Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

MSc Program in Construction Technology and Management

Concrete Construction

Solutions For assignment Questions

#Qn1. Mix design Using the DOE to achieve a compressive strength of 30Mpa at 28 days using the
following specified parameters:

Cement type ------------------------------------------- OPC

Max. Aggregate size ---------------------------------- 30mm
Agg. Type --------------------------------------------- Crushed
Relative Density of combined agg. At SSD -------- 2.6
Fine Agg. Grading ----------------------------------- Zone 2
Required Slump -------------------------------------- 60mm
Min. Cement content --------------------------------- 300 kg/m3
Max. Free w/c ratio ---------------------------------- 0.65
Allowable failure rate -------------------------------- 5%
Plant S.D. --------------------------------------------- Unknown

Solution

Using table 1 of the DOE manual given, we follow the steps to fill the required information:

Step 1: Selection of target water/ cement ratio

M = k × s ------------- C1
fm = fc + M ----------- C2

 For an allowable failure rate of 5% we can get k = 1.64,

 And the standard deviation s can be obtained from figure 3 which is, s = 8
 To obtain the margin we use C1, M = 1.64 × 8 = 13 N/mm2
 To get the value of Target mean strength we use C2, fm = 30 + 13 = 43
 Next the value obtained from table 2 for the strength of a mix made with a free water/ cement
ratio of 0.5, with an age of 28 days, cement type of OPC=42.5, and a crushed aggregate type is
49. This strength value is then plotted on figure 4 and the corresponding value for the free water
cement ratio can be read as 0.53 which is less than that of Max. Free water/ cement ratio of
0.65. Hence, 0.53 will be selected.

Step 2: Selection of free – water content

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

 To determine the free water content simply from Table 3, using type of agg. Which is crushed,
max. Size of agg. which is 30 mm, and a slump of 60 mm. By interpolation it is found to be 200
kg/ m3.
Step 3: Determination of cement content

 Cement content = free water content ÷ free water/ cement ratio ------------------- C 3
 Using C3, Cement content = 200 ÷ 0.53 = 377 kg/ m3, which is greater than the minimum
cement content of 300 kg/ m3, therefore, 377 kg/ m3 will be adopted.

Step 4: Determination of total Aggregate content

 Using the free water content and relative density of combined aggregate the density of fully
compacted concrete can be estimated from figure 6 and the total aggregate content can be
determined from C4:
 Total aggregate content = D – Wc - WFw ---------------------------- C4,
 Hence, total agg. content = 2350 – 377 – 200 = 1773 kg/ m3

Step 5: Selection of fine and coarse aggregate contents

 From figure 6, the range for the proportion of fine aggregate can be determined depending on the
max. size of aggregate 30mm, the workability level, the grading zone 2 of fine agg. and free
water cement ratio of 0.53. By interpolation from figure 6 it is found to be 34.5%
 Then we caculate C5 to determine the fine and coarse agg. contents.

 Fine agg. content = total agg. content × proportion of fines C5

 Coarse agg. content = total agg. content – fine agg. content

- Therefore, Fine agg. content = 1773 × 0..345 = 612 kg/ m3

- Coarse agg. content = 1773 – 612 = 1161 kg/ m3

Thus, the quantities of the constituent materials per m3 are:

Cement -------------------------- 377 kg

Water ---------------------------- 200 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 612 kg
Coarse aggregate --------------- 1161 kg

 Finally the quantities for the trial mix of 0.05m3 becomes:

Cement -------------------------- 18.85kg
Water ---------------------------- 10.00 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 30.60 kg
Coarse aggregate --------------- 58.05 kg

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

#Qn2. Mix no. 1

Mix no.
1 2 3 4
Characteristic strength, N/mm2 25 30 50 40
Age (days) 28 7 28 7
Cement type PPC OPC OPC PPC
Aggregate type crushed uncrushed crushed uncrushed
Maximum aggregate size 30 20 20 30
Relative density of combined aggregate 2.6 2.65 2.70 2.65
Fine aggregate grading Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 2 Zone 3
Required slump (mm) 60 80 60 100
Minimum cement content (kg/m3) 270 300 - 320
Maximum cement content (kg/m3) - 360 450 -
Maximum free w/c 0.65 0.65 0.55 0.60
Allowable failure rate 3% 4.5% 3% 5%
Plant S.D. (N/mm2) 3 5 unknown 5
Free moisture content of sand (%) 1.6 1.4 2.2 1.8

Assume the following values of free moisture content for the coarse aggregate:- 30mm, 1.5%;
20mm, 2.5% and 10mm, 3.5%
Solution

Using table 1 of the DOE manual given, we follow the steps to fill the required information:

Step 1: Selection of target water/ cement ratio

M = k × s ------------- C1
fm = fc + M ----------- C2

 For an allowable failure rate of 3% we can get k = 1.90, by interpolation

 And the standard deviation is given as is, s = 3
 To obtain the margin we use C1, M = 1.90 × 3 =5.7=6 N/mm2
 To get the value of Target mean strength we use C2, fm = 25 + 6 = 31 N/mm2
 Next the value obtained from table 2 for the strength of a mix made with a free water/ cement
ratio of 0.5, with an age of 28 days, cement type of PPC=42.5, and a crushed aggregate type is
49. This strength value is then plotted on figure 4 and the corresponding value for the free water
cement ratio can be read as 0.67 which is less than that of Max. Free water/ cement ratio of
0.65. Hence, 0.65 will be selected.
Step 2: Selection of free – water content

