CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

BUILDING TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

 PRINCIPLES OF MIX DESIGN

1 The environment exposure condition for the structure

2 The grade of concrete, their characteristic strengths and

standard deviations

3 The type of cement

4 The types and sizes of aggregates and their sources of supply

5 The nominal maximum sizes of aggregates

6 Maximum and minimum cement content in kg/m3

7 Water cement ratio

8 The degree of workability of concrete based on placing

conditions
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 2
9 Air content inclusive of entrained air

10 The maximum/minimum density of concrete

11 The maximum/minimum temperature of fresh concrete

12 Type of water available for mixing and curing

13 The source of water and the impurities present in it.

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IS 456:2000
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 4
IS 456:2000
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 5
IS 456:2000
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 6
 FACTORS DEFINING THE CHOICE OF MIX
PROPORTIONS

1. Compressive Strength
2. Workability
3. Durability
4. Type, size and grading of aggregates
5. Aggregate-cement ratio

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COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
Abrams Law

log F = log A1 x log B1

where F is the compressive strength

A1, B1 are constants and
x is the w/c ratio by weight

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WORKABILITY

that property of freshly mixed concrete which determines the

ease and homogeneity with which it can be mixed, placed,
consolidated and finished.

DURABILITY

the resistance to weathering action due to environmental

conditions such as changes in temperature and humidity,
chemical attack, abrasion, frost and fire.

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 REQUIREMENTS AND TESTS OF MATERIALS
REQUIRED FOR MIX DESIGN

ASSIGNMENT # 1 TO BE SUBMITTED BY 07-02-2011

Roll #s 01-21 Cement

Roll #s 22-42 Aggregates

Roll #s 43-63 Water and Admixtures

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 METHODS OF CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

1. American Concrete Institute Committee 211 method

2. Bureau of Indian Standards Recommended method IS 10262-82
3. Road note No. 4 (Grading Curve) method
4. Department Of Environment (DOE - British) method
5. Trial and Adjustment Method
6. Fineness modulus method
7. Maximum density method
8. Indian Road Congress, IRC 44 method

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 11

 American Concrete Institute Method of Mix Design

(a) Data to be collected :

(i ) Fineness modulus of selected F.A.
(ii ) Unit weight of dry rodded coarse aggregate.
(iii ) Sp. gravity of coarse and fine aggregates in SSD condition
(iv ) Absorption characteristics of both coarse and fine
aggregates.
(v ) Specific gravity of cement.

(b) From the minimum strength specified, estimate the average

design strength by using standard deviation.

(c) Find the water/cement ratio from the strength and durability
points of view. Adopt the lower value.

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(d) Decide the maximum size of aggregate to be used. Generally
for RCC work 20 mm and pre-stressed concrete 10 mm size are
used.

(e) Decide workability in terms of slump for the given job.

(f ) The total water in kg/m3 of concrete is determined,

corresponding to the selected slump and selected maximum
size of aggregate.

(g ) Cement content is computed by dividing the total water

content by the water/cement ratio.

(h) Select the bulk volume of dry rodded coarse aggregate per unit
volume of concrete, for the particular maximum size of coarse
aggregate and fineness modulus of fine aggregate.

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( j ) The weight of C.A. per cubic meter of concrete is calculated by
multiplying the bulk volume with bulk density.

(k ) The solid volume of coarse aggregate in one cubic meter of

concrete is calculated by knowing the specific gravity of C.A.

(l ) Similarly the solid volume of cement, water and volume of air is

calculated in one cubic meter of concrete.

(m) The solid volume of FA is computed by subtracting from the

total volume of concrete the solid volume of cement, CA, water
and entrapped air.

(n) Weight of fine aggregate is calculated by multiplying the solid

volume of fine aggregate by specific gravity of F.A.

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 14

ACI METHOD: DESIGN EXAMPLE

1 Design a concrete mix for the construction of an elevated water

tank. The specified design strength of concrete (characteristic
strength) is 30 MPa at 28 days measured on standard cylinders.
Standard deviation can be taken as 4 MPa. The specific gravity
of FA and C.A. are 2.65 and 2.7 respectively. The dry rodded
bulk density of C.A. is 1600 kg/m3, and fineness modulus of FA
is 2.80. Ordinary Portland cement (Type I) will be used. A slump
of 50 mm is necessary. C.A. is found to be absorptive to the
extent of 1% and free surface moisture in sand is found to be 2
per cent. Assume any other essential data.

