Concrete Mix Design

Definition

Concrete mix design may be

defines as the art of selecting
suitable ingredients of concrete
and determining their relative
proportions with the object of
producing concrete of certain
minimum strength & durability
as economically as possible.

Objectives of Mix Design

Mix design should ensure following objectives.

 To achieve the designed/ desired workability in the plastic stage
 To achieve the desired minimum strength in the hardened stage
 To achieve the desired durability in the given environment conditions
 To produce concrete as economically as possible.
Basic Considerations
The following point must be considered while designing concrete mixes
 Cost
 Specification
 Workability
 Strength and Durability

Cost
The cost of concrete is made up of
-Material Cost
-Equipment Cost
-Labour Cost
The variation in the cost of materials arises from the fact that cement is several
times costlier than aggregates. So it is natural in mix design to aim at as lean a mix
as possible. Therefore, all possible steps should be taken to reduce the cement
content of a concrete mixtures without sacrificing the desirable properties of
concrete such as strength and durability.
Specifications
The following point may be kept in mind while designing concrete mixes
 Minimum Compressive Strength required
 Minimum water/ cement ratio
 Maximum cement content to avoid shrinkage cracks
 Maximum aggregate / cement ratio
 Maximum density of concrete in case of gravity dams

Workability
The following points related to workability
shall be kept in mind while designing concrete mixes.
 The consistency of concrete should no more than
that necessary for placing, compacting and finishing.
 For concrete mixes required high consistency at the
time of placing, the use of water-reducing and set-
retarding admixtures should be used rather than the
addition of more water
 Wherever possible, the cohesiveness and finishibility
of concrete should be improved by increasing sand/
aggregate ratio than by increasing the proportion of
the fine particles in the sand.
Strength and durability

Strength and durability require

lower w/c ratio. It is usually achieved not
by increasing the cement content, but by
lowering the water at given cement content. Method of Concrete Mix Design
Water demand can by lowered by
Some of the commonly used mix design
throughout control of the aggregate grading
methods are
and by using water reducing admixtures.
A.C.I method
I.S. Method
Road Note 4 method ( U.K. Method)
IRC 44 method
Arbitrary method
Maximum Density method
Fineness modulus method
Surface area Method
Nix design for high strength Concrete
Mix design for pumpable Concrete
DOE (British) Mix design method
 CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

Weight & Absolute Volume Method

( ACI Method )
Mix design
 is the process of selecting suitable ingredients of concrete & determining their
relative quantities with the purpose of producing an economical concrete which
has certain minimum [Properties, notably Workability, Strength & Durability].

The following three qualities are required of properly proportioned concrete mixers:-

1) Acceptable workability of freshly mixed concrete.

2) Durability, strength & uniform appearance of hardened concrete.
3) Economy.

 Several mix design methods have been developed over the years, ranging from an arbitrary
volume method. [e.g. (1:2:4) cement, Sand, Gravel].to the weight & absolute – volume
method.
 The weight method provides relatively simple techniques for estimating mix proportions using
an assumed or known unit weight of concrete.
 The absolute volume methods uses the specific gravity of each ingredient to calculate the unit
volume each will occupy in unit volume of concrete.
Mix Design basic steps for weight & absolute volume method:-

 The basic steps required for determining mix design proportions for both weight & absolute
volume method are as follows:-

1) Evaluate strength requirements.

2) Determine the water cement ratio required.
3) Evaluate coarse aggregate requirements.
a. Maximum aggregate size of the coarse aggregate.
b. Quantity of the coarse aggregate.
4) Determine air entrainment requirements.
5) Evaluate workability requirements for the plastic concrete.
6) Estimate the water content requirements for the mix.
7) Determine cement content & type needed.
8) Evaluate the need & application rate of admixtures.
9) Evaluate fine aggregate requirements.
10) Determine moisture contents.
11) Make & test trial mixes.
1 – STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS:-
 In order to compute the strength requirements for concrete mix design, three quantities
must be known:-
1) The specified compressive strength [fc/)].
Cylinder at 28 days [ (fc/) = 0.80 (fcu ) ] Cube at 28 days.
Cube at 28 days [ (fcu ) = 1.25 (fc/) ] Cylinder at 28 days.
2) The variability or standard deviation (S), of concrete.
3) The allowable risk of making concrete with an unacceptable strength.
 The standard deviation in the strength is determined for a plant by making batches of
concrete, testing the strength for many samples and computing the standard deviation.
 The allowable risk has been established by the [(ACI)], One of the risk rules has been
established, states that there should be less than [(10%)] chance that the strength of a
concrete mix is less than the specified strength.