 To determine the free water content simply from Table 3, using type of agg. Which is crushed,
max. Size of agg. which is 30mm, and a slump of 60mm. By interpolation it is found to be 200
kg/ m3..
Step 3: Determination of cement content

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

 Cement content = free water content ÷ free water/ cement ratio ------------------- C3
 Using C3, Cement content = 200 ÷ 0.65 = 308 kg/ m3, which is greater than the minimum
cement content of 270 kg/ m3, therefore, 308 kg/ m3 will be adopted.
Step 4: Determination of total Aggregate content
 Using the free water content and relative density of combined aggregate the density of fully
compacted concrete can be estimated from figure 5 and the total aggregate content can be
determined from C4:
 Total aggregate content = D – Wc - WFw ---------------------------- C4,
 Hence, total agg. content = 2350 – 308 – 200 = 1842 kg/ m3
Step 5: Selection of fine and coarse aggregate contents
 From figure 6, the proportion of fine aggregate can be determined depending on the max. size of
aggregate, the workability level, the grading zone 2 of fine agg. and free water cement ratio.
By interpolation from figure 6 it is found to be 35.5%.
 Then we caculate C5 to determine the fine and coarse agg. contents.

 Fine agg. content = total agg. content × proportion of fines C5

 Coarse agg. content = total agg. content – fine agg. content

- Therefore, Fine agg. content = 1842 × 0.355 = 654 kg/ m3

- Coarse agg. content = 1842 – 654 = 1188 kg/ m3
Thus, the quantities of the constituent materials per m3 are:
Cement -------------------------- 308 kg
Water ---------------------------- 200 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 654 kg
Coarse aggregate --------------- 1188 kg
Assuming that the aggregates are used in a saturated surface dry condition, the quantities for a 50 litre
(0.05 m3) trial mix are therefore:
Cement -------------------------- 15.40 kg
Water ---------------------------- 10 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 32.50 kg (SSD)
Coarse aggregate --------------- 59.40 kg (SSD)
To obtain the adjusted batch weights we consider the free moisture contents of the fine which is 1.6%
and the coarse for max. agg. size of 30mm, is 1.5%.

Then, the adjusted batch weights will be :

Cement -------------------------- 15.40 kg

Water ----------------------------- 10 kg ̶ ((32.5 * 0.016) + (59.40 * 0.015)) = 8.59 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 32.5 kg + (32.5* 0.016) = 33.02 kg
Coarse aggregate --------------- 59.40 kg + (59.40* 0.015) = 60.29 kg

Qn#2. Mix no. 2

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

Solution

Using table 1 of the DOE manual given, we follow the steps to fill the required information:

Step 1: Selection of target water/ cement ratio

M = k × s ------------- C1
fm = fc + M ----------- C2

 For an allowable failure rate of 4.5% we can get k = 1.70, by interpolation

 And the standard deviation is given as s = 5
 To obtain the margin we use C1, M = 1.70 × 5 = 8.5 N/mm2 taking 9 N/mm2
 To get the value of Target mean strength we use C2, fm = 30 + 9 = 39
 Next the value obtained from table 2 for the strength of a mix made with a free water/ cement
ratio of 0.5, with an age of 7 days, cement type of OPC 42.5 , and uncrushed aggregate type is
30. This strength value is then plotted on figure 4 and the corresponding value for the free water
cement ratio can be read as 0.42 which is less than that of Max. Free water/ cement ratio of
0.65. Hence, 0.42 will be selected.

Step 2: Selection of free – water content

 To determine the free water content simply from Table 3, using type of agg. Which is uncrushed,
max. Size of agg. which is 30mm, and a slump of 60mm. It is found to be 195 kg/ m3.
Step 3: Determination of cement content

 Cement content = free water content ÷ free water/ cement ratio ------------------- C3
 Using C3, Cement content = 195 ÷ 0.42 = 464 kg/ m3, which is greater than the maximum
cement content of 360 kg/ m3, therefore, 360 kg/ m3 will be adopted.
 Then we adjust the water/ cement ratio, W/C = 195 ÷ 360 = 0.54

Step 4: Determination of total Aggregate content

 Using the free water content and relative density of combined aggregate the density of fully
compacted concrete can be estimated from figure 5 and the total aggregate content can be
determined from C4:
 Total aggregate content = D – C - W ---------------------------- C4,
Where D = the wet density of concrete(kg/m3)
C = the cement content(kg/m3)
W = the free water content(kg/m3)

 Hence, total agg. content = 2390 – 360 – 195 = 1835 kg/ m3

Step 5: Selection of fine and coarse aggregate contents

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

 From figure 6, the proportion of fine aggregate can be determined depending on the max. size of
aggregate, the workability level, the grading zone of fine agg. and free water cement ratio.
From figure 6 it is found to be 32% by interpolation
 Then we caculate C5 to determine the fine and coarse agg. contents.

