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Concrete Blocks FM

The fineness modulus (FM) method is used in concrete mix design to optimize the proportions of fine and coarse aggregates for concrete masonry blocks (CMUs), ensuring workability, strength, and durability. The process involves determining the FM of aggregates, selecting a target FM, proportioning aggregates, and conducting trial mixes and testing. Adjustments are made based on material properties and desired block characteristics, with specific guidelines provided for different block types and strength requirements.

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Victor Thobias
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5 views7 pages

Concrete Blocks FM

The fineness modulus (FM) method is used in concrete mix design to optimize the proportions of fine and coarse aggregates for concrete masonry blocks (CMUs), ensuring workability, strength, and durability. The process involves determining the FM of aggregates, selecting a target FM, proportioning aggregates, and conducting trial mixes and testing. Adjustments are made based on material properties and desired block characteristics, with specific guidelines provided for different block types and strength requirements.

Uploaded by

Victor Thobias
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The fineness modulus (FM) method is a technique used in concrete mix

design to estimate the proportion of fine and coarse aggregates. While it is


more commonly applied to conventional concrete, it can also be adapted
for concrete masonry blocks (CMUs) to achieve optimal workability,
strength, and durability.

Steps for Designing Concrete Masonry Blocks Using Fineness


Modulus Method

1. Determine Fineness Modulus (FM) of Aggregates

The fineness modulus is a numerical index of the fineness or coarseness of


aggregates. It is calculated by performing a sieve analysis (as per ASTM
C136) and summing the cumulative percentages retained on standard
sieves (150µm, 300µm, 600µm, 1.18mm, 2.36mm, 4.75mm, 9.5mm, etc.),
then dividing by 100.

FM=Sum of Cumulative % Retained on Standard Sieves100FM=100Sum of Cu


mulative % Retained on Standard Sieves
 Fine Aggregate (Sand) FM: Typically 2.2–3.2 (finer sand has lower FM).
 Coarse Aggregate (Crushed Stone) FM: Typically 6.0–8.0 (coarser
aggregates have higher FM).

2. Select Target Fineness Modulus for Masonry Mix

For concrete masonry blocks, a balanced FM ensures good workability and


compaction. A combined FM of 4.0–5.0 is generally suitable for CMUs.

FMcombined=(FMfine×%fine)+(FMcoarse×%coarse)100FMcombined
=100(FMfine×%fine)+(FMcoarse×%coarse)

3. Proportioning of Aggregates

 Fine Aggregate (Sand): 50–70% (ensures filling voids and workability).


 Coarse Aggregate (6mm–10mm): 30–50% (provides strength and reduces
shrinkage).
 Cement Content: 10–15% by volume (varies based on strength
requirements).

4. Mix Design Example

Assume:

 Fine Aggregate FM = 2.8


 Coarse Aggregate FM = 6.5
 Target Combined FM = 4.5

Using the formula:

4.5=(2.8×%fine)+(6.5×%coarse)1004.5=100(2.8×%fine)+(6.5×%coarse)

Let’s assume 60% fine aggregate and 40% coarse aggregate:

4.5=(2.8×60)+(6.5×40)100=168+260100=4.28(Adjust proportions if needed)4.5


=100(2.8×60)+(6.5×40)=100168+260=4.28(Adjust proportions if needed)

5. Adjustments for Workability & Strength

 If mix is too harsh (high FM): Increase fine aggregate or use admixtures.
 If mix is too sticky (low FM): Increase coarse aggregate or reduce sand
content.
 Water-Cement Ratio (w/c): 0.45–0.60 (for proper hydration and
compaction).

6. Trial Mix & Testing

 Cast trial blocks and test for:

o Compressive strength (as per ASTM C140).


o Density (normal weight: 1900–2200 kg/m³, lightweight: <1700 kg/m³).
o Water absorption (should be <10% for durability).

Conclusion

The fineness modulus method helps in optimizing aggregate proportions


for concrete masonry blocks, ensuring good workability, strength, and
durability. Adjustments may be needed based on material properties and
block manufacturing conditions.

