Mix Design Durocrete

Durocrete
Index
1. Introduction to concrete mix design 1
2. Concrete Mix Design methods 10
3. A critical view of different mix design methods. 16
4. Important points for implementing Concrete Mix Design 20
5. Site Laboratory 23
6. Standard site corrections for implementing concrete mix design 24
7. Testing Procedures 28
8. Trouble Shooting 32
9. Some common questions related to concrete mix design 34
10. A note on durability of concrete 37
11. Note on use of Fly Ash in concrete 40
12. Annexure
Annexure I IS requirements for fine and coarse aggregates. 44
Annexure II Tables & graphs for IS method of Mix Design. 47
Annexure III Tables & graphs for DOE method. 49
Annexure IV Tables for ACI method. 53
Annexure V Tables & graphs for RRL method. 54
Annexure VI References from IS 456 – 2000. 59
Annexure VII IS Requirements for Cement and Water. 64
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DUROCRETE MIX DESIGN MANUAL
1.0 Introduction
Concrete is the basic engineering material used in most of the civil engineering
structures. Its popularity as basic building material in construction is because of, its
economy of use, good durability and ease with which it can be manufactured at site.
The ability to mould it into any shape and size, because of its plasticity in green
stage and its subsequent hardening to achieve strength, is particularly useful.
Concrete like other engineering materials needs to be designed for properties like
strength, durability, workability and cohesion. Concrete mix design is the science
of deciding relative proportions of ingredients of concrete, to achieve the
desired properties in the most economical way. With advent of high-rise
buildings and pre-stressed concrete, use of higher grades of concrete is becoming
more common. Even the revised IS 456-2000 advocates use of higher grade of
concrete for more severe conditions of exposure, for durability considerations.
With advent of new generation admixtures, it is possible to achieve higher grades of
concrete with high workability levels economically. Use of mineral admixtures like fly
ash, slag, Met kaolin and silica fume have revolutionised the concrete technology by
increasing strength and durability of concrete by many folds. Mix design of concrete
is becoming more relevant in the above-mentioned scenario. However, it should be
borne in mind that mix design when adopted at site should be implemented
with proper understanding and with necessary precautions.
Durocrete mix design manual is an attempt to increase the awareness among the
users, about concrete mix design. It is made with intention of serving as ready
reckoner for personnel implementing the mix design at site.
1.1 Advantages of Concrete Mix design
Concrete 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.
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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.
1.2 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.
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1.3 Information required for concrete mix design
The site engineer should give following information while giving material for mix design
to the mix design laboratory: -
a) Grade of concrete (the characteristic strength)

b) Type of cement,
c) Maximum size of aggregates,
d) Minimum/maximum cement content (specified If any)
e) Max. water cement ratio,
f) Workability requirement in terms of slump.
g) Maximum temperature of concrete permissible at the time of placing,
h) Method of transportation/ Placing of concrete.
i) Type and use of admixture.
j) Other properties (if required): -
i. Retardation of initial set (to avoid cold joints in case of longer leads or for
ready mix concrete)
ii. Slump retention (in case of ready mix concrete)
iii. Pumpability (In case of ready mix concrete)
iv. Acceleration of strength (for precast members or where early deshuttering
is desired)
v. Flexural strength (normally required for concrete pavements)
k) Ascertain whether condition of exposure to concrete is mild, moderate severe or

very severe. Proper investigation of soil should be done to ascertain presence of
sulphates & chlorides, in case of doubt.
l) What is the degree of control at site? Following factors indicate degree of control
at site: -
i. Batching – weigh batching / volume batching.
ii. Type of aggregates – whether mixed graded aggregate will be used

or 20mm, 10mm aggregates will be used separately.
iii. Testing of concrete – whether casting & testing of concrete cubes

will be done regularly at site.
iv. Source of aggregate – whether sources of sand and aggregate will be

standardised or likely to change frequently.
v. Supervision – whether qualified staff will be present to supervise

concreting work and make necessary corrections e.g. correction for
moisture in sand and changes in material properties.
vi. Site laboratory – whether the site will have necessary laboratory
equipment like sieves, weighing balance etc. to check material properties.
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1.4 Material properties and how they affect mix design ?
A) Hydraulic Cement
Compressive Strength / Grade of cement:

Grade of cement e.g. 43 grades or 53 grades can influence the mix design.
Grade of cement indicates minimum strength of cement in N/mm2 tested as per
standard conditions laid down by IS codes (OPC 43 grade – IS 8112-1989, OPC 53
grade – IS 12269 – 1987 e.g. a 43 grade cement should give minimum strength of 43
N/mm2 at 28 days). Higher the strength of cement, higher is the strength of concrete for
the same water/cement ratio. In other words a higher strength of cement permits use of
higher water/cement ratio to achieve the same strength of concrete.
The IS10262-2009 for mix design says that different cements, supplementary
cementitious materials, aggregates of different maximum sizes, grading, surface
texture, shape and other characteristic may produce concrete of different compressive
strengths for the same water cement ratio. Therefore, the relationship between free
water cement ratio and compressive strengths be established for the materials to be
used on site. In the absence of such data the preliminary water cement ratios
corresponding to target mean strength may be selected from the established
relationships, if available. Otherwise the water cement ratios given in IS 456-2000 table
5 for respective environment exposure conditions may be used as starting point.
Apart from strength of cement, the type of cement e.g. Ordinary Portland
Cement, pozzolona cement (blended cement) etc, is also important factor affecting the
gain of strength. Blended cements achieve strengths later than Ordinary Portland
Cements and require extended curing period. However, use of these cements result in
more durable concrete by offering greater resistance to sulphate and chloride attacks.
Initial & Final setting time of cement:

The initial setting time of cement indicates the time after which the cement
paste looses its plasticity. Operations like mixing, placing and compaction should be
completed well before the initial setting time of cement .The minimum initial setting time
specified by IS 456 –2000 (Clause 5.4.1.3 page no 14 and IS 8112-1989 page 2) is 30
minute. Most of the cements produced today give an initial set of more than 60
minutes. Beginning of hardening of cement paste indicates the final setting of cement.
The maximum limit for final setting permitted by IS 8112:1989 (Clause 6.3. page 2) is
600 minute. Most of the cements produced today give a final setting of between 3 to 5
hours. Curing can be started after final setting of cement. The initial setting and the final
setting can be extended by use of retarders in order to avoid cold joints when lead-time
for placing concrete is longer.
B. Fine Aggregates
Gradation of fine aggregates:

The gradation of sand is given by sieve analysis. The sieve analysis is done by
passing sand through a set of standard sieves and finding out cumulative passing
percentage through each sieve. The IS 383 – 1970 -Table 4, clause 4.3 (refer Annexure
I page no 57 of Durocrete Mix Design Manual) classifies fine aggregates in 4 zones
starting from zone I representing coarse sand, to zone IV representing the finest sand.
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The limits of cumulative percentage passing for each sieve for above zones are given in
table 4 of IS 383 (refer Annexure I Page 57 of Durocrete Mix Design Manual). The
fineness of sand found by sieve analysis governs the proportion of sand in concrete
.The overall fineness of sand is given by factor called fineness modulus. Fineness
Modulus is given by division of the summation of cumulative retained fractions for
standard sieves up to 150-micron sieve size by 100. The fineness modulus of sand
varies from 2.0 to 4.0; higher the FM coarser is the sand.
Type of Sand - FM
Fine - 2.0 to 2.8
Medium - 2.8 to 3.2
Coarse - 3.2 and above
Specific gravity of fine aggregates:

This is the ratio of solid density of sand particles to the density of water. Higher the
specific gravity heavier is the sand particles and higher is the density of concrete.
Conversely a lower specific gravity of sand will result in lower density of concrete.
Specific gravity of sand is found with help of pycnometer bottles. The specific gravity of
fine aggregates found in Pune region varies from 2.6 to 2.8.
Silt Content by weight:

This is found by wet-sieving of sand and material passing 75 micron sieve is classified
as silt. This silt affects the workability of concrete, results in higher water/cement ratio
and lower strength. The upper limit for 75-micron sieve in case of sand is 3% by weight.
This limit has however been extended to 15% in case of crushed sand in IS 383 – 1970
Table 1. (Refer Annexure I page 59 of Durocrete Mix Design Manual)
C) Coarse Aggregate
Maximum size of coarse aggregate:

Maximum size of aggregate is the standard sieve size (40mm, 25mm, 20mm,
12.5mm, 10mm) through which at least 90% of coarse aggregate will pass. Maximum
size of aggregate affects the workability and strength of concrete. It also influences the
water demand for getting a certain workability and fine aggregate content required for
achieving a cohesive mix. For a given weight, higher the maximum size of aggregate,
lower is the surface area of coarse aggregates and vice versa. As maximum size of
coarse aggregate reduces surface area of coarse aggregate increases. Higher the
surface area, greater is the water demand to coat the particles and generate workability.
Smaller maximum size of coarse aggregate will require greater fine aggregate content
to coat particles and maintain cohesiveness of concrete mix. Hence 40 mm down
coarse aggregate will require much less water than 20 mm down aggregate. In other
words for the same workability, 40mm down aggregate will have lower water/cement
ratio, thus higher strength when compared to 20mm down aggregate. Because of its
lower water demand, advantage of higher maximum size of coarse aggregate can be
taken to lower the cement consumption. Maximum size of aggregate is often restricted
by clear cover and minimum distance between the reinforcement bars. Maximum size of
coarse aggregate should be 5 mm less than clear cover or minimum distance between
the reinforcement bars, so that the aggregates can pass through the reinforcement in
congested areas, to produce dense and homogenous concrete.
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It is advantageous to use greater maximum size of coarse aggregate for concrete
grades up to M 35 where mortar failure is predominant. Lower water/cement ratio will
mean higher strength of mortar (which is the weakest link) and will result in higher
strength of concrete. However, for concrete grades above M40, bond failure becomes
predominant. Higher maximum size of aggregate, which will have lower area of contact
with cement mortar paste, will fail earlier because of bond failure. Hence for higher
grades of concrete (M40 and higher) it is advantageous to use lower maximum size of
aggregate to prevent bond failure.
Grading of coarse aggregate:

The coarse aggregate grading limits are given in IS 383 – 1970 - table 2, Clause
4.1 and 4.2 (Refer Annexure I page 57 of Durocrete Mix Design Manual) for single size
aggregate as well as graded aggregate. The grading of coarse aggregate is important to
get cohesive & dense concrete. The voids left by larger coarse aggregate particles are
filled by smaller coarse aggregate particles and so on. This way, the volume of mortar
(cement-sand-water paste) required to fill the final voids is minimum. However, in some
cases gap graded aggregate can be used where some intermediate size is not used.
Use of gap-graded aggregate may not have adverse effect on strength. By proper
grading of coarse aggregate, the possibility of segregation is minimised, especially for
higher workability. Proper grading of coarse aggregates also improves the
compactability of concrete.
Shape of coarse aggregate:

Coarse aggregates can have round, angular, or irregular shape. Rounded
aggregates because of lower surface area will have lowest water demand and also
have lowest mortar paste requirement. Hence they will result in most economical mixes
for concrete grades up to M35. However, for concrete grades of M40 and above (as in
case of max size of aggregate) the possibility of bond failure will tilt the balance in
favour of angular aggregate with more surface area. Flaky and elongated coarse
aggregate particles not only increase the water demand but also increase the tendency
of segregation. Flakiness and elongation also reduce the flexural strength of concrete.
Specifications by Ministry of Surface Transport restrict the combined flakiness and
elongation to 30% by weight of coarse aggregates.
Strength of coarse aggregate:

Material strength of coarse aggregate is indicated by crushing strength of rock,
aggregate crushing value, aggregate impact value, aggregate abrasion value. In
Maharashtra the coarse aggregates are made of basalt rock, which has strengths in
excess of 100 N/mm2. Hence aggregates rarely fail in strength. The IS limits for above
tests are given below:
 Aggregate Crushing value
 Aggregate Impact value
 Aggregate abrasion value
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Aggregate Absorption:
Aggregate can absorb water up to 2 % by weight when in bone dry state,
however, in some cases the aggregate absorption can be as high as 5%. Aggregate
absorption is used for applying a correction factor for aggregates in dry condition and
determining water demand of concrete in saturated surface dry condition.
1.5 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 (Refer
Annexure VI page 78 of Durocrete Mix Design Manual)
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 (Refer annexure VI page 78 of
Durocrete Mix Design Manual) 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
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3.2 fig 2 (Refer Annexure II page 61 of Durocrete Mix Design Manual. The cement
content is found as follows: -
Water required achieving required workability (Lit/m3)

