A

Report
on
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

A DISSERTATION

Submitted in the partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of

Diploma

in

CIVIL ENGINEERING

J. S. University Shikohbad

(Firozabad) (2018-19)

Submitted To: Submitted By:

Mr. Amit Yadav Jalim Singh 161010125070
H. O. D. Ranjeet 161010125146
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I embrace this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and

indebtedness to my esteemed supervisor Mr. Ramesh Kumar, Deapartment
of Civil Engineering, J.S. University, Shikohabad for her valuable guidance,
encouragement and help throughout the tenure of this research work. Her
careful effort is going through the manuscript, useful suggestions and co-
operative behavior are gratefully acknowledged.

I am thankful to Mr. N. K. Goel and Mr. Ankit Shukla for

helping me for conducting the experimental work in laboratory.
 CONTENTS
Page No.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
NOTATIONS
ABSTRACT

CHAPTER- I 1 - 13
INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER- II 14 - 20
LITERATURE REVIEW

CHAPTER- III 21 - 25
GENERAL
TEST EQUIPMENT USED
TEST EQUIPMENT PHOTOGRAPH

CHAPTER- IV 26 - 27
RESULT AND DISCUSSION

CHAPTER- V 28 - 32
CONCLUSION
SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORK

REFERENCES 33 - 37
 NOTATION

W/C = Water cement ratio.

fck = Characteristic compressive strength of concrete.

σ = Standard deviation(s).

ft = Target mean strength.

t = A statistical value depending on expected proportions of

low result (Risk factor).

v = Absolute volume of fresh concrete which is equal to gross

volume (m3) minus the volume of entrapped air.

w = Man of water (kg) per m3 of concrete.

c = Man of cement (kg) per m3 of concrete.

sc = Specific gravity of cement.

sfa = Specific gravities of saturated surface dry fine aggregate.

sca = Specific gravities of saturated, surface dry coarse

aggregate.

p = Ratio of fine aggregate to total aggregate by absolute

volume.

fa, ca = Total mass of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate (kg) per

m3 of concrete respectively.

cf = Compacting factor.
 ABSTRACT

“Versatility of making concrete with locally available materials, ease in

moulding it into any shape and size and economy in its making has made
concrete the 2nd largest consumed material on earth!!”

Concrete is the second largest material consumed by human beings after food
and water as per WHO. It is obtained by mixing cement, fine aggregate, coarse
aggregate and water in required proportions. The mixture when placed in
forms and allowed to cure becomes hard like stone. The hardening is caused
by chemical action between water and the cement due to which concrete grows
stronger with age.

The strength, durability and other characteristics of concrete depend upon the
properties of its ingredients, proportion of the mix, the method of compaction
and other controls during placing, compaction and curing.
Concrete possess a high compressive strength and is usually more economical
than steel and is non corrosive which can be made with locally available
materials.

Hence concrete is used widely in all present-day constructions. The concrete is

good in compression and bad in tension. Hence liable to be cracked when
subjected to tensile load. In situations where tensile stresses are developed
concrete is strengthened by steel bars forming a composite construction called
Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC).

Reinforced concrete, as a composite material, has occupied a special place in

the modern construction of different types of structures due to its several
advantages. Italian architect Ponti once remarked that concrete liberated us
from the rectangle. Due to its flexibility in form and superiority in
performance, it has replaced, to a large extent, the earlier materials like stone,
timber and steel. Further, architect's scope and imaginations have widened to a
great extent due to its mouldability and monolithicity. Thus, it has helped the
architects and engineers to build several attractive shell forms and other curved
structures. However, its role in several straight line structural forms like
multistoried frames, bridges, foundations etc. is enormous.

The design of these modern reinforced concrete structures may appear to be

highly complex. However, most of these structures are the assembly of several
basic structural elements such as beams, columns, slabs, walls and foundations

Accordingly, the designer has to learn the design of these basic reinforced
concrete elements. The joints and connections are then carefully developed.
 Chapter - I
INTRODUCTION
 INTRODUCTION
The process of selecting suitable ingredients of concrete and determining their
relative amounts with the objective of producing a concrete of the required,
strength, durability, and workability as economically as possible, is termed the
concrete mix design. The proportioning of ingredient of concrete is governed
by the required performance of concrete in 2 states, namely the plastic and the
hardened states. If the plastic concrete is not workable, it cannot be properly
placed and compacted. The property of workability, therefore, becomes of
vital importance.

