TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

KHWOPA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

An undertaking of Bhaktapur Municipality
Libali-8, Bhaktapur

A
Report on: Concrete Technology and Masonry Structures
Practical No.: 09
Title: Mix Design of Concrete

Submitted By: Submitted To:

Name: IJan Shrestha Department of Civil Engineering
Roll No.: KCE077BCE024 Khwopa College of Engineering
Group A Libali-8, Bhaktapur

Date of Submission: 2080/04/19

 MIX DESIGN OF CONCRETE

OBJECTIVES:
I. To determine the compressive strength of M25 cube prepared in accordance to ACI.
II. To get the idea about the design mix process and other criteria.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:
i. Cement (as per IS specifications)
ii. Fine aggregate (sand)
iii. Coarse aggregate (graded crushed stone)
iv. Water

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
i. Weighing machine
ii. IS sieve
iii. Moulds
iv. Compression testing machine.
v. Tamping Rod

THEORY:
Concrete is a brittle material. The basic method of verifying that concrete compiles with the
specification is to test its strength using cubes or cylinders made from the samples of freshly
prepared concrete. Testing of hardened concrete plays a very important role in controlling and
confirming the quality of the cement concrete works. The purpose of testing hardened concrete is
to confirm that the concrete used at site has developed the required strength.
Concrete Mixing:
Concrete mixing is the process of combining cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and water
to produce a homogeneous mixture. Proper mixing is crucial to ensure uniform distribution of
materials and achieve the desired workability and strength of the concrete. Mixing can be done
manually or by using mechanical mixers.
Types of Mixes:
i. Nominal Mix:
Nominal mix is a simple proportioning method where the mix proportions are specified
using approximate values without detailed calculations. It is typically used for non-
structural elements or low-strength concrete. For example, a common nominal mix is 1:2:4,
which means 1 part cement, 2 parts fine aggregate, and 4 parts coarse aggregate by volume.
ii. Standard Mix:

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 Standard mix refers to a concrete mix with predefined proportions specified by codes or
standards. These proportions are designed to achieve a certain grade of concrete with
desired strength and durability. The standard mix is commonly used for general
construction purposes. For example, a standard mix for Grade 25 concrete may have a
proportion of 1:1:2 (cement: fine aggregate: coarse aggregate) by volume.
iii. Design Mix:
Design mix involves a detailed mix design process based on specific requirements and
properties of concrete. It considers factors such as target strength, workability, durability,
and availability of materials. The mix proportions are determined through laboratory tests
or calculations. Design mix is used when precise control over concrete properties is needed,
especially for structural elements or specialized applications.
Design Mix according to ACI:
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) design mix method is a widely used approach for
proportioning concrete mixes based on desired strength and performance criteria. The mix design
process involves selecting the appropriate w/c ratio, cement content, and aggregate proportions to
achieve the target compressive strength. The method takes into account various factors that
influence concrete properties, ensuring that the resulting mix is optimized for the intended
application.
The ACI method allows for adjustments to the mix proportions to meet specific requirements of
certain applications, such as high-strength concrete, lightweight concrete, or concrete exposed to
aggressive chemicals or marine environments.
By following the ACI method, engineers and concrete technologists can design concrete mixes
that are tailored to meet the specific project requirements while ensuring a balance between
strength, durability, workability, and cost-effectiveness. The method's flexibility and widespread
use make it a valuable tool in the construction industry.
In the case of design mix, the concrete mix proportions are not based on nominal ratios like those
used in nominal mixes (e.g., 1:2:4, 1:3:6, etc.). Instead, the design mix involves a more systematic
and scientific approach to proportioning the concrete mix to achieve the desired properties,
strength, and performance.
In a design mix, the engineer or concrete technologist uses various factors and parameters to
determine the exact proportions of cement, aggregates, water, and any other additives or
admixtures. These factors may include:
1. Target Compressive Strength: The required compressive strength of the concrete is
specified based on the project's structural requirements and load-carrying capacity.
2. Water-Cement Ratio (W/C): The W/C ratio is a critical factor that influences the strength
and durability of concrete. It is selected based on the desired compressive strength and the
environmental conditions the concrete will be exposed to.