3
Cement content (Kg/m ) =
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
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i. Plasticizers & super plasticisers
Plasticizers help us in increasing the workability of concrete without addition of water. It
means that we can achieve lower water/cement ratio without reducing the workability at
the same cement content. Cement particles tend to form flocs trapping a part of mixing
water in them. Hence not all the water added is useful for generating workability.
Plasticisers work as dispersion agents (de flocculent) releasing the water trapped in the
flocs resulting in workability. Use of plasticisers is economical as the cost incurred on
them is less than the cost of cement saved; this is more so in concrete designed for
higher workability. Compatibility of plasticisers with the cement brand should be
checked before use. Also plasticiser should not be added in dry concrete mix.
Plasticizers are used for moderate increase of workability whereas super plasticizers
are used where very large increase in workability is required. Plasticizers are normally
lignosulphonated formaldehydes and are normally added in small dosages. This is
because large dosage can cause permanent retardation in concrete and adversely
affect its strength. Super plasticizers are naphthalene or melamine based
formaldehyde. They can be used in large dosages without any adverse effect on
concrete. This is contrary to popular perception that term super plasticizers means
more potent, hence lower dosage is required when compared to normal plasticizers. In
practice super plasticizers are used in large dosages for generating higher workability
and better slump retention. Compatibility of plasticizers with cement should be
ascertained before use in concrete. Since action of plasticizers is based on ionic
dispersion certain plasticizers are more effective with certain cements, thus requiring
lower dosages. Non-compatible plasticizers if used, will not adversely affect the
concrete, but its high dosage will make it uneconomical for use.
ii. Retarders:
They are used for retarding (delaying) the initial setting time of concrete. This is
particularly required when longer placing times are desired as in case of ready mixed
concrete. Retarders are commonly used to prevent formation of cold joints when casting
large concrete. Retarders are normally added in lower dosages as large dosages can
cause permanent retardation in concrete. Retarders are recommended in case of hot
weather concreting to prevent early loss of slump. It is important to note that retarders
reduce early strength of concrete e.g. 1-day and 3-day strength. However, 28 days
strength is not affected.
iii. Accelerators
They are used for accelerating the initial strength of concrete. Typical accelerators
increase the 1-day (up to 50 %) and 3-days (up to 30 %) strength of concrete. Most of
the accelerators show little increase for 7 days strength. For this reason, accelerators
are commonly used in precast concrete elements for early removal of moulds.
Accelerators may not be much useful for early deshuttering where early strengths are
required in range of 5 to 7 days. This is because accelerators are expensive and their
ability to increase strengths decreases after 3-5 days. A better option for early
deshuttering would be the use of plasticizers, reducing the water/cement ratio and
achieving a higher grade of concrete. It is believed that accelerators may cause
retrogression of strength after 28 days when compared with normal concrete.
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iv. Waterproofing Compounds
These chemicals have double action of blocking capillary pores and reducing the size of
capillaries that may act as conduits for water. Most waterproofing agents have
plasticizing effect and help to reduce water/cement ratio. Lower water to cement ratio
results in smaller size of capillaries and improved imperviousness. In this respect, even
plasticizers will have reasonable water proofing ability. Waterproofing compounds may
not be alternative to membrane waterproofing because they can not rectify casting
defects, like honey combing, voids, cracks caused because of shrinkage. Actually
normal concrete, if cast properly with low water/cement ratio is impervious and
waterproofing compounds help to maintain low water to cement ratio.
V. Air Entraining Agents

They are chemicals that introduce small air bubbles of size less than 45microns in
concrete. These air bubbles disperse uniformly in concrete and work like ball bearings
to increase the workability of the concrete. Most of this entrained air is not expelled
during compaction and becomes a permanent part of concrete. This is unlike
plasticizers whose effect ceases after the setting of concrete. The entrained air has
following advantages:
a) Helps to lower the water /cement ratio hence reduces permeability

of concrete.
b) Make concrete mixes cohesive and increases compactability of
Concrete.
c) Reduces bleeding in concrete.
d) It is particularly useful in freeze-thaw conditions for increasing
durability of concrete in cold climatic conditions.
However, effect of air entrainment is to lower strength of concrete. Every 1% air

entrained can reduce the strength of concrete by 5 %. Effect of air entrainment on
strength can be negated by using lower water/cement ratio. This is possible because of
high plastcizing effect of air entrainment. Oleic Acid, Reetha powder, etc are the
commonly used air entraining agents. Air entraining agents ae economically available
and improve quality of concrete. However, they should be used carefully where good
concreting practices are followed. 3 to 6 % air entrainment is commonly used in
concrete. Higher air entrainment may not result in increased beneficial effects.
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2.0 Concrete Mix Design Methods
The basic objective of concrete mix design is to find the most economical proportions
(Optimisation) to achieve the desired end results (strength, cohesion, workability,
durability, etc.) 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.
The code of practice for mix design-IS 10262 clearly states following:-
The basic assumption made in mix design is that the compressive strength of workable
concretes, by and large, governed by the water/cement ratio. Another most convenient
relationship applicable to normal concrete is that for a given type, shape, size and
grading of aggregates, the amount of water determines its workability. However, there
are various other factors which affect the properties of concrete, for example the quality
& quantity of cement, water and aggregates; batching; transportation; placing;
compaction; curing; etc. Therefore, the specific relationships that are used in
proportioning concrete mixes should be considered only as the basis for trial, subject to
modifications in the light of experience as well as for the particular materials used at the
site in each case.
Different mix design methods help us to arrive at the trial mix that will give us
required strength, workability, cohesion etc. These mix design methods have same
common threads in arriving at proportions but their method of calculation is different.
Basic steps in mix design are as follows:
a. Find the target mean strength.

b. Determine the curve of cement based on its strength.
c. Determine water/cement ratio.
d. Determine cement content.
e. Determine fine and coarse aggregate proportions
We will now follow above steps and solve a mix design problem by different methods.
Illustration:
Consider a mix design for M30 grade of concrete, having moderate workability (Slump
range 50mm to 75mm).
Material Properties
Cement 53 grade (Although, actual 28 days compressive strength = 63 N/mm2)
Fine aggregate –
FM. = 3.26 (Zone I) 600 micron passing = 32 %
Specific gravity = 2.75
Coarse aggregate
20mm - Specific gravity - 2.95
Dry Rodded bulk density – 1600 Kg/m3
10mm - Specific gravity 2.86

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3
Dry Rodded bulk density – 1700 Kg/m
2.1 Find the target mean strength
Concrete is designed for strength higher than characteristic strength as a margin for
statistical variation in results and variation in degree of control exercised at site. This
higher strength is defined as the target mean strength.
It is calculated as follows:
Target mean strength = Characteristic strength + K * 
K= Himsworth Coefficient is taken as 1.65 for 5 % probability of failure.
 = Standard deviation
The values of  are given in IS 10262 for fair, good and very good degree of control.
However, IS 456-2000 has given revised values of  to be considered for mix design.
Better the degree of control lesser is the value of  and lower is the target mean
strength. In other words, the ‘margin’ kept over characteristic strength is more for fair
degree of control to that of good degree of control.
Say for M30 grade of concrete, K=1.65 (for 5% failure) and Standard Deviation
σ = 5 N / mm2.
Target Mean Strength = 30 + 1.65 * 5
= 38.25 N/mm2
2.3 Determine water/cement ratio

AS per IS 10262-2009 in absence of established relationship between strength of
concrete and water cement ratio take the water cement ratios given in IS 456 table 5 as
a starting point.
Hence take water cement ratio as 0.45

(Refer Appendix B)
2.4 Finding cement content

Most of the mix design methods find cement content with following formula:
Weight of Water per m3

Water /cement ratio =
Weight of cement per m3
Weight of Water per m3

Weight of cement =
Water/cement ratio
Weight of water required per m3 also called as water demand.
Water demand depends on:

i. Required Workability of concrete: Higher the workability required greater is
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ii. Aggregate properties: Fineness and silt content of fine aggregate, size,
shape and flakiness of coarse aggregate, type of aggregate e.g. crushed,
uncrushed.
iii. Use of admixtures: Plasticizers will reduce the water demand
Different mix design methods give empirical relations to find the water demand
Say, we want to find water demand for 20 mm maximum size of crushed
aggregate and natural sand of zone II (F.M. = 3.0) for a slump range of 60 to 80
mm (compaction factor = 0.9)
A. IS method
Refer annexure II (page no 61)
Water Demand =186 lit for 20 mm maximum size of aggregate.
Add 3% water for incremental slump of 25 mm.
Water demand = 186 + 5.58
= 191.58 Lit
Cement Content =191.58/0.46

= 416.47Kg/m3
B. DOE Method
Refer Annexure III – (page 65).
We will select water demand for 30 to 60mm range
Water demand for natural fine aggregate = 180lit
Water demand for crushed coarse 20mm max size aggregate = 210 lit
Water Demand = 2/3 x 180+ 1/3 x 210
= 120 + 70= 190 lit
Cement Content =190/0.46
=413.04
C. ACI Method
Refer Annexure IV – (page no 69)
Water demand for 30 to 50mm Slump =185 Lit
Water demand for 80 to 100 mm Slump = 200 Lit
Water demand for 50 to 80 mm can be interpolated as average of the above
=192.5
Cement Content = 192.5 /0.46
= 418.47
D. RRL Method
Refer Annexure V (page no 71)
RRL method (Road Note 4) differs from rest of methods in calculation of
cement content. RRL method gives tables for different water/cement ratio and
degree of workability (Table 1 to 6)
These tables directly give aggregate to cement ratios from which cement
content can be calculated.
For zone II sand and grading no 2 and medium workability
Aggregate to cement ratio = 3.7 for water cement ratio of 0.45

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Aggregate to cement ratio = 4.2 for water cement ratio of 0.50
Aggregate to cement ratio for w/c of 0.46 is interpolated as 3.8
Cement content (Kg/m3) = Plastic density /(1+Agg to cement ratio + w/c ratio)
Calculation for plastic density is shown in Sec 4.3
2.5 Determine fine and coarse aggregate content:

The fine aggregate to coarse aggregate ratio is determined in different methods
as follows:
A. IS method
Sand percentage by volume for zone II sand, and water cement ratio 0.45 for
20mm down coarse aggregate = 62% (Refer table 2 Annexure III, page no 65 of
Durocrete Mix Design Manual)
Corrections
Correction for zone 1 sand = +1.5%
Correction for water/cement ratio of 0.46= - 3%
Net Sand content = 35=1.5-3-33.5%
Weights of fine and coarse aggregates are calculated as
V = (W +C/Sc + 1/p*(fa/Sfa)) x 1/1000
V = (W +C/Sc + 1/1-p x (Ca/Sca)) x 1/1000
V = Absolute volume of concrete = 1
W = water demand = 190Lit
C = cement content = 416Kg
p = ratio of fine aggregate to total aggregate =0.335
fa = total quantity of fine aggregate in Kg per m3
ca = total quantity of coarse aggregate in Kg per m3
Sc = Specific Gravity of Cement =3.15
Sfa = Specific gravity of fine aggregate =2.75
Sca = Combined Specific Gravity of Coarse aggregate (Assuming 30% of coarse
aggregate is 10mm down aggregate =2.90 x 0.7 + 2.86x 0.3=2.89
Fine aggregate content = 606 Kg/m3
Coarse aggregate content =1278Kg/m3
B. DOE Method
Refer Annexure III (page 65)
Sand Content for slump range of 30 to 60 mm and 30% 600 micron passing
fraction in sand is calculated from fig 2 as 42%
Average specific gravity of combined aggregates is calculated as follows: -
= 0.42 x 2.75 + 0.58 x 2.89
= 2.83
Plastic Density of concrete is interpolated from fig 4 Annexure 4 as 2525kg/m3.

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3
Total aggregate content per m is calculated as 2525 – 416 -190 =1919Kg
Sand content per m3 = 1919 x 0.42 = 805 Kg/m3
Total coarse aggregate content = 1919 x 0.58 = 1113 kg/m3
Thus sand content in DOE method is much higher than that worked out in IS
method
C. ACI Method
Refer Annexure IV Table 1 (page no. 69)

For F.M. = 3.0 Volume of dry rodded coarse aggregate = 0.6
For F.M = 3.26. Volume of dry rodded coarse aggregate per m3 can be
extrapolated as = 0.58
Dry rodded density of coarse aggregate is say *1800 kg/m3

Total coarse aggregate content = 1800 x 0.5 = 1044 Kg.
First estimate of weight of fresh concrete is calculated from table2 as

=2355Kg/m3. (This plastic density is low for concretes with basaltic aggregates.)
Total sand content per m3 = 2355 - 416 - 192.5 -1044
= 702.5 Kg per m3
The above proportions need to be reworked on actual plastic density of concrete

which is usually higher than 2500 for basaltic aggregates of Western
Maharashtra
* should be dry rodded density of combined or graded coarse aggregate.
D. RRL Method
Refer Annexure V (page no 71)
In RRL method the relative proportion of fine aggregates is so calculated, that combined
grading of aggregates fits zone 1 or 2 of figs 1,2or 3 of Annexure 6.
A trial proportion is taken and combined gradation is worked out for e.g.
35% fine aggregate 20% 10mm down aggregate, 45% 20mm down aggregate.
The combined gradation is worked out as follows: -
Sieve size Fine Coarse Coarse Combined
aggregate aggregate aggregate Grading
10mm 20mm
30% 25% 45%
Cumulative passing %
20mm 100 100 100 100
10mm 100 92 15 59.75 *
4.75mm 97% 7 0 37.6
2.36mm 74 0 0 22.2
1.18mm 56 0 0 16.8
600micron 33 0 0 9.9
300micron 12 0 0 3.6
150micron 2 0 0 0.6
* Calculated as 100x 0.3 + 92x 0.25 + 15x 0.45
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Thus we find that combined gradation if plotted on fig 2 Annexure 5 goes near the
lowest curve at lowest curve on 600micron 1.18 and 2.36 fractions.
The curve can be pushed towards 2 curves (Ideal curve) by increasing the sand
content. After some trial runs it is observed that 38% Fine Aggregate, 20% 10mm down
and 42% 20mm down aggregate gives grading close to curve2.Since aggregate to
Cement ratio is 1: 3.8 .The relative proportion is worked as follows:
Cement: Fine aggregate: 10mm Aggregate: 20mm Aggregate
1: 1.45:0.75:1.6
If weight of cement is “C” the total weight per m3 will be
C +1.45C + 0.75C +1.6C + 0.46C=5.26C
The plastic density of concrete is worked as follows
(1x Sc + 1.45x Sfa +0.75x Sca10 +1.6 x Sca20 + w/c)/5.26x 1000
Sc= Specific gravity of cement =3.15
Sfa =Specific gravity of fine aggregate =2.75
Sca10=Specific gravity of 10mm coarse aggregate =2.86
Sca20=Specific gravity of 20mm coarse aggregate =2.90
W/c = water to cement ratio = 0.46
Plastic density = 2593
Cement content = 2593/5.26
= 492.9 Kg /m3
This is higher than max allowable cement content of 450Kg/m3 as per IS 456 2000. We
find that RRL method gives much higher cement content than other methods
3.0 Critical view of different mix design methods

