Which of the following describes the acceptable composition of fine aggregate?

Fine aggregate is a crucial component in concrete, primarily used to fill voids between larger aggregates, providing stability and improving the workability of the mix. The acceptable composition of fine aggregate includes any combination of natural sand and manufactured sand.

Natural sand is typically derived from the sifting of crushed stone, gravel, or other materials, while manufactured sand is produced by crushing larger stones into smaller particles to meet specific size requirements. Using a combination of these two types allows for the optimization of the fine aggregate properties, such as particle shape, texture, and grading. This flexibility permits concrete producers to tailor the properties of the fine aggregate to match the desired performance characteristics of the concrete mix, ensuring that it meets structural requirements and provides the necessary durability.

The other options do not represent a complete or suitable definition of fine aggregate composition:

• Solely using manufactured sand lacks the variability and characteristics provided by natural sand, potentially impacting strength and workability.

• A mixture of coarse aggregate only does not contribute to the fine aggregate composition as coarse aggregates are typically larger particles and do not fulfill the role of fine aggregates in the mix.

• While natural sand with gravel is beneficial, it does not encompass the full potential for fine aggregate as it does not incorporate manufactured sand, which can