Concrete Mix

Design

Ajay Ghosh
Asst.Professor Works
7420041131
 REFERANCES
• IS 10262:2009- Concrete Mix Proportioning – Guidelines
(First Revision) (First Published in 1982)
• IS 456 : 2000 – Plain & reinforced cement concrete- code
of practice (forth revision) Amendments up to 4

• CBC : 2014 – Code of practice for plain, reinforced &

prestressed concrete for general bridge construction

• IS 2386 (Part 3) : 1963 – Method of test for aggregates

for concrete : part 3 specific gravity, density, voids,
absorption and bulking.
 REFERANCES
• IS 383:1970 ( Reaffirmed 2002 ) - Specification for
coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources for
concrete (second revisions)
• IS 8112:1989 - Specification for 43 grade ordinary
Portland cement (first revision)
• IS 9103:1999 - Specification for admixtures for concrete
(first revision)
• USSOR : (Indian Railway Unified Standard Specifications
& schedule of rates–Works & Materials–2010) with CS
no. 1 & 2 Chapter 3,4 & 26 (Plain Concrete,RCC &
Mortars.
 Concrete Mix Proportioning
Nomenclature:

• Concrete Mix or Mixture Proportioning

• Concrete Mix Design or Proportioning.
• Design or Proportioning of Mixture.
• Mixture Proportioning for Concrete.
 Concrete Mix Proportioning
• Some basic information on Workability,
Strength, Durability & Economy of concrete
provided in table of IS 456 specification before
proceeding with concrete mix proportion.
Grades of Concrete (As per IS 456-2000) (Amendment no.4)

GROUP GRADE SPECIFIED CHARACTRISTIC

DESIGNATION COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT 28 DAYS
(N/mm2 )

Ordinary M10 10
concrete M15 15
M20 20
Standard M25 25
concrete M30 30
M35 35
M40 40
M45 45
M50 50
M55 55
M60 60
 Grades of Concrete
As per IS 456-2000 (Amendment no.4)
GROUP GRADE SPECIFIED CHARACTRISTIC
DESIGNATION COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT 28
DAYS (N/mm2 )

High strength M65 65

concrete
M70 70
M75 75
M80 80
M85 85
M90 90
M95 95
M100 100
 Concrete Mix Proportioning
Characteristic strength

Defined as the strength of material below

which not more than 5 percent of the test
results are expected to fall.
Placing Conditions and Degree of
Workability (As per IS 456:2000)
 Placing Conditions and Degree of
Workability as per para 5.3 of CBC
Placing conditions Degree of Values of workability
workability
Concreting of shallow sections with Very low. 20-10 seconds vee-bee time or 0.75-0.80
vibration. compacting factor.
Concreting of lightly reinforced Low 10-05 seconds vee-bee time or 0.80-0.85
sections with vibration. compacting factor.
Concreting of lightly reinforced Medium. 5-2 seconds vee-bee time or 0.85-0.92
sections without vibrations or heavily compacting factor or 25-75 mm slump
reinforced section with vibration. for 20 mm aggregate.(For smaller
aggregates, the values will be lower).
Concreting of heavily reinforced High Above 0.92 CF or 75-125 mm slump for
sections without vibration. 20 mm aggregate (For smaller
aggregates, the values will be lower).

Note: Suitable plasticizer/admixture may be used to achieve

workability of the order of 150-200 mm.
10
 ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE CONDITIONS
(Based on Table 3 of IS 456:2000)
SL Environm Exposure Conditions
ent
i) Mild Concrete surfaces protected against weather or aggressive conditions,
except those situated in coastal area.
ii) Moderate Concrete surface sheltered from severe rain or freezing whilst wet;
Concrete exposed to condensation and rain; Concrete continuously
underwater. Concrete in contact or buried under non-aggressive soil/
ground water. Concrete surfaces sheltered from saturated salt air in
coastal area.
iii) Severe Concrete surfaces exposed to severe rain, alternate wetting and drying or
occasional freezing whilst wet or severe condensation; Concrete
completely immersed in sea water; Concrete exposed to coastal
environment.
iv) Very Concrete surfaces exposed to sea water spray, corrosive fumes or severe
Severe freezing conditions whilst wet. Concrete in contact with or buried under
aggressive sub-soil/ ground water.
v) Extreme Concrete surface exposed to abrasive action/ Surface of members in tidal
zone. Members in direct contact with liquid / solid aggressive chemicals.
12
Minimum Cement content for various
Exposure condition

13
 Various Methods of Mix design
 Arbitrary proportion
 Fineness modulus method
 Maximum density method
 Surface area method
 Indian Road Congress, IRC 44 method
 High strength concrete mix design
 Mix design based on flexural strength
 Road note No.4 (Grading Curve method)
 ACI Committee 211 method
 DOE method
 Mix design for pumpable concrete
 Indian Standard Recommended method IS 10262:2009
 IS-10262 : 2009 (First Revision)
CONCRETE MIX PROPORTIONING - GUIDELINES

1. This standard applies to ordinary (M-10, 15 and 20) and

standard concrete grades (M-25 to 60) only. And not for high
strength concrete M65 to M100.(As per IS-456-2000
amendments)

2. All requirements of IS 456 is so far as they apply, shall be deemed

to form part of this standard.