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1 Mean Cylinder Compressive Strength
Assuming 5 per cent of results are allowed to fall below
specified design strength,
The mean strength,
fm= fmin + ks
= 30 + 1.64 x 4
= 36.5 MPa

2 Water/cement ratio

Strength criteria

Durability criteria

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Strength Criteria

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Durability Criteria

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3 Mixing Water Content

Slump = 50 mm
Maximum size of aggregate = 20 mm
Concrete is non air-entrained

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 19

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 20
The mixing water content is 185 kg/m3 of concrete

The approximate entrapped air content is 2%.

The required cement content =185/0.47

= 394 kg/m3

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4 Bulk Volume of C.A.

Maximum size of C.A = 20mm

Fineness Modulus of F.A. = 2.80

Find the dry rodded bulk volume of C.A.

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CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 23
The dry rodded bulk volume of C.A. = 0.62 per unit volume of
concrete

The weight of C.A. = 0.62 x 1600

= 992 kg/m3

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5 The first estimate of density of fresh concrete = 2355 kg/m3

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6 Weight of FA

The weight of all the known ingredients of

concrete
Weight of water = 185 kg/m3
Weight of cement = 394 kg/m3
Weight of C.A. = 992 kg/m3
Weight of F.A. = 2355 (185 + 394 + 992)
= 784 kg/m3

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Alternatively, the weight of F.A. can be determined by the more
accurate absolute volume method

Absolute Volume = weight/(1000) m3

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Total absolute volume = 697 x 103 cm3

Absolute volume of F.A. = (1000 697) x 103

= 303 x 103
Weight of FA = 303 x 2.65
= 803 kg/m3

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 28

7 Estimated quantities of materials per cubic meter of
concrete are:

Cement = 394 kg
F.A = 803 kg
C.A = 992 kg
Water = 185 kg

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 29

8 Proportions
C : F.A : C.A : water
394 : 803 : 992 : 185
1 : 2.04 : 2.52 : 0.47
Weight of materials for one bag mix
in kg = 50 : 102 : 126 : 23.5

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 30

9 The above quantities is on the basis that both F.A
and C.A are in saturated and surface dry condition
(SSD conditions).

FA has surface moisture of 2%

Total free surface moisture in FA = (2/100 x 803)
= 16.06 kg/m3
Weight of F.A in field condition = 803 + 16.06 = 819.06 kg/m3

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 31

C.A absorbs 1% water

Quantity of water absorbed by C.A. = (1/100 x 992) = 9.92 kg/m3

Weight of C.A in field condition = 992 9.92
= 982 kg/m3
Change in Water Content

Water contributed by F.A = 16.06 kg

Water absorbed by C.A. = 9.92 kg
Extra water contributed by aggs. = 16.06 9.92 = 6.14 kg
Total water content = 185.00 6.14
= 179 kg/m3

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 32

Quantities of materials to be used in field, corrected for
free surface moisture in F.A and absorption characteristic
of C.A

Cement = 394 kg/m3

F.A. = 819 kg/m3
C.A. = 982 kg/m3
Water = 179 kg/m3
Field density of fresh concrete = 2374
kg/m3

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 33

2. A mix with a mean 28-day compressive strength of 35 MPa and
a slump of 50 mm is required, using OPC. The maximum size
of well shaped, angular aggregate is 20mm, its bulk density is
1600 kg/m3 and its specific gravity is 2.64. The available fine
aggregate has a fineness modulus of 2.60 and a specific
gravity of 2.58. No air-entrainment is required.