1. Standard deviation (S) is a measure of the dispersion or spread of the results.

2. The arithmetic mean [(X‾)] is simply the average of test results of all specimens tested.
 fcŕ= fc/ + 1.34 (S) ……………… (1)
Where:-
fcŕ = Required average compressive strength (MPa) .
fc/ = Specified compressive strength (MPa)
S = Standard deviation (MPa)
 For mixes with a large standard deviation in strength, there is another risk criterion that requires.
fcŕ = fc/ + 2.33 (S) – (3.45) ……… (2)
 The larger of equations [(1) & (2)], will govern.
 The standard deviation should be determined from at least (30) strength results.
 If (S) is computed from [(15) to (30)] samples, then

fcŕ= fc/ + 1.34 (S¯) …………..…… (3)

0r
fcŕ = fc/ + 2.33 (S¯) – (3.45) ……… (4)
 Where (S¯) is the product of
(S) multiplied by the following
modification factors(f). i.e,

S¯ = S . f
 If fewer than (15) test are available, the following adjustments are made to the specified strength
instead of using equations [(1), ( 2 ) ,( 3 ) and (4)] as shown below:

Specified compressive strength Required average compressive strength

fc/ ( MPa ) fcŕ ( MPa )

< 20.7 fc/ + 6.9

20.7 to 34.5 fc/ + 8.3
> 34.5 fc/ + 9.7

Example:

The design engineer specifies a concrete strength of [(31.0) MPa], Determine the
required average compressive strength for:-

(A) - A new plant where (S) is unknown.

(B) - A plant where [(S=3.6) MPa], for (17) test results.
(C) - A plant with extensive history of producing concrete with [(S=2.4) MPa].
(D) - A plant with extensive history of producing concrete with [(S=3.8) MPa].
 (A) – for fc‾ = 31 MPa , as (S) is unknown. Specified Required average
compressive strength compressive strength
fcŕ = fc‾ + 8.3 fc/ ( MPa ) fcŕ ( MPa )

= 31.0 + 8.3 = 39.3 MPa

< 20.7 fc/ + 6.9
20.7 to 34.5 fc/ + 8.3
> 34.5 fc/ + 9.7

(B) - As (S) is based on ( 17 ) test result , between ( 15 – 30 ) so modified (S) to be used .

find ( f ) by inter potation.

f = {(1.16) – [(1.16 –1.08) / (20 –15)] × (17 –15)} f =1.13
i.e.
Number of tests (n) Modification Factor (f)
S¯ = f * S = 1.13×3.6 = 4.1 MPa
15 1.16
Now determine (fcŕ) basing on equ. ( 1 ) & ( 2 ) . 20 1.08
25 1.05
fcŕ= fc‾ + 1.34 (S) 30 or more 1.00
fcŕ= 31.0 + [ (1.34)×(4.1) ] = 36.5 MPa
Or
fcŕ = fc‾ + 2.33 (S) – (3.45)
= {31.0 + [(2.33) × (4.1)] – (3.45)} = 37.1 MPa [govern]

Use fcŕ = 37.1 MPa

(C) - As (S) is based on more result , than (30 ) results

(fcŕ) to be calculated directly from equ. ( 1 ) & ( 2 ) .

fcŕ= fc‾ + 1.34 (S)
= {31.0 + [ (1.34)×(2.4) ] } = 34.2 Mpa [govern]
Or
fcŕ = fc‾ + 2.33 (S) – (3.45)
= {31.0 + [(2.33) × (2.4)] – (3.45)} = 33.1 MPa

Use fcŕ = 34.2 MPa

(D) Same as C

fcŕ= fc‾ + 1.34 (S)