3.1 IS Method
The IS method treats normal mixes (up to M35) and high strength mixes (M40 and
above) differently. This is logical because richer mixes need lower sand content when
compared with leaner mixes. The method also gives correction factors for different w/c
ratios, workability and for rounded coarse aggregate. In IS method, the quantities of fine
and coarse aggregate are calculated with help of yield equation, which is based on
specific gravities of ingredients. Thus plastic density of concrete calculated from yield
equation can be close to actual plastic density obtained in laboratory, if specific gravities
are calculated accurately. Thus actual cement consumption will be close to that targeted
in the first trial mix itself. The water cement ratio is calculated from cement curves
based on 28 days strength of cement. This can be time consuming and impractical at
times. The IS method gives separate graphs using accelerated strength of cement
with reference mix method. This greatly reduces the time required for mix design.
The IS method suffers from following limitations: -
a. The IS method recommends 35 % sand content by absolute volume for zone II sand
with correction of +1.5 % for zone I and –1.5 % for zone III. These zones have wide
range and this correction is not adequate to achieve a cohesive mix. Some times
a correction may be required even when fine aggregate varies from upper side to
lower side of a particular zone.

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b Though sand content is adjusted for lower water cement ratio there is no direct
adjustment for cement content. As discussed earlier, the cement particles act, as
fines in concrete and richer mixes often require lesser fine aggregate when
compared to leaner mixes. A mix in which cement content has been lowered by use
of plasticisers may require higher sand content to improve cohesion.
c) The IS method does not take into account the effect of the surface texture and
flakiness of aggregate on sand and water content. It does not recommend any
corrections when crushed fine aggregate is used against natural fine aggregate as in
case of DOE method.
d) The IS method does not easily account for blending of different fine aggregates
or coarse aggregates when they individually do not conform to IS requirements. On
the other hand in RRL method, coarse sand can be blended with fine sand or stone
dust to get the required gradation (Natural sand and stone dust will have different
specific gravities). Even coarse aggregates of different sizes, gradation and specific
gravities can be blended to achieve the required gradation in RRL method.
e) The IS method gives water demand and fine aggregate content for 10mm 20mm
and 40mm down aggregate .In practice the maximum size of coarse aggregate is
often between 20mm and 40mm, the estimation of water and sand content is
difficult.
f) The quantities of fine aggregate and coarse aggregates are calculated from the yield
equation. The yield equation is based on concept, that volume of concrete is
summation of absolute volumes of its ingredients. Absolute volume of ingredients
are function of specific gravities of ingredients .The plastic density of concrete if
theoretically calculated on the basis of specific gravities, may not match with that
actually measured from concrete.
g) The IS method does not have a specific method of combining 10mm aggregates
with 20 mm aggregates. The grading limits for combined aggregates in IS383 are
too broad and do not help much to arrive at particular ratio of different coarse
aggregates. The combined grading curves of RRL method help us to arrive on
particular ratio of coarse aggregates.
h) The IS method does not have an adjustment in fine aggregate content for different
levels of workability. Higher workability mixes require more fine aggregate content to
maintain cohesion of mix.
3.2 DOE Method
The DOE method overcomes some limitations of IS method. In DOE method, the
fine aggregate content is a function of 600micron passing fraction of sand and not
the zone of sand. The 600-micron passing fraction emerges as the most critical
parameter governing the cohesion and workability of concrete mix. Thus sand
content in DOE method is more sensitive to changes in fineness of sand when
compared to the IS method. The sand content is also adjusted as per workability of

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mix. It is well accepted that higher the workability greater is the fine aggregate
required to maintain cohesion in the mix. The water content per m3 is recommended
based on workability requirement given in terms of slump and Vee Bee time. It
recommends different water contents for crushed aggregates and for natural
aggregates. The quantities of fine and coarse aggregates are calculated based on
plastic density plotted from fig 4 Annexure III (page no 68). However the DOE
method allows simple correction in aggregate quantities for actual plastic density
obtained at laboratory.
The DOE method also suffers from some limitations.
a) The fine aggregates content calculated from DOE method often is on the higher
side resulting in over sandy mixes. For zone 1 coarse sand (600micron fraction
15 to 20%) the sand content may exceed 50% for moderate workability of 30mm
to 60mm slump.
b) The fine aggregate content cannot be adjusted for different cement contents.
Hence a rich mix with cement of 400Kg/m3 will have the same fine aggregate
proportion, as a lean mix with 300kg/m3 cement for given sand. Thus richer
mixes may not be as workable because of higher fines, when compared to mixes
obtained from the IS method.
c) The DOE method also does not take into account the effect of the surface texture
and flakiness of aggregate on sand and water content although it distinguishes
between crushed stone aggregates and natural aggregates.
d) The DOE method does not have a specific method of combining 10mm
aggregates with 20 mm aggregates.
e) No specific graphs are available (to estimate fine aggregate content) for
maximum size of aggregates between 20and 40 mm.
3.3 ACI method
This method is based on determining the coarse aggregate content based on, dry
rodded coarse aggregate bulk density and fineness modulus of sand. Thus this method
takes into account the actual voids in compacted coarse aggregates that are to be filled
by sand cement and water. This method also gives separate tables for air-entrained
concrete. This method is most suitable for design of air-entrained concrete. This
method gives separate values of water and sand content for maximum size of
aggregate up to 150mm. Hence this is most suitable method for designing plum
concrete. It also gives separate values for 12.5 & 25 mm down coarse aggregate.
This method suffers from following limitations: -
a) It gives coarse aggregate contents for sand with FM range of 2.4 to 3.0 .It is
found that sand available in many parts of India is extremely coarse with FM
more than 3.2.
b) In this method the density of fresh concrete is not given as function of specific
gravity of its ingredients. In IS and DOE method the plastic density or yield of
concrete is linked to specific gravity of ingredients.
c) The values of density of fresh concrete given in this method range from 2285
kg/m3 for10mm down aggregate to 2505kg/m3 for 150mm down coarse
aggregate. It is found that in many parts of our country, the density of fresh

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concrete (plastic density) of 20 and 10 mm down aggregates vary from 2400 to
2600kg/m3. The weights calculated from the given densities often result in higher
cement contents than that assumed.
d) The ACI method also does not take into account the effect of the surface texture
and flakiness of aggregate on sand and water content, neither does it distinguish
between crushed stone aggregates and natural aggregates.
e) The ACI method does not have a specific method of combining 10mm
aggregates with 20 mm aggregates.
f) The fine aggregate content cannot be adjusted for different cement contents.
Hence the richer mixes and leaner mixes may have same sand proportion, for a
given set of materials.
3.4 The RRL Method (Road Note 4 Method)
In this method, the aggregate to cement ratios are worked out on the basis of type of
aggregate, max size of aggregate and different levels of workability. The relative
proportion of aggregates is worked on basis of combined grading curves. This method
facilitates use of different types of fine and coarse aggregates in the same mix. The
relative proportion of these can be easily calculated from combined grading curves. The
values of aggregate to cement ratio are available for angular rounded or irregular
coarse aggregate.
This method suffers from following drawbacks: -

a) This method leads to very high cement contents and thus is becoming
obsolete.
b) In many cases use of gap graded aggregate becomes unavoidable. In many
parts of the country the practice is to use 20mm coarse aggregates without
10mm aggregates. This is because of quality of 10mm aggregates produced
from jaw crusher is very poor .Gap grading does not fit in to the standard
combined grading curves of RRL method.
c) Sand available in some parts of country is graded that it is high on coarse
fraction (1.18mm and above) and low on fines (600micron and below). It is
difficult to adjust the sand content to match any of the standard combined
grading curves .The combined grading curve often cuts across more than one
standard curves in such cases.
d) Different aggregate to cement ratios are given for different levels of workability
ranging from low to high. But these levels of workability are not defined in terms
of slump, compaction factor or Vee Bee time as in case of other methods.
e) The fine aggregate content cannot be adjusted for different cement contents.
Hence the richer mixes and leaner mixes may have same sand proportion, for a
given set of materials.

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4.0 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

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peculiar shape not only prevents water from falling off while addition but also ensures
speed of water addition.
11) On starting the concreting work we recommend a process of calibration of water for
first 3 batches. In this process exact quantity of water calculated after making moisture
correction is added in the mixer during concreting. Slump of concrete after proper
mixing is measured and average slump of first 3 batches is found out. This slump
reading serves as the control slump entire concrete for the day and should never be
exceeded. This will keep water cement ratio in control even if minor variation in moisture
of sand is observed at site during the day.
12) Regularly check the average weight and freshness of cement bags. Average weight
of at least 5 bags should be taken each day prior to concreting. If the average weight of
cement bags is below 49 Kgs., proper correction should be made by reducing the
weight of aggregates in order to maintain the cement consumption.
13) Mix design is based on the strength of cement tested at laboratory that is usually
fresh. If age of cement is more than 1 month or if it is not stored properly, the strength of
cement will be affected. In such cases, corrections in mix design may be required to
account for reduced strength. Such a correction may be done by using lower cement
curve in the standard graph. The effect of using a lower curve will be, a lower water
cement ratio to achieve the same strength.
14) Ensure cement stocked properly in waterproof room and is not in direct contact with
floor or the walls. Use first in first out system of keeping inventory to ensure that old
stocks of cement are not used for concreting.
15) Cubes should be cast for every batch of concrete no matter how small is the
quantity of concrete. The revised IS 456 2000 makes cube testing mandatory for every
concreting shift. The minimum frequency of samples of cubes cast is given in IS 456
2000 Clause 15.2.2. Ensure that minimum sample of 3 cubes is always available
for 28 days testing.
16) Every sample of cube reading should always be accompanied by slump reading of
the batch from which cubes are taken. Slump reading helps us to correlate the strength
with workability. For example if it is observed that cube results are low for a set of cubes
and corresponding slump reading is found to be high, it may be concluded that low
strengths are on account of high water cement ratio. If cube results are low for low
slump reading of the batch, the problem may be with quality of sand, aggregates or
cement.
17) Standard deviation of samples of cube results should be regularly checked. The
revised IS 456 2000 assumes a standard deviation of 4 Mpa for concrete grades up to
M25 and 5 Mpa for grades above M25. Higher standard deviation mean poor control at
site on concrete operation. Acceptance criteria for accepting cube results are given in
revised IS 456 2000. The cube results should be regularly checked for these
acceptance criteria.

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18) Cement consumption should be checked every day and proper record of cement
actually consumed versus the design consumption should be maintained in the
concreting work data sheet.
19) The exact cement consumption at site can be checked with help of a yield box. The
yield box is a simple rectangular box made of mild steel or plywood. The concrete after
mixing is poured in yield box and vibrated properly. The volume of concrete is measured
in m3. Reciprocal of this volume in m3 will give cement consumption in bags per m3 of
concrete.
20)The mix design should be regularly revalidated from the laboratory for any changes
in material properties.

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5.0 Site Laboratory
5.1 Items necessary on site for Mix Design for medium size Project.
1. Set of 12 Cube moulds of size 150 x 150 x 150 mm.
2. A slump cone, tamping rod and a scale.
3. Weighing balance of 15 Kg. With accuracy of 2gms and corresponding

weights up to 2 gm. Electronic Balance is highly recommended.
4. Spring balance of 100Kgs.
5. Milk cans of 5,2 & 1 litre capacity for addition of water.
6. 250 ml measuring cylinder for silt test.
7. Set of sieves as under:

40mm, 25mm, 20mm, 12.5mm, 10mm along with a Pan & 4.75mm,
2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600 , 300 , 150 , 75  along with a pan and lid.
8. Conical cans of 5 lit and 1 lit capacity for calibration.
9. If Weigh Batcher is not available at site, then following Farmas should be

made available at site:
Capacity in litres Nos. L B H Size (in cm)
35 4 40 x 25 x 35
30 1 40 x 25 x 30
25 2 40 x 25 x 25
20 1 40 x 25 x 20
15 1 40 x 25 x 15
10 2 40 x 25 x 10
10. Electrical Hot plate with Pan.
11. Electrically operated Compression testing machine preferably 2000 kN

capacity with Calibration.
12. A yield box of size 50cm x 50cm x 75 cm made of mild steel or plywood.

