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Load transfer through aggregate interlock is a function of crack width and aggregate size. This is shown in the following equation:

 

   

 

where

 

Dx     crack width

Agg    size of the 15% biggest aggregate in the mix.

 

This implies that Agg denotes the theoretical sieve which will retain 15 % of the aggregate in the concrete mix.

 

It is clear from the above relationship that the maximum aggregate size in the mix should be as large as possible without sacrificing workability, flexural strength and compaction of the mix. Furthermore crack width should be as narrow as possible implying that initial shrinkage of concrete as well as thermal movement should be as low as possible.