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Point of View

A technical look at ‘Individual test result’ criterion for


concrete acceptance as per IS 456:2000

N.P. Rajamane, M.C. Nataraja and T.P. Ganesan

The provisions of IS 456:2000 help practical engineers test results. 5 The concrete strength is considered
to decide the acceptance of concrete based on the test mathematically as a ‘random variable’ for the Normal
data of four samples, using the principles of statistics Distribution Curve and plotted as abscissa (x-axis) on
considering the compressive strength as a ‘random this curve.1 The task now, as taken up in this paper, is to
determine whether the quality of concrete is acceptable
variable’ representable by ‘Normal Distribution Curve’.
based on the given set of four test results, using the
This technical note is prepared to understand the use of acceptance criteria recommended in IS 456:2000.6 The
the Codal provisions to decide whether the given test statistical rationale behind the codal provisions on
data on samples is indicative of acceptable concrete using acceptability criteria are examined briefly here.
the criterion related to ‘Individual Test Result’. A quick
mathematical analysis suggests that the probability of The present paper examines the ‘individual test
occurrence of strength lower than that corresponding to result’ (ITR) of a sample against the requirement of
‘Individual Test Result’ criterion is not uniform for same corresponding grade of concrete. Accordingly five sets
grade of concrete with different standard deviations. This of test data (each set consisting of four test results of
is in contrast to the characteristic strength, fck , where samples) were checked against a single concrete, M30
grade with standard deviation (SD) of 5 MPa.
the probability of occurrence of strength lower than that
corresponding to fck is always 5% (or 1 in 20) and this The codal stipulations was interpreted to mean that if
value is independent of standard deviation. any one of the criteria given is not satisfied, then, the
concrete representing the samples was deemed to be
Heterogeneity of cement concrete invariably causes not acceptable. Notably for each grade of concrete, there
recording of different strengths in samples collected is a possibility of more values of SD due to different
from any given concrete.1,2 This means that a statistical levels of control in the production of concrete, yet, one
test on strengths is required.3,4 This is done usually value representing the characteristic strength is used for
by assuming a ‘normal distribution’ (ND) and the structural design purposes.
parameters to describe this curve, namely, average
strength (‘population’ mean) and standard deviation So the subject matter of this paper is statistical in nature
(SD) are obtained from a very large number of the than technical, since many items such as the actual