 Fine agg. content = total agg. content × proportion of fines C5

 Coarse agg. content = total agg. content – fine agg. content

- Therefore, Fine agg. content = 1835 × 0.32 = 587 kg/ m3

- Coarse agg. content = 1835 – 587 = 1248 kg/ m3

Thus, the quantities of the constituent materials per m3 are:

Cement -------------------------- 360 kg

Water ---------------------------- 195 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 587 kg
Coerse aggregate --------------- 1248 kg

Assuming that the aggregates are used in a saturated surface dry condition, the quantities for a 50litre
(0.05 m3) trial mix are therefore:

Cement ---------------------------- 18.00 kg

Water ---------------------------- 9.75 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 29.35 kg (SSD)
Coerse aggregate --------------- 62.40 kg (SSD)

To obtain the adjusted batch weights we consider the free moisture contents of the fine which is 1.4%
and the coarse for max. agg. size of 20 mm, is 2.5% by taking the average.

Then, the adjusted batch weights will be :

Cement -------------------------- 18.00 kg

Water ------------------------- 9.75 kg - ((29.35* 0.014) + (62.40 * 0.025)) = 7.78 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 29.35 kg + (29.35* 0.014) = 29.76 kg
Coerse aggregate --------------- 62.40 kg + (62.40 * 0.025) = 63.96 kg

If we assume single sized 10mm, 20mm coarse aggregate are used the coarse aggregate content can be
proportioned as 1:2 ratio and
21.32 kg 10mm single sized and 20mm 42.64 kg 20mm single sized are used.

Qn#2. Mix no. 3

Solution

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

Using table 1 of the DOE manual given, we follow the steps to fill the required information:

Step 1: Selection of target water/ cement ratio

M = k × s ------------- C1
fm = fc + M ----------- C2

 For an allowable failure rate of 3% we can get k = 1.90, by interpolation

 And the standard deviation s can be obtained from figure 3 which is, s = 8
 To obtain the margin we use C1, M = 1.90 × 8 = 15.2 N/mm2 taking 15 N/mm2
 To get the value of Target mean strength we use C2, fm =50 + 15 = 65
 Next the value obtained from table 2 for the strength of a mix made with a free water/ cement
ratio of 0.5, with an age of 28 days, cement type of OPC 42.5, and a crushed aggregate type is
49. This strength value is then plotted on figure 4 and the corresponding value for the free water
cement ratio can be read as 0.39 which is less than that of Max. Free water/ cement ratio of 0.55
Hence, 0.39 will be selected.

Step 2: Selection of free – water content

 To determine the free water content simply from Table 3, using type of agg. Which is crushed,
max. Size of agg. which is 20mm, and a slump of 40mm. It is found to be 210 kg/ m3.
Step 3: Determination of cement content

 Cement content = free water content ÷ free water/ cement ratio ------------------- C3
-Using C3, Cement content = 210 ÷ 0.39 =538 kg/ m3, which is grater than the maximum cement
content of 450 kg/ m3, therefore, 450 kg/ m3 will be taken
-Then we adjust the water/ cement ratio, W/C = 210 ÷ 450 = 0.467

Step 4: Determination of total Aggregate content

 Using the free water content and relative density of combined aggregate the density of fully
compacted concrete can be estimated from figure 5 and the total aggregate content can be
determined from C4:
 Total aggregate content = D – C - W ---------------------------- C4,
Where D = the wet density of concrete(kg/m3)
C = the cement content(kg/m3)
W = the free water content(kg/m3)

 Hence, total agg. content = 2400 – 450 – 210 = 1740 kg/ m3

Step 5: Selection of fine and coarse aggregate contents

 From figure 6, the proportion of fine aggregate can be determined depending on the max. size of
aggregate, the workability level, the grading zone of fine agg. and free water cement ratio.
From figure 6 the proportion of fine aggregate estimated to be 35%

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

 Then we caculate C5 to determine the fine and coarse agg. contents.

 Fine agg. content = total agg. content × proportion of fines C5

 Coarse agg. content = total agg. content – fine agg. content

- Therefore, Fine agg. content = 1740 × 0.35 = 609 kg/ m3

- Coarse agg. content = 1740 – 609 = 1131 kg/ m3

Thus, the quantities of the constituent materials per m3 are:

Cement -------------------------- 450 kg

Water ---------------------------- 210 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 609 kg
Coerse aggregate --------------- 1131 kg

Assuming that the aggregates are used in a saturated surface dry condition, the quantities for a 50litre
(0.05 m3) trial mix are therefore:

Cement -------------------------- 22.5 kg

Water ---------------------------- 10.5 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 30.45 kg (SSD)
Coerse aggregate --------------- 56.55 kg (SSD)

To obtain the adjusted batch weights we consider the free moisture contents of the fine which is 2.2%
and the coarse for max. agg. size of 20mm, is 2.5% by taking the average.

Then, the adjusted batch weights will be :

Cement -------------------------- 22.5 kg

Water -------------------------- 10.5 kg - ((30.45 * 0.022) + (56.55 * 0.025)) = 8.40 kg
Fine aggregate ---------------- 30.45 kg + (30.45 * 0.022) = 31.12 kg
Coerse aggregate ------------- 56.55 kg + (56.55 * 0.025) = 57.96 kg

If we assume single sized 10mm and 20mm coarse aggregate are used the coarse aggregate content can
be proportioned as 1:2 ratio and
19.32kg 10mm single sized and 38.64 kg 20mm single sized are used.