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 3. Properties of Cement: The specific properties of the cement being used, such as the type,
grade, and fineness, are considered in the mix design process.
4. Properties of Aggregates: The characteristics of the aggregates, including grading, size,
shape, and specific gravity, are taken into account to ensure optimal packing and strength
development.
5. Workability Requirements: The desired workability of the concrete, which influences its
ease of placement and compaction, is considered in the mix design.
6. Durability Requirements: If the concrete will be exposed to aggressive environments,
additional considerations are made to enhance its durability and resistance to chemical
attacks.
7. Special Additives or Admixtures: Depending on the project's requirements, certain
additives or admixtures may be incorporated to improve specific properties of the concrete,
such as air entrainment, reducing shrinkage, or enhancing early strength development.
The mix design process involves performing calculations and conducting trial batches to find the
right combination of materials and proportions to achieve the desired properties for the specific
application.
It is important to note that the mix proportions in design mix are expressed in terms of weight, not
volume, and the quantities are based on the specific characteristics and requirements of the project.
The design mix approach ensures that the resulting concrete meets the necessary strength and
performance criteria, making it more suitable for critical or specialized construction projects.
Curing:
Curing is the process of providing favorable conditions to promote hydration and proper hardening
of concrete. It helps in achieving the desired strength and durability. After casting, the specimens
(cubes) are immediately covered with a plastic sheet or damp hessian cloth to prevent moisture
loss. This initial curing period is typically 24 hours at a controlled temperature of 27±2°C.
Afterward, the cubes are demolded and submerged in water-filled curing tanks at the same
temperature until the time of testing (usually 7 or 28 days).

PROCEDURE:
1. The quantities of cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and water required to achieve
the desired mix proportions were calculated.
2. Moulds of size 150 mm  150 mm  150 mm were collected and their inner surfaces were
cleaned and lightly oiled.
3. The predetermined quantities of cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and water were
added into the mixer and the ingredients were mixed until a homogeneous concrete mix
was obtained.
4. The molds were filled with the freshly mixed concrete in three different layers whilst
compacting it properly using a tamping rod.
5. The top surface of the molds was leveled and finished smoothly.

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 6. The specimens were kept undisturbed for 24 hours at normal room temperature and after
24 hours the cubes were demolded.
7. Seven days after casting the cubes, compression test was carried out.
8. Each cube was placed on the compression testing machine, ensuring the load-bearing
surfaces were aligned.
9. A gradually increasing compressive load was applied at a specified rate until the cube
failed, and the maximum load at failure was recorded.
10. The compressive strength of each cube was calculated by dividing the maximum load at
failure by the cross-sectional area of the cube.
.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

Design Procedure:
Step 1:
Target Mean Strength (fm) = fck + 1.65 = 31.6 MPa
Where,
 = Standard Deviation for M25 grade = 4
Step 2:
W/C ratio:
For non-air entrapped concrete,
(W/C)1 = 0.527
From durability consideration,
(W/C)2 = 0.5
∴(W/C) ratio = 0.5
Step 3:
Maximum size of aggregate = 20mm
Step 4:
Workability = 50mm
Step 5:
Water Content:
For non-air entraining concrete,
Ww = 185 kg/m3

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Entrapped air = 2%
Step 6:
𝑊𝑤
Cement Content (Wc) = = 370 kg/m3
𝑊/𝐶

Step 7:
For size 20mm and fineness modulus 2.80,
Dry rodded density of coarse aggregate = 1600 kg/m3
C.A = 0.621600 = 992 kg/m3
Step 8:
For C.A 20mm size and non-air entrained,
F.A = 2355 kg/m3–Ww–Wc–C.A = 808.294 kg/m3
C:F.A:C.A