3. Considering that the air content in normal concrete (Non air

entrained) is not of much significance in mix proportioning
procedure and it is also not a part of IS 456: 2000, the
consideration of air content has been deleted.

4. A new illustrative example of concrete mix proportioning

using fly ash as one of the ingredients has been added.
 Definition

DESIGN MIX

• It is a process of selecting suitable ingredients and

determining their relative proportions with the
objective of producing concrete of having certain
minimum workability, strength and durability and as
economically as possible.
 Objective as per IS-10262 : 2009
The objective of proportioning concrete mixes is to
arrive at the most economical and practical
combinations of different ingredients to produce
concrete that will satisfy the performance requirements
under specified conditions of use.

The proportioning is carried out to achieve specified

characteristics strength at specified age, workability of
fresh concrete and durability requirements
 Types of Mix Design
Nominal Mix:
a. Used for relatively unimportant and simpler works.
b. No scope for any deviation by the designer since
ingredients are prescribed and their proportions specified.
c. May be used for M-20 or lower.

Table 9 - IS 456

Kg
 Types Of Mix Design
2. Design Mix:
a) Performance based mix.
b) Choice of ingredients and proportioning are left to
designer.
c) User has to specify requirements of concrete in fresh as
well as in hardened state only.

Fresh concrete - workability & finishing characteristics

Hardened concrete – compressive strength & durability
 Sampling
One sample of 3-cubes is to be taken from each shift

Quantity of concrete in work Number of samples

1-5 cum 1
6-15 2
16-30 3
31-50 4
51 and above 4 + 1 additional sample for
each additional 50 cum or
part thereof.
 Sampling
• Three test specimens (cubes) shall be made for each
sample for testing at 28 days.

• Additional samples may be required for various purposes

such as to determine the strength of concrete at 7 days
or at the time of striking the formwork, or to determine
the duration of curing or to check the testing error.

• Additional samples may also be required for testing

samples cured by accelerated methods as described in
IS 9103.

• The specimen shall be tested as described in IS 516.

 Cube Casting (IS 516)

1. Concrete is filled in mould in 3 equal layers.

2. Manual compaction - Each layer is tamped 35 times by
bullet headed tamping rod of 16 mm dia and 600 mm long.

3. Needle/plate vibrator can also be used.

4. The cube in mould is covered with glass/metel plate.

5. Stripped after 16-24 hrs and then submerged in pond till

testing.

6. Light marking of date and number for identification is done .

7. Cube should not be allowed to dry till testing.

 Cube Testing
1. 3 cubes constitute one sample.
2. Smooth faces should face top and bottom during testing.
3. The rate of loading should not be more than
14 N/mm2 per minute.
4. Individual variation of Cube strength should not be
more than +15% of average strength.
If more, the test results are invalid.

e.g. grade of concrete-M30

C1=24, C2=32, C3=37 Average=93/3=31

+15% of 31 = 31+31x0.15 = 31+4.65 = 35.65
- 15% of 31 = 31-31x0.15 = 31-4.65 = 25.65
- Invalid
 Importance Of Cube Test
1. It indicates potential strength of the mix.

2. It detects variation in quality control at site.

3. It helps in determining the rate of gain of strength.

4. It helps in determining the time of removal of form work.

 Statistical Interpretation Of Cube Results

• Result of cube test is influenced by number of factors like material,

their proportions, various processes like mixing, compaction,
curing and finally the testing procedure of cubes.

• Even the results of different cubes, cast from the same concrete at
the same time, cured and tested in similar way may also show
different results.

• Therefore for evaluation of the test results, the help of statistical

approach is required.
 Statistical Interpretation Of Cube Results
(Histogram/Normal distribution curve)
 Different Degree of Control
Degree of Control Site Conditions for production of Concrete
Very Good Fresh cement from single source and regular tests, weight
batching of all materials, aggregate supplied in single sizes,
control of aggregate grading and moisture content,
control of water added, frequent supervision, regular
workability and strength tests, and field laboratory
facilities.
Good Carefully stored cement and periodic test, weight batching
of all materials, controlled water, graded aggregate
supplied, occasional grading and moisture tests, periodic
check of workability and strength, intermittent supervision
and experienced workers.
Fair Proper storage of cement, volume batching of all
aggregates allowing for bulking of sand, weight batching of
cement, water content controlled by inspection of mix and
occasional supervision and tests.
 Standard deviation (S.D.) :