The compressive strength of hardened concrete which is generally considered

to be an index of its other properties, depends upon many factors, e.g. quality
and quantity of cement, water and aggregates; batching and mixing; placing,
compaction and curing. The cost of concrete is made up of the cost of
materials, plant and labour. The variations in the cost of materials arise from
the fact that the cement is several times costly than the aggregate, thus the aim
is to produce as lean a mix as possible. From technical point of view the rich
mixes may lead to high shrinkage and cracking in the structural concrete, and
to evolution of high heat of hydration in mass concrete which may cause
cracking.

The actual cost of concrete is related to the cost of materials required for
producing a minimum mean strength called characteristic strength that is
specified by the designer of the structure. This depends on the quality control
measures, but there is no doubt that the quality control adds to the cost of
concrete. The extent of quality control is often an economic compromise, and
depends on the size and type of job. The cost of labour depends on the
workability of mix, e.g., a concrete mix of inadequate workability may result
in a high cost of labour to obtain a degree of compaction with available
equipment.
Requirements of concrete mix design

The requirements which form the basis of selection and proportioning of mix
ingredients are :

a) The minimum compressive strength required from structural

consideration

b) The adequate workability necessary for full compaction with the

compacting equipment available.

c) Maximum water-cement ratio and/or maximum cement content to

give adequate durability for the particular site conditions

d) Maximum cement content to avoid shrinkage cracking due to

temperature cycle in mass concrete.

Types of Mixes

1. Nominal Mixes
In the past the specifications for concrete prescribed the proportions of
cement, fine and coarse aggregates. These mixes of fixed cement-
aggregate ratio which ensures adequate strength are termed nominal
mixes. These offer simplicity and under normal circumstances, have a
margin of strength above that specified. However, due to the variability
of mix ingredients the nominal concrete for a given workability varies
widely in strength.
2. Standard mixes
The nominal mixes of fixed cement-aggregate ratio (by volume) vary
widely in strength and may result in under- or over-rich mixes. For this
reason, the minimum compressive strength has been included in many
specifications. These mixes are termed standard mixes.

IS 456-2000 has designated the concrete mixes into a number of grades

as M10, M15, M20, M25, M30, M35 and M40. In this designation the
letter M refers to the mix and the number to the specified 28 day cube
strength of mix in N/mm2. The mixes of grades M10, M15, M20 and
M25 correspond approximately to the mix proportions (1:3:6), (1:2:4),
(1:1.5:3) and (1:1:2) respectively.

3. Designed Mixes
In these mixes the performance of the concrete is specified by the
designer but the mix proportions are determined by the producer of
concrete, except that the minimum cement content can be laid down.
This is most rational approach to the selection of mix proportions with
specific materials in mind possessing more or less unique
characteristics. The approach results in the production of concrete with
the appropriate properties most economically. However, the designed
mix does not serve as a guide since this does not guarantee the correct
mix proportions for the prescribed performance.
For the concrete with undemanding performance nominal or standard
mixes (prescribed in the codes by quantities of dry ingredients per cubic
meter and by slump) may be used only for very small jobs, when the 28-
day strength of concrete does not exceed 30 N/mm2. No control testing
is necessary reliance being placed on the masses of the ingredients.
Factors affecting the choice of mix proportions

The various factors affecting the mix design are:

1. Compressive strength
It is one of the most important properties of concrete and influences
many other describable properties of the hardened concrete. The mean
compressive strength required at a specific age, usually 28 days,
determines the nominal water-cement ratio of the mix. The other factor
affecting the strength of concrete at a given age and cured at a
prescribed temperature is the degree of compaction. According to
Abraham’s law the strength of fully compacted concrete is inversely
proportional to the water-cement ratio.

2. Workability

The degree of workability required depends on three factors. These are

the size of the section to be concreted, the amount of reinforcement, and
the method of compaction to be used. For the narrow and complicated
section with numerous corners or inaccessible parts, the concrete must
have a high workability so that full compaction can be achieved with a
reasonable amount of effort. This also applies to the embedded steel
sections. The desired workability depends on the compacting equipment
available at the site.

3. Durability
The durability of concrete is its resistance to the aggressive
environmental conditions. High strength concrete is generally more
durable than low strength concrete. In the situations when the high
strength is not necessary but the conditions of exposure are such that
high durability is vital, the durability requirement will determine the
water-cement ratio to be used.
4. Maximum nominal size of aggregate
In general, larger the maximum size of aggregate, smaller is the cement
requirement for a particular water-cement ratio, because the workability
of concrete increases with increase in maximum size of the aggregate.
However, the compressive strength tends to increase with the decrease
in size of aggregate.

IS 456:2000 and IS 1343:1980 recommend that the nominal size of the

aggregate should be as large as possible.