Qn#2. Mix no. 4

Solution

Using table 1 of the DOE manual given, we follow the steps to fill the required information:

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

Step 1: Selection of target water/ cement ratio

M = k × s ------------- C1
fm = fc + M ----------- C2

 For an allowable failure rate of 5% we can get k = 1.64,

 And the standard deviation s can be obtained from figure 3 which is, s = 6
 To obtain the margin we use C1, M = 1.64 × 5 = 8.2 N/mm2 taking 8 N/mm2
 To get the value of Target mean strength we use C2, fm = 40 + 8 = 48
 Next the value obtained from table 2 for the strength of a mix made with a free water/ cement
ratio of 0.5, with an age of 7 days, cement type of PPC 42.5, and uncrushed aggregate type is
30. This strength value is then plotted on figure 4 and the corresponding value for the free water
cement ratio can be read as 0.37 which is less than that of Max. Free water/ cement ratio of 0.6.
Hence, 0.37 will be selected.

Step 2: Selection of free – water content

 To determine the free water content simply from Table 3, using type of agg. Which is uncrushed,
max. Size of agg. which is 30mm, and a slump of 100mm. It is found to be 185 kg/ m3. by
interpolation.
Step 3: Determination of cement content

 Cement content = free water content ÷ free water/ cement ratio ------------------- C3
 Using C3, Cement content = 185 ÷ 0.37 = 500 kg/ m3, which is greater than the minimum
cement content of 320 kg/ m3, therefore, 500 kg/ m3 will be adopted.

Step 4: Determination of total Aggregate content

 Using the free water content and relative density of combined aggregate the density of fully
compacted concrete can be estimated from figure 5 and the total aggregate content can be
determined from C4:
 Total aggregate content = D – C - W ---------------------------- C4,
Where D = the wet density of concrete(kg/m3)
C = the cement content(kg/m3)
W = the free water content(kg/m3)

 Hence, total agg. content = 2400 – 500 – 185 = 1715 kg/ m3

Step 5: Selection of fine and coarse aggregate contents

 From figure 6, the proportion of fine aggregate can be determined depending on the max. size of
aggregate, the workability level, the grading zone of fine agg. and free water cement ratio.
From figure 6 the proportion of fine aggregate is found to be 29%.by interpolation
 Then we caculate C5 to determine the fine and coarse agg. contents.

 Fine agg. content = total agg. content × proportion of fines C5

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

 Coarse agg. content = total agg. content – fine agg. content

- Therefore, Fine agg. content = 1715 × 0..29 = 494 kg/ m3

- Coarse agg. content = 1715 – 494 = 1221 kg/ m3
Thus, the quantities of the constituent materials per m3 are:

Cement -------------------------- 500 kg

Water ---------------------------- 185 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 494 kg
Coerse aggregate --------------- 1221 kg

Assuming that the aggregates are used in a saturated surface dry condition, the quantities for a 50litre
(0.05 m3) trial mix are therefore:

Cement -------------------------- 25.00 kg

Water ---------------------------- 9.25 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 24.70 kg (SSD)
Coerse aggregate --------------- 61.05 kg (SSD)

To obtain the adjusted batch weights we consider the free moisture contents of the fine which is 1.8%
and the coarse for max. agg. size of 30mm, is 1.5% by taking the average.

Then, the adjusted batch weights will be :

Cement -------------------------- 25.00 kg

Water -------------------------- 9.25 kg - ((24.70 * 0.018) + (61.05 * 0.015)) = 7.89 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 24.70 kg + (24.70 * 0.018) = 25.00 kg
Coerse aggregate --------------- 61.05 kg + (61.05 * 0.015) = 61.97 kg

If we assume single sized 10mm, 20mm and 30mm coarse aggregate are used the coarse aggregate
content can be proportioned as 1:1.5:3 ratio and
11.27 kg 10mm single sized ,20mm 16.90 kg and30mm 33.80 kg single sized are used.

Qn#3.

Repeat question 1 using the ACI Mix design method and assuming the following:

Fineness modulus = 2.70

Air content = 2.50%
SG of coarse and fine aggregates = 2.70
Bulk density of aggregate = 1850 kg/ m3

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

Solution

Step 1: Choice of slump

- A slump of 60mm is specified.

Step 2: Choice of maximum size of aggregate

- The maximum size of aggregate of 30mm is specified.

Step 3: Estimate of water content and air content

- From Table 3.8 of ACI 211.1-81 for a slump of 60mm and a max. size of aggregate of
30mm, water requirement is approximately 176.3 kg/ m3. Take 176 kg/ m3
Step 4: Selection of water/ cement ratio
From Table 3.1 of ACI 211.1-81 a water/ cement ratio of 0.445 in concrete with a compressive
strength of 38.5 Mpa(fcr=fc+8.5=30+8.5=38.5, from ACI table 15.3).