S.D. (σ ) = ∑ (x- µ)²

n-1

Where x = Individual cube strength value

n = total no. of cubes
µ = Arithmetic mean of strength
of ‘n’ cubes
S.D. will be less if the quality control at site is better.
SAMPLE CRUSHING AVERAGE DEVIATION SQUARE OF DEVIATION
NUMBER STRENGTH(X) STRENGTH (X-x‾)
Mpa x‾=∑x/n
1 43 40.2 2.8 7.84
2 48 40.2 7.8 60.84
3 40 40.2 -0.2 0.04
4 38 40.2 -2.2 4.84
5 36 40.2 -4.2 17.64
6 39 40.2 -1.2 1.44
7 42 40.2 1.8 3.24
8 45 40.2 4.8 23.04
9 37 40.2 -3.2 10.24
10 35 40.2 -5.2 27.04
11 39 40.2 -1.2 1.44
12 41 40.2 0.8 0.64
13 49 40.2 8.8 77.44
14 46 40.2 5.8 33.64
15 36 40.2 -4.2 17.64
16 38 40.2 -2.2 4.84
17 32 40.2 -8.2 67.24
18 39 40.2 -1.2 1.44
19 41 40.2 0.8 0.64
20 40 40.2 -0.2 0.04
TOTAL 804 361.2
AVERAGE STRENGTH= 804 /20 = 40.2
STANDARD DEVIATION = √361.2/(N-1)
4.360106228 Mpa
COEFFICIENT OF VARIATION= STANDARD DEVIATION / AVERAGE STRENGTH X100
= 10.84603539 %
 Target Mean Strength
• From the experiments it is found that the area under the
‘Normal distribution curve’ follows certain behavior such that
area covered within a distance equal to one S.D. on either side
from mean will be equal to 34.1% of total area. Similarly 2nd &
3rd S.D. will cover additional area of 13.6% & 2.2%
respectively. Approximately 99.9% area will be covered within
distance equal to (3 x S.D) on each side from mean value.

• From this it is clear that if we require the strength equal to

mean value, probability is that only 50% cubes will have
strength equal to or more than the required strength. If we
want to increase the % of cubes having strength equal or
more than the required strength, we will have to target for
higher strength.
Target Mean Strength
 Target Mean Strength
• So instead of placing the desired strength at mean value, it is
placed on left side of mean value by a distance equal to k x S.D,
where k will depend upon the % of cubes we want to have
strength equal or more than the desired strength.
As per IS 456-2000, this % is 95% and therefore desired strength
has to be placed at 1.65 times S.D. left of mean.
i.e. mean = desired strength + 1.65 x S.D.
f’ck = fck + 1.65 σ
Here, desired strength is called ‘Characteristic strength’(fck)
& mean value is called ‘Target mean trength’(f’ck)
f’ck & fck at 28 days in N/mm², S.D. in N/mm²
The value of 1.65 is based upon the provision that 5% of the test
results can be accepted having lower than the required strength.
Target Mean Strength
 Understanding Of Normal Distribution Curve

 Shows the probability of concentration of test results at

this strength.
 Concentration at mean value depends upon ‘Quality
control’ & S.D.
 If S.D. is less, probability of concentration of test results
will be higher at the mean value.
 Acceptance Criteria (As per IS-456:2000)
• While designing the mix, it should be targeted for
higher strength called ‘Target mean strength’ (f’ck) so
that not more than 5% test results fall below a desired
strength ‘fck’ i.e. characteristics strength (CS).

• Few cube test results may show less strength below CS

value. This is in accordance with the design criteria of
mix and acceptable.

• Therefore manipulation of results shall not be

attempted.
 Acceptance Criteria (IS-456-2000)
1. Compressive strength-
a) The mean of 4 consecutive test results should be
(i) For M-15
Mean ≥ fck + 0.825 x S.D. or
≥ fck + 3 N/mm2 whichever is greater.
(ii) For M-20 and above
Mean ≥ fck + 0.825 x S. D. Or
≥ fck + 4 N/mm2 whichever is greater.

b)Any individual test result should not have value less than
fck - 3 N/mm2 for M-15 and
fck - 4 N/mm2 for M-20 and above.
Acceptance Criteria (IS-456-2000)
Clause 16.2 of IS-456
2. Flexural strength-

1. The mean determined from any

group of 4 consecutive results > fck+ 0.30 N/mm2.

2. The individual strength ≥ fck - 0.30 N/mm2

Check the following test results according to
Acceptance Criteria assuming fck = 20 N/mm2 and
established standard deviation of 3.65 N/mm2

• 25, 25.5, 26, 19, 25.75, 24.75, 26.50, 19.50,

25.9, 25.2,26.75, 18.5 (All in N/mm2)

(i) The mean of 4 consecutive test results should be ≥ fck +

0.825 x 3.65 or ≥ 23.01 N/mm2 or 20+4 =24 n/mm2 which
ever is greater

(ii) Individual result should not be less than fck – 4, i.e 20 –

4 = 16 N/mm2
• Calculating mean of set of four cubes
• Mean of I-st set =(25 + 25.5 + 26 + 19)/4 = 24.87
• Mean of 2nd set=(25.75 + 24.75 + 26.50 + 19.50)/4 =
24.12
• Mean of 3rd set=(25.9+25.2+26.75+18.5)/4 = 24.08
• The mean of all the three sets are more than or
equal to 24, therefore, first criteria is satisfied
• and since no test result is having value less than 16
N/mm2, the second criteria is also satisfied.
• Therefore, even if the three results are having value
less than 20 N/mm2, the above results have passed
the criteria for acceptance.
 Fine Aggregate
• Grading - On the basis of particle size, fine aggregate is graded into four zones.
• 26.1.3.1 General - Aggregate most of which passes through 4.75mm IS sieve is
known as fine aggregate.