5. Grading and type of aggregate

The grading of aggregate influences the mix proportions for a specified
workability and water-cement ratio. Coarser the grading leaner will be
mix which can be used. Very lean mix is not desirable since it does not
contain enough finer material to make the concrete cohesive.

The type of aggregate influences strongly the aggregate-cement ratio for

the desired workability and stipulated water cement ratio. An important
feature of a satisfactory aggregate is the uniformity of the grading which
can be achieved by mixing different size fractions.

6. Quality Control
The degree of control can be estimated statistically by the variations in
test results. The variation in strength results from the variations in the
properties of the mix ingredients and lack of control of accuracy in
batching, mixing, placing, curing and testing. The lower the difference
between the mean and minimum strengths of the mix lower will be the
cement-content required. The factor controlling this difference is termed
as quality control.
Mix Proportion designations

The common method of expressing the proportions of ingredients of a concrete

mix is in the terms of parts or ratios of cement, fine and coarse aggregates. For
e.g., a concrete mix of proportions 1:2:4 means that cement, fine and coarse
aggregate are in the ratio 1:2:4 or the mix contains one part of cement, two
parts of fine aggregate and four parts of coarse aggregate. The proportions are
either by volume or by mass. The water-cement ratio is usually expressed in
mass

Factors to be considered for mix design

 The grade designation giving the characteristic strength
requirement of concrete.
 The type of cement influences the rate of development of
compressive strength of concrete.
 Maximum nominal size of aggregates to be used in concrete may
be as large as possible within the limits prescribed by IS
456:2000.
 The cement content is to be limited from shrinkage, cracking and
creep.
 The workability of concrete for satisfactory placing and
compaction is related to the size and shape of section, quantity
and spacing of reinforcement and technique used for
transportation, placing and compaction.

Advantages of mix design

Mix design aims to achieve good quality concrete at site economically.
I. Quality concrete means
 Better strength
 Better imperviousness and durability
 Dense and homogeneous concrete
II. Economy

a) Economy in cement consumption

It is possible to save up to 15% of cement for M20 grade of
concrete with the help of concrete mix design. In fact higher the
grade of concrete more are the savings. Lower cement content
also results in lower heat of hydration and hence reduces
shrinkage cracks.

b) Best use of available materials:

Site conditions often restrict the quality and quantity of ingredient
materials. Concrete mix design offers a lot of flexibility on type
of aggregates to be used in mix design. Mix design can give an
economical solution based on the available materials if they
meet the basic IS requirements. This can lead to saving in
transportation costs from longer distances.

c) Other properties:
Mix design can help us to achieve form finishes, high early
strengths for early deshuttering, concrete with better flexural
strengths, concrete with pumpability and concrete with lower
densities.

What is mix design?

Concrete is an extremely versatile building material because, it can be
designed for strength ranging from M10 (10Mpa) to M100 (100 Mpa) and
workability ranging from 0 mm slump to 150 mm slump. In all these cases
the basic ingredients of concrete are the same, but it is their relative
proportioning that makes the difference.
Basic Ingredients of Concrete: -

1. Cement – It is the basic binding material in concrete.

2. Water – It hydrates cement and also makes concrete
workable.
3. Coarse Aggregate – It is the basic building component of concrete.
4. Fine Aggregate – Along with cement paste it forms mortar grout
and fills the voids in the coarse aggregates.
5. Admixtures – They enhance certain properties of concrete
e.g. gain of strength, workability, setting
properties, imperviousness etc

Concrete needs to be designed for certain properties in the plastic stage as well
as in the hardened stage.

Properties desired from concrete in plastic stage: -

 Workability
 Cohesiveness
 Initial set retardation
Properties desired from concrete in hardened stage: -
 Strength
 Imperviousness
 Durability

Concrete mix design is the method of correct proportioning of ingredients

of concrete, in order to optimise the above properties of concrete as per
site requirements.
In other words, we determine the relative proportions of ingredients of
concrete to achieve desired strength & workability in a most economical
way.

Decision Variables in Mix Design

A. Water/cement ratio

B. Cement content

C. Relative proportion of fine & coarse aggregates

D. Use of admixtures

A. Water/cement ratio

Water to cement ratio (W/C ratio) is the single most important factor
governing the strength and durability of concrete. Strength of concrete depends
upon W/C ratio rather than the cement content. Abram’s law states that higher
the water/cement ratio, lower is the strength of concrete. As a thumb rule every
1% increase in quantity of water added, reduces the strength of concrete by
5%. A water/cement ratio of only 0.38 is required for complete hydration of
cement. (Although this is the theoretical limit, water cement ratio lower than
0.38 will also increase the strength, since all the cement that is added, does not
hydrate) Water added for workability over and above this water/cement ratio
of 0.38, evaporates leaving cavities in the concrete. These cavities are in the
form of thin capillaries. They reduce the strength and durability of concrete.
Hence, it is very important to control the water/cement ratio on site. Every
extra lit of water will approx. reduce the strength of concrete by 2 to 3
N/mm2 and increase the workability by 25 mm. As stated earlier, the
water/cement ratio strongly influences the permeability of concrete and
durability of concrete. Revised IS 456-2000 has restricted the maximum
water/cement ratios for durability considerations by clause 8.2.4.1, table 5
B. Cement content

