Aggregates make up at least what percentage of the total volume of concrete?

Aggregates are fundamental components of concrete, typically consisting of materials such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone. They significantly influence both the mechanical properties and durability of the final concrete mix. In most concrete formulations, aggregates constitute a substantial portion of the overall volume, often around 60% or more.

The reason why 60% is the correct answer can be attributed to the typical mix designs used in concrete. A standard concrete mix generally includes approximately 70% aggregates by volume when both coarse and fine aggregates are combined. This substantial quantity is essential as aggregates provide compressive strength, reduce shrinkage, and minimize cracking.

Other options reflect lower percentages, which do not accurately represent the typical contributions of aggregates in concrete mixes. For instance, while aggregates can make up as low as 30% in some specialty mixes, this is not representative of conventional concrete used in most construction applications. Therefore, 60% is a more accurate figure to consider when evaluating aggregate volume in standard concrete mixtures.