• The grading when determined in accordance with the procedure prescribed in

Annexure 26.4 of USSOR shall be within the limits given in Table 26.1 of USSOR
below.

• The higher the Grading Zone, the finer the sand, with Grading Zone I – coarsest
and Grading Zone IV-Finest.

• Where the grading falls outside the limits of any particular grading zone of
sieves, other than 600 micron IS sieve, by a total amount not exceeding 5 per
cent, it shall be regarded as falling within that grading zone.
 Fine Aggregate
• This tolerance shall not be applied to percentage
passing the 600-micron IS Sieve or to percentage
passing any other sieve size on the coarse limit of
Grading Zone I or the finer limit of Grading Zone IV.

• Since the values of 600 µ size are not overlapping for

different zones, hence it is used for conforming the zone
of a sample of FA.
• It is recommended that fine aggregate conforming to
Grading Zone IV should not be used in reinforced
concrete unless tests have been made to ascertain the
suitability of proposed mix proportions.
 Fine Aggregate Table 26.1 of USSOR & Table 4 of IS 383
IS Sieve
Percentage passing for
Grading Zone Grading Zone Grading Zone Grading Zone
I II III IV
10mm 100 100 100 100

4.75mm 90-100 90-100 90-100 95-100

2.36mm 60-95 75-100 85-100 95-100

1.18mm 30-70 55-90 75-100 90-100

600 microns 15-34 35-59 60-79 80-100

300 microns 5-20 8-30 12-40 15-50

150 microns 0-10 0-10 0-10 0-15

 GRADED STONE AGGREGATE OR GRAVEL
Table 3.1 of USSOR & Table 2 of IS 383
IS Sieve Percentage passing (by weight) for nominal size of
Designation
40 mm 20 mm 16 mm 12.5 mm
80 mm 100 -- -- --
40 mm 95 to 100 100 -- --
20 mm 30 to 70 95 to 100 100 100
16 mm -- -- 90 to 100 --
12.5 mm -- -- -- 90 to 100

10 mm 10 to 35 25 to 55 30 to 70 40 to 85
4.75 mm 0 to 5 0 to 10 0 to 10 0 to 10
SINGLE SIZED(UNGRADED) STONE AGGREGATE OR GRAVEL
Table 3.2 of USSOR & Table 2 of IS 383
IS sieve Percentage passing (by weight) for nominal size of
Desig-
nation 63 mm 40 mm 20 mm 16 mm 2.5 mm 10 mm
80 mm 100 -- -- -- -- --
63 mm 85-100 100 -- -- -- --
40 mm 0-30 85-100 100
20 mm 0-5 0-20 85-100 100
16 mm 85-100 100
12.5mm 85-100 100
10mm 0-5 0-5 0-20 0-30 0-45 85-100
4.75mm 0-5 0-5 0-10 0-20
2.36mm 0-5
 Degree of absorption

Diagrammatic representation of moisture in aggregates

47
 Concrete Mix Proportioning
Indian Standard Method of Concrete Mix
Proportioning (Step – by – Step procedure as per
IS 10262 specification)
• Given data for Mix Design
• Target Strength and Standard Deviation
• Selection of Mixture proportions
• Trial Mixtures.
Step 1: Data for Mix proportioning (IS-10262, 2009)

1. Grade designation,
2. Type of cement,
3. Maximum nominal size of aggregate,
4. Minimum cement content,
5. Maximum water cement ratio,
6. Workability,
7. Exposure conditions as per table 4 and 5 of IS-456,
8. Maximum temperature of concrete at the time of placing,
9. Method of transporting and placing,
10. Early age strength requirements, if required,
11. Type of aggregate,
12. Maximum cement content,
13. Whether an admixture shall or shall not be used and the type of
admixture and the condition of use.
 Step 2a: Target Strength
Target Strength for Mix Proportioning
f’ck = fck + 1.65 s
Where
f’ck = target mean compressive strength at 28
days in N/mm2
fck = Characteristic Compressive Strength at 28
days in N/mm2 and
S = Standard Deviation N/mm2
 Step 2b:Standard Deviation
• No. of test samples from site = 30 Nos
(When concrete is used for first time)
• When changes in concrete mix proportioning happen
at site for any batch, standard deviation for that
batch shall be calculated and checked.
• When Standard deviation values are not available
Table 1 can be used as an approximation.
• Standard deviation to be brought up-to-date.
 Step 2b:Standard Deviation
Table 1 Assumed Standard Deviation
 Step 3a: Selection of w/c
• Relationship between w/c and strength should be established
for actual materials used.

• In the absence of such data, w/c corresponding to the 28 day

target strength may be selected from the established
relationship (If available).

• Other wise, the w/c given in Table 5 of IS 456 may be used as

starting point (Considering durability aspects).