Cement is the core material in concrete, which acts as a binding agent

and imparts strength to the concrete. From durability considerations cement
content should not be reduced below 300Kg/m3 for RCC. IS 456 –2000
recommends higher cement contents for more severe conditions of exposure of
weathering agents to the concrete. It is not necessary that higher cement
content would result in higher strength. In fact latest findings show that for the
same water/cement ratio, a leaner mix will give better strength. However, this
does not mean that we can achieve higher grades of concrete by just lowering
the water/cement ratio. This is because lower water/cement ratios will mean
lower water contents and result in lower workability. In fact for achieving a
given workability, a certain quantity of water will be required. If lower
water/cement ratio is to be achieved without disturbing the workability,
cement content will have to be increased. Higher cement content helps us in
getting the desired workability at a lower water/cement ratio. In most of the
mix design methods, the water contents to achieve different workability levels
are given in form of empirical relations.
Water/cement ratios required to achieve target mean strengths are interpolated
from graphs given in IS 10262 Clause 3.1 and 3.2 fig 2 The cement content is
found as follows: -

Water required achieving required workability (Lit/m3)

Cement content (Kg/m3) =
Water/cement ratio

Thus, we see that higher the workability of concrete, greater is cement content
required and vice versa. Also, greater the water/cement ratio, lower is the
cement content required and vice versa.
C. Relative proportion of fine, coarse aggregates gradation of
aggregates

Aggregates are of two types as below:

a. Coarse aggregate (Metal) :- These are particles retained

on standard IS 4.75mm
sieve.
b. Fine aggregate(Sand) :- These are particles passing
standard IS 4.75mm sieve.

Proportion of fine aggregates to coarse aggregate depends on following:

i. Fineness of sand:- Generally, when the sand is fine, smaller proportion

of it is enough to get a cohesive mix; while coarser the sand, greater has
to be its proportion with respect to coarse aggregate.

ii. Size & shape of coarse aggregates:- Greater the size of coarse
aggregate lesser is the surface area and lesser is the proportion of fine
aggregate required and vice versa. Flaky aggregates have more surface
area and require greater proportion of fine aggregates to get cohesive
mix. Similarly, rounded aggregate have lesser surface area and require
lesser proportion of fine aggregate to get a cohesive mix.

iii. Cement content:- Leaner mixes require more proportion of fine

aggregates than richer mixes. This is because cement particles also
contribute to the fines in concrete.
D. Use of admixtures

Now days, admixtures are rightly considered as the fifth ingredient of

concrete. The admixtures can change the properties of concrete.
Commonly used admixtures are as follows:

i. Plasticisers & superplasticisers

ii. Retarders

iii. Accelerators

iv. Air entraining agents

v. Shrinkage compensating admixtures

vi. Water proofing admixtures

Concrete Mix Design Methods

The basic objective of concrete mix design is to find the most economical
proportions (Optimization) to achieve the desired end results (strength,
cohesion, workability, durability, As mentioned earlier the proportioning of
concrete is based on certain material properties of cement, sand and
aggregates. Concrete mix design is basically a process of taking trials with
certain proportions. Methods have been developed to arrive at these
proportions in a scientific manner. No mix design method directly gives the
exact proportions that will most economically achieve end results. These
methods only serve as a base to start and achieve the end results in the
fewest possible trials.

A. IS method

B. DOE Method

C. ACI Method

D. RRL Method
Chapter - II
LITERATURE
REVIEW
 LITERATURE REVIEW
The Bureau of Indian Standards, recommended a set of procedure for design of
concrete mix mainly based on the work done in national laboratories. The mix
design procedures are covered in IS 10262-82. The methods given can be
applied for both medium strength and high strength concrete.
Before we proceed with describing this method step by step, the following
short comings in this method are pointed out. Some of them have arisen in
view of the revision of IS 456-2000. The procedures of concrete mix design
needs revision and at this point of time (2000 AD) a committee has been
formed to look into the matter of Mix Design.