26 The Indian Concrete Journal APRIL 2012


Point of View

Table 1a. Failure rate for ‘Individual test result’ process of mix design, concreting conditions, sampling
criterion before Amendment No. 3 to IS 456:2000 procedure, testing conditions etc are not covered in the
SD ITRf1 z AFL %AFL Failure Rate = 1/ AFL discussions. The main purpose of the paper is to present
2 4 -3.65 0.00013 0.013 7627 sets of test sample data and use them to describe and
2.5 4 -3.25 0.00058 0.058 1733 discuss the BIS Code provision on Individual Test Result
3 4 -2.98 0.00143 0.143 701 (ITR) criterion. It was the experience of the authors that
3.5 4 -2.79 0.00261 0.261 383 many engineers feel that the statistical nature of concrete
4 4 -2.65 0.00402 0.402 248 and the provisions of IS 456 need to be discussed
4.5 4 -2.54 0.00556 0.556 180 explicitly so that the interpretation of test data on site
5 4 -2.45 0.00714 0.714 140 becomes more rational and scientific.
5.5 4 -2.38 0.00872 0.872 115
6 4 -2.32 0.01026 1.026 97
6.5 4 -2.27 0.01174 1.174 85 Problem statement
7 4 -2.22 0.01316 1.316 76 The average 28 day compressive strength obtained from
7.5 4 -2.18 0.01451 1.451 69 tests on 3 numbers of 150 mm cube specimens is given
8 4 -2.15 0.01578 1.578 63 under each test data set under the heading 'Typical test
data sets'. One may note that to accept the one data point
Table 1b .Failure rate for ‘Individual test result’ from tests on 3 numbers of 150 mm cube specimens, the
criterion after Amendment No. 3 to IS 456:2000 clause 15.4 of IS 456:2000 should be satisfied. It states
SD ITRf2 z AFL %AFL Failure rate = 1/ AFL that:
2 3 -3.15 0.00082 0.082 1225
2.5 3 -2.85 0.00219 0.219 457 “The test results of the sample shall be the average of
3 3 -2.65 0.00402 0.402 248 the strength of three specimens. The individual variation
3.5 3 -2.51 0.00609 0.609 164
should not be more than ±15 percent of the average. If
4 3 -2.40 0.0082 0.820 122
more, the test results of the sample are invalid.”
4.5 3 -2.32 0.01026 1.026 97
5 3 -2.25 0.01222 1.222 82
It is assumed that each of the test result in the data given
5.5 3 -2.20 0.01407 1.407 71
under paragraph 'Typical test data sets' given below is
6 3 -2.15 0.01578 1.578 63
recorded after satisfying the above mentioned Clause 15.2 of
6.5 3 -2.11 0.01736 1.736 58
7 3 -2.08 0.01883 1.883 53
IS 456:2000.
7.5 3 -2.05 0.02018 2.018 50
8 3 -2.03 0.02143 2.143 47 Typical test data sets
The following test data sets were obtained from the
ITRf1 = Factor in ‘ITR’ criterion of IS 456:2000 before Amendment
No 3=4 MPa since ITR criterion for acceptability was fck-4 MPa for
field (Figure 1):
grade M20 and above
ITRf2 = Factor in ‘ITR’ criterion of IS 456:2000 after Amendment No Test data set A
3=3 MPa since ITR criterion for acceptability was fck-3 MPa for Grade
M15, Grade M20 and above (i) 35, (ii) 33, (iii) 33, (iv) 34 MPa
SD = Standard Deviation, MPa;
z = X-coordinate of ‘standard normal distribution’ curve
= ( x – μ ) / σ = ( fc – fm ) / SD = ( ( fck –ITRf ) – fm ) / SD where fm
Test data set B
= fck + 1.65 * SD (i) 35, (ii) 27, (iii) 40, (iv) 34 MPa
AFL = Fraction of the area to the left of fc considering the total area
under curve as 1
%AFL = %age of the area to the left of fc considering the total area Test data set C
under curve as 100 (i) 35, (ii) 25, (iii) 41, (iv) 34 MPa
= Percentage of specimens with value less than fc
Failure Rate = For each one of the specimens having strength less than
fc, the possible number of specimens having strength more than fc Test data set D
Higher numerical value in last column under ‘Failure Rate = 1/ AFL’
in above table’ means stricter quality control , but lower possibility (i) 38, (ii) 26, (iii) 27, (iv) 44 MPa
of actual occurrence on site or higher difficulty achieving this in
practice. Test data set E
It may be noted here that it is not always possibility, beyond a limit,
to suggest specific steps for improvement in quality control measures (i) 38, (ii) 28, (iii) 29, (iv) 44 MPa
to get the change of ‘Failure Rate’ from lower value to higher value,
in case of concrete production.

APRIL 2012 The Indian Concrete Journal 27


Point of View

Concrete properties
for examining the test
samples
The above test samples are
to be examined against the
following concrete:
• Grade of concrete = M30
• Standard deviation of 28
day compressive strengths
of concrete = 5 MPa.
• Target mean compressive
strengths of concrete at
28 day
= fm
= fck + 1.65 * SD
= 30 + 1.65 * 5 = 38.25
MPa
= Population mean above grades. Thus, for concretes of M15,
strength of the concrete mix M20 and above grades, the value of each test result of the
= µ test samples should satisfy the following condition:
Now, the task is to decide whether the given data of four fcindividual ≥ fck – 3
consecutive test results, in each of data sets given under
'Typical test data sets', is acceptable as representative of
the above concrete, as per provisions in IS 456:2000, from Acceptability of data for ‘Itr’ criterion
consideration of ‘Individual Test Result’ (ITR). In the present case of M30 grade concrete,

