1. Analyzing effect of aggregate on concrete strength development
+ Remarks: The compressive strength of limestone concrete corresponds to
98.9% that of quartzite concrete.
4.9.2. Analyzing effect of aggregate on thermal stress development
+ Remarks: In the plate of 4m x 3.5m x 0.25m, the thermal stress in limestone
concrete achieves only 66.41% compared with quartzite concrete, and in the plate of
4.5m x 3.5m x 0.25m, the thermal stress in limestone concrete achieves only 66.23%,
compared with quartzite concrete.
4.9.3. Analyzing effect of plate size on crack resistance of cement concrete
pavement
Remarks: For cement concrete pavement using quartzite, ratio [σp,t max] / Rku %
is 16.46%; for cement concrete pavement using limestone, ratio [σp,t max] / Rku % is
11.05%. When designed of the same composition, the strength and the thermal
stress of quartzite concrete increase concurrently with those of limestone concrete.
The tensile strength increases by 1.1% and the max. thermal stress increases by
33.59%. Due to the above stated factors, concrete pavement using quartzite is more
likely to crack on the plate surface than concrete pavement using limestone at
deviation rate of cracking possibility of 5.41%. Cement concrete plates using
quartzite should be shorter than those using limestone. The cement concrete slabs
using quartzite aggregate should be 3.8m long.
4.9.4. Conclusions
4.10. Analyzing eco-technical efficiency of cement concrete pavement using
quartzite from Thanh Son, Phu Tho
4.10.1. Ability to meet requirement of strength


22

Evaluation
Meeting the requirements
Remarks: Concrete using quartzite aggregate meets the requirements of strength
as regulated.
4.10.2. Analyzing economic efficiency
+ To analyze the economic efficiency of cement concrete pavement using
quartzite aggregate from Thanh Son, Phu Tho, the author supposed a Grade III
section with length L=1km, pavement width B = 7m and average thickness h =
0.25m. The concrete volume in need V = 1750m3. Basing on the design of
component materials for 1m3 concrete, the author calculated the material volume for
1km of road as given in Table 4.25 of the thesis.
+ To analyze the economic efficiency, the author merely evaluated the material
price with the price unit recorded in Phu Tho area in Quarter II, 2017, resulting in
the data given in Table 4.26. The results show that quartzite concrete costs
845355.94 (vnd/m3) while limestone concrete costs 917510,43 (vnd/m3).
Remarks: Quartzite concrete costs less than limestone concrete. It is possible to
utilize quartzite aggregate for concrete production so as to take advantage of the
local material of low price and boost up economic development in the region.
4.11. Conclusions of Chapter 4
CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND DIRECTION FOR
FURTHER RESEARCH
1. Conclusions
Having studied and utilized quartzite as aggregate for pavement cement
concrete, the author has come to conclusions as follows.
1.1. Affirming that quartzite rock in Thanh Son, Phu Tho is a kind of high
quality aggregate with quite large reserves of over 10 million tons, which has not


23
ever been investigated by any research to use this aggregate for pavement cement

830B. In detail,
- Quartzite concrete at Days 3, 7, 14, 28 achieves the CTE of 11.1925; 11.2248;
11.2200; 11.1819 (10-6/0C), respectively.
- Limestone concrete at Days 3, 7, 14, 28 achieves the CTE of 7.4791; 7.3830;
7.3996; 7.4132(10-6/0C).
- Quartzite concrete has higher CTE than limestone concrete (1.5 times higher
at Day 28).
1.5. Calculation of cement concrete plates using quartzite and limestone with
expected sizes of 4m x 3.5m x 0.25m and 4.5m x 3.5m x 0.25m, according to MOT
Decision QĐ3230