(i) The strength of cement as available in the country today has

greatly improved since 1982. The 28-day strength of A, B, C, D,
E, F, category of cement is to be reviewed.

(ii) The graph connecting, different strength of cements and W/C is to

be reestablished.

(iii) The graph connecting 28-day compressive strength of concrete

and W/C ratio is to be extended up to 80 MPa, if this graph is to
cater for high strength concerte.

(iv) As per the revision of IS 456-2000, the degree of workability is

expressed in terms of slump instead of compacting factor. This
results in change of values in estimating approximate sand and
water contents for normal concrete up to 35 MPa and high
strength concrete above 35 MPa. The Table giving adjustment of
values in water content and sand percentage for other than
standard conditions, requires appropriate changes and
modifications.
 (v) In view of the above and other changes made in the revision of IS
456-2000, the mix design procedure as recommended in IS
10262-82 is required to be modified to the extent considered
necessary and examples of mix design is worked out

However, in the absence of revision of Indian Standard on method

of Mix Design, the existing method i.e., IS 10262 of 1982 is
described below step by step. Wherever it is possible, the new
information given in IS 456 of 2000 have been incorporated and
the procedure is modified to that extent.

Procedure
1. Determine the mean target strength ft from the specified
characteristic compressive strength at 28-day fck and the level of
quality control.
ft = fck + 1.65 S
where S is the standard deviation obtained from the Table of
approximate contents given after the design mix.

Suggested values of standard deviation

Grade of Standard deviation for different degree

concrete of control in N/mm2
Very good Good Fair
M-10 2.0 2.3 3.3
M-15 2.5 3.5 4.5
M-20 3.6 4.6 5.6
M-25 4.3 5.3 6.3
M-30 5.0 6.0 7.0
M-35 5.3 6.3 7.3
M-40 5.6 6.6 7.6
M-45 6.0 7.0 8.0
M-50 6.4 7.4 8.4
M-55 6.7 7.7 8.7
M-60 6.8 7.8 8.8
2. Obtain the water cement ratio for the desired mean target using the
empirical relationship between compressive strength and water
cement ratio so chosen is checked against the limiting water
cement ratio. The water cement ratio so chosen is checked against
the limiting water cement ratio for the requirements of durability
given in table and adopts the lower of the two values.
3. Estimate the amount of entrapped air for maximum nominal size of
the aggregate from the table.
Approximate Entrapped Air Content
Maximum Size of Entrapped Air, as % of
Aggregate (mm) Volume of Concrete
10 3.0
20 2.0
40 1.0

4. Select the water content, for the required workability and

maximum size of aggregates (for aggregates in saturated surface
dry condition) from table.

Approximate Sand and Water Contents Per Cubic Metre of

Concrete W/C = 0.60, Workability = 0.80 C.F.
(Slump 30 mm approximately)

Maximum Size Water Content Sand as per cent of

of Aggregate including Surface Total Aggregate by
Water, Per Cubic Absolute volume
Meter of Concrete (kg)
10 200 40
20 186 35
40 165 30

5. Determine the percentage of fine aggregate in total aggregate by

absolute volume from table for the concrete using crushed coarse
aggregate.

6. Adjust the values of water content and percentage of sand as

provided in the table for any difference in workability, water
cement ratio, grading of fine aggregate and for rounded aggregate
the values are given in table.
 Adjustment of Values in Water Content and Sand
Percentage for Other conditions

Change in Conditions Adjustment Required in

stipulated for Tables
Water % Sand in Total
Content Aggregate
For sand conforming to + 1.5% for Zone I
grading Zone I, Zone III or 0 - 1.5% for Zone III
Zone IV of Table 4, - 3% for Zone IV
IS : 383-1979
Increase or decrease in the
value of compacting factor ± 3% 0
by 0.1
Each 0.05 increase or
decrease in water-cement 0 ± 1%
ratio
For rounded aggregate - 15kg - 7%

7. Calculate the cement content form the water-cement ratio and the
final water content as arrived after adjustment. Check the cement
against the minimum cement content from the requirements of the
durability, and greater of the two values is adopted.

8. From the quantities of water and cement per unit volume of

concrete and the percentage of sand already determined in steps 6
and 7 above, calculate the content of coarse and fine aggregates
per unit volume of concrete from the following relations:

where V = absolute volume of concrete

= gross volume (1m3) minus the volume of entrapped air
Sc = specific gravity of cement
 W = Mass of water per cubic meter of concrete, kg
C = mass of cement per cubic meter of concrete, kg
p = ratio of fine aggregate to total aggregate by absolute volume
fa, Ca = total masses of fine and coarse aggregates, per cubic meter
of concrete, respectively, kg, and
Sfa, Sca = specific gravities of saturated surface dry fine and coarse
aggregates, respectively

9. Determine the concrete mix proportions for the first trial mix.

10. Prepare the concrete using the calculated proportions and cast
three cubes of 150 mm size and test them wet after 28-days moist
curing and check for the strength.