Acceptance criteria for ‘individual test’ fcindividual ≥ 30 – 3


result in IS 456:2000
fcindividual ≥ 27 MPa
The number of cube specimens for getting any sample
considered for computations for acceptability of concrete
It is worthwhile to recognise here that, for given fck ,
is 3 and this ‘Individual Test Result’ has to checked
i.e., grade of concrete, there could be different values
as per the Column 3 of Table 11 of IS 456 2000.6 The
of Standard Deviation, SDpop , then for each pair of
value of each test result of the test samples, was to be
fck and SDpop , there is only one average compressive
checked before Amendment No. 3 against the following
strength computable as per the Codal provision given
criteria:
in Column 2 of Table 11 of IS 456:2000. However,
for checking against ‘Individual Test Result’ (ITR)
fcindividual ≥ fck – 3 for concrete of M15.
criterion, SD of concrete is not required. If we recognise
fc individual ≥ f ck – 4 for concrete of M20 and above that SD represents the degree of quality control on the
grades. site, then by not considering SD, the ‘ITR’ criterion is
applicable to the given concrete grade produced under
It may be noted here that SD of concrete under any quality control.
consideration was not used here; only the numerical
value of fck, representing the grade of concrete, is used Check for acceptability
for computing the numerical value of the criterion on It is clear from earlier paragraph that each of ‘Individual
‘Individual Test Result’ (ITR). Test Result’ in any data set should be equal or more
'than 27 MPa. It is important to note here the numerical
However, there was, later on, an Amendment No. 3 to
value used 27 is less the number 30 representing the
IS 456 dated August 2007, to modify the Table 11 on ITR
grade of concrete.'
acceptance from fck-4 to fck-3 for concrete of M20 and

28 The Indian Concrete Journal APRIL 2012


Point of View

Test data set A The above mentioned conclusions on non-acceptability


(i) 35, (ii) 33, (iii) 33, (iv) 34 MPa of some of the concretes are valid even when we observe
that some of the four test values are numerically more
Each of the above test results is more than 27 MPa and than the ‘characteristic strength’, fck, denoted by the
hence, this concrete is acceptable from ‘Individual Test number describing the Grade of concrete.
Result’ criterion. However, the concrete test data has to
be scrutinised against other criteria of the Code also for In the present case, the M30 Grade concrete has the
deciding about the concrete itself. ‘characteristic strength’, fck of 30 MPa and it is seen that
each of the test results has to be more than or equal to
Test data set B 27 MPa.
(i) 35, (ii) 27, (iii) 40, (iv) 34 MPa
It should be recognised here that after checking the
Three of the above test results are more than 27 MPa and individual value in any concrete sample (consisting of
one test result is equal to 27 MPa. Hence, this concrete four test results), the sample average needs to be checked
is still acceptable from ‘Individual Test Result’ criterion. against the criterion given in Column 2 of Table 11 of
However, the concrete test data has to be scrutinised IS 456:2000.6
against other criteria of the Code also for deciding about
the concrete itself. Statistical basis of ‘ITR’ criterion
It is interesting to note that the ‘ITR’ criterion does
Test data set C not use SD characteristic of concrete, but, the other
(i) 35, (ii) 25, (iii) 41, (iv) 34 MPa criterion of ‘average of four consecutive tests’ needs
SD characteristic of concrete for acceptability. It would
Three of the above test results are more than 27 MPa, but, be now worthwhile to consider the statistical aspect
one test result is less than 27 MPa. Hence, this concrete of ‘ITR’. For this purpose, we should consider the ND
is not acceptable from ‘Individual Test Result’ criterion. curve which represents the strength variations of the
Hence, the concrete test data need not be scrutinised concrete defined by two parameters – fck and SD. The
against other criteria of the code and we can now declare fck and ‘mean population’ fm, are related through SD by
that the concrete as unacceptable as a whole. following relation:

Test data set D fm = fck + 1.65 * SD


(i) 38, (ii) 26, (iii) 27, (iv) 44 MPa
The actual population of normal distribution of
Among the above four consecutive test results, two compressive strengths of the concrete considered in
are more than 27 MPa, and, one test result is equal to this paper is given in Figure 2. The main features of the
27 MPa. But, there is a test value of 26 MPa, which is ND curve are :
1 MPa less than 27 MPa. Hence, the concrete represented
by the above four samples test values is not acceptable 1. Abscissa, x-axis, represents the compressive
from ‘Individual Test Result’ criterion. Therefore, the strength, fc
concrete test data need not be scrutinised against other
criteria of the Code and it is possible to decide about the 2. Ordinate, y-axis, represents the frequency of
unacceptability of the concrete itself, immediately after occurrence of fc
checking against the ITR criterion.
3. Total area of curve is equal to unity
Test data Set E
(i) 38, (ii) 28, (iii) 29, (iv) 44 MPa 4. Actually, ND curve is a kind of conventional
histogram where the interval of strengths on the
All of the above test results are more than 27 MPa. x-axis is very small so that a continuous curve
Hence, this concrete is acceptable from ‘Individual Test can be drawn.7
Result’ criterion. However, the concrete test data has to
be scrutinised against other criteria of the Code also for 5. Any fraction of the area represents the
deciding about the concrete itself. corresponding fraction of total number of

APRIL 2012 The Indian Concrete Journal 29


Point of View

It can be proved that the integration of the equation of


the curve given above is equal to unity.