Step 5: Calculation of cement content

 Cement content = water content ÷ water/ cement ratio

 Therefore, Cement content = 176÷ 0.445 = 396 kg/ m3
 Since this value is greater than the minimum cement content which is 300, we take
396 kg/ m3

Step 6: Estimate of coarse aggregate content

 Taking fineness modulus = 2.70 and max. aggregate size of 30mm, Table 3.11 of ACI
211.1-81 gives 0.693(uisg interpolation) for the bulk volume of oven- dry rodded coarse
aggregate. Given that the bulk density of the coarse aggregate is 1850 kg/ m3 , the mass
of coarse aggregate is:

0.693 × 1850 = 1282. kg/ m3

Step 7: Estimate of fine aggregate content

 To calculate the mass of fine aggregate, we need first to calculate the volume of all the other
ingridients. The required values are as follows:

 Volume of water is 176/ 1000 = 0.176 m3

 Solid volume of cement, assuming usual specific gravity of 3.15, is
396 ÷ (3.15 × 1000) = 0.126 m3
 Solid volume of coarse aggregate is 1282 ÷ (2.70 × 1000) = 0.475 m3
 Volume of air contained, given, is 2.5% ----- 0.025 m3

So, total volume of all ingridients except fine aggregate = 0.176 + 0.126 + 0.475 + 0.025 = 0.802 m3
 Then, the required volume of fine aggregate is 1.000 – 0.802 = 0.198 m3
Hence, the mass of fine aggregate is = 0.198 × 2.7 × 1000 = 534.6 kg/ m3

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

From the various steps, we can list the estimated mass of each of the ingridients in kg/ m 3 of
concrete as follows:

 Water ------------------ 176 kg/ m3

 Cement ---------------- 396 kg/ m3
 Coarse aggregate ----- 1282 kg/ m3
 Fine aggregate -------- 534.6 kg/ m3

Therefore, the density of concrete is 2388.6 kg/ m3

Assuming that the aggregates are used in a saturated surface dry condition, the quantities for a 50litre
(0.05 m3) trial mix are therefore:

Cement -------------------------- 19.80 kg

Water ---------------------------- 8.80 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 26.73 kg (SSD)
Coerse aggregate --------------- 64.10 kg (SSD)

Qn#4.

For both methods of DOE and ACI the result will be the same as that of question 1 and question 3
respectively; because the specified restrictions though specified on those questions, they imposed no
influence on the selected values of both the minimum cement content and maximum free water/ cement
ratio so far. Hence, there will be no change, eventhough the restrictions are being omitted.

Qn#5.

Repeating question 2(1) using the ACI mix design method assuming the following:

Fineness modulus = 2.75

Air content = 3%
SG of coarse and fine aggregates = 2.65
Bulk density of aggregate = 1800 kg/ m3
Strength development of SRPC ~= OPC

Solution

Step 1: Choice of slump

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

- A slump of 60mm is specified.

Step 2: Choice of maximum size of aggregate

- The maximum size of aggregate of 30mm is specified.

Step 3: Estimate of water content and air content

- From Table 3.8 of ACI 211.1-81 for a slump of 60mm and a max. size of aggregate of 30
mm, the water requirement is approximately 176.3 kg/ m3. Use 176 kg
Step 4: Selection of water/ cement ratio

- From Table 3.1 of ACI 211.1-81 a water/ cement ratio of 0.57 in concrete with a
compressive strength of 28.49Mpa.(fcr= fc + 2.33s-3.5=25+2.33*3-3.5=28.49 Mpa from ACI (15.11a))

Step 5: Calculation of cement content

 Cement content = water content ÷ water/ cement ratio
 Therefore, Cement content = 176 ÷ 0.57 = 309 kg/ m3
 Since this value is greater than the minimum cement content which is 270, we take
309 kg/ m3

Step 6: Estimate of coarse aggregate content

 Taking fineness modulus = 2.75 and max. aggregate size of 30mm, Table 3.11 of ACI
211.1-81 gives 0.688 (uisg interpolation) for the bulk volume of oven- dry rodded coarse
aggregate. Given that the bulk density of the coarse aggregate is 1800 kg/ m3 , the mass
of coarse aggregate is:

0.688 × 1800 = 1238.40 kg/ m3

Step 7: Estimate of fine aggregate content

 To calculate the mass of fine aggregate, we need first to calculate the volume of all the other
ingridients. The required values are as follows:
 Volume of water is 176/ 1000 = 0.176 m3
 Solid volume of cement, assuming usual specific gravity of 3.15, is
309 ÷ (3.15 × 1000) = 0.098 m3
 Solid volume of coarse aggregate is 1238.4 ÷ (2.65 × 1000) = 0.467 m3
 Volume of air contained, given is= 0.03 m3
So, total volume of all ingridients except fine aggregate = 0.176 + 0.098 + 0.467 + 0.03 = 0.771 m3
 Then, the required volume of fine aggregate is 1.000 – 0.771 = 0.229 m3
Hence, the mass of fine aggregate is = 0.229 × 2.65 × 1000 = 606.85 kg/ m3
From the above steps, we can list the estimated mass of each of the ingridients in kg/ m 3 of
concrete as follows:

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

 Water ------------------ 176 kg/ m3

 Cement ---------------- 309 kg/ m3
 Coarse aggregate ----- 1238.40 kg/ m3
 Fine aggregate -------- 606.85 kg/ m3

Therefore, the density of concrete is 2330.25 kg/ m3.

Assuming that the aggregates are used in a saturated surface dry condition, the quantities for a 50litre
(0.05 m3) trial mix are therefore:

Water ---------------------------- 8.80 kg

Cement -------------------------- 15.45 kg
Coarse aggregate --------------- 61.92 kg (SSD)
Fine aggregate ------------------ 30.34 kg (SSD)

To obtain the adjusted batch weights we consider the free moisture contents of the fine aggregate which
is 1.6% and the coarse aggregate for max. agg. size of 30mm, is 1.5%.