11. Prepare trial mixes with suitable adjustments till the final mix
proportions are arrived at.

Important points for implementation of mix design:

1. Cement brands to be used should be standardised in advance

2. All materials should be accepted only after testing and only if

they meet the acceptance criteria. Daily record of materials tested
at site should be maintained at site.

3. A site trial of mix design should be taken to ensure the suitability

of mix at site. Cubes should be cast during site trial and should be
tested before commencing the concreting work using the mix
design.
4. Every mix design is specific to materials used for mix design.
Hence for any minor variation in material properties of sand,
coarse aggregate received at site, corrections in mix proportions
may be necessary at the site. Following corrections should be
made regularly at site: -
a) Correction for surface moisture
b) Correction for Fineness Modulus of sand
c) Correction for size and shape of coarse aggregate
d) Correction for workability of concrete
e) Correction for Bulk density (Only in case of Volume
batching)
f) Correction for yield
Daily record of corrections made in the mix proportions should be
maintained in the concreting work data sheet.

5. Concrete mix design assumes that aggregates used in concrete are

in saturated surface dry condition. Coarse aggregates should be
wetted before concreting to bring them in SSD condition. Since
correction for surface moisture is done on sand, water should not
be spayed on sand.

6. If weigh batcher is used, its level & calibration should be checked

daily before starting the work. Calibration can easily be checked
by preparing sand bags of 25 Kg & 5 Kg.

7. In case of volume batching correction for bulk density is

necessary. This is because every mix design is done by weight
only. These weights are converted to volume based on loose bulk
density found at site.
8. Concrete mix design is done not only for strength but also for
workability. Hence changes in mix proportions may be necessary
for changes in workability desired at site. The slump given in mix
design should never be exceeded and strictly controlled on site.
We recommend a slump reading to be taken for every 25 bags of
cement concrete.

9. Since water cement ratio not only governs the strength but also
the durability of concrete. The water cement ratio on the site
should be strictly controlled. The water cement/ratio can be
controlled by maintaining the slump as per the design
specifications.

10. Use only measured cans for adding water in the mixer. Use of
trapezoidal buckets for adding water should be strictly avoided as
their typical shape results in either excess or lesser water being
added to the mixer. Milk kettles are recommended because their
peculiar shape not only prevents water from falling off while
addition but also ensures speed of water addition.
 Chapter III
EXPERIMENT
PROCEDURE AND
TEST EQUIPMENT
USED
 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE AND TEST
EQUIPEMENT USED

IS Method Concrete Mix Design

Q. M20 Concrete Grade

 M20 with maximum size of aggregate (MSA) = 20mm

 Sand with grading zone - II [From Graph]

 Specific gravity, Cement = 3.15

F.A. = 2.64 Test
C.A. = 2.68

 Degree of workability, compacting factor = 0.85 [From Table]

 Air content = 2% [From Table]

 Target mean strength (T.M.S.)

= fck + t.s
= 20 + 1.65 × 3.6
= 25.94 MPa
[t & s values from table]

 Selection of water cement ratio -

W/C ratio = 0.55 [Graph]

 Selection of water content & sand content

W.C. = 186kg/m3
S.C. = 35% [From Table]
 Adjustment in water content & sand content
for W.C = + 1.5%
S.C. = - 1% [From Table]

 After adjustment
1.5 ×
W.C = 186 + 186 = 188.79
100

S.C = 35% - 1% = 34%

 Calculation of cement content -

W.C
C.C =
W/C Ratio
188.79
=
0.55
C.C = 343.25

Trial first -
Cement = 300kg
W.C. =0.55 × 300 = 165 kg/m3

Formula for fine aggregate (FA) -

C.C F.A 1
V= W+ + ×
Sp. gravity of cement Sand content × sp. gravity of F.A 1000

300 F.A 1
0.98 = 165 + + ×
3.15 2.64 × 0.34 1000

F.A = 646 kg/m3

Formula for coarse aggregate (C.A) -

C.C C.A 1
V= W+ + ×
Sp. gravity of cement sp. gravity of C.A× (1-sand con.) 1000

300 C.A 1
0.98 = 165 + + ×
3.15 2.68 × (1-0.34) 1000

C.A = 1273.11

Trial second -
for cement - 350 kg.
W/C = 0.55 × 350 = 192.5 kg./m3
Formula for fine aggregate

C.C F.A 1
V= W+ + ×
Sp. gravity of cement Sand content × sp. gravity of F.A 1000

350 F.A 1
0.98 = 192.5 + + ×
3.15 2.64 × 0.34 1000

F.A = 607.12 kg./m3

Formula for coarse aggregate (C.A)

C.C C.A 1
V= W+ + ×
Sp. gravity of cement sp. gravity of C.A× (1-sand con.) 1000

350 C.A 1
0.98 = 192.5 + ×
3.15 2.68 × (1-0.34) 1000
+

C.A = 1196.40
TABLE-

Trial first-
for cement - 300 kg.