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6.0 Standard Corrections for implementing mix design
6.1 Correction for surface moisture in sand
Sand contains some fraction of water as surface moisture. This moisture affects
(increases) the water cement ratio of concrete. Water cement ratio takes into
account the total water available for hydration of cement.
Water/ cement ratio = (Water added per batch + Surface moisture in sand)
Water to be added for every batch should be calculated only after deducting the
surface moisture from the water quantity of water cement ratio
Water to be added per batch = (Water/ cement ratio * 50) - (surface moisture * wt
of sand per batch)
If moisture content = 4%
Wt. Of sand = 135kgs.
Water / cement ratio = 0.55
Water to be added per batch = 0.55 *50 - 4%*135

= 27.5 - 5.4
= 22.1 1trs
Wt. Of sand per batch should be increased correspondingly by wt. of surface
moisture in sand e.g. 5.4kgs.
Moisture content in sand will vary from day to day and also with different lots of
sand. It is therefore very important to make correction for moisture in sand to
maintain w/c ratio. If slump on site is kept under control, the w/c ratio is
automatically controlled.
6.2 Correction for Aggregate absorption
For any mix design, the coarse aggregate is considered to be in saturated

surface dry condition. Where as the metal on the site is often in bone-dry
condition (especially during summers). This dry aggregate often absorbs the
water added in concrete and reduces the workability of concrete. Correction for
surface absorption is necessary to maintain the water cement ratio.
A correction of 1% to 2 % of wt. of coarse aggregate may be made in case of
bone-dry condition of aggregate.
For example if the aggregate absorption is 2%, and total weight of aggregates is
180 Kg then
Aggregate absorption= 0.02 * 180
= 3.6 Litres
Hence quantity of water added (From previous example) =22.1 + 3.6
=25.7 lit

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How ever it is recommended that the aggregate should be wetted thoroughly
before concreting to make it in saturated surface dry condition instead of making
correction for aggregate absorption.
6.3 Correction for bulk density

All though batching of materials by volume is not allowed by IS code for RCC
work for information purpose following method of correction is given. This
correction is to be done only in case of volume batching.
Every mix design is always done considering weights of different ingredients.

In unavoidable conditions, if In case volume batching is done on site, the
weights of aggregates need to be converted into volumes. This is done with the
help of bulk densities of aggregates.
Volume of sand per batch = wt. of Aggregate per batch

Bulk density
For example, if wt. of sand per batch = 135kgs.

Bulk Density =1.66Kg/lit
Vol. Of sand = 135/1.66 = 81.3litrs. Say 80litrs.
Hence, use 2 forms of 25litrs and one form of 30litrs. Bulk density of sand
changes with bulkage. Hence correction for bulk density of sand should be
made every day.
Bulk density of metal is between 1.4 Kg/Lit to 1.5 Kg/Lit where as bulk density of
sand varies with bulkage and usually lies between 1.6 to 1.8 Kg/Lit.
6 .4 Correction for bulkage
This correction is done only in case of volume batching of concrete. When

sand is moist it ‘bulks’ i. e. it occupies grater volume. Hence, less weight of sand
is taken in the given volume. In other words, the bulk density of sand changes.
Otherwise, volume of sand needs to be increased in proportion of bulkage.
If correction for bulk density is done, effect of bulkage is taken care of &
correction for bulkage need not be done.
6.5 Correction for silt
Excessive silt in sand affects the bond between cement and sand. Silt particles
are finer than 75 micron in size and have tremendous water demand. They
increase the water cement ratio required for getting the same workability.
Organic and inorganic impurities present in silt also affect the durability of
concrete. This reduces the strength of concrete. This problem is quite severe
during monsoon.

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Since the effect of silt is to reduce the workability, if silt % at site is found to be
more than that considered in mix design, then either the same mix should be
used with reduced workability as found during calibration of water or workability
should be increased by making field corrections.
6.6 Field corrections for increasing the workability of concrete.
a) Increase the workability by reducing the specific surface of concrete (reducing

the % of sand, reducing % of 10mm down metal if it is flaky etc.). However,
this correction is to be done only if sand is fine or coarse aggregate is flaky
and done only to the limit of not loosing the cohesiveness of concrete mix.
b) Increase the workability by increasing the cement content. This can easily be
done by reducing the total aggregate added per batch by approx. 10kg. This
should be continued till the required workability is obtained. Sand and coarse
aggregate should be reduced proportionately. Say if we are using 40% sand
as proportion of total aggregate reduce the sand by 4kg and reduced the
coarse aggregate by 6 kg.
c) By adding plasticiser – Dosage of plasticiser may be adjusted to get the
required workability. However, It is important to check the compatibility of
plasticiser with cement and also the maximum and minimum dosage of
plasticisers as specified by he manufacturers.
6.7 Corrections for changes in gradation of sand
Sand shows lot of variation on sites because of change in source of supply.

If the sand received at site is finer than the one considered in mix design the
excess surface area created by the fines will increase the water demand. This
will either reduce the slump of concrete or increase the water cement ratio.
Hence correction should be done to reduce the specific surface of fine
aggregate. This can be done by reducing the fine aggregate by 5 kg and
increasing the wt. of coarse aggregate by 5 kg keeping the total wt. of aggregate
constant. This may be done till required workability is obtained. If correction of
more than 10kg is required for sand consult the mix design laboratory.
Similarly, if sand received at site is coarser than the one considered in mix
design the mix is likely to segregate because of lack of fines (Lack of cohesion).
In such a situation increase the fine aggregate by 5 kg and reduce the total
aggregate by 5 Kg keeping the total weight of aggregate constant. This may be
continued till the mix becomes cohesive and the required workability is obtained
for the given water cement ratio. If correction of more than 10kg is required for
sand consult the mix design laboratory. An excessive correction may increase
the water cement ratio or reduce the workability of concrete.
The fineness modulus of sand in Pune varies from 3.2 to 3.8 The IS specifies a
limit of 2.2 (fine sand) to 3.2 (coarse sand) for fine aggregate. This means that
sand available in Pune is extremely coarse. This is partly because of absence of
fines in the sand and 10% to 15% is retained on 4.75mm sieve as chal or shingle
present in the sand. In case of coarse sand, a part of sand may be replaced by
fine crushed sand to increase the missing fines in concrete.

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In case crushed sand is not available fine stone dust (600  passing more than
60 %and 150  passing not more than 20%) may be used to replace a part of
sand. Such stone dust should not replace more than 15 Kg of sand under normal
circumstances. Strict control on water cement ratio should be kept. Stone dust
reduces the workability; hence, the water cement ratio is likely to increase.
6.8 Correction for changes in size and shape of coarse aggregate

If size of coarse aggregate is lower than that used for mix design sand content
will have to be increased to account for increased surface area of coarse
aggregate. This will in turn increase the water demand of concrete. This may
necessitate increase in cement consumption to maintain workability. In such case
the coarse aggregate may be reduced by 5 kg. This will not only increase the
proportion of sand but also increase the cement consumption. This correction
may be done to the extent of 10 kg. Consult mix design laboratory if satisfactory
mix is not obtained even after making the above correction. Effect of flaky
aggregate is also to increase the surface area hence the same correction as
mentioned above may be applied in case of flaky aggregate.

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7.0 Field Testing procedures
7.1 Finding surface moisture of sand
Take 500 gm of sand and heat it in a tray gently till sand is dry and starts flowing
freely. Surface dry sand is weighed again to find the loss in weight.
W
Surface moisture =
(500 - W)
NOTE: It is important not to over heat the sand, as it will make the sand bone
dry. The sand particles should be in saturated surface dry condition after heating.
To ensure this condition heat the sand only to the point it becomes free flowing
and there is a colour change.
Moisture in sand results in bulkage (increase in volume of sand) To get a rough
estimate of surface moisture following thumb rule may be used when sand is not
extremely wet.
Moisture in Sand Bulkage

Medium Coarse
Sand Sand
1% 8% 6%
2% 16% 12%
3% 22% 15%
4% 27% 17%
5% 29% 18%
Approximate quantity of surface water carried by fine aggregate is given in table

10 of IS 456-2000 (Page 24)
Condition of sand % Surface

Moisture
Very wet sand 7.5%
Moderately wet sand 5%
Moist sand 2.5%
Usually finer the sand greater is the surface moisture that it will carry.
7.2 Measuring Silt Content at site
Take 50ml. of water in 250ml. beaker and add some salt to it. Add sand to it till
100ml. mark is reached. Again add water up to 150ml. Stir the sand well to wash
it in salt water. Keep the beaker still for 3 hours. Observe the thickness of the silt
layer.

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Silt content = Height of silt layer (ml) * 100
Height of sand (ml)
Sand with silt content greater then 8 % calculated by above method should not
be used for concreting.
In laboratory the silt % is calculated as % weight of particles finer than 75
micron. The limit is given as 3% in IS383 (Refer Annexure I page no 59).
7.3 Measuring Bulk density at site
weight of material in kg
Bulk density =
Volume in litres
Bulk density can be measured on site by filling a standard 35 litres form with
aggregate and weighing the aggregate filled in the form.
e.g. wt. of sand in 35 litres form = 58kg.

Bulk density =58/35 = 1.66kgs./ litres.
7.4 Measuring Bulkage on site
Take 100ml. of sand in 250ml. beaker and add water so as to completely

submerge the sand. Shake the beaker well and the keep it steady for some time.
Note the level to which it settles.
Original level - New level
Bulkage % = *100
New Level
7.5 The sieve analysis of fine aggregates and the fineness modulus
Apparatus:
Set of sieves ranging 40 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm, 6.3 mm,
4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18mm, 600 , 300 , 150  weighing balance, heating pan
and stove.
Procedure:
i. Heat 1Kg of sand on stove to remove all the moisture. This will make the
particles free from cohesion induced because of surface tension of free
water in sand.
ii. Arrange all the sieves in order of size, with largest sieve size on the top.
iii. Place weighted material on the top most sieve and shake each sieve.
Shaking shall be done with a varied motion backward and forward, left to
right, circular – clockwise, anti- clockwise with frequent jerking, so that the

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material is kept moving over the sieve surface. Shaking should be done till
all the particles are given a chance to pass through the sieve.
iv. Weigh the material retained on each sieve on a weighing balance. The
material retained on each sieve after shaking represents the fraction of
aggregate coarser than the sieve size in question and finer than the sieve
size above.
v. Calculate % retained and the cumulative % retained on each sieve. The
summation of the % cumulative wt retained on all the sieve sizes up to
150 micron, divided by 100 gives the fineness modulus.
vi. The sieve analysis is recorded in following table
Observation:
IS sieve size Wt. retained % Of Wt. Cumulative % Cumulative %

Retained wt. Retained wt. Passing
4.75 mm
2.36 mm
1.18 mm
600 
300 
150 
Passing 150 
Calculation:
 Cumulative % weight retained (up to 150 )

FM=
100
7.6 Casting and testing of Concrete Cubes
Cubes of concrete should be cast for every shift of concreting work to estimate
the strength of concrete. Concrete for filling the cubes should be taken from the
middle discharge of concrete mixer. Concrete from beginning or at the end of
discharge should be avoided. Cubes should be filled in 3 equal layers. Each layer
should be uniformly tamped at least 35 times with a16mm blunt rod. The
tamping should be done in such a manner that the rod penetrates through the
layer up to the lower layer. Cubes should be properly levelled and finished using
hand trowel. Cubes should be kept in shadow properly covered with wet gunny
bags. Cubes should be demoulded after 24 hours and immersed in water for
curing. It is important to keep the cubes away form the shocks or vibrations
especially for initial 3 days of casting.
We recommend that minimum 6 cubes should be taken every day and the batch
of 3 cubes be tested for 7 days and 28 days respectively.

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As per IS 456 -2000 minimum frequency of sampling is as follows:-
Sr. Volume of Number of samples

No. concrete (m3)
1 0 to 5 1
2 6 to 15 2
3 16 to 30 3
4 31 to 50 4
5 51 and above 4 plus one additional for
each additional 50 m3.
A sample consists of three test specimens. Above sampling criteria is given for testing
at 28 days only. If 3 and 7 day compressive strengths are required, additional samples
should be taken, over and above mentioned in the frequency of sampling.
7.7 Measuring Slump at site
Slump test:
Slump cone for slump test, tamping rod of steel 16 mm in diameter, 0.6 m long
and Bullet head rounded at one end.
Procedure:
i. The internal surface of the slump cone shall be thoroughly cleaned and
should be free from any set concrete before commencing the test. The
mould should be placed on smooth horizontal, rigid and non – absorbent
surface such as carefully levelled metal plate. The mould is firmly held in
position while filling it.
ii. The mould should be filled in 4 layers each approximately one quarter of
the height of mould. Each layer shall be tamped with 25 blows. The stroke
should be distributed in a uniform manner over the cross section of mould.
For the 2nd and subsequent layers tamping rod should penetrate into
underlying layer. The bottom layer should be tamped throughout its depth.
iii. After the top layer has been rodded the concrete shall be struck off level
with trowel or rod. The mortar, which may have leaked out between mould
and base plate, shall be cleaned away.
iv. The mould shall be removed from concrete immediately by raising it slowly
and carefully in vertical direction. This will allow the concrete to subside
and the slump shall be measured immediately by determining the
difference between height of mould and that of highest point of slumped
concrete specimen. The above operation shall be carried out in a place
free from shock or vibration.