Then, the adjusted batch weights will be :

Cement -------------------------- 15.45 kg

Water -----------------------------8.8 kg ̶ ((30.34 * 0.016) + (61.92 * 0.015)) = 7.39 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 30.34 kg + (30.34* 0.016) = 30.82 kg
Coarse aggregate --------------- 61.92 kg + (61.92* 0.015) = 62.85 kg

Qn#6.

Repeating question 2(1) using DOE and ACI methods assuming there are no restrictions on cement
content and w/c.

Solution
a) using ACI
`
For method of ACI the results will be the same as that of question 5 because the specified restrictions of
both [minimum cement content of 270 kg/ m3 and maximum free water/ cement ratio of 0.65 ] though
specified on that question, it has imposed no influence on the selected values of both the minimum
cement content and maximum free water/ cement ratio so far. Hence, there will be no change,
eventhough the restrictions are being omitted.
b) Using the DOE manual given, we follow the steps to fill the required information:

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

Step 1: Selection of target water/ cement ratio

M = k × s ------------- C1
fm = fc + M ----------- C2

 For an allowable failure rate of 3% we can get k = 1.90, by interpolation

 And the standard deviation is given as is, s = 3
 To obtain the margin we use C1, M = 1.90 × 3 =5.7=6 N/mm2
 To get the value of Target mean strength we use C2, fm = 25 + 6 = 31 N/mm2
 Next the value obtained from table 2 for the strength of a mix made with a free water/ cement
ratio of 0.5, with an age of 28 days, cement type of PPC=42.5, and a crushed aggregate type is
49. This strength value is then plotted on figure 4 and the corresponding value for the free water
cement ratio can be read as 0.67
 Step 2: Selection of free – water content

 To determine the free water content simply from Table 3, using type of agg. Which is crushed,
max. Size of agg. which is 30mm, and a slump of 60mm. By interpolation it is found to be 200
kg/ m3..
Step 3: Determination of cement content
 Cement content = free water content ÷ free water/ cement ratio ------------------- C3
 Using C3, Cement content = 200 ÷ 0.67 = 295.5 kg/ m3,
Step 4: Determination of total Aggregate content
 Using the free water content and relative density of combined aggregate the density of fully
compacted concrete can be estimated from figure 5 and the total aggregate content can be
determined from C4:
 Total aggregate content = D – Wc - WFw ---------------------------- C4,
 Hence, total agg. content = 2350 – 295.5 – 200 = 1844.5 kg/ m3

Step 5: Selection of fine and coarse aggregate contents

 From figure 6, the proportion of fine aggregate can be determined depending on the max. size of
aggregate, the workability level, the grading zone 2 of fine agg. and free water cement ratio.
By interpolation from figure 6 it is found to be 36.5%.
 Then we caculate C5 to determine the fine and coarse agg. contents.

 Fine agg. content = total agg. content × proportion of fines C5

 Coarse agg. content = total agg. content – fine agg. content

- Therefore, Fine agg. content = 1844.5 × 0.365 = 673.24 kg/ m3

- Coarse agg. content = 1844.5 – 673.24 = 1171.26 kg/ m3
Thus, the quantities of the constituent materials per m3 are:
Cement -------------------------- 295.5 kg
Water ---------------------------- 200 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 673.24 kg
Coarse aggregate --------------- 1171.26 kg

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

Assuming that the aggregates are used in a saturated surface dry condition, the quantities for a 50 litre
(0.05 m3) trial mix are therefore:
Cement -------------------------- 14.77 kg
Water ---------------------------- 10 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 33.66 kg (SSD)
Coarse aggregate --------------- 58.56 kg (SSD)
To obtain the adjusted batch weights we consider the free moisture contents of the fine which is 1.6%
and the coarse for max. agg. size of 30mm, is 1.5%.

Then, the adjusted batch weights will be :

Cement -------------------------- 14.77 kg

Water ----------------------------- 10 kg ̶ ((33.66 * 0.016) + (58.56 * 0.015)) = 8.58 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 33.66 kg + (33.66* 0.016) = 34.16 kg
Coarse aggregate --------------- 58.56 kg + (58.56* 0.015) = 59.44 kg

Qn#7.

Repeating question 2(3) using the ACI mix design method assuming the following:

Fineness modulus = 2.80

Air content = 3%
SG of coarse and fine aggregates = 2.70
Bulk density of aggregate = 1700 kg/ m3

Solution

Step 1: Choice of slump

- A slump of 60mm is specified.

Step 2: Choice of maximum size of aggregate

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

- The maximum size of aggregate of 20mm is specified.