9. The spread of the curve is related to SD; a lower


SD means narrower distribution of strengths and
a higher peak in the middle.

10. fck is a point on x-axis such that 5% of the area of


curve lies to left side and remaining 95% area lies
towards right. This indicates that an fck is a specific
point where 5% of the test results can be less than
this value and 95% of the test results can be more
than this value. Thus, if fck is considered, there is
a 1 in 20 chance that the strength from tests will
be less than this. The point, fck , is situated at a
distance of 1.65*SD from mean value, fm , situated
at the middle of the ND curve.

11. A ‘Standard Normal Distribution’ is a normal


distribution with mean 0 and standard deviation
1. The abscissa of this curve is given by the
following equation:

z = ( x – μ ) / σ = ( fc – Xbar-pop ) / SDpop where fc is any


strength on x-axis

(i) Areas under this curve can be found using


a ‘standard normal table’ from many
textbooks and handbooks
(ii) The 68% of the observations fall between
-1 and 1 (within 1 standard deviation of
specimens. If Area, A, is taken as 100% of the mean of 0). In the present case of M30
specimens, then, fraction of area, Af, is equal to with SD of 4, 68% of the strengths can
percentage of specimens given by 100*(Af/A) be expected to lie between (38.25-5) and
(38.25+5) i.e., 33.25 and 43.25.
6. Mean is a point on the x-axis having maximum
frequency and dividing the area into two exact (iii) 95% fall between -2 and 2 (within 2 standard
halves. deviations of the mean). In the present case
of M30 with SD of 4, 95% of the strengths
7. The curve is symmetrical about the centrally can be expected to lie between (38.25-2*5)
located ‘mean’. and (38.25+2*5) i.e., 28.25 and 48.25.
(iv) 99.7% fall between -3 and 3 (within 3
8. The curve is defined by the equation: standard deviations of the mean). In the
present case of M30 with SD of 4, 95% of
the strengths can be expected to lie between
(38.25-3*5) and (38.25+3*5) i.e., 23.25 and
53.25.
(v) We may note here that the above mentioned
where, σ = Standard Deviation of the all data points = ranges may look sometimes too wide for
SDpop = Standard Deviation for the ‘population’ M30 grade concrete and seems to indicate
inconsistency or lack of control in quality
μ = Mean value of all the data points = Xbar-pop = Average management. But, once, the concrete is
value for the ‘population’

(Continued on page 35)


30 The Indian Concrete Journal APRIL 2012
Point of View

(viii) For example, for fck, the characteristic


strength, which is situated at a distance of
1.65*SDpop, the value of z for this point is
fck = Xbar-pop – 1.65 * SDpop
Z = ( fc – Xbar-pop ) / SDpop
= ( fck – Xbar-pop ) / SDpop
= 1.65
Corresponding to a measurement value of z = 1.65, the
fraction of the area to the left of this point is an area of
0.049471 (from Standard Table) which is approximately
5%. Thus, it can be said that 5% the fc values can be
expected to fall below fck, which alternately confirms
that 95% the fc values are expected to exceed fck.

The above procedure can be used to estimate the


percentage of fc values to fall below at any z. This will
give us a technique to know the probability of occurrence
of ITR value suggested in the Code.