Water/Cement ratio

As durability criteria is not

mentioned, consider strength alone

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Strength Criteria

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Water/cement ratio =0.48

Slump = 50 mm
Max size of aggregate = 20 mm

Determine water content

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CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 37
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 38
Composition of concrete (kg/m3)

Water = 185

Cement = 386

CA = 1020

FA = 738

Density of Concrete = 2329 (kg/m3)

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 39

 ROAD NOTE No. 4 METHOD OF MIX DESIGN
Proposed by the Road Research Laboratory, UK (1950)

Procedure:

1. The average compressive strength of the mix to be designed is

obtained by applying control factors to the minimum
compressive strength

2. Water/cement ratio is read from compressive strength v/s w/c

ratio graph

3. Proportion of combined aggregates to cement is determined

from tables, for maximum size 40 mm and 20 mm

4. If the aggregate available differs from the standard gradings,

combine FA and CA so as to produce one of the standard
gradings
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 40
5. The proportion of cement, water, FA and CA is determined
from knowing the water/cement ratio and the
aggregate/cement ratio.

6. Calculate the quantities of ingredients required to produce 1

m3 of concrete, by the absolute volume method, using the
specific gravities of cement and aggregates.

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 41

 DRAWBACKS OF ROAD NOTE NO. 4 METHOD

1. Cannot be used directly for the design of air - entrained

concrete

2. No recommendations for durability or strength, regarding the

water/cement ratio

3. The design tables refer to mixes in which the FA and CA are of

the same shape

4. In selecting aggregate/cement ratio, only 3 shapes of

aggregates and 4 gradings are recommended.

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 42

Never presented

Mix design of Concrete:

British (DOE)method

ARNAV ANUJ KASAR

NEERAJ KUMAR MEENA
VIMAL KUMAR
DOE METHOD

Step 1 : Find target mean strength

f m=f ck+ 1.65
Step 2: Determine Approximate compressive strength
of concrete(From table 11.11) from type of cement
and type of coarse aggregate for standard value of
w/c ratio = 0.5

Step 3: Find intersection point of Approx. comp.

strength & std. w/c ratio

Step 3: From that intersection point draw curve

parallel to nearest curve
DOE METHOD
Step 4 : Referring drawn curve , find w/c ratio against
mean compressive strength (step 1)

Step 5: Check this w/c ratio against durability

considerations. Adopt lower of above two values.

Step 6: Estimate water content based on slump/Ve-be

time, m.s.a and shape of aggregate
DOE METHOD
Step 7: Calculate cement content

Step 8: Check cement content with minimum

cement content specified in durability
considerations. Higher of above should be
adopted.

Step 9 : Find Wet density of concrete from

knowing Free water content & specific gravity of
CA referring following curve
DOE METHOD
Step 10: Find total aggregate content by

Step 11: Find percentage of fine aggregates in

total aggregates referring following curves.(Pw)
Refer above graph for MSA 10 mm, considering slump value , w/c
ratio and % of fines passing through 600 microns
Refer above graph for MSA 20 mm, considering slump value , w/c
ratio and % of fines passing through 600 microns
Refer above graph for MSA 40 mm, considering slump value , w/c
ratio and % of fines passimg through 600 microns
DOE METHOD
Step 11: Find weight of fine aggregate by
multiplying percentage to total wt of aggregate (step
10)

Step 12: Find weight of coarse aggregate by

substracting as
SAMPLING AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
Frequency of Sampling:
Quantity of Concrete m3 Number of Samples
1-5 1
6 - 15 2
16 - 30 3
31 - 50 4
51 and above 4 + one additional sample for
each additional 50 m3

Three test speciman should be made for each sample for testing
at 28 Days
Individual test results should not be more than +/- 15 % of the
average. If more sample is rejected.
SAMPLING AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
Sampling:
In big construction sites, register is maintained
showing test results of samples of concrete taken.
Sample should denote time and part of the
structure to which concrete is used.
Register is important legal document and should be
kept in safe custody.
SAMPLING AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
Compliance Requirement
Specific Grade Mean of group of 4 non Individual Test Results
overlapping
consecutive results

M15 >/= fck + 0.825 * >/= fck 3 MPa

standerd deviation
OR
fck + 3; WHICHEVER IS
GREATED
M20 & above >/= fck + 0.825 * >/= fck 4 MPa
standerd deviation
OR
fck + 4; WHICHEVER IS
GREATED
 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
Compressive Strength
Mean strength determined from any group of 4
consecutive test results complies with Appropriate
limit in 2nd column
Any Individual test result complies with
appropriate limit in column 3
When both of above is satisfied
 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
Flexural Strength
Mean strength determined from any group of 4
consecutive test results exceeds the specified
characteristic strength by at least 0.3 Mpa
Any Individual test result not less than specified
characteristic strength less 0.3 MPa
When both of above is satisfied
 DOE METHOD OF MIX DESIGN

Can be used for concrete containing fly ash.