Water Cement F.A C.A

Total Quantity 165 300 646 1273
Mix Proportion 0.55 1 2.15 4.24
1 Bag (50kg) 27.5 50 107.5 212
Quantity Proportion

Trial second -
for cement - 350 kg.

Water Cement F.A C.A

Total Quantity 192.5 350 607.12 1196.40
Mix Proportion 0.55 1 1.73 3.42
1 Bag (50kg) 27.5 50 86.5 170.5
Quantity Proportion
 Fill the concrete Cube Mould

Open The Concrete Mould

Concrete Mould in Curing Tank

Concrete Cube Testing

Concrete Cubes
Chapter IV
RESULT AND
DISCUSSION
 4
3
2
1
S
N

Mix
Material

Total

Ratio
1 Bag
Detail

Mixed
(50Kg)
Quantity

Quantity
Proportion
Proportion

II
Grade of Concrete

Ist
Ist
Ist
Ist

nd
IInd
IInd
IInd

Short Words
Trial
C
50 50 1 1 325 300
96.5 108.5 1.93 2.17 630 652

FA

Kg/m3
182.5 204.5 3.65 4.09 1188 1228
CA

1:1.93:3.65
1:2.17:4.09
M10 & M15
W

30 30 0.6 0.6 195 180

C

50 50 1 1 350 340
86.5 90 1.73 1.80 608 615
FA
M20

Kg/m3

171 178 3.42 3.56 1197 1212

CA

1:1.73:3.42
1:1.80:3.56
W

27.5 27.5 0.55 0.55 192.5 187

C

50 50 1 1 380 370
76.5 79.5 1.53 1.59 584 591
FA
M25

Kg/m3

158 164 3.16 3.28 1202 1217

CA

1:1.53:3.16
1:1.59:3.28
W

25 25 0.5 0.5 190 185

C

50 50 1 1 410 390
Result Table

68.5 73.5 1.37 1.47 562 575

FA
M30

Kg/m3

147.5 158.5 2.95 3.17 1213 1241

CA

1:1.37:2.95
1:1.47:3.17
W

22.5 22.5 0.45 0.45 184.5 145.

5
C

50 50 1 1 460 440
57.5 61.5 1.15 1.23 532 544
FA
M35

130.5 139.5 2.61 2.79 1202 1229

Kg/m3
CA

1:1.15:2.61
1:1.23:2.79

20 20 0.4 0.4 184 176

W

C- Cement, FA- Fine Aggregated, CA- Coarse Aggregate, W- Water

C

50 50 1 1 525 500
39.6 42.7 0.792 0.854 416 427
FA
M40

Kg/m3

120.5 129.9 2.41 2.598 1266 1299

CA

1:0.79:2.41
1:0.854:2.59
W

17.5 17..5 0.35 0.35 183.7 175

C

50 50 1 1 5
580 570
33.5 34.5 0.67 0.69 394 398
FA
M45

Kg/m3
RUSULT AND DISCUSSION

109 112 2.18 2.24 1267 1280

CA

1:0.67:2.18
1:0.69:2.24
W

15 15 0.3 0.3 174 171

Discussions for mix design procedure as per actual site conditions.

 Regular calibration of all measuring equipments including

batching plant is mandatory.

 The main factor is the condition of aggregates whether it is

exposed to sunlight or rainfall.

 When the free water/cement ration is high, workability of

concrete is improved. However, excessive water causes ―honey-
comb‖ effect in the concrete produced. The concrete cubes
become porous, and hence its compressive strength is well below
the design value. Other possible reasons include over compaction,
improper mixing methods and some calculation errors so addition
of excess water should be strictly avoided.

 All the raw materials, which is cement, aggregates, and sand

should be protected from precipitation or other elements which
may affect its physical properties.

 The quantity of ingredients may be adjusted if necessary,

theoretical values are not always suitable. For example, if the
aggregates are wet or saturated, less amount of water should be
added, vice versa.