= 31.0 + [ (1.34)×(3.8) ] = 36.1 MPa
or
fcŕ = fc‾ + 2.33 (S) – (3.45)
= {31.0 + [(2.33) × (3.8)] – (3.45)} = 36.4 MPa [govern]

Use fcŕ = 36.4 MPa

Mix Design Example :
Design a concrete mix for the following conditions and constraints using the absolute
volume method :
Design Environment
Bridge pier exposed to freezing and subjected to de-icing chemicals.
Required design strength = 24.1 MPa
Minimum dimension = 0.3 m
Minimum space between rebar's = 50 mm
Minimum cover over rebar's = 40 mm
Standard deviation of compressive strength of 2.4 MPa is expected
( More than 30 samples )
Only air entrained is allowed .
Available Materials
Cement - Select Type V due to exposure .
Air Entrained
Manufacture specification 6.3 ml / 1% air / 100 kg cement
Coarse aggregates
25mm maximum size , river gravel ( Round )
Bulk oven dry specific gravity = 2.621 , Absorption = 0.4 %
Oven dry-rodded density = 1681 kg / m3
Moisture content = 3 %
Fine aggregates
Natural Sand
Bulk oven dry specific gravity = 2.572 , Absorption = 0.8 %
Moisture content = 4 %
Fineness modulus = 2.60
Solution :

1- STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS :-
S = 2.4 MPa ( enough samples so that no correction is needed )
fcŕ= fc‾ + 1.34 (S) = 24.1 + [ (1.34)×(2.4) ] = 27.3 MPa [govern] Or
fcŕ = fc‾ + 2.33 (S) – (3.45) = {24.1 + [(2.33) × (2.4)] – (3.45)} = 26.2 MPa fcŕ = 27.3 MPa

2 - WATER – CEMENT RATIO:-

For fcŕ = 27.3 (MPa) Enter table No. ( 1 ) , & by interpolation [ (W/C) = 0.48 ].
TABLE ( 1 ) Typical Relationship between Water-Cement Ratio and Compressive Strength of Concrete
Average compressive strength Water – Cement Ratio , by Weight
at 28 Days f'cr ( MPa ) Non-air-entrained concrete Air –entrained concrete
41.4 0.41 -
34.5 0.48 0.40
27.6 0.57 0.48
20.7 0.68 0.59
13.8 0.82 0.74

Δ fc‾ = 27.6 – 20.7 = 6.9 (MPa)

Δ (W/C) = 0.59 – 0.48 = 0.11
For ( 27.6 -27.3 ) = 0 .3 Δ (W/C) = {( 0.3 × 0.11 ) / 6.9 } = 0.0047
0
(W/C) = 0.48 + 0.0047 = 0.48
 For exposure condition ( exposed to freezing & thawing subjected the de-icing chemicals ) .
Enter table No.( 3 ) , Max. Permissible [ ( W/C ) = 0.45 ].

TABLE ( 3 )
Maximum Water-Cement Ratio for Various Exposure Conditions

Maximum Water-Cement Ratio

Exposure Condition for Normal-Weight Concrete
by Weight
Concrete protected from exposure to freezing and thawing or Select water-cement ratio on
application of de-icer chemicals basis of strength ,workability
and finishing needs
Concrete intended to be watertight , exposed to :
a. Fresh water 0.50
b. Brackish water or Seawater 0.45
Concrete exposed to freezing and thawing in a moist condition (
air-entrained concrete)
a. Curbs , gutters , guardrails, or this sections 0.45
b. Other elements 0.50
c. In presence of de-icing chemicals 0.45
For corrosion protection for reinforced concrete exposed to
de-icing salts, brackish water, seawater, or spray from these 0.40
sources

