UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

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DEPARTMENT OF
CIVIL ENGINEERING
150 Jaguar Drive, Shelby Hall 3142
Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002

September 15, 2015

John Cleary, Ph.D., P.E.
Department of Civil Engineering
University of South Alabama
Subject: CE 315 Civil Engineering Materials Lab 5: Concrete Mix Design
Dr. Cleary,
The following report contains a summary of the parameters used in proportioning of the material
components for a concrete mix design and the adjusted calculations for the trial design batch
weight. Eight 4x8 inch samples will be used for testing. For the trial batch, approximately 0.6 ft3
of concrete will be measured by weight and mixed in the appropriate proportions. The mix has
been designed for an average compressive strength of 4500 psi and a 3in slump. The coarse and
fine aggregate properties displayed in Figure 1 are essential parameters used for developing a
concrete mix design.
Coarse Aggregate
Maximum Size (in)
3/4
Nominal Max. Size (in)
1/2
Bulk SG-Dry
2.57
101.
Bulk Density (lb/cf)
5
Absorption (%)
1.3
Moisture Content (%)
0.1

Fine Aggregate

2.6
2
0.5
Absorption (%)
5
2.7
Fineness Modulus
2
0.1
Figure 1: A summary of the coarse and fine aggregate properties
Moisture
used Content
to determine mix
(%)proportions. 2
Bulk SG-Dry

The initial and adjusted mix design are displayed below (Figure 2). The mix is given in units of
pounds per cubic yard of concrete.
Mix Design
Material
Coarse
Aggregate
Fine
Aggregate
Cement
Water
Air (%)
Water/Cement

Initial Design (lb./cy)

Adjusted Design
(lb./cy)

1535

1540

984
961
365
2.5
0.38

990
960
390
2.5
0.38

Figure 2: The center column shows the initial mix design. The right column is the final trial design with

corrections for the absorption and moisture content of the aggregates.

The final trial batch weights are displayed in Figure 3. A thirty percent increase to the total
required weight has been factored into the trial batch to account for potential waste.
Trial Batch Weight (lbs)
Coarse Aggregate
Fine Aggregate
Cement
Water

34.5
1
22.1
9
21.5
1
8.74

Figure 3: A table of the trial material batch weights required to yield

twenty samples and thirty percent waste .

Thank You,
Thomas Calhoun