 Compaction should be done carefully, as either under or over-

compaction will bring significant negative effect on the concrete
produced.
 Chapter V
CONCLUSION
&
FUTURE SCOPE
 CONCLUSION

Design of reinforced concrete structures started in the beginning of last century

following purely empirical approach. Thereafter came the so called rigorous
elastic theory where the levels of stresses in concrete and steel are limited so
that stress-deformations are taken to be linear.

However, the limit state method, though semi-empirical approach, has been
found to be the best for the design of reinforced concrete structures.

In India we follow mix design procedure as per IS 10262 – 2009 (Concrete

Mix Proportioning – Guidelines), wherein standard values are
determined/referred using IS 456: 2000 (Plain and Reinforced Concrete - Code
of Practice is an Indian Standard code of practice for general structural use of
plain and reinforced concrete) and IS 383 (specification for coarse and fine
aggregates from natural sources for concrete).

Whereas when it comes to actual site conditions it has been found that there is
no single set of mix design that can cater every need of mix design.
There is ―one perfect mix only for one particular need of structure‖. IS code
only lay down guidelines to be followed it is finally up to site engineer to
decide and accept the parameters and accordingly prepare a mix which should
satisfy the following criteria.

 Meet the strength requirements as measured by compressive strength

 Fulfill durability requirements to resist the environment in which the

structure is expected to serve

 Be mixed, transported and compacted as efficiently as possible

 Will be as economical as possible

SCOPE OF FUTURE OF CONCRETE
MIX DESIGN
"The best way to predict the future is to invent it" by Alan Kay.

The Mix design depends on the type of structure being built, how the concrete
will be mixed and delivered, and it will be placed to form this structure. Based
on the available standards and procedures involving empirical calculations and
known properties of ingredient materials we can achieve desired properties in
finished concrete structures or by substitution for the cemetitious and
aggregate phases, the finished product can be tailored to its application with
varying strength, density, or chemical and thermal resistance properties.

As the architectural innovation, infrastructural growth and construction pattern

evolved with time, so has the need for revised concrete mix design felt from
time to time with the introduction of Admixtures engineers have been able to
push the construction limit and have enabled to create structures with
remarkable aesthetics and strength.

As any modification in mix design standard requires a series of test and

brainstorming sessions of the results with learned and experienced minds as it
has to be approved and accepted by a internationally accepted accreditation
panel keeping in mind the need for every construction pattern to keep up with
the future standards for a particular country.

The mix design methods being followed in different countries are mostly
based on empirical relationships, charts and graphs developed from extensive
experimental investigations. All the design and manufacturing standards are
finalized by a single authority BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) which involve
similar approach.
Mix design of reinforced concrete structures follows purely empirical
approach thereby enabling a vast scope of modification and possibility of
update accordingly with modern approach of construction procedures and
ingredients involved. Introduction of modified cementious materials have also
brought new possibilities in development of conventional mix design procdure.

As the actual trial mix obtained as per calculation shows a lot of variations and
requires lot of site modification importance of trial mix at site have been
accepted and incorporated in design standard, similarly water cement ratio has
also been linked with practical trials and experience enabling a bettered
tailored concrete mix for particular requirement.

Recently mix design standard of our country India (IS 10262) was revised in
2009 in which many modifications were made a detail comparative chart have
been made to compare the recent changes made.

S.N. Old Edition Revised 2009 Edition

1 Title - "Recommanded guidelines Title - "Concrete Mix
for Concrete mix Design" Proportioning - Guidelines"
2 Applicability was not specified for Specified for Ordinary (M10 -
any specific Concrete Grades M20) and Standard (M25 - M55)
Concrete Grades only.
3 Based on IS 456 : 1982 Modification in line with
IS 456 : 2000
4 W/C ratio was based on Concrete W/C ratio is based on Durability
grade and 28 days compressive criteria and the Experience and
strength of Concrete and the Practical trials.
durability criteria.
5 Water Content could be modified Water content can be modified
taking into account the compaction Based on Slump vale (Field test
factor value (Laboratory based test of Workability) and shape of
for Workability) and the shape of a Aggregates, and use of
aggregates. Admixtures.
6 Entrapped Air content considered No Entrapped Air content taken
according to Nominal Maximum into account
size of Aggregates
7 Not much Consideration for Trial Trial Mixes concept is
Mixes mentioned
8 Concrete Mix Design with Fly ash An illustrative example of
is not mentioned Concrete Mix Proportioning
using Fly ash has been added

Future of mix design holds immense possibilities as it is mutually linked with

modification in any of the involved ingredients as well as future research in
available resources. Thus it can be concluded that possibilities of mix design
are procedure are way beyond than expected with constant changes and
modification to suite every site and structural need.
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