• If actual relationship is available , then the same should be

checked with table 5 values and the lowest may be adopted.
 Step 3a: Selection of w/c
Selection Of Water-Cement Ratio.
Table-5 of IS-456 Min cement content, max W/C
ratio and min grade of concrete for different
exposures with normal weight aggregates of 20
mm nominal maximum size. Durability criteria
SN Exposure RCC
Minimum Maximum Minimum
cement free water grade of
content cement concrete
ratio
1 Mild 300 0.55 M-20
2 Moderate 300 0.50 M-25
3 Severe 320 0.45 M-30
4 Very Severe 340 0.45 M-35
5 Extreme 360 0.40 M-40
Table 6 of IS-456 Adjustments to Minimum Cement
Contents for Aggregates Other Than 20 mm
Nominal Maximum Size

Sl. No. Nominal Maximum Adjustments to Minimum

Agreegate Size Cement Contents In
mm Table- 5
Kg/m3:-
i 10 +40
ii 20 0
iii 40 -30
 Step 3b: Selection of Water content
3b. Selection Of Water Content. Maximum water content per
cubic meter of concrete for nominal maximum size of
aggregate. As per table-2 of IS 10262:2009
SN Nominal maximum size of Maximum water content
aggregate (mm) (Kg)
1 10 208
2 20 186
3 40 165
Note:
1. These quantities of mixing water are for use in computing cementitious material
contents for trial batches.
2. Water content corresponds to SSD aggregate.(saturated surface dry)
3. The water content is for angular CA and for 25-50 mm slump range.
4. For other than 25-50 mm slump range, the water content can be established by trial
or an increase by about 3% for every additional 25 mm slump or alternatively by use
of chemical admixtures.
5. Water reducing admixtures usually decrease water content by 5-10% and
superplasticizers by 20% and above.
 Step 3c: Calculation of Cement Content

• From the w/c ratio and water content values

obtained previously, the cement content can be
determined.

• The calculated cement content can be checked with

the Table 5 of IS 456 for durability aspects and the
maximum cement content values with in the two
may be finally used for the concrete mixture design.
 Step 3 d: Estimation of Coarse Aggregate Proportion

SN Nominal Volume of CA per unit volume of total aggregate for

maximum size of different zones of fine aggregate
aggregate
(mm) Zone IV Zone III Zone II Zone I

1 10 0.50 0.48 0.46 0.44

2 20 0.66 0.64 0.62 0.60
3 40 0.75 0.73 0.71 0.69
Note: As per table-3 of IS 10262:2009
1. The approximate values of aggregate volume are for a water
cement ratio of 0.50 which may be suitably adjusted for other
water cement ratios.
2. For pumpable concrete or when the concrete is required to be
worked around congested steel, it may be desirable to reduce
the CA upto 10%.
 Step 3e : Estimation of fine aggregate
proportion (Clause 4.6 of IS 10262:2009)
Volume-

a. Cement = Mass x 1
SG 1000

b. Water = Mass x 1
SG 1000

c. Chemical Adm. = Mass x 1

SG 1000

d. Volume of CA+FA = 1- (a+b+c) m³

 Step 3e : Estimation of fine aggregate proportion

e. The value so obtained is divided into CA and FA fractions

by volume in accordance with CA proportion already
determined.

f. Mass of CA = Volume x SG x 1000

g. Mass of FA = Volume x SG x 1000

 Quantities per 1 m³ of concrete:

Are calculated as bellow:

Cement - kg/m3

water - kg/m3
CA - kg/m3
FA - kg/m3
Chemical Admixture - kg/m3
Water Cement Ratio -
 4. Trial Mixes-

1. Workability of TM-0 will be measured.

2. The mix will be carefully observed for freedom from
segregation, bleeding and finishing properties
3. If the workability of TM-0 is different from the stipulated value,
the water and/or admixture content shall be adjusted suitably.
4. With this adjustment, the mix proportions will be calculated
again keeping same W/C ratio. This will be TM-01
5. In addition, 2 more Mix. TM-2 and TM-3 will be made with
same water content and varying the W/C ratio by +10%.
6. A graph between 3 W/C ratios and their corresponding
strengths at 28 days will be plotted to work out the mix
proportions for the given Target mean strength (TMS)
7. However, durability requirement shall be met.
• Prepare the concrete mix with the above proportion of
ingredients. (Trial mix TM-0)
• Find out workability.

• If workability is exactly same as required, i.e. 25 to 50 mm slump,

then no further adjustment is made.

• If measured workability is different from initially assumed, then

water content adjustment will again be made keeping w/c ratio
same. Final qty. of materials will again be calculated. (Trial mix
TM-1)

• Two more trial mixes TM-2 & TM-3 will be made, one with 10%
less w/c and other with 10% more w/c but keeping water content
same.
• Now one sample (three cubes) with each trial mix is casted.

• 28 days compressive strength is found out.

• This strength is plotted against w/c ratio and a curve will be

obtained.

• From this curve, w/c ratio for the required TMS is found out for
our design mix.