[ ( W/C ) = 0.45 ] The smaller value of table ( 1 & 3 ) governs

3-COURSE AGGREGATE REQUIREMENTS:-
A - Max agg. Size .
Check given max. agg. Size ( 25 mm ) .
 ( Minimum for dimension / 5 ) = ( 300 / 5 ) = 60 mm > ( 25 mm ). OK.
 ( Rebar Spacing × 3 / 4 ) = ( 50 × 3 / 4 ) = 37.5 mm > ( 25 mm ). OK.
 ( Rebar Cover × 3 / 4 ) = ( 40 × 3 / 4 ) = 30 mm > ( 25 mm ). OK.
( 25 mm ) Max. agg. Size is OK.
B - Coarse agg. Amount ( Volume ) .
 Enter table No. ( 5 ) .
TABLE ( 5 )
 Based on fineness Volume of Coarse Aggregate per Unit of Volume of Concrete for
modulus of fine Different Fineness Moduli of Fine Aggregate
agg. = ( 2.60 ).
Maximum Size Fineness Modulus
 max. agg. Size ( 25 mm ) .
of Aggregate 2.40 2.60 2.80 3.00
mm
9.50 0.50 0.48 0.46 0.44
 Volume fraction = ( 0.69 ) .
12.50 0.59 0.57 0.55 0.53
Wt of coarse Aggregates 19.00 0.66 0.64 0.62 0.60
= ( 0.69 ) × over dry unit Wt 25.00 0.71 0.69 0.67 0.65
37.50 0.75 0.73 0.71 0.69
= ( 0.69 ) × 1681 = 1160 kg/m3
50.00 0.78 0.76 0.74 0.72
75.00 0.82 0.80 0.78 0.76
Wt of coarse Agg.=1160 kg/m3 150.00 0.87 0.85 0.83 0.81
4-AIR ENTRAINMENT:-
Enter table No. ( 6 ) , for max. agg. Size ( 25 mm ) .
TABLE ( 6 )
Approximate Target Air Requirements for Maximum Sizes of Aggregates
Maximum Aggregate size mm
9.50 12.50 19.00 25.00 37.50 50.00 75.00 150.0
0
Non-air-entrained
concrete approximate 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0.3 0.2
entrapped air, %
Air-entrained concrete
recommended air
content, for level of
exposure, % *
Mild exposure 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0
Moderate exposure 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0
Severe exposure 7.5 7.0 6.0 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.0
*The air content in job specifications should be specified to be delivered within -1 to +2
percentage points of the table target value for moderate and severe exposures.

Severe exposure Air content = ( 6 % ) .

-1 +2
 The job range will be (5 - 8%).

Select Air content = ( 7 % ) .

5-WORKABILITY :-
 Enter table No. ( 7 ) , for bridge pier ( Column ) .
 Slump rang ( 25 – 100 mm ) .

TABLE ( 7 )
Recommended Slumps for various Types of Construction
Slump mm
Concrete Construction
Maximum Minimum
Reinforced foundation walls and footings 75 25
Plain footings, caissons, and substructure walls 75 25
Beams and reinforced walls 100 25
Building columns 100 25
Pavements and slabs 75 25
Mass concrete 50 25

Use Workability = ( 75 mm ) .
6-WATER CONTENT :-
 Enter table No. ( 8 ) , for max. agg. Size ( 25 mm ), Slump ( 75 mm ) & air entrained case :
TABLE ( 8 ) Approximate Mixing Water for Different Slumps and Maximum Aggregate Sizes in kg / m3
Maximum Aggregate Size , mm *
Slump mm
9.50 12.50 19.00 25.00 37.50 50.00 75.00 150.00
Non - air Entrained Concrete
25 to 50 208 200 187 178 163 154 130 113
75 to 100 228 216 202 190 178 160 145 125
150 to 175 243 228 213 202 187 178 160 -
Air Entrained Concrete
25 to 50 181 175 166 160 148 142 122 107
75 to 100 202 193 181 175 163 157 133 119
150 to 175 216 205 193 184 172 166 154 -
* These quantities of mixing water are for use in computing cement factors for trial batches. They are maximums for
reasonably well-shaped angular coarse aggregates graded within limits of accepted specifications.
Recommended reduction in water content Given in Table ( 8 ) for aggregate shapes other than angular
coarse aggregates ( Crushed Stone )
Reduction in Water Content
Aggregate Shape
kg / m3
Sub-angular 12
Gravel with crushed particles 21
Round gravel 27