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8.0 Trouble Shooting at Site
8.1 The mix segregates: -

a. Reduce the water cement ratio – Higher workability often results in
segregation hence reduce the workability by reducing the water added to
mix.
b. Increase the mixing time of mixer – Poor quality of mixing often results in
segregation. Segregating mix can be an indication of poor quality of mixer
machine.
c. Increase the sand proportion – lack of fines often results in segregation. If
sand is extremely coarse, a part of sand may have to be replaced by fine
stone dust.
d. Increase the cement content – Richer mixes have lesser tendency for
segregation. This may be the last resort as it adds to the cost.
8.2 The mix is not workable

a. Reduce the sand content – If sand available at site is much finer than the
one used in design, higher specific surface will result in lower workability. A
10 to 15 kg reduction in sand per batch will increase the workability. The
reduction of sand should be compensated by increasing the quantity of
metal by equivalent amount.
b. Check the silt content – Silty sand will greatly reduce the workability of
mix. The silt particles greatly enhance the specific surface and reduce the
workability. Try replacing it by either non-silty sand or crushed sand. Sand
washing can be adopted if sand washing machine is available.
c. Check the mixer quality and mixing time – Inadequate mixing often
results in poor workability.
d. Workability can be increased by adopting measures stated in 6.5
8.3 Strength of Cube Results is low

a. Check whether the water/cement ratio used in the concrete mix was high.
This is one of the most common reasons for low strength. This will be
indicated by the slump reading of the concrete batch from which the cubes
have been cast. We recommend that a slump reading be taken for every
batch from which cubes are cast. A slump reading in excess of the slump
given in the design mix indicates higher water cement ratio.
b. Check whether the cubes have been cast with proper compaction as
mentioned in Sec 7.6. The weight of concrete cube less than 8 Kg may
indicate poor compaction.
c. Check if dimensions of concrete cubes are within tolerance of +/- 0.2 mm. If
the dimensions of cubes are not as specified above, the faces of the cube
being crushed may not be parallel to each other. This may result in reduced
area of contact between cube and plate of CTM and also eccentric loading.
d. Check if the raw materials used were satisfactory. Silty sand, flaky
aggregates and cement with poor strength will result in low strength. If the
above raw materials are available, cubes should be cast and tested to rule
out the above possibility. A small sample of cement should always be kept
aside for later testing for every major casting. This sample can be tested for

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physical and chemical properties in case of failure. In many cases it is seen
that no firm conclusion can be drawn because of non-availability of cement
for testing.
e. Check if mixing was proper and variation amongst different cube samples is
within the tolerance limit of 15% from the average. Improper mixing may
result in non-uniform distribution of cement paste and lower strengths.
f. Check if the concrete cubes have not been subjected to some vibration or
shocks in the early age.
8.4 The concrete does not set.

a. Check the physical and chemical properties of cement e.g. initial
setting time, final setting time, 3, 7 & 28 days compressive strength.
b. Check if admixture used was proper and in correct dosage. A
lignosulphonate base admixture added at high dosage can impart
permanent retardation to concrete.
c. Check if the water used for concrete mix is not contaminated. Presence
of sugar/molasses in water can result in retardation of concrete.
8.5 The concrete sets very fast

a. If the aggregates are bone dry, they will absorb water from the surrounding
mix resulting in sudden drop in workability and early setting of concrete.
This can be avoided by pre-wetting of coarse aggregates before concreting.
b. Check if the cement has a false set. This will be indicated by laboratory
testing.
c. Concreting in hot weather and low humidity conditions can result in rapid
moisture loss and sudden drop in workability and early set of concrete.
d. Check if the gypsum percentage in cement is proper by chemical analysis of
cement.
8.6 There are cracks on the concrete surface immediately after casting.
Plastic shrinkage is the most common reason for surface cracks on
concrete. Rapid loss of moisture in the plastic stage results in plastic
shrinkage cracks. The phenomenon is common when concreting is done in
windy condition. To prevent plastic shrinkage the concrete should be
covered with plastic, immediately after casting.

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9.0 Some common questions about mix design
9.1 How to get the most economical mix design: -
a. Cement content can be reduced by selecting appropriate raw materials

i. Use of graded sand with low silt content
ii. Aggregates should be equi-dimensional with min flakiness and
elongation. For concretes up to M 40 grade rounded aggregates give best
results.
iii. By using higher size of aggregates where cover and reinforcement
spacing permit.
a) By reducing the workability requirement of concrete: - Higher workability always

comes at cost. Higher workability is achieved by increasing the cement content or by
adding plasticisers.
b) By using pozzolonic materials like fly ash & ground granulated blast furnace slag etc.
These materials not only bring economy but also increase the workability of
concrete.
c) By correct use of compatible admixture. If admixtures are used judiciously after
testing compatibility with cement, they substantially reduce the cement content. This
is more so for higher grades of concrete and where higher workability is desired. The
cost incurred on admixture in such cases is less than that required for additional
cement.
9.2 Will use of 53 grade of cement result in lower cement consumption?

A higher grade of cement will enable us to use a higher order cement curve for
calculating the water cement ratio. This means that a higher grade cement will allow
us to use a higher water/cement ratio for achieving a given target strength. This will
result in lower cement consumption for a given water demand. With advent of
modern cement manufacturing technology the difference between 43 grade and 53
grade cement is reducing. Almost all the 43 grade cements available today have
strengths required for E curve (strength range of 51.5 to 56.4N/mm2) while some of
the 43 grade cements give higher strengths to fit F curve (strength range of 56.4 to
61.3 N/mm2). Most of the 53 grade cements fall in F curve while some give higher
strengths for which curves are not defined (Some call them as G curve with strength
above 61.3 N/mm2).
9.3 Is use of rounded aggregate suitable for concrete?

For concrete grades up to M40, the failure pattern is mostly the mortar failure. As
discussed earlier the round aggregate have the lowest water demand for a given
workability. Hence they will either result in lower cement consumption or will give
higher strength or result in higher workability. Hence they can certainly be used for
making good quality concrete. Hence screened shingle normally available at site as
waste material, if free from shells makes excellent replacement for 10mm
aggregates.

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9.4 Will use of higher size of aggregates always result in better
strengths?
Again for concrete grades up to M 35 where mortar failure is predominant a higher
aggregate size will reduce the water demand hence the water cement ratio and will
result in better strengths. However, for higher grades where bond failure becomes
predominant, a lower maximum size of aggregate will give better results by
increasing the area of contact between mortar and metal and reducing the
probability of bond failure.
9.5 How is pumpable concrete different than ordinary concrete? Is it

always better than normal concrete?
Pumpable concrete requires high degree of workability (slumps above 100mm) and
high degree of cohesion to prevent segregation. It also requires a higher mortar
content to lubricate the pipeline. Higher workability is achieved by increasing the
cement content and use of admixtures. Cohesion is achieved by use of higher fines.
The fines are increased by increasing sand content or using finer sand or by
increasing cement. Because of above reasons pumpable concrete always works out
more expensive than ordinary concrete. If a concrete is made pumpable, it
automatically means that mix is well graded and highly cohesive. However, the
water demand of pumpable concrete is much higher. Some times there is a risk of
inadvertently using higher water/cement ratio to make the concrete pumpable. This
will reduce the durability of concrete. Also higher fines content increases the chance
of drying shrinkage.
9.6 What is the harmful effect of bleeding in concrete?

Bleeding is the phenomenon of water added in concrete, coming to the top surface
by forming capillaries. While some bleeding is normal and will replace the moisture
loss occurring at the surface, excessive bleeding will adversely affect the durability
of concrete. This is because the capillaries formed in the process will render the
concrete porous. Excessive bleeding will also result in settlement of heavier
particles. It will increase the water/cement ratio at the surface reducing the strength
of top skin layer. Bleeding can be controlled by adopting correct gradation of
aggregates, using lower water cement ratio and use of air entraining agents.
9.7 Does use admixture have any harmful effect on durability of

concrete?
Admixtures have been commonly used to make good quality concrete for several
decades in India and abroad. There is no evidence to suggest any negative impact
of admixture on the durability of concrete if they comply basic requirement of
sulphates and chlorides.
9.8 Can crushed sand make as good a concrete as that made from
natural sand? How does it affect the economy of mix design?
Crushed sand can make as good a concrete as that made of natural sand .In fact
use of crushed sand will become inevitable in near future because of dwindling
sources of natural sand. Crushed sand particle though shaped, does not have the
spherical shape of natural sand. Hence the crushed sand will have greater water
demand than that of natural sand resulting in slightly higher cement consumption.

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However, if crushed sand is properly graded with adequate fines the mix may have
lower water demand when compared to poorly graded natural sand. Besides
crushed sand can afford better control on gradation when compared to natural sand.
Hence crushed sand may become an economical option if good quality natural sand
is not available.
9.9 Can we eliminate use of 10 mm aggregate?

Concrete technology does not reject use of gap-graded concrete. At many sites 20
mm aggregates are used with natural sand without the 10 mm down aggregates.
This is because the 10mm aggregates produced from jaw crusher is flaky and does
not give a good mix. However, the gap-graded concrete has a higher tendency of
segregation and bleeding. Hence it is not recommended where concrete of
moderate or high workability is required.

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10.0 A note on durability of concrete
10.1 Factors Affecting Durability of Concrete
External Factors
i. Sulphate attack
ii. Chloride attack
iii. Carbonation
iv. Effervescence (Leaching)
v. Shrinkage / Creep
vi. Alkali Aggregate Reaction
i. Sulphate attack
 MgSO4, Na2SO4 when present in solution react with hardened

cement paste.
 Result in volume changes and disrupts concrete
 Alternate wetting and drying is most harmful.
Remedy:
a) Use of sulphate resisting cement

b) Low Water/ cement ratio (W/C below 0.5)
c) Use of Puzzolona
ii. Chloride Attack
 Attacks the reinforcement resulting in corrosion

 The corroded reinforcement swells 2 to 3 times its original volume
 The swelling of reinforcement ruptures the concrete.
Corrosion is Electro – Chemical process.
Remedy:
a) Use of low water/ cement ratio.

b) Use of Pozzolonic materials.
c) Proper design of concrete and good concreting practices.
d) Protective coating on steel.
Avoid:
a) Use of Sulphate resisting cement.

b) Use of Chloride based admixtures.

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iii. Carbonation
 CO2 in atmosphere reacts with concrete surface in presence of

Moisture to form Carbonic Acids
 PH of concrete reduces from 13.5 to 8.5
 Loss of Alkalinity accelerates rusting of steel.
Depth of Carbonation Age (Years)

mm
M 20 M 40
5 0.5 4
10 2 16
15 4 36
20 7 64
Remedy:
a) Use of low w/c Ratio or Higher grade of concrete.

b) Increase cover to reinforcement.
iv. Leaching (Effervescence)
 Hydration of cement by water leads to formation of Cement Gel and

Lime CaOH2.
 Lime being water-soluble, dissolve in water and brought to surface
by water.
Effect
a) Increase Permeability of concrete.
b) Reduces the PH of concrete – enhancing corrosion.
c) Affects the aesthetics of concrete surface.
Remedy
a) Use of low water/ cement ratio.
b) Use of Puzzolonic materials.
V. Shrinkage
 Plastic shrinkage
 Drying Shrinkage
Effect:
a) Cracking

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Remedy:
a) Early curing
b) Protecting concrete from Wind/ Sun.
c) Wetting of Aggregates / Subgrade.
vi. Alkali Aggregate Reaction
 Alkalis present in cement react with reactive form of silica present

in Aggregates.
 Alkali Aggregate Reaction results in ‘Alkali Silicate Gel’.
 The gel is of unlimited swelling type – it imbibes water and swells
resulting in cracking and disruption.
Remedy
a) Use of non – reactive aggregates.

b) Use of low Alkali cements with Alkali content less than 0.6 %.
c) Use of Puzzolonas
d) Use of low cement content.

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11.0 Note on use of Fly Ash in concrete
Fly ash, known also as pulverized – fuel ash, is the ash precipitated electro-
statically from the exhaust fumes of coal-fired power stations, and is the most
common artificial pozzolana. During combustion of powdered coal in modern
power plants, as coal passes through high temperature zone in the furnace, the
volatile matter & carbon are burned off, where as most of the mineral impurities,
such as clays, quartz, and feldspar, will melt at high temperature. The fused
matter will be quickly transported to lower temperature zones where it solidifies
as spherical particles of glass. Some of the mineral matter agglomerates forming
bottom ash, but most of it flies out with the flue gas stream and is called fly ash.
This ash is subsequently removed from the gas by electrostatic precipitators.
11.1 Use of Fly Ash In Concrete

Fly ash is the most commonly used pozzolona with cement. A Pozzolana is
essentially a silicious material, which in itself -possessing no cementitious
properties, will in finely divided form and in presence of water react with calcium
hydroxide at ordinary temperature to form compounds possessing cementitious
properties.
The hydration of cement is an exothermic reaction resulting in formation of gel
(binding material) & calcium hydroxide (free lime).
The two principle components of cement namely C3S and C2S react with water
as follows: -
C3S + H2O = Gel + Ca (OH) 2
The corresponding weights involved are as follows
100 + 24 = 75 + 49
C2S + H2O = Gel + Ca (OH) 2
The corresponding weights involved are as follows: -
100 + 21 = 99 + 22
Thus we see that in hydration of C3S almost 50% lime by weight of C3S is
generated as compared to only 20% in case of C2S. C3S is responsible for early
gain of strength while C2S results in later gain of strength. Today’s cements in an
effort to give high early strength contain higher proportion of C3S.Thus lime
generated in concrete as a result of hydration is as much as 30% by weight of
reacting cement.
The free lime generated as a result of hydration is water-soluble and tends to

leach out. This makes concrete porous and more vulnerable to further attack
from water and other chemicals.
The reactive silica present in fly ash converts free lime into calcium silicate
hydrates, which is insoluble in water and possesses cementitious
properties. It leads to further gain of strength at later ages in concrete. The
IS allows upto 35% replacement of cement by fly ash.
The fly ash particles are spherical (which is advantageous from the water
requirement point of view) and are of least the same fineness as cement
(although with fewer fine particles) so that the silica is readily available for
reaction.