PROCEDURE
1. Target mean strength is calculated
2. Select water/cement ratio, from the type of cement and CA.
Compare this with the ratio from durability conditions.
3. Decide the water content for required workability
4. Compare the cement content with the minimum cement content
value and adopt the higher value
5. Find out the total aggregate content
6. Determine the proportion of FA using the appropriate FA% v/s
CA size graph, and find the weight of CA and FA
7. Work out a trial mix.

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 61

 BIS RECOMMENDED MIX DESIGN METHOD

The BIS recommended mix design procedure is covered in IS

10262-82.

In line with IS 456-2000, the first revision IS 10262-2009 was

published, to accommodate some of the following changes:

Increase in strength of cement

Express workability in terms of slump, rather than the

compacting factor

Extend the W/C ratio v/s compressive strength graph

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 62

Modifications in IS 10262-2009

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 63

 MIX DESIGN BASED ON IS RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on IS 10262:1982

Procedure:

1. Target mean strength for mix design:

fck* = fck + tS

where fck = characteristic compressive strength at 28 days

S = standard deviation
t = a statistical value depending on the risk factor.

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 64

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 65
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 66
2. Selection of Water/Cement ratio

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2. Selection of Water/Cement ratio

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3. Estimation of Entrapped Air

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4. Selection of Water Content and Fine to Total Aggregate ratio

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 70

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 71
5. Calculation of Cement Content:

cement by mass = Water content/Water cement ratio

To be checked against the minimum cement content for the requirement

of durability and the greater of the two values to be adopted.

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 72

6. Calculation of aggregate content:

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 73

7. Actual quantities required for mix

Adjust the mix for deviations from assumed conditions

8. Check the calculated mix proportions

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 74

 DESIGN EXAMPLE: BIS RECOMMENDED METHOD

Grade M20
(a ) Design stipulations
(i ) Characteristic compressive strength
required in the field at 28 days - 20 MPa
(ii ) Maximum size of aggregate - 20 mm (angular)
(iii ) Degree of workability - 0.90 compacting factor
(iv ) Degree of quality control - Good
(v ) Type of Exposure - Mild
(b) Test data for Materials
(i ) Specific gravity of cement - 3.15
(ii ) Compressive strength of cement at 7 days - Satisfies the
requirement of IS: 2691989

(iii ) 1. Specific gravity of coarse aggregates - 2.60

2. Specific gravity of fine aggregates - 2.60

(iv ) Water absorption:

1. Coarse aggregate - 0.50%
2. Fine aggregate - 1.0%

(v ) Free (surface) moisture:

1. Coarse aggregate - Nil
2. Fine aggregate - 2.0%
Design Procedure

1. Target mean strength of concrete

fck* = fck + tS

fck = 20, t = 1.64 , S = 4

fck* = 26.6 MPa

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 77

2. Selection of Water/Cement Ratio

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Durability Criteria: Mild Exposure Conditions

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 79

W/C ratio from strength considerations = 0.50

W/C ratio from durability considerations = 0.55

Adopt the lower value

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3. Selection of water and sand content

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Adjustments in Water and Sand Contents

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 82

4. Determination of cement content

Water-cement ratio = 0.50

water = 191.6 kg/m3

Cement = 191.6/0.50 = 383 kg/m3

Is this satisfactory for mild exposure condition?

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 83

5. Determination of coarse and fine aggregate contents

Specified max. size of aggregate = 20 mm

Corresponding entrapped air = 2%

fa = 546 kg/m3,
Ca = 1188 kg/m3

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 84

Final Mix Proportions

Water Cement FA CA
191.6 383 546 1188
0.50 1 1.425 3.10

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 85