W = ( 175 kg/m3 ) .
 For rounded gravel ( River gravel ) reduce the water content by ( 27 kg/m3 ) .
Water content = 175 – 27 = ( 148 kg/m3 ). Required water content = ( 148 kg/m3 ) .
7-CEMENT CONTENT REQUIREMENTS:-

 For [(W/C) = 0.45 ] & water content = ( 148 kg/m3 )

 [ Cement Content = ( 148 / 0.45 )] = ( 329 kg/m3 )
Having minimum cement content requirement for freeze & thawing & de-icing chemicals
= ( 334 kg/m3 )
Cement Content = ( 334 kg/m3 )

8-ADMIXTURE :-

 For Air content = ( 7 % ) , Cement Content = ( 334 kg/m3 ) .

 Admixture required = { 6.3 × 7 × ( 334 /100 )} = ( 147 ml /m3 ) .

Admixture Required = ( 147 ml /m3 ) .

9-FINE AGGREGATE REQUIREMENTS:-
 Here , weight or volume method can be TABLE ( 10 )
used :- Estimate of Weight of Freshly Mixed
Concrete
(A) – Weight Method calculations :-
Maximum Non-air- Air-entrained
 Enter table No. ( 10 ) . for Wt. of concrete . aggregate Size , entrained Concrete ,
 Wt. of fine agg. = Estimated Wt. of concrete mm Concrete , kg/m3 kg/m3

- Wt. of (Gravel + Water + Cement ) . 9.50 2276 2187

= 2311 – ( 1160 + 148 + 334 ) 12.50 2305 2228
19.00 2347 2276
Wt. of fine agg. = ( 669 kg/m3 ) , 25.00 2376 2311
( Approximate value ) . 37.50 2412 2347
50.00 2441 2370
(A) – Absolute Volume Method:- 75.00 2465 2394
150.00 2507 2441
 Water volume = { ( 148 / 1× 1000 ) } = ( 0.148 m3 ) .
 Cement volume = { ( 334 / 3.15 × 1000 ) } = ( 0.106 m3 ) .
 Air volume = ( 0.07 m3 )
 Coarse aggregate volume = 1160 / (2.621 x 1000 ) = ( 0.443 m3 )
Subtotal Volume = 0.148 + 0.106 + 0.07 + 0.443 = 0.767 m3
Fine aggregates volume = 1 - 0.767 = 0.233 m3
Fine aggregates weight = 0.233 x 2.572 x 1000 = 599 kg / m3
Wt. of fine agg. = ( 599 kg/m3 )
 10-MOISTURE CORRECTIONS:-
 Mix design should based on (S.S.D.) [ Saturation Surface Dry ], condition for fine & coarse
aggregate .
 The final step in the mix design process is to adjust the weight of water & aggregates to a
count for the existing moisture content of the aggregates. If moisture content of the
aggregates is more than the (S.S.D.) moisture content , the weight of mixing water is reduce
by an amount equal to the free weight of the moisture on the aggregate.
 Similarly, if the moisture content is below, (S.S.D.) moisture content, the mixing water must
be increased.
Coarse aggregates : Need 1160 kg / m3 in SSD condition , so increase by 3 % for excess
moisture
Moist coarse aggregates = 1160 x 1.03 = 1195 kg / m3

Fine aggregates : Need 599 kg / m3 in SSD condition , so increase by 4 % for excess

moisture
Moist fine aggregates = 599 x 1.04 = 623 kg / m3

Water : Reduce for free water on aggregates

= 148 – 1160 ( 0.03 – 0.004 ) - 599 ( 0.04 – 0.008 ) = 99 kg / m3

Summary : Water 99 kg
Cement 334 kg
Fine aggregates 623 kg
Coarse aggregates 1195 kg
Admixture 147 ml

Concrete mix W (Water): C ( Cement) : F ( Fine agg.) : C ( Coarse agg.) : Ad (Admixture )

99 : 334 : 623 : 1195 : 147ml
0.2964 : 1 : 1.8653 : 3.5778 : 147 ml

11 - TRIAL MIXES:-
 To be done on site, to check the mix design.

 Trial batch using three (Cubes) [ (150 ) × (150 ) × (150 ) mm ] ,

or cylinder [( 150 ) × ( 300 ) mm ] , cured for [ (28) days ] and tested for compression strength.