• This w/c ratio is used to calculate again the ingredient quantities

using equation (1) & (2) so that the mix prepared with these
quantities will satisfy the requirements of not only strength but
workability also.
• The entire process is called Mix Design.
 IILUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE ON CONCRETE MIX
PROPORTIONING
STIPULATIONS FOR PROPORTIONING:

a. Grade designation M25

b. Type of cement OPC 43 grade conforming to IS

8112
c. Maximum nominal 20mm size of aggregate

d. Minimum cement content 300 kg/m3

e. Maximum water-cement ratio 0.50

f. Workability 50 mm
g. Exposure condition Moderate ( for reinforced
concrete)
 IILUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE ON CONCRETE MIX
PROPORTIONING
STIPULATIONS FOR PROPORTIONING:
h. Method of concrete placing ---

i. Degree of supervision Good

j. Type of aggregate crushed angular

aggregate
k. Maximum cement content 450 kg/m3

l. Chemical admixture type ---

 IILUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE ON CONCRETE MIX
PROPORTIONING
Test Data for Materials
a. Cement used OPC 43 grade
conforming to IS 8112
b. Specific gravity of cement 3.15
c. Specific gravity of:
1) Coarse aggregate 2.71
2) Fine aggregate 2.70
d. Sieve analysis:
1)Coarse aggregate Conforming to Table 2 of
IS 383
2)Fine aggregate Conforming to grading
Zone I of Table 4 of IS
383
 IILUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE ON CONCRETE MIX
PROPORTIONING

TARGET STENGTH FOR MIX PROPORTIONING

f’ck = fck + 1.65 s

Where,
f’ck = target average compressive strength at 28 days
fck = characteristic compressive strength at 28 days and
s = standard deviation
From Table 1, standard deviation, s = 4 N/mm2
Target strength = 25 + 1.65 * 4 = 31.60 N/mm2
 IILUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE ON CONCRETE MIX
PROPORTIONING
SELECTION OF WATER-CEMENT RATIO
From Table 5 of IS 456 , maximum 0.50
water-cement ratio
Based on experience , adopt water- 0.45
cement ratio
0.45 < 0.50 hence ok
SELECTION OF WATER CONTENT
From Table 2, Maximum water =186 litre(for 25 to 50 mm slump range)
content For 20mm aggregate

Estimated water content = 186 litre

 IILUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE ON CONCRETE MIX
PROPORTIONING

CALCULATION OF CEMENT CONTENT

Water – cement ratio =0.45

Cement content =186 / 0.45 = 413 kg/m3

From Table 5 of IS 456, = 300 kg/m3

minimum cement content for
Moderate exposure condition

413 kg/m3 > 300 kg/m3 , hence ok

 PROPORTION OF VOLUME OF COARSE AGGREGATE
AND FINE AGGREGATE CONTENT

• From table-3 volume of course aggregate for 20 mm size aggregate

corresponding to fine aggregate ( zone-I) for water cement ratio 0.5
is = 0.60
• In the present case water-cement ratio is 0.45. Therefore. volume
of coarse aggregate is required to be increased to decrease the fine
aggregate content.
• As the water-cement ratio is lowered by 0.05. the proportion of
volume of coarse aggregate is increased by 0.01 (at the rate of -/+
0.01 for every ± 0.05 change in water-cement ratio).
• Therefore. corrected proportion of volume of coarse aggregate for
the water-cement ratio of 0.45 =0.60+.01= 0.61.
• Volume of fine aggregate = 1-0.61 = 0.39
• Note: In case the coarse aggregate is not angular one. then also volume of
coarse aggregate may be required 10 be increased suitably , based on
experience.
IILUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE ON CONCRETE MIX
PROPORTIONING
f. Mass of course aggregate = d* volume of course aggregate*
Specific gravity of aggregate* 1000 = 0.6829x 0.61x 2.71x 1000
= 1129 kg.

g. Mass of fine aggregate = d* volume of fine aggregate*

Specific gravity of aggregate* 1000 = 0.6829x 0.39x 2.70x 1000
= 719 kg.

Mix proportion for TM-1

 The slump shall be measured and the water content and
dosage of admixture shall be adjusted for achieving
the required slump based on trial, if required. The mix
proportions shall be reworked for the actual water
content and checked for durability requirements.

 Two more trials having variation of ±1O percent of water-

cement ratio in TM1 shall be carried out
 and a graph between three water-cement ratios and their
corresponding strengths shall be plotted to work out the mix
proportions for the given target strength for field trials.

 However, durability requirement shall be met.

 An example illustrating the mix proportioning of
concrete Using fly ash as part replacement of OPC
• STIPULATIONS FOR PROPORTIONING
Grade designation : M 40
Type of cement : OPC 43 Grade conforming IS 8112
Type of mineral admixture Fly ash Confirming to IS 3812 ( part-1)
Max. nominal size of agreegate : 20
Minimum cement content : 320 kg/m3
Max. water cement ratio : 0.45
workability : 100 mm slump
Exposure condition : Severe ( for rein forced conc.)
Method of concrete placing : Pumping
Degree of supervision : Good
Type of aggregate : Crushed angular aggregate
Maximum cement content : 450 kg/m3
Chemical admixture type : Superplasticizer
 Test data for the materials
Grade designation : M 40
Type of cement : OPC 43 Grade conforming IS 8112
Specific gravity of cement : 3.15
Fly ash Confirming to IS 3812 ( part-1)
Specific gravity of fly ash 2.2
Specific gravity of course aggregate : 2.74
Specific gravity of fine aggregate : 2.74
Workability : 100 mm slump
Degree of supervision : Good
Free surface moisture :
Course aggregate : Nil ( absorbed moisture also nil)
Fine aggregate : Nil
Chemical admixture type : Superplasticizer conforming to IS 9103
 Sieve analysis