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11.2 The Specifications
The pozzolanic activity of fly ash is in no doubt, but it is essential that it has a
constant fineness and constant carbon content. The two are often interdependent
since the carbon particles tend to be coarser. Modern boiler plant produce fly ash
with a carbon content of about 3 percent but much higher values are
encountered in fly ash from older plants. British Standard BS 3892: 1965 lays
down a maximum loss of ignition of 7 percent, but probably a carbon content
upto 12 percent is acceptable. It is not clear why carbon may be harmful but, of
course, it is not pozzolanic and is therefore no more than a filler The importance
of uniformity of properties of fly ash can not be overestimated, as otherwise it is
difficult to maintain the uniformity of the resulting concrete. British Standard BS
3892: 1965 specifies three zones of fineness so that uniform supply can be
assured. The residue on 45 m sieve is convenient basis of classification of size.
The main requirements of ASTM Standard C 618-78 are: a minimum content
of 70 percent of silica, alumina and ferric oxide all together, a maximum
SO3 content of 5 per cent, a maximum loss on ignition of 12 per cent, and a
maximum alkali content(expressed as Na2o of 1.5 per cent. The latter value
is applicable only when the fly ash is to be used with reactive aggregate. British
standard BS 3892:1965 specifies a maximum MgO content of 4 per cent and
SO3 of 2.5 per cent.
It should be noted that fly ash might affect the colour of the resulting
concrete.
Portland- pozzolana cements show also good resistance to sulphate attack and
to some other destructive agents. This is so because the pozzolanic reaction
leaves less lime to be leached out and also reduces the permeability of concrete.
It should be remembered that pozzolanas vary very considerably in their effects,
both good and bad, and it is advisable to test any untried pozzolanic material in
combination with the cement and aggregate, which are to be used in actual
construction. The use of fly ash with sulphate-resisting Portland cement is not
allowed according to British code of Practice CP 110:1972 and BS 5328:1976
when resistance to sulphate attack is required. This view is not necessarily
correct.
When pozzolanas are used as a partial replacement for cement, the

cement and pozzolanas are batched separately and mixed with the other
ingredients in the concrete mixer. The required properties of pozzolanas for such
a purpose are prescribed by ASTM Standard C 618-78.
With replacement, concrete mixes have a lower early strength than when
Portland cement is used, but beyond about three months there is no less of
strength. With lean mixes, there may even be a long-term gain of strength due to
the replacement. If equal early strength is required and pozzolana to be used
(e.g. because of alkali-aggregate reactivity) then addition of pozzolana rather
than replacement of cement is necessary. Because the continuing formation
of hydrates fills the pores and also because of the absence of free lime

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which could be leached out, partial replacement of Portland cement by
pozzolana reduces the permeability of concrete: a 7 to 10- fold reduction
has been reported. The US Government encourages the use of fly ash in
all appropriate construction involving the Federal Funds.
11.3 Applications
A) Improvement in workability
With fresh concrete mixtures that show a tendency to bleed or segregate, it is well
known that incorporation of finely divided Flyash generally improves workability by
reducing the size and volume of voids. It will also enhance cohesiveness of freshly
made concrete. The small size and the glassy texture of fly ashes makes it possible
to reduce the amount of water required for a given consistency. In a review paper on
the use of fly ashes it was reported in one case that a concrete made by substituting
30% of cement with a Canadian flyash required 7% less water.
B) Durability to thermal cracking

Use of pozzolona results in lower heat of hydration hence reduces thermal cracking
and shrinkage. As a thumb rule the total heat of hydration produced by pozzolanic
reactions involving mineral admixtures (Fly ash) is considered to be half as much as
average heat produced by hydration of Portland cement.
The portland cement replacement by fly ash has been practiced in the united states
since the 1930s. In mass concrete construction, where low cement contents and fly
ash proportions as high as 60 to 100 % by weight of cement are commonly
employed with, the first successful application was in 1948 for building the Hungary
Horse dam, Montana more than 2 million m3 of concrete was used, some cement
contained as much as 32% of cement replaced by fly ash.
Use of fly ash is particularly beneficial when concrete is exposed to considerably
higher than normal temperatures, because of high heat of hydration and extremely
hot weather conditions in tropical countries like India. Compared to specimens cured
in laboratory, field concrete with out the presence of admixtures are likely to undergo
a strength loss due to micro cracking on cooling, but concrete containing mineral
admixtures frequently show a gain of strength.
C) Durability to Chemical Attacks

The permeability of concrete is fundamental to determining the rate of mass transfer
related to destructive chemical actions such as attack by acidic and sulphate
solutions. The published literature contains sufficient evidence that in general the
incorporation of mineral admixtures in to concrete improves the resistance of
material to acidic sulphate water (moderate sulphate attack) and seawater. This is
mainly due to pozzolonic reaction, which is accompanied by a reduction in
permeability and as well as reduction in the calcium hydroxide content of the
hydrated product.
It has been observed that reduction of Ca(OH)2 only marginally reduces the alkalinity
of concrete and pH value of concrete is sufficient to prevent rusting of steel. The
chloride ion which initiates rusting, gets ‘fixed’ in concrete with pozzolana. This
results in reduction in chloride ion diffusion in concrete and thus delays corrosion of
steel. Thus use of fly ash as pozzolana enhances durability of concrete structures.

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D) Environmental Considerations
Not only is the manufacture of Portland cement highly energy intensive it also is a
significant contributor of the green house gases.
The production of every tonne of Portland cement contributes about one tonnes of
CO2 into the atmosphere. Minor amount of NO2 and CH4 are also released into the
atmosphere. The total CO2 emissions per tone of cement range from about 1.1
tones of CO2 from the wet process to 0.89 tonnes from a pre-calcination kiln. Hence
every tonne of cement replaced by fly ash, saves the environment from release of
approximately one tonne of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Thus today environmental and energy considerations also advocate use of fly ash in
concrete.
IS requirements for Fly Ash for use in concrete.
Sr. No. Characteristics As per IS: 3812, 1987

1. LOI (%) MAX 12.00
2. SiO2+Al2O3+Fe2O3 (%) MIN 70.00
3. SiO2 (%) MIN 35.00
4. CaO (%) --
5. MgO (%) MAX 5.00
6. SO3 (%) MAX 2.75
7. Specific Surface m2/Kg MIN 320
8. Lime Reactivity Mpa MIN 4.0
9. Compressive Strength (%) MIN 80 % (of control)
10. Drying Shrinkage (%) MAX 0.15
References:
Concrete Microstructures, properties and materials – P.Kumar Mehta &Paulo J.M.
Monteiro
Properties of Concrete – A.M. Neville

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Annexure I
IS requirements for fine and coarse aggregates (based on IS 383)

Table 1 : Grading limits for fine aggregates :
IS Sieve PERCENTAGE PASSING FOR

DESIGNATION
Grading Grading Grading Grading
Zone I Zone II Zone III Zone IV
10 mm 100 100 100 100
4.75 mm 90-100 90-100 90-100 95-100
2.36 mm 60-95 75-100 85-100 95-100
1.18 mm 30-70 55-90 75-100 90-100
600 micron 15-34 35-59 60-79 80-100
300 micron 5-20 8-30 12-40 15-50
150 micron 0-10 0-10 0-10 0-15
Source: Refer Table No. 4 (Clause 4.3) Page no. 11 of IS 383 -1970
Table 2 : Grading limits for single size coarse aggregates

IS Sieve PERCENTAGE PASSING FOR SINGLE – SIZED AGGREGATE
Designation OF NOMINAL SIZE
63 mm 40 mm 20 mm 16 mm 12.5 mm 10 mm
80 mm 100 - - - - -
63 mm 85 to 100 - - - -
100
40 mm 0 to 30 85 to 100 - - -
100
20 mm 0 to 5 0 to 20 85 to 100 100 - -
16 mm - - - 85 to 100 100 -
12.5 mm - - - - 85 to 100 100
10 mm 0 to 5 0 to 5 0 to 20 0 to 30 0 to 45 85 to 100
4.75 mm - - 0 to 5 0 to 5 0 to 10 0 to 20
2.36 mm - - - - - 0 to 5
Source: TABLE 2 page no 9 (Clauses 4.1 and 4.2) IS 383 – 1970
Table 3 Grading limits for graded coarse aggregate:

IS Sieve PERCENTAGE PASSING FOR GRADED AGGREGATE OF
Designation NOMINAL SIZE
40 mm 20 mm 16 mm 12.5 mm
80 mm 100 - - -
63 mm - - - -
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
2.36 mm - - - -
Source: TABLE 2 page no 9 (Clauses 4.1 and 4.2) IS383 – 1970

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Table 4 Grading limits for combined aggregates:
IS Sieve PERCENTAGE PASSING FOR ALL-IN

DESIGNATION AGGREGATE GRADING
40 mm Nominal Size 20 mm Nominal Size
80 mm 100
40 mm 95 to 100 100
20 mm 45 to 75 95 to 100
4.75 mm 25 to 45 30 to 50
600 micron 8 to 30 10 to 35
150 micron 0 to 6 0 to 6
Source: IS383 – 1970 TABLE 5 page 11 (Clause 4.4) All in Aggregate Grading
Quality of aggregates:
Aggregates Crushing Value – The aggregate crushing value, when determined in accordance
with IS: 2386 ( Part IV ) –1963 shall not exceed 45 percent for aggregate used for concrete
other than for wearing surfaces, and 30 percent for concrete for wearing surfaces, such as
runways, roads, and pavements.
Aggregates Impact Value – As an alternative to 3.3 the aggregate impact value may be
determined in accordance with the method specified in IS : 2386 (Part IV)-1963. The aggregate
impact value shall not exceed 45 percent by weight for aggregates used for concrete other than
for wearing surfaces and 30 percent by weight for concrete for wearing surfaces, such as
runways, roads and pavements.
Aggregates Abrasion Value – Unless otherwise agreed to between the purchaser and the
supplier, the abrasion value of aggregates when tested in accordance with the method specified
in IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963 using Los Angels machine, shall not exceed the following values: -
b) For aggregates to be used in concrete for wearing surfaces 30 percent
c) For aggregates to be used in other concrete
Table 5 Limits of Deleterious materials for fine and coarse aggregates: (IS 383-1970)
Sr. DELETERIOUS FINE AGREGATE COARSE AGGREGATE

No. SUBSTANCES PERCENTAGE BY PERCENTAGE BY
WEIGHT, Max WEIGHT, Max
(1) (2) (4) (5) (6) (7)
Natural Crushed Natural Crushed
i) Coal and lignite 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
ii) Clay lumps 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
iii) Material finer than 75  3.00 15.00 3.00 3.00
IS Sieve
iv) Soft fragments - - 3.00 -
v) Shale 1.00 - - -
vi) Total of percentages of 5.00 2.00 5.00 5.00
all deleterious materials
(except mica) including
SI No. (i) to (v) for col
4,6 and 7 and SI No. (i)
and (ii) for col 5 only

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Note I –
The presence of mica in fine aggregate has been found to reduce considerably the durability
and compressive strength of concrete and further investigations are underway to determine
extent of mica. It is advisable. Therefore, to investigate the mica content of fine aggregate and
make suitable allowances for the possible reduction in the strength of the concrete or mortar.
Note II –
The aggregate shall not contain harmful organic impurities (tested in accordance with IS 2386
Part II –1963) insufficient quantities to affect adversely the strength or durability of concrete. A
fine aggregate which fails in the test for organic impurities may be used, provided that when
tested for the effect of organic impurities on the strength of the Mortar, the relative strength at 7
and 28 days, reported in accordance with IS 2386 Part VI –1963, is not less than 95 %.