 Finally mix design ratio should base on the weight of the mix ingredients & the site
engineer can convert it to volumes.
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN TABLES ( ACI METHOD )
The basic steps required for determining mix design proportions for both weight and absolute volume methods
are as follows:-
1.Evaluate strength requirements.
2.Determine the water cement ratio required.
3.Evaluate coarse aggregate requirements.
1.Maximum aggregate size of the coarse aggregate.
2.Quantity of the coarse aggregate.
4.Determine air entrainment requirements.
5.Evaluate workability requirements of the plastic concrete.
6.Estimate the water content requirements of the mix.
7.Determine cement content and type needed.
8.Evaluated the need and application rate of admixtures.
9.Evaluate fine aggregate requirements.
10.Determine moisture corrections.
11.Make and test trial mixes.

TABLE ( 1 )
Typical Relationship between Water-Cement Ratio and Compressive Strength of Concrete

Water – Cement Ratio , by Weight

Average compressive strength at 28
Days f'cr ( MPa ) Non-air-entrained concrete Air –entrained concrete
41.4 0.41 -
34.5 0.48 0.40
27.6 0.57 0.48
20.7 0.68 0.59
13.8 0.82 0.74
 TABLE ( 2 )
Maximum Permissible Water-Cement Ratio for Concrete When strength Data from Field
Experience or Trial Mixtures Are Not Available

Water – Cement Ratio , by Weight

Specified 28 Days Compressive Strength at
f'c ( MPa ) Non-air-entrained concrete Air –entrained concrete

17.2 0.67 0.54

20.7 0.58 0.46

24.1 0.51 0.40

27.6 0.44 0.35

31.0 0.38 -

34.5 - -
 TABLE ( 3 )
Maximum Water-Cement Ratio for Various Exposure Conditions

Maximum Water-Cement Ratio for

Exposure Condition Normal-Weight Concrete
by Weight
Concrete protected from exposure to freezing and thawing or application of de-icer
chemicals Select water-cement ratio on basis of
strength ,workability and finishing
needs
Concrete intended to be watertight , exposed to :
a. Fresh water 0.50
b. Brackish water or Seawater 0.45
Concrete exposed to freezing and thawing in a moist condition ( air-entrained
concrete)

a. Curbs , gutters , guardrails, or this sections 0.45

b. Other elements 0.50
c. In presence of de-icing chemicals 0.45
For corrosion protection for reinforced concrete exposed to
de-icing salts, brackish water, seawater, or spray from these sources 0.40
 TABLE ( 4 )
Requirements for Concrete Exposed to Sulfate-Containing Solutions

Normal-Weight Lightweight
Water – Concrete Concrete
Soluble Sulfate in Maximum Water- Minimum
Sulfate Exposure Sulfate in Water, Cement Type Cement Ratio , Compressive
Soil, ppm by Wt. Strength MPa
% by Wt

Negligible 0.00-0.10 0 - 150 - - -

Moderate 0.10-0.20 150 – 1500 Moderate SR 0.50 25.9
Severe 0.45 29.3
0.20-2.00 1500 – 10,000 High SR

Very Severe 0.45 29.3

Over 2.00 Over 10,000 High SR+Pozzolan

TABLE ( 5 )
Volume of Coarse Aggregate per Unit of Volume of Concrete for Different Fineness
Moduli of Fine Aggregate

Maximum Size of Fineness Modulus

Aggregate mm 2.40 2.60 2.80 3.00
9.50 0.50 0.48 0.46 0.44
12.50 0.59 0.57 0.55 0.53
19.00 0.66 0.64 0.62 0.60
25.00 0.71 0.69 0.67 0.65
37.50 0.75 0.73 0.71 0.69
50.00 0.78 0.76 0.74 0.72
75.00 0.82 0.80 0.78 0.76
150.00 0.87 0.85 0.83 0.81
 TABLE ( 6 )
Approximate Target Air Requirements for Maximum Sizes of Aggregates
.
Maximum Aggregate size mm
9.50 12.50 19.00 25.00 37.50 50.00 75.00 150.00
Non-air-entrained concrete
approximate entrapped air, 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0.3 0.2
%
Air-entrained concrete
recommended air content,
for level of exposure, % *
Mild exposure 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0
Moderate exposure 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0
Severe exposure 7.5 7.0 6.0 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.0