Detailed Concrete Masonry Block (CMU) Mix Design Using


Fineness Modulus Method

This design provides specific material quantities for producing


standard hollow or solid concrete blocks (typically 1500–2200 kg/m³
density) with a target compressive strength of 7–15 MPa (1000–2200
psi).

1. Material Properties & Assumptions


Aggregates

Fine Aggregate
Property Coarse Aggregate (6–10mm)
(Sand)

Fineness Modulus (FM) 2.8 6.5

Specific Gravity 2.6 2.7

Water Absorption 1.5% 0.8%

Cement

 Type: OPC 43 or 53 Grade


 Specific Gravity: 3.15
 Target w/c Ratio: 0.50 (adjust based on workability)

Target Combined FM for CMU: 4.5

2. Mix Proportioning (By Weight)


Step 1: Determine Aggregate Ratio Using FM

We need a combined FM of 4.5 using:

FMcombined=(FMfine×%fine)+(FMcoarse×%coarse)100FMcombined
=100(FMfine×%fine)+(FMcoarse×%coarse)

Assume 60% fine aggregate and 40% coarse aggregate:

4.5=(2.8×60)+(6.5×40)100=168+260100=4.28(Close to target)4.5=100(2.8×60)
+(6.5×40)=100168+260=4.28(Close to target)

If needed, adjust to 55% fine & 45% coarse:

FM=(2.8×55)+(6.5×45)100=4.46(Acceptable)FM=100(2.8×55)+(6.5×45)
=4.46(Acceptable)

Step 2: Cement Content Selection

For medium-strength blocks (10 MPa), use 10–12% cement by weight


of total mix.
Assume 12% cement (higher for better strength).

Step 3: Mix Quantities (Per 1 m³ of Concrete)

Volume
Material Weight (kg/m³)
(m³)

Cement (OPC 43) 300 kg 0.095


Volume
Material Weight (kg/m³)
(m³)

55% of 1900 kg = 1045


Fine Aggregate 0.402
kg

Coarse Aggregate 45% of 1900 kg = 855 kg 0.317

Water (w/c=0.5) 150 kg (0.5 × 300) 0.150

Total ~2350 kg/m³ (Dense mix) 1.0 m³

*(Note: Adjust water for workability; typical slump for blocks = 0–25 mm.)*

3. Adjustments for Different Block Types


A. Hollow Blocks (Lower Density, ~1800 kg/m³)

 Reduce coarse aggregate (30–40%)


 Increase sand (60–70%)
 Cement: 250–280 kg/m³
 Possible addition of fly ash (20% cement replacement)

B. Solid Blocks (Higher Strength, ~2200 kg/m³)

 Increase coarse aggregate (50%)


 Cement: 320–350 kg/m³
 Lower w/c (0.45–0.50)

4. Trial Mix & Testing


A. Workability Check
 Slump Test: 0–25 mm (very stiff, suitable for vibro-compaction).
 Compactibility: Should hold shape when molded.

B. Strength & Durability Tests

Test Standard Expected Value

Compressive
ASTM C140 7–15 MPa at 28 days
Strength

<10% (ideally 5–
Water Absorption ASTM C140
8%)

Density ASTM C140 1800–2200 kg/m³

C. Adjustments if Needed

 If too weak: Increase cement (by 10%) or reduce w/c.


 If too porous: Increase fine aggregate or use plasticizers.
 If cracking occurs: Reduce shrinkage by optimizing FM (4.3–4.7).

5. Example Batch for 100 Blocks (Approx. 1 m³)


Assume block size: 400×200×200 mm, 100 blocks ≈ 1.6 m³ (adjust as
needed).

Material Quantity (kg)

Cement 480 kg (12 bags)

Sand (FM 2.8) 1672 kg

Crushed Stone (6–10mm) 1368 kg

Water 240 liters (adjust for absorption)


(Note: Actual yield depends on block voids & compaction.)

Conclusion
This fineness modulus-based mix design ensures optimal strength,
workability, and durability for concrete masonry blocks. Key takeaways:

1. Combined FM of 4.3–4.7 gives good workability.


2. Cement: 250–350 kg/m³ depending on strength needs.
3. Adjust sand/coarse ratio (50–70% sand) for density.
4. Test trial batches before full production.

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