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Annexure II
Table 1 Suggested values of standard deviation
GRADE OF STANDARD DEVIATION FOR

CONCRETE DIFFERENT DEGREE OF
CONTROL IN N/mm2
Very Good Fair
Good
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
Source: Table I from page 5 IS 10262-2009
Note: Appendix A provides guidance regarding the different degrees of quality control to be
expected, depending upon the infrastructure and practices adopted at the construction site.
Table 2 - Approximate water content per m3 of concrete

Nominal maximum Water content per m3 of concrete
size of aggregate, mm Kg
For Grades upto M 35
10 208
20 186
40 165
For Grades above M 35
10 200
20 180
Source: Table 4 and 5 page no 9 IS 10262-1982

Table 3 Approximate sand per M3 of concrete
Nominal Sand as percentage of total

maximum size of aggregate by absolute volume
aggregate, mm
For Grades upto M 35
10 40
20s 35
40 30
For Grades above M 35
10 28
20 25

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Source: Table 4 and 5 page no 9 IS 10262-1982
Table 4 Adjustment of values in water content
Change in condition stipulates in Adjustment required in water

Table 2 and 3 content
For sand confirming 0
To grading zone I, zone III or
zone IV of IS: 383 - 1970
Increase or decrease in the  3 percent
Value of compacting factor by
0.1
Each 0.05 increase or decrease 0
in free water cement ratio
For rounded aggregate -15 kg / m3
Source: Table 6 page no 11 IS 10262-1982

Table 5: Adjustment of Values in Sand Percentage
Change in condition stipulates in Adjustment required in sand in

Table 12 total aggregate
For sand confirming +1.5 percent for zone I
To grading zone I, zone III or -1.5 percent for zone III
zone IV of IS: 383 - 1970 -3.0 percent for zone IV
Increase or decrease in the 0
Value of compacting factor by
0.1
Each 0.05 increase or decrease ± 1 percent
in free water cement ratio
For rounded aggregate -7 percent
Source: Table 6 page no 11 IS 10262-1982

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Annexure III
Tables & Graphs from DOE Method

Table 1 Approximate water demand for different workability
Slump, mm 0-10 10-30 30-60 60-180

V-B time, sec > 12 6-12 3-6 0-3
Maximum size Type of
of aggregate aggregate
10 mm Uncrushed 150 180 205 225
Crushed 180 205 230 250
20 mm Uncrushed 135 160 180 195
Crushed 170 190 210 225
25 mm Uncrushed 130 155 175 190
Crushed 166 186 206 221
40 mm Uncrushed 115 140 160 175
Crushed 155 175 190 205
Source: Design of Normal Concrete Mixes, DOE, 1988

Notes:
i) For different types of coarse and fine aggregate, the free water content is
estimated as 2/3 W FA + 1/3 W CA
where,
W FA = free water content appropriate to the type of the fine aggregate, and
W CA = free water content appropriate to the type of the coarse aggregate
ii) Values interpolated for 25 mm maximum size of aggregate.

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Fig 1
Recommended proportions of fine aggregate passing a 600 sieve.
Maximum aggregate size : 40 mm
Slump : 0-10 mm 10- 30 mm 30 - 60 mm 60- 180 mm

Vebe time : 12s 6 - 12s 3- 6s 0- 3s
Proportion of fine aggregate, percent
15
15 15
15 40 40
40
60 80
60 40 80
60
60 80 100
80 100
100 100
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
Free-water/cement ratio
Fig 2
Slump : 0-10 mm 10- 30 mm 30 - 60 mm 60- 180 mm

Vebe time : 12s 6 - 12s 3- 6s 0- 3s
15
15
15
15 40
40 40
40 60
60 60
60 80 100
80
80 80 100
100 100
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

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Fig 3
Slump : 0-10 mm 10- 30 mm 30 - 60 mm 60- 180 mm

Vebe time : 12s 6 - 12s 3- 6s 0- 3s
15
15
15
15 40
40
40 40 60
60
60
60 80
80 80
100
80
100 100
100
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

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Fig 4
Wet density of fully compacted concrete for varying relative

densities of aggregate

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Annexure IV
Tables from ACI Method
Table 1 Approximate mixing water requirements for different slumps and maximum size
of aggregate (ACI Manual 21.1.8.1)
Slump Water, kg/m3 of concrete, for the maximum sizes of coarse aggregates
Mm
10mm 12.5 mm 20 mm 25 mm 40 mm 50 mm 70 mm 150
mm
NON-AIRENTRAINED CONCRETE
30 To 50 205 200 185 180 160 155 145 125
80 to 100 225 215 200 195 175 170 160 140
150 to 180 240 230 210 205 185 180 170 -
Approximate 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0.3 0.2
entrapped
air content,
percent
The above values are maximum for reasonably well-shaped angular coarse aggregate
graded within acceptable limits. The quantities of mixing water can be used to compute
cement factors for trial batches. For aggregate greater than 40 mm, the slump values
are based on slump tests after removal of particles greater than 40 mm by wet
screening.
Table 2 Volume of Course Aggregate Per Unit Volume of Concrete
Maximum Volume of dry rodded coarse aggregate per unit

size of volume of concrete for different fineness moduli of
aggregate sand
2.40 2.60 2.80 3.00
10 mm 0.50 0.48 0.46 0.44
12.5 mm 0.59 0.57 0.55 0.53
20 mm 0.66 0.64 0.62 0.60
25 mm 0.71 0.69 0.67 0.65
40 mm 0.76 0.74 0.72 0.70
50 mm 0.78 0.76 0.74 0.72
70 mm 0.81 0.79 0.77 0.75
150 mm 0.87 0.85 0.83 0.81
Source: ACI Manual 211.1-81
Notes :
I) These volumes are selected from empirical relationships to produce concrete
with a degree of workability suitable for usual RC construction; for less
workable concrete, such as that required for concrete pavements they may be
increased by about 10 percent; for more workable concrete, such as that
required for pumped concrete, they may be decreased by about 10 percent.
ii) Fineness modulus of sand = sum of cumulative ratios retained on sieves with
square openings of about 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 1.18, 2.36 and 4.75 mm

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Annexure V
Tables and graphs from RRL Method (Road note 4 method)
Table 1 Aggregate – Cement Ratios for Different Degrees of Workability, Water – Cement
Ratios and Gradings – for 40 – mm Rounded Gravel Aggregate
Water Degree of Workability

Cement
Ratio, Very low Low Medium High
by Grading number Grading number Grading number Grading number
Weight 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
0.35 5.0 4.5 3.9 3.4 4.3 3.9 3.5 3.1 3.4 3.1 2.9 2.7
0.40 7.0 6.5 5.7 4.9 5.9 5.6 5.0 4.4 4.7 4.6 4.3 3.8 4.1 4.0 3.9 3.5
0.45 8.9 8.6 7.7 6.5 7.6 7.4 6.7 5.8 6.0 6.1 5.7 5.0 5.2 5.3 5.0 4.6
0.50 8.0 8.2 7.2 7.5 7.6 7.1 6.3 6.3 6.5 6.2 5.7
0.55 8.4 8.9 8.1 7.3 S 7.7 7.4 6.7
0.60 7.6
Source: Road Note No. 4
Notes : (i) S indicates that the mix will segregate
(ii) Values have been obtained by extrapolation of other data and are not
based directly on results of the trial mixes
Table 2
Aggregate – Cement Ratios for Different Degrees of Workability, Water – Cement Ratios
and Gradings – for 40 – mm Crushed Rock Aggregate

Cement
Weight 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
0.35 3.4 3.4 3.2 2.9
0.40 4.9 4.6 4.2 3.8 4.0 3.8 3.6 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.2 3.0 3.1 3.1 2.9 2.7
0.45 6.0 5.7 5.2 4.7 4.9 4.7 4.4 4.2 4.1 4.1 3.9 3.8 3.7 3.8 3.7 3.4
0.50 7.2 6.8 6.2 5.6 5.8 5.6 5.3 5.0 4.8 4.8 4.7 4.6 4.4 4.5 4.5 4.2
0.55 8.1 7.7 7.1 6.4 6.6 6.4 6.1 5.8 5.5 5.5 5.4 5.3 S 5.2 5.2 4.8
0.60 8.6 8.0 7.2 7.4 7.2 6.9 6.6 6.1 6.2 6.1 6.0 S 5.9 5.6
0.65 8.8 7.9 8.1 7.9 7.6 7.3 S 6.9 6.8 6.6 6.5 6.2
0.70 8.6 8.5 8.3 7.9 7.5 7.5 7.3 7.1 6.8
0.75 8.5 8.1 7.8 7.4
Source : Road Note No. 4
(ii) Values have been obtained by extrapolation of other data and are not based
directly on results of the trial mixes

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Table 3
and Gradings – for 20 – mm Rounded Gravel Aggregate

Cement
Weight 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
0.35 4.5 4.2 3.7 3.2 3.8 3.6 3.3 3.0 3.1 3.0 2.8 2.6
0.40 6.6 6.1 5.4 4.5 5.3 5.1 4.6 4.1 4.2 4.2 3.9 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.6 3.3
0.45 8.1 7.6 6.7 5.8 6.9 6.6 5.9 5.1 5.3 5.3 5.0 4.6 4.6 4.8 4.5 4.1
0.50 8.0 7.0 8.2 8.0 7.0 6.0 6.3 6.3 6.0 5.5 5.5 5.7 5.4 4.8
0.55 8.1 8.2 6.9 7.3 7.3 7.0 6.3 6.3 6.5 6.1 5.5
0.60 7.7 8.0 7.1 S 7.2 6.8 6.1
0.65 8.4 7.8 7.7 7.4 6.6
0.70 7.9 7.1
0.75 7.6
Source : Road Note No. 4
Table 4

Cement
Weight 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
0.40 4.5 4.1 3.8 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.2 3.0
0.45 5.5 5.0 4.6 4.3 4.3 4.2 3.9 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.4 3.3 3.5 3.5 3.2 3.1
0.50 6.5 5.9 5.4 5.0 5.0 4.9 4.5 4.3 4.2 4.2 3.9 3.8 S 3.9 3.8 3.5
0.55 7.2 6.6 6.0 5.7 5.7 5.5 5.0 4.8 4.7 4.7 4.5 4.3 S 4.3 4.0
0.60 7.8 7.2 6.6 6.3 6.3 6.0 5.6 5.3 S 5.2 4.9 4.8 4.7 4.5
0.65 8.3 7.7 7.2 6.9 6.9 6.5 6.1 5.8 5.7 5.4 5.2 5.2 4.9
0.70 8.7 8.2 7.7 7.5 7.4 7.0 6.6 6.3 6.2 5.8 5.8 5.5 5.3
0.75 8.2 8.0 7.9 7.5 7.0 6.7 S 6.2 6.1 5.8 5.7
0.80 7.4 7.2 6.6 6.5 6.1 6.0

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Table 5
and Gradings – for 10 – mm Rounded Gravel Aggregate

Cement
Weight 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
0.40 5.6 5.0 4.2 3.2 4.5 3.9 3.3 2.6 3.9 3.5 3.0 2.4 3.5 3.2 2.8 2.3
0.45 7.2 6.4 5.3 4.1 5.5 4.9 4.1 3.2 4.7 4.3 3.7 3.0 4.2 3.9 3.4 2.9
0.50 7.8 6.4 4.9 6.5 5.8 4.9 3.8 5.4 5.0 4.3 3.5 4.8 4.5 4.0 3.4
0.55 7.5 5.7 7.4 6.7 5.7 4.4 6.1 5.7 4.9 4.0 5.3 5.1 4.5 3.9
0.60 6.5 7.5 6.4 5.0 6.7 6.3 5.5 4.5 5.8 5.6 5.0 4.3
0.65 7.2 7.1 5.6 7.3 6.9 6.1 5.0 S 6.1 5.5 4.7
0.70 7.7 6.2 7.9 7.5 6.7 5.5 6.6 6.0 5.1
0.75 6.7 7.2 5.9 7.1 6.5 5.5
0.80 7.2 7.7 6.3 7.6 6.9 5.9
Table 6

Cement
Weight 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
0.40 3.7 3.3 2.8 2.0
0.45 4.5 4.1 3.5 2.6 3.8 3.6 3.0 2.2 3.3 3.1 2.7 2.1
0.50 5.2 4.9 4.2 3.2 4.4 4.2 3.6 2.7 3.8 3.7 3.2 2.6 S 3.2 2.9 2.4
0.55 5.9 5.6 4.9 3.8 4.9 4.8 4.2 3.2 S 4.2 3.7 3.0 3.7 3.4 2.8
0.60 6.6 6.3 5.5 4.3 S 5.3 4.7 3.7 4.7 4.2 3.4 4.2 3.8 3.2
0.65 7.3 7.0 6.1 4.8 5.8 5.2 4.2 5.1 4.6 3.8 4.6 4.2 3.6
0.70 7.9 7.6 6.7 5.3 6.3 5.7 4.6 5.6 5.1 4.2 5.0 4.6 4.0
0.75 7.3 5.8 6.8 6.2 5.0 6.0 5.5 4.6 5.4 5.0 4.4
0.80 7.8 6.3 7.2 6.6 5.5 6.4 5.9 5.0 5.8 5.4 4.7
(ii) With crushed aggregate of proper shape than tested, segregation may occur
at a lower aggregate –cement ratio.