Estimation of probability of strength to


accepted to be represented by ND curve, be less than ‘ITR’
the above ranges are part of the distribution According to the ‘ITR’ criterion, the minimum strength
of strengths of the concrete and general of concrete in a test sample must be equal to or more
quality control is assumed to correspond than fck – 3.
to SD of 4 in the present case. Therefore, it
could be natural that when four samples Assuming the minimum fc to be fck – 3, we can write,
(each sample is itself the mean of 3 cube
strengths) are taken as required by IS fc = fck – 3
456:2000, it could be that this data set may But, fck = fm - 1.65 * SDpop , therefore,
itself show large variation, as in the case
of Data Set D where the range is 26 to 44 fc = fm - 1.65 * SDpop – 3 = Xbar-pop - 1.65 * SDpop – 3
MPa.
(vi) Though no naturally measured variable We may note here that
has this ‘Standard Normal Distribution’, all
normal distributions are equivalent to this Xbar-pop = fm = µ = Population mean
distribution where the unit of measurement
ox x-axis is changed to measure in terms of Therefore, the value of z on ‘standard normal distribution’
standard deviations from the mean and this curve as discussed earlier is computed as:
new x-ordinate is marked as z. Therefore,
this ‘standard normal distribution’ is used Z = ( fc – Xbar-pop ) / SDpop
to handle problems involving any normal = (Xbar-pop - 1.65 * SDpop – 3 – Xbar-pop ) / SDpop
distribution.
= - 1.65 – (3 / SDpop )
(vii) For any value of z, the standard tables
supply the area under the curve over the
region to the left of z. We may note that The above equation shows that the ITR criterion gives a
this area denotes the relative frequency different probability of fc values falling below (fck – 3) for
occurrence of a value less than z. the same grade of concrete depending upon the standard

APRIL 2012 The Indian Concrete Journal 35


Point of View

deviation of the concrete itself. However, the failure rate 3. Based on the provision in IS 456:2000 regarding
of this must be less that of fck itself which has a failure ‘Individual Test Result’ criterion, the mixtures
rate of about 5% as seen earlier. The data regarding the represented by the data sets A, B, and E discussed
area falling to the right of the minimum ‘ITR’ value for in this paper, are acceptable, but the data sets C
any grade of concrete, but, with different SD values, is and D are not acceptable.
given in Tables 1a and 1b, and Figure 3. It is seen that
the probability of getting strength lower than strength 4. As ‘Individual Test Result’ criterion is independent
of ITR criterion increases with increase in SD and hence, of SD, this criterion is applicable to concretes
lower value of SD is always preferable. When the SD is produced under any quality control system.
normally adopted/observed SD of 5 MPa gives a failure This is the present position of the criterion in IS
rate of 1 in 140, which has less probability of occurrence 456:2000. However, it may be rational to connect
than that of fck, where the probability is 1 in 20 only, this to SD of the concrete also so that the rejection
before Amendment No 3 to IS 456:2000 (Table 1a). But or acceptance of concrete remains at same level in
terms of statistical nature of concrete. The degree
after considering the Amendment No 3 to IS 456:2000
of quality control may be also made part of the
(Table 1b), for a SD of 5 MPa, the failure rate becomes 1
criterion of ‘ITR’ in the code. Or as defined in
in 82, which has less probability of occurrence than that
case of characteristic strength, fck, the ITR may
of fck, where the probability is 1 in 20 only. Thus, the
be specified with certain degree of acceptability
data from the Tables 1a and 1b, represented in Figure 3,
of failure which is 1 in 20 for the fck.
it is seen that the failure rates have increased at each SD.
Probably, the amended clause demands a higher level 5. The ‘Individual Test Result’ criterion, when
of quality control. analysed statistically, indicates that for a typical
SD of 5 MPa, before the Amendment No. 3 of
Concluding remarks IS 456:2000, the probability of strength falling
1. Concrete is a heterogeneous material and below ITR criterion is 1 in 140 which reduces to as
hence, each portion of its total volume can have less as 1 in 700 for a SD of 3 MPa, and further down
a different strength. Therefore, compressive to a failure rate of 1 in 7627 when the SD falls to
strength of concrete is treated mathematically as a 2 MPa. However, after the Amendment No. 3, the
‘random variable’. However, the concrete strength above numerical values gets lowered; 140 changes
of a given grade follows generally a ‘Normal to 82, 700 changes to 248, 7627 changes to 1225.
Distribution Curve’ and hence, the concrete can Thus, the rate of occurrence of ITR lower than
the specified minimum ITR increases (Tables 1a
be characterised by statistical parameters for the
and 1b). It is interesting to note that these failure
purpose of quality control, mix design, quality
rates computed statistically are independent of
control, and evaluation of sample test results for
the grade of the concrete itself.
conformity to acceptance criteria of BIS Codes.
6. In contrast to characteristic strength, fck , the ‘ITR’
2. Practically every structural concrete, for the
criterion gives a probability of failure depending
purpose of quality checking, according to
upon the SD itself. So perhaps a case exists for
IS 456:2000, should be always defined by two specifying an ‘ITR’ value containing SD also.
parameters: (a) its grade (numerically equal Because, the statistical nature of strengths of
to its characteristic strength, fck) and (b) its concretes is generally accepted.
standard deviation, SD. But, for checking against
‘Individual Test Result’ criterion, SD is not 7. Towards above, ACI 214 criterion on minimum
required even though the probability of the ITR strength test value of 1 in 100 failure can be
value being not reached depends upon SD itself. considered in Indian context and incorporated
As the SD increases (meaning that with lower suitably in the IS 456. Under Criterion No 3
quality control systems), the probability of the under paragraph 4.3.3 of ACI 214R, it is stated
ITR value occurring is more. Hence, it is always that “The minimum required average strength
necessary to maintain the stricter quality control is established so that non-conformance of an
so that the SD anticipated is never exceeded in individual, random test is anticipated no more
actual concrete mixes. often than 1 in 100 times in either case”.