For course aggregate:

IS sieve Analysis of course Percentage of different remarks

size in aggregate fraction aggregate fractions
mm
I II I II combined
60 40 100 Conforming
20 100 100 60 40 100 to table-2 of
IS-383
10 0 71.20 0 28.5 28.5
4.73 9.40 0 3.7 3.7
2.36 0 0 0 0

Fine aggregate confirming to grading zone-I of table-4 of IS-383

 Targate strength for mix proportioning

• f‘ck = fck + 1.65* S

Where ,
f‘ck is target average compressive strength at 28 days
fck is characteristic compressive strength at 28 days
S is standard deviation , from table-1 of IS 10262 , S=5 for M40
Therefore , f‘ck = 40+1.65*5 = 48.25 N/mm2

Water Cement ratio:

From table 5 of IS 456 : max. water cement ratio 0.45
From experience let us take water cement ratio as 0.40
0.40 < 0.45 hence OK
 Selection of water content:

• From table-2 of IS 10262

Max. water content for 20 mm aggregate = 186 lit. for 25-50 mm slump
Estimated water content for 100 mm slump = 186+ 6*186/100 = 197 lit
As superplasticizer is used water content = 197 – 29*197/100 = 139.87
can be reduced by 20% and above. = 140 lit. say
Based on trial 29% reduction of water
content achieved
 Calculation of cement content:
• Water cement ratio = 0.40
• Cementitious material( cement+ fly ash)
content = 140/0.40 = 350 kg
• From table 5 of IS 456
From table 5 of IS-456 minimum cement content
for severe exposure condition is 320 kg.
350 kg > 320 kg , hence OK
• Now to proportion a mix containing fly ash following
steps are suggested:
a. Decide the percentage fly ash to be used based on project
requirement and quality of materials
b. In certain situations increase in cernentitious material
content may be warranted, The decision on increase in
cementitious material content and its percentage may be
based on experience and trial.
• Let us increase it by 10%
• Cementitious materials content = 350x 1.10= 385 kg/m3
• Water content = 140 kg/m3
• Water cement ratio = 140/385 = 0.364
• Taking fly ash @30% of cement= 385x0.30= 115 kg/m3
• Cement quantity = 385-115= 270 kg/m3
• Savings in quantity of cement = 350-270= 80 kg/m3
 PROPORTION OF VOLUME OF COARSE AGGREGATE
AND FINE AGGREGATE CONTENT
• From table-3 volume of course aggregate for 20 mm size
aggregate corresponding to fine aggregate ( zone-I) for water
cement ratio 0.5 is = 0.60
• In the present case water-cement ratio is 0.40. Therefore.
volume of coarse aggregate is required to be increased to
decrease the fine aggregate content.
• As the water-cement ratio is lower by 0.10. the proportion of
volume of coarse aggregate is increased by 0.02 (at the rate of
-/+ 0.01 for every ± 0.05 change in water-cement ratio).
• Therefore. corrected proportion of volume of coarse
aggregate for the water-cement ratio of 0.40 = 0.62.
• Note: In case the coarse aggregate is not angular one. then also volume of
coarse aggregate may be required 10 be increased suitably , based on experience.
 • For pumpable concrete this value is to be reduced by 10%

• Therefore, volume of course aggregate = 0.62*0.90 = 0.56

• Volume of fine aggregate = 1.00- 0.56 = 0.44

Mix. calculations

a. Volume of concrete = 1 m3
b. Volume of cement = (mass of cement/ Specific gravity)/1000
= (270/3.15)x(1/1000)
= 0.086 m3
c. Volume of fly Ash = 115/2.2(1/1000)
= 0.052 m3
 Mix. calculations
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 1
• d. Volume of water = 𝑋
𝑆𝐺 1000
140 1
• = 𝑋
1 1000
• = 0.140 m3
• e. Volume of chemical admixture(superplasticizer) @ 2% of
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑑𝑚𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 1
cementitious material = 𝑋
𝑆𝐺 𝑜𝑓 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑑𝑚𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 1000
7 1
• = 𝑋
1.145 1000
• = 0.006 m3
• Volume of all in aggregate = a- (b+c+d+e)
• = 1- (0.086+0.052+0.140+0.006)
• =0.716
f. Mass of course aggregate = e* volume of course agreegate*
Specific gravity of aggregate* 1000 = 0.716x 0.56x 2.74x 1000
= 1098 kg.

g. Mass of fine aggregate = e* volume of fine aggregate*

Specific gravity of aggregate* 1000 = 0.716x 0.44x 2.74x 1000
= 863 kg.
Mix. Proportion for trial no.1

Cement = 270
Fly ash = 115
Water = 140
Fine aggregate = 863
Course aggregate = 1098
Chemical admixture = 7
Water Cement Ratio = 0.40
 The slump shall be measured and the water content and
dosage of admixture shall be adjusted for achieving
the required slump based on trial, if required. The mix
proportions shall be reworked for the actual water
content and checked for durability requirements.