Step 3: Estimate of water content and air content

- From Table 3.8 of ACI 211.1-81 for a slump of 60mm and a max. size of aggregate of 20mm, the
water requirement is approximately 188 kg/ m3 using interpolation
Step 4: Selection of water/ cement ratio

- From Table 3.1 of ACI 211.1-81 a water/ cement ratio of. 0.23 by extrapolation of concrete with a
compressive strength of 60Mpa.(fcr = 1.1fc+5 =1.1*50+5 = 60Mpa)
Step 5: Calculation of cement content
 Cement content = water content ÷ water/ cement ratio
 Therefore, Cement content = 188 ÷ 0.23 = 817.4 kg/ m3 since it is greater than the max
cement content, it is better to stop here or adjust it. if we adjust using the maximum value
of 450 kg/ m3
Then adjust the water /cement ratio 188 ÷450 =0.418 ≈0.42
Step 6: Estimate of coarse aggregate content

 Taking fineness modulus = 2.80 and max. aggregate size of 20mm, Table 3.11 of ACI
211.1-81 gives 0.62 for the bulk volume of oven- dry rodded coarse aggregate. Given that
the bulk density of the coarse aggregate is 1700 kg/ m3 , the mass of coarse aggregate is:

0.62 × 1700 = 1054 kg/ m3

Step 7: Estimate of fine aggregate content

 To calculate the mass of fine aggregate, we need first to calculate the volume of all the other
ingridients. The required values are as follows:

 Volume of water is 188/ 1000 = 0.188 m3

 Solid volume of cement, assuming usual specific gravity of 3.15, is
450 ÷ (3.15 × 1000) = 0.143 m3
 Solid volume of coarse aggregate is 1054 ÷ (2.7 × 1000) = 0.39 m3
 Volume of entraped air, is 3% ---------- 0.03 m3

So, total volume of all ingridients except fine aggregate = 0.188 + 0.143 + 0.39 + 0.03 = 0.751 m3
 Then, the required volume of fine aggregate is 1.000 – 0.751 = 0.249 m3
Hence, the mass of fine aggregate is = 0.249 × 2.70 × 1000 = 672.30 kg/ m3
From the above steps, we can list the estimated mass of each of the ingridients in kg/ m 3 of concrete as
follows:

 Water ------------------ 188 kg/ m3

 Cement ---------------- 450 kg/ m3
 Coarse aggregate ----- 1054 kg/ m3
 Fine aggregate -------- 672.30 kg/ m3

Assuming that the aggregates are used in a saturated surface dry condition, the quantities for a 50 litre
(0.05 m3) trial mix are therefore:
Cement -------------------------- 22.50 kg

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

Water ---------------------------- 9.40 kg

Fine aggregate ------------------ 33.62 kg (SSD)
Coarse aggregate --------------- 52.70kg (SSD)
To obtain the adjusted batch weights we consider the free moisture contents of the fine which is 2.2%
and the coarse for max. agg. size of 20mm, is 2.5%.

Then, the adjusted batch weights will be :

Cement -------------------------- 22.50 kg

Water ----------------------------- 9.40 kg ̶ ((33.62 * 0.022) + (52.70 * 0.025)) = 7.34 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------ 33.62 kg + (33.62* 0.022) = 34.36kg
Coarse aggregate --------------- 52.70 kg + (52.70* 0.025) = 54.02 kg

Qn#8.

[a]. Using the DOE method

Solution

Using table 1 of the DOE manual given, we follow the steps to fill the required information:

Step 1: Selection of target water/ cement ratio

M = k × s ------------- C1
fm = fc + M ----------- C2

 For an allowable failure rate of 5% we can get k = 1.64,

 And the standard deviation s is specified which is, s = 4
 To obtain the margin we use C1, M = 1.64 × 4 = 6.56 N/mm2
 To get the value of Target mean strength we use C2, fm = 40 + 6.56 = 46.56N/mm2
 With air content of 3% we modify the target mean strength as follows;

= [fc + M]/ [1- 0.055a]

= [46.56] / [1- 0.055 * 3]
= 45.76N/mm2

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

 Next the value obtained from table 2 for the strength of a mix made with a free water/ cement
ratio of 0.5, with an age of 28 days, cement type of OPC 42.5, and a crushed aggregate type is
49. This strength value is then plotted on figure 4 and the corresponding value for the free water
cement ratio can be read as 0.45 since no restriction we can directly take it

 Step 2: Selection of free – water content

 To determine the free water content simply from Table 3, using type of agg. Which is crushed,
max. Size of agg. which is 20mm, and a slump of 60mm. But since there is a use of different
type of aggregates we use the formula 2/3Wf + 1/3Wc
Wf = 180, Wc = 210
2/3(180) + 1/3(210) = 190 kg

Step 3: Determination of cement content

 Cement content = free water content ÷ free water/ cement ratio ------------------- C3
 Using C3, Cement content = 190 ÷ 0.45 = 422 kg/ m3

Step 4: Determination of total Aggregate content

 Using the free water content and relative density of combined aggregate the density of fully
compacted concrete can be estimated from figure 5 and the total aggregate content can be
determined from C4:
 Total aggregate content = D – C - W ---------------------------- C4,
 Where D = the wet density of concrete(kg/m3)
 C = the cement content(kg/m3)
 W = the free water content(kg/m3)

Relative density, where Ps=percentage of fine aggregate=35%

Pg= percentage of coarse aggregate=65%

To allow for the reduced density of air-entrainment concrete the wet-density for the non-air-entrained
concrete derived from Figure 5 is reduced by:

10 ×a×RDA=10*3*2.56=76.8 kg/m3

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

Concrete density, 2335-76.8=2,258.20 kg/m3

 Hence, total agg. content = 2258.20 – 422 – 190 = 1646.20 kg/ m3

Step 5: Selection of fine and coarse aggregate contents

 From figure 6, the proportion of fine aggregate can be determined depending on the max. size of
aggregate, the workability level, the grading zone of fine agg. and free water cement ratio.
From figure 6 it is found out to be 29%.
 Then we caculate C5 to determine the fine and coarse agg. contents.