36 The Indian Concrete Journal APRIL 2012


Point of View

8. It is pertinent to observe that slightest changes encouraged the authors to write this paper and did the
in acceptance criteria can have severe financial early scrutiny of the draft of the paper.
and practical ramifications in the field. Therefore,
discussions among the experienced engineers References
is necessary in trying to arrive at consensus 1. Neville A.M. (1995). Properties of concrete Fourth edition. By A.M. Neville.
Addison-Wesley Longman Ltd., USA p. 844.
for evolving practical guidelines. BIS as a body
can plan a programme to collect different view 2. Cook James E. (1989), Research and application of High-strength concrete-
10,000 psi concrete, Concrete International, October, pp 67-75.
points on the ITR to bring about meaningful
3. Mehta, P.K. and Monteiro, P.J.M., (2005). Concrete: Microstructure, Properties
and practically acceptable modifications to the and Materials. Third Ed., New York: McGraw-Hill
provisions in IS 456.
4. ACI, (2002), ACI Committee 214, Evaluation of Strength Test Results of
Concrete, ACI214R-02, American Concrete Institute, Detroit, 20 p.
9. There is a need for special consideration to be
5. BIS (1999), SP 23(S&T): 1982. Handbook on concrete mixes, Fifth reprint,
given for practising engineers’ concern related Bureau of Indian Standards, 1999.
to ‘minimum acceptance value’ and ‘strength 6. ______Indian standard code for plain and reinforced concrete-code of practice, IS :
for structural design’, while fixing lower bound 456:2000, 4th Revision, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
values of concrete strength in the form of ITR. 7. Benjamin Jack R. and Cornell C. Allin, Probability, Statistics. And Decision
Though the mean strength and standard deviation Making For Civil Engineers, McGraw Hill Book Company, New York,
1970. 683 p
define a concrete represented by the Normal
Distribution Curve, mean strength, fm, (with 50%
probability of occurrence as seen from the ND
curve) is taken for laboratory design of concrete N.P. Rajamane holds a B.E. (Civil) First Class with
mix (often called as ‘Target Mean Strength’) and Distinction, from Karnataka University and M.Tech.
the Characteristic Strength, fck, (a 95% probability from IIT Madras. He is former Head, Advanced
Materials Lab, CSIR, SERC, Chennai. At present, he
value from ND Curve) for structural design. The is Head, Centre for Advanced Concrete Research,
minimum acceptable strength value on site should SRM University, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu. He is
also be taken logically from ND curve. This is the the recipient of “Outstanding Concrete Technologist
for 2008” by Indian Concrete Institute. He has
ITR value of the IS 456 and this definitely should patents on building blocks from lateritic soil and
have rationally probability much lower than both natural rubber latex modified cement concrete. He has about
fm and fck. Considering this, a probability of 99% 300 technical publications related to his research interests of
high performance concrete, geopolymer concrete, lightweight
(i.e, 1 in 100 failure) value (mentioned in Criterion concrete, concrete chemicals, repair materials, nanotechnology
No 3 under paragraph 4.3.3 of ACI 214R) or much and mineral admixtures.
more stricter than this can be suggested for the
Dr. M.C. Nataraja holds a PhD from Indian
ITR which