 Two more trials having variation of ±1O percent of water-

cement ratio in TM1 shall be carried out
 and a graph between three water-cement ratios and their
corresponding strengths shall be plotted to work out the mix
proportions for the given target strength for field trials.

 However, durability requirement shall be met.

 An example illustrating the mix proportioning for a
concrete of M40 grade
• STIPULATIONS FOR PROPORTIONING
Grade designation : M 40
Type of cement : OPC 43 Grade conforming IS 8112
Max. nominal size of agreegate : 20
Minimum cement content : 320 kg/m3
Max. water cement ratio : 0.45
workability : 100 mm slump
Exposure condition : Sevear ( for rein forced conc.)
Method of concrete placing : Pumping
Degree of supervision : Good
Type of aggregate : Crushed angular aggregate
Maximum cement content : 450 kg/m3
Chemical admixture type : Superplstisizer
 Test data for the materials
Grade designation : M 40
Type of cement : OPC 43 Grade conforming IS 8112
Specific gravity of cement : 3.15
Specific gravity of course aggregate : 2.74
Specific gravity of fine aggregate : 2.74
Water absorption : 100 mm slump
Course aggregate : 0.5
Fine aggregate : 1.0
Free surface moisture : Good
Course aggregate : Nil ( absorbed mosture also nil)
Fine aggregate : Nil
Chemical admixture type : Superplastisizer conforming to IS 9103
 Sieve analysis

For course aggregate:

IS sieve Analysis of course Percentage of different remarks

size in aggregate fraction aggregate fractions
mm
I II I II combined
60 40 100 Conforming
20 100 100 60 40 100 to table-2 of
IS-383
10 0 71.20 0 28.5 28.5
4.73 9.40 0 3.7 3.7
2.36 0 0 0 0

Fine aggregate confirming to grading zone-I of table-4 of IS-383

 Targate strength for mix proportioning

• f‘ck = fck + 1.65* S

Where ,
f‘ck is target average compressive strength at 28 days
fck is characteristic compressive strength at 28 days
S is standard deviation , from table-1 of IS 10262 , S=5 for M40
Therefore , f‘ck = 40+1.65*5 = 48.25 N/mm2

Water Cement ratio:

From table 5 of IS 456 : max. water cement ratio 0.45
From experience let us take water cement ratio as 0.40
0.40 < 0.45 hence OK
 Selection of water content:

• From table-2 of IS 10262

Max. water content for 20 mm aggregate = 186 lit. for 25-50 mm slump
Estimated water content for 100 mm slump = 186+ 6*186/100 = 197 lit
As superplastisizer is used water content = 197 – 29*197/100 = 139.87
can be redused by 20% and above. = 140 lit. say
Based on trial 29% reduction of water
content achieved
 Calculation of cement content:
• Water cement ratio = 0.40
• Cement content = 140/0.40 = 350 kg
• From table 5 of IS 456
minimum cement content for severe exposure
condition is 320 kg.
350 kg > 320 kg , hence OK
 PROPORTION OF VOLUME OF COARSE AGGREGATE
AND FINE AGGREGATE CONTENT
• From table-3 volume of course aggregate for 20 mm size
aggregate corresponding to fine aggregate ( zone-I) for water
cement ratio 0.5 is = 0.60
• In the present case water-cement ratio is 0.40. Therefore.
volume of coarse aggregate is required to be increased to
decrease the fine aggregate content.
• As the water-cement ratio is lower by 0.10. the proportion of
volume of coarse aggregate is increased by 0.02 (at the rate of
-/+ 0.01 for every ± 0.05 change in water-cement ratio).
• Therefore. corrected proportion of volume of coarse
aggregate for the water-cement ratio of 0.40 = 0.62.
• Note: In case the coarse aggregate is not angular one. then also volume of
coarse aggregate may be required 10 be increased suitably , based on experience.
• For pumpable concrete this value is to be reduced by 10%

• Therefore, volume of course agreegate = 0.62*0.90 = 0.56

• Volume of fine aggregate = 1.00- 0.56 = 0.44

Mix. calculations
Mix. calculations
f. Mass of course aggregate = e* volume of course agreegate*
Specific gravity of aggregate* 1000 = 0.743x 0.56x 2.74x 1000
= 1140 kg.

g. Mass of fine aggregate = e* volume of fine aggregate*

Specific gravity of aggregate* 1000 = 0.743x 0.44x 2.74x 1000
= 896 kg.
Mix. Proportion for trial no.1

Cement = 350
Water = 140
Fine aggregate = 896
Course aggregate = 1140
Chemical admixture = 7
Water Cement Ratio = 0.40
 The slump shall be measured and the water content and
dosage of admixture shall be adjusted for achieving
the required slump based on trial, if required. The mix
proportions shall be reworked for the actual water
content and checked for durability requirements.

 Two more trials having variation of ±1O percent of water-

cement ratio in TM1 shall be carried out
 and a graph between three water-cement ratios and their
corresponding strengths shall be plotted to work out the mix
proportions for the given target strength for field trials.

 However, durability requirement shall be met.