 Fine agg. content = total agg. content × proportion of fines C5

 Coarse agg. content = total agg. content – fine agg. content

- Therefore, Fine agg. content = 1646.20 × 0.29 = 477.40 kg/ m3

- Coarse agg. content = 1646.20 – 477.40 = 1168.80 kg/ m3

Thus, the quantities of the constituent materials per m3 are:

Cement -------------------------- 422 kg

Water ----------------------------190 kg
Fine aggregate ------------------477.40 kg
Coerse aggregate ---------------1168.80 kg

Let’s use 1:2 ratios of 10mm and 20mm of coarse aggregate

It gives 389.60 kg of 10mm coarse aggregate and 779.20 kg of 20mm coarse aggregate

Finally assuming that the aggregates are at SSD condition and the quantities for the trial mix of 0.05m3
becomes:

Cement ---------------------------21.10 kg
Water -----------------------------9.50 kg
Fine aggregate -------------------23.87 kg
Total Coarse aggregate -----------58.44 kg
10mm coarse aggregate-------- 19.48 kg
20mm coarse aggregate-------- 38.96 kg

[b].Using the ACI method

Using ACI Method Water-Cement Ratio

The specified compressive strength is 40MPa

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

The standard deviation = 4MPa

The required average compressive strength can be calculated using the following formulas
f′cr = 0.9 f′c + 2.33xS for f′c > 35MPa from ACI 211.1[ 15.12]

f′cr = 0.9 f′c + 2.33xS = 0.9 x 40 +2.33x4 = 45.32 MPa

Therefore take: f′cr =45.32 = 46MPa
Solving for compressive strength, we get about 46MPa. Therefore, using table which shows the
relationship between water-cement ratio and compressive strength of concrete and check the maximum
permissible water-cement ratio, water cement ratio is being determined to be 0.32 from ACI 211.1-81
Table 3-1.(by extrapolation)
Cement Content
Based on the previous mixing water content and water-cement ratio, cement content is calculated to
be:

Cement Content = Water Content = 188/.32 = 587 kg/m3

Water-cement ratio
Volume of cement content = Cement Content = 587 = 0.186m3/m3
SG of cement x 1000 3.15 x 1000
Coarse Aggregate Content
Using the coarse aggregate content from ACI211.1-81 table 3-11, with the given nominal maximum
aggregate size of 20 and the given fine aggregate fineness modulus of 2.8, the Volume of dry-rodded
coarse aggregate per unit volume of concrete is 0.62.
This means that the coarse aggregate should occupy 62 percent of the total volume.
Given the Rodded bulk density of aggregate 1600 kg/m3
Weight of coarse aggregate = 0.62 x 1600 kg/m3 = 992 kg/m3
Now, the recommended volume of coarse aggregate in one cubic meter is:
Volume of CA = 992 __ = 992__ = 0.38 m3/m3
SG x 1000 2.6 x 1000

Fine Aggregate Content

The fine aggregate content can be found by subtracting the other constituent volumes from the unit
volume:

Volume of mixing water = 0.188 m3

Volume of air = 0.03 m3
Volume of cement = 0.186m3
Volume of coarse aggregate = 0.380 m3
Volume of fine aggregate = 1-(0.188+0.03+0.186+0.38)=0.216 m3

Therefore, the weight of fine aggregate per unit volume is:

Weight of fine aggregate = 0.216 m3x 1000 kg/m3 x 2.5 = 540 kg

19
 Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

Summary
The trial batch amounts per unit volume (1 m3) are:

Mixing water =188kg

Portland cement =587kg
Coarse aggregate =992kg
Fine aggregate =540kg

The quantities for 0.05m3 trial mix are:

Cement= 29.35 Kg
Water= 9.4 Kg
Fine aggregate= 27 Kg
Coarse aggregate= 49.60 Kg

Qn#9.

Comments and suggestions

 The specification is not sufficient since it lacks major information that has to be specified for
design of the mix.
 In 9.1 Since the strength class of cement is not mentioned and the size of the box is not stated
and even if the cement content mentioned but it doesn’t tell whether it is minimum or
maximum, and there is no information on maximum water/ cement ratio, maximum size of
aggregate that should be used, type of aggregate(crushed or uncrushed), appropriate slump,
minimum density that should be achieved, method of mixing etc.

 In 9.2 it also lacks major components that should be explained such as number of coating ,
water-cement ratio, box size, type of sand ( crushed or un crushed), type and amount of water
proofing compound, method of mixing, finishing type.

 In 9.3 it lacks also major components which are mentioned below

As much as possible It shall include major components such as; ingredients proportion, box size,
cement type, maximum size of aggregate, slump, maximum water/ cement ratio, maximum
cement content, type of aggregate(crushed or uncrushed), type of additives shall be used for
better performance, uneconomical( since 100mm thick lean is not recommended unless the soil
condition is specified), methods for placing and finishing requirements etc.

19
Bahir Dar University Institute Of Technology

19