Weight of concrete mix = (0.15)325102 = 8.8375 kg

Here,
C:FA:CA:W w = 370:808.294:992:185 = 1:2.184:2.68:0.5
Let the weight of cement be x
∴ x+2.184x+2.68x+0.5x = 8.835 kg
∴ Weight of cement = 1.507 kg

∴ Weight of fine aggregate = 1.5072.184 = 3.291 kg

∴ Weight of coarse aggregate = 1.5072.68 = 4.038 kg

For 3 cubes considering 10% loss,
Wc = (31.507)1.1 = 4.973 kg
Weight of fine aggregates = (33.291)1.1 = 10.860 kg

Weight of coarse aggregates = (34.038)1.1 = 13.325 kg

Ww = 0.54.973 = 2.486 liters

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 Table 1 Compressive Strength of Cube

S.N Blocks Length (mm) Breadth (mm) Area (mm2) Ultimate load Compressive
applied (kN) Strength (MPa)
1 A 151 153 23103 350 15.150
2 B 150 151 22650 320 14.128
3 C 150 152 22800 320 14.035

Sample Calculation:
For Block A,
𝑈𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 350
Compressive Strength = = 1000 = 15.150 MPa
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 23103
15.150+14.128+14.035
Mean Compressive Strength = = 14.437 MPa
3

RESULT:
Hence from the conducted experiment, the mean compressive strength of the concrete cubes after
curing for seven days was found to be 14.437 MPa.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

During this experiment, we designed three concrete cubes of grade M25, adhering to ACI
(American Concrete Institute) standards. The primary objective was to assess the compressive
strength of the concrete after a 7-day curing period.
The mean compressive strength determined from the tests was 14.437 MPa. This value indicates
that the concrete has experienced some strength development during the 7-day curing phase.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the target compressive strength for M25 grade concrete,
as per ACI standards, is typically higher, usually around 25 MPa after 28 days of curing.
The observed compressive strength of 14.437 MPa falls significantly below the target strength,
signifying that the concrete is still in its early stages of strength development. Concrete often
continues to gain strength beyond the initial 7 days, and a more extended curing duration, like 28
days, is often necessary to attain the desired compressive strength.
Multiple factors may be contributing to the lower-than-expected strength. These factors encompass
the water-cement ratio, cement content, aggregate quality, curing conditions, and concrete mixing
practices. Analyzing these variables is crucial in identifying potential reasons for the observed
strength outcome.
To improve the concrete's strength and ensure compliance with ACI standards, the following
actions are recommended:

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 1. Extended Curing: Continuing the curing process beyond 7 days, preferably up to 28 days,
can lead to increased strength development and bring the concrete closer to the target
compressive strength of 25 MPa.
2. Mix Optimization: Reevaluating the concrete mix design, including the water-cement
In conclusion, the experiment indicates that the M25 grade concrete cubes, designed according to
ACI standards, have shown some early-age strength development after 7 days of curing. However,
the mean compressive strength of 14.437 MPa falls significantly below the target strength of 25
MPa for M25 grade concrete.

PRECAUTIONS:
1. The recommended mixing procedures should be followed to ensure proper dispersion of
materials and uniformity in the concrete mix.
2. Molds should be oiled properly.
3. Cubes must be removed after 24 hours of casting.
4. While testing, the cube must be tested perpendicular to cube casting.

REFERENCES:
 Concrete Technology: Theory and Practice – M.S Shetty
 https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/aci-method-concrete-mix-design/7196/
 https://www.civilengineeringforum.me/concrete-mix-design-by-
aci/#:~:text=by%20trial%20mixtures.-
,Basis%20of%20ACI%20Concrete%20Mix%20Design,the%20concrete%20mix%20is%2
01.

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PICTURES OF CUBE AT FAILURE:

Figure I Cube A at Failure Figure I Cube B at Failure

Figure II Cube C at Failure