*The air content in job specifications should be specified to be delivered within -1 to +2 percentage points of the
table target value for moderate and severe exposures

TABLE ( 7 )
Recommended Slumps for various Types of Construction
Slump mm
Concrete Construction
Maximum Minimum
Reinforced foundation walls and footings 75 25
Plain footings, caissons, and substructure walls 75 25
Beams and reinforced walls 100 25
Building columns 100 25
Pavements and slabs 75 25
Mass concrete 50 25
 TABLE ( 8 )
Approximate Mixing Water for Different Slumps and Maximum Aggregate Sizes in kg / m3

Maximum Aggregate Size , mm *

Slump mm
9.50 12.50 19.00 25.00 37.50 50.00 75.00 150.00
Non - air Entrained Concrete
25 to 50 208 200 187 178 163 154 130 113
75 to 100 228 216 202 190 178 160 145 125
150 to 175 243 228 213 202 187 178 160 -
Air Entrained Concrete
25 to 50 181 175 166 160 148 142 122 107
75 to 100 202 193 181 175 163 157 133 119
150 to 175 216 205 193 184 172 166 154 -

* These quantities of mixing water are for use in computing cement factors for trial batches. They
are maximums for reasonably well-shaped angular coarse aggregates graded within limits of
accepted specifications.

Recommended reduction in water content Given in Table ( 8 ) for aggregate shapes other than
angular coarse aggregates ( Crushed Stone )

Reduction in Water Content

Aggregate Shape
kg / m3

Sub-angular 12

Gravel with crushed particles 21

Round gravel 27
 TABLE ( 9 )
Minimum Cement Requirements for Normal–Weight Concrete Used in Flatwork

Maximum Size of Aggregate, mm Cement ( kg / m3 )

37.50 279
25.00 308
19.00 320
12.50 350
9.50 361

TABLE ( 10 )
Estimate of Weight of Freshly Mixed Concrete

Maximum aggregate Size , Non-air-entrained Concrete ,

Air-entrained Concrete , kg/m3
mm kg/m3
9.50 2276 2187
12.50 2305 2228
19.00 2347 2276
25.00 2376 2311
37.50 2412 2347
50.00 2441 2370
75.00 2465 2394
150.00 2507 2441
 TABLE ( 1 )
Proportions of Concrete for small jobs , by weight

Air Entrained Concrete Non - air Entrained Concrete

Maximum size of
Coarse Aggregate, Cement Wet Fine Wet Coarse Water Cement Wet Fine Wet Coarse Water
mm Aggregates Aggregates* Aggregates Aggregates*

9.5 0.210 0.384 0.333 0.073 0.200 0.407 0.317 0.076

12.5 0.195 0.333 0.399 0.073 0.185 0.363 0.377 0.075
19 0.176 0.296 0.458 0.070 0.170 0.320 0.442 0.068
25 0.169 0.275 0.493 0.063 0.161 0.302 0.470 0.067
37.5 0.159 0.262 0.517 0.062 0.153 0.287 0.500 0.060

* If crushed stone is used ,decrease coarse aggregate by 2 kg and increase fine aggregate by 2 kg for each cubic
meter of concrete.

TABLE ( 2 )
Proportions of Concrete for small jobs , by volume

Air Entrained Concrete Non - air Entrained Concrete

Maximum size of
Coarse Aggregate, Cement Wet Fine Wet Coarse Water Cement Wet Fine Wet Coarse Water
mm Aggregates Aggregates Aggregates Aggregates

9.5 0.190 0.429 0.286 0.095 0.182 0.455 0.272 0.091

12.5 0.174 0.391 0.348 0.087 0.167 0.417 0.333 0.083
19 0.160 0.360 0.400 0.080 0.153 0.385 0.385 0.077
25 0.154 0.346 0.423 0.077 0.148 0.370 0.408 0.074
37.5 0.148 0.333 0.445 0.074 0.143 0.357 0.429 0.071