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Table 7
Values of Absorption of Water by Aggregate
Type of Time Absorption, percent

aggregate Particle Size, IS sieve designation
600 to 1.18 2.36 to 4.75 to 10 to 20 to 10
300 - mm to 1.18 2.36 4.75 mm
m 600 - mm mm mm
m
Rounded 10 min 1.7 2.0 1.9 1.6 1.2 0.5
Gravel 24 hr. 1.9 2.2 2.2 2.0 1.5 0.8
Irregular 10 min 0.4 1.1 2.0 2.8 3.2 1.4
Gravel 24 hr. 0.5 1.3 2.4 3.4 3.7 1.9
Crushed 10 min 1.1 1.2 1.2 0.9 0.6 0.3
Rock
granite 24 hr. 1.1 1.3 1.3 1.0 0.7 0.4
Source: Concrete Mix Design by J. D. McIntosh.
Fig-1
100
75
67
60
59
52 50
47
44
38 36
30 31 32
23 24 25 24
15 17
11 12 12
5 7 7
2
0 3
150 mm 300 mm 600 mm 1.18 mm 2.26 mm 4.75 mm 10 mm 20 mm 40 mm
I S sleve designation
Grading curves for 40-mm maximum size of aggregate

Durocrete
Fig – 2
75
65
55
48
45
42 42
34 35 35
28 28 30
27
21 23
21
14 16
12
9
2
150 mm 300 mm 600 mm 1.18 mm 2.26 mm 4.75 mm 10 mm 20 mm
Fig - 3
100
75
60 60
45 45 45
37
34 33 30
28 26
20 20
19
14 16
12
6 6
3
0
150 mm 300 mm 600 mm 1.18 mm 2.26 mm 4.75 mm 10 mm

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Annexure VI
References from IS 456: 2000

Table 1 : Acceptance criteria for compressive strength of concrete.
Specific Mean of the Group of 4 Non- Individual

Grade Overlapping Consecutive Test Test
Results in N/mm2 Results
in N/mm2
(1) (2) (3)
M 15  fCK + 0.825 x established  fCK -2
standard deviation ( rounded N/mm2
off to nearest 0.5 N/mm2
or
f CK + 2 N/mm2,
whichever is greater
M 20  fCK + 0.825 x established  fCK - 3

Or standard deviation ( rounded N/mm2
above off to nearest 0.5 N/mm2
or
f CK + 3 N/mm2,
whichever is greater
Source: (Table 11 Page 30 IS 456-2000)
Note: In the absence of established value of standard deviation, the values given in Table 8 may
be assumed, and attempt should be made to obtain results of 30 samples as early as possible
to establish the value of standard deviation.
Source : Characteristic Compressive Strength Compliances Requirement

(Clauses 16.1 and 16.3)
Table 2: Surface moisture in sand
Sr. Aggregate Approximate Quantity of Surface

No. Water
Percent by Mass I/m3
i) Very wet sand 7.5 120
ii) Moderately wet sand 5.0 80
iii) Moist sand 2.5 40
iv) Moist gravel or crushed rock 1.25 – 2.5 20 - 40
Source: Table 10 Surface Water Carried by Aggregate (Clause 10.2.5 IS 456-2000)

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Table 3
Minimum Cement Content, Maximum water/cement ratio and Minimum grade of
concrete for different exposures with Normal Weight Aggregates of 20 mm Nominal
Maximum Size
Sr Exposure Plain concrete Reinforced concrete

no
Min Max Min Min Max Min
cement free w/c grade of cement free w/c grade of
content ratio concrete content ratio concrete
Kg/m3 Kg/m3
1 Mild 220 0.60 - 300 0.55 M 20
2 Moderate 240 0.60 M 15 300 0.50 M 25
3 Severe 250 0.50 M 20 320 0.45 M 30
4 Very severe 260 0.45 M 20 340 0.45 M 35
5 Extreme 280 0.40 M 25 360 0.40 M 40
1. Concrete mix proportioning (Ref: IS 456 2000 Point no.9 Page No. 22)
1.1 Mix Proportion

The mix proportions shall be selected to ensure the workability of the fresh
concrete and when concrete is hardened, it shall have the required strength,
durability and surface finish.
1.1.1 The determination of the proportions of cement, aggregates and

water to attain the required strengths shall be made as follows:
a) By designing the concrete mix; such concrete shall be called ‘
Design mix concrete’, or
b) By adopting nominal concrete mix; such concrete shall be called
‘Nominal mix concrete.’
Design mix concrete is preferred to nominal mix. If design mix concrete cannot
be used for any reason on the work for grades of M 20 or lower, nominal mixes
may be used with the permission of engineer-in-charge, which, however, is likely
to involve a higher cement content.
(Source: Clause 9 from IS 456 Page No.22)

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2. Production of concrete – Quality Assurance Measures

(As recommended by IS 456 – 2000)
In order that the properties of the completed structures are consistent with the
requirements and the assumptions made during the planning and the design, adequate
quality assurance measures shall be taken. The construction should result in
satisfactory strength, serviceability and long term durability so as to lower the over all
life cycle cost. Quality assurance in the construction activity relates to proper design,
use of adequate materials and components to be supplied by the procedures, proper
workmanship in the execution of works by the contractor and ultimately proper care
during the use of structure including timely maintenance and repair by the owner.
Quality assurance measures are both technical and organizational. Some common
cases should be specified in general Quality Assurance Plan which shall identify the key
elements necessary to provide fitness of the structure and measured with the overall
purpose to provide confidence that the realized project will work satisfactorily in service
fulfilling intended needs. The job of quality control and quality assurance would involve
quality audit of both inputs as well as the outputs. The inputs are in the form of materials
for concrete; workmanship in all stages of batching, mixing, transportation, placing
compaction and curing; and the related plant, machinery and equipments; resulting in
the output in the form of concrete in place. To ensure proper performance, it is
necessary that each step in concreting which will be covered by the next step is
inspected as the work proceeds.
Each party involved in the realization of a project should establish and implement
a Quality Assurance Plan, for its participation in the project. Supplier’s and sub
contractor’s activities shall be covered in the plan. The individual Quality Assurance
Plan. Quality Assurance Plan shall define the tasks and responsibilities of persons
involved, adequate control and checking procedures, and the organization and
maintaining adequate documentation of the building process and its results. Such
documentation generally includes:
a) Test report and manufacturer’s certificate for materials, concrete mix design details;
b) Pour cards for site organization and clearance for concrete placement.
c) Record the site inspection of workmanship, field test;
d) Non-conformance reports, change orders;
e) Quality control charts and
f) Statistical analysis.
(Source: Point no.10 from Is 456 –2000 Page No.23)
3. Batching of Concrete
To avoid confusion and error in batching, consideration should be given to using the
smallest practical number of different concrete mixes on any site or in any one plant. In
batching concrete, the quantity of both cement and aggregate shall be determined by
mass; admixture, if solid, by mass; liquid admixture may however be measured in
volume or mass; water shall be weighed or measured by volume in a calibrated tank.
(See also IS 4925) Ready-mixed concrete supplied by ready-mixed concrete plant shall
be preferred. For large and medium project sites the concrete shall be sourced from

Durocrete
ready-mixed concrete plants or from on site or off site batching and mixing plants.(see
IS 4926)
3.1.1 Except where it can be shown to the satisfaction of the engineer-in-charge

that supply of properly graded aggregate of uniform quality can be
maintained over a period of work, the grading of aggregate should be
controlled by obtaining the coarse aggregate in different sizes and
blending them in the right proportions when required, the different sizes
being stocked-piled for several hours preferably a day before use. The
grading of coarse and fine aggregate should e checked as frequently as
possible, the frequency for the job being determined by the engineer-in-
charge to ensure that the specified grading is maintained.
3.1.2 The accuracy of the measuring equipment shall be within  2 percent of
the quantity of cement being measured and within  3 percent of the
quantity of aggregate, admixtures and water being measured.
3.1.3 Proportion/Type and grading of aggregates shall be made by trial in such
a way so as to obtain densest possible concrete. All ingredients of the
concrete should be used by mass only.
3.1.4 Volume batching may be allowed only where weigh batching is not
practical and provided accurate bulk densities of materials to be actually
used in concrete have earlier been established. Allowance for bulking
shall be made in accordance with IS 286 (Part 3). The mass volume
relationship should be checked as frequently as necessary, the frequency
for the given job being determined by engineer-in-charge to ensure that
the specified grading is maintained.
3.1.5 It is important to maintain the water-cement ratio constant at its correct
value. To this end, determination of moisture contents in both fine and
coarse aggregates shall be made as frequently as possible, the frequency
of given job being determined by the engineer-in charge according to
weather conditions. The amount of added water should be adjusted to
compensate for any observed variations in the moisture content in the
aggregates, IS 2386 (Part III) may be referred to. To allow the variation in
mass of aggregate due to variation in their moisture content, suitable
adjustments in the masses of aggregates shall also be made. In the
absence of exact data, only in the case of nominal mixes the amount of
surface water may be estimated from the values given in Table 10.
3.1.6 No substitutions in material used on the work or alterations in the

established proportions, except as permitted in 10.2.4 and 10.2.5 shall be
made without additional tests to show that the quality and strength of
concrete are satisfactory.

Durocrete
4. Stripping Time for form work:
Forms shall not be released until the concrete has achieved strength of at least twice
the stress to which the concrete may be subjected at the time of removal of formwork.
The strength referred to shall be that of concrete using the same cement and
aggregates and admixtures, if any, with the same proportions and cured under
conditions of temperature and moisture similar to those existing on the work.
Type of Formwork Minimum Period Before Striking

Formwork
a) Vertical formwork to columns, 16 – 24 h
walls, beam
b) Soffit formwork to slabs 3 days
(Props to be refixed immediately
after removal of formwork)
c) Soffit formwork to beams 7 days
(Props to be refixed immediately
after removal of formwork)
d) Props to Slabs:
1) Spanning up to 4.5m 7 days
2) Spanning over 4.5 m 14 days
e) Props to beams and arches:
1) Spanning up to 6 m 14 days
2) Spanning over 6 m 21 days
(Source: Page 25 IS 456 2000)

Durocrete
Annexure VII
IS Requirements for Cement and Water
IS Requirements for Cement
Compressive strength
33 Grade 43 Grade 53 Grade
2
3 days (N/mm ) 16 23 27
7 days (N/mm2) 22 33 37
2
28 days (N/mm ) 33 43 53
Fineness: By Blaine’s air permeability

For OPC and Portland Slag Minimum 2250 cm2/gm
For PPC Fly ash based Minimum 3000 cm2/gm
Setting time
Initial setting time Minimum 30 minute
Final setting time Maximum 600 minute
Soundness
By Le-Chatlier’s method Maximum 10 mm
By Auto Clave method Maximum 0.8 %
IS Requirements for Water
Test Description Acceptance Criteria Test Method

Total suspended solids 2000 mg/lit IS 3025 (Part 17) – 1984
Organic solids 200 mg/lit IS 3025 (Part 18) – 1984
Inorganic solids 3000 mg/lit IS 3025 (Part 18) – 1984
Sulphates 400 mg/lit IS 3025 (Part 24) – 1986
Chlorides 500 mg/lit (For RCC) IS 3025 (Part 32) – 1988
2000 mg/lit (For PCC)
pH Not less than 6 IS 3025 (Part 11) – 1983
To neutralize 100 ml 5 ml. IS 3025 (Part 22) – 1984
sample using
Phenolphthalein indicator
0.02 Normal, NaOH
required
To neutralize 100 ml 25 ml. IS 3025 (Part 23) – 1984
sample using Methyl
orange indicator 0.02
Normal, H2SO4 required

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Durocrete

1. Introduction to concrete mix design 1

2. Concrete Mix Design methods 10

3. A critical view of different mix design methods. 16

4. Important points for implementing Concrete Mix Design 20

6. Standard site corrections for implementing concrete mix design 24

9. Some common questions related to concrete mix design 34

10. A note on durability of concrete 37

11. Note on use of Fly Ash in concrete 40

Annexure I IS requirements for fine and coarse aggregates. 44

Annexure II Tables & graphs for IS method of Mix Design. 47

Annexure III Tables & graphs for DOE method. 49

Annexure IV Tables for ACI method. 53

Annexure V Tables & graphs for RRL method. 54

Annexure VI References from IS 456 – 2000. 59

Annexure VII IS Requirements for Cement and Water. 64

Mix Design Manual 0

1.1 Advantages of Concrete Mix design

I. Quality concrete means

It is possible to save up to 15% of cement for M20 grade of concrete with

Mix Design Manual 1

Site conditions often restrict the quality and quantity of ingredient

1.2 What is mix design?

Concrete is an extremely versatile building material because, it can be designed for

Basic Ingredients of Concrete: -

Properties desired from concrete in plastic stage: -

Properties desired from concrete in hardened stage: -

Concrete mix design is the method of correct proportioning of ingredients of concrete, in

Mix Design Manual 2

a) Grade of concrete (the characteristic strength)

k) Ascertain whether condition of exposure to concrete is mild, moderate severe or

i. Batching – weigh batching / volume batching.

ii. Type of aggregates – whether mixed graded aggregate will be used

iii. Testing of concrete – whether casting & testing of concrete cubes

iv. Source of aggregate – whether sources of sand and aggregate will be

v. Supervision – whether qualified staff will be present to supervise

Mix Design Manual 3

Compressive Strength / Grade of cement:

Initial & Final setting time of cement:

Gradation of fine aggregates:

Mix Design Manual 4

Specific gravity of fine aggregates:

Silt Content by weight:

Maximum size of coarse aggregate:

Mix Design Manual 5

Grading of coarse aggregate:

Shape of coarse aggregate:

Strength of coarse aggregate:

Mix Design Manual 6

1.5 Decision Variables in Mix Design

Mix Design Manual 7

Water required achieving required workability (Lit/m3)

C. Relative proportion of fine, coarse aggregates gradation of aggregates

Aggregates are of two types as below:

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

i. Plasticisers & superplasticisers

Mix Design Manual 8

Mix Design Manual 9

V. Air Entraining Agents

Water to be added per batch = 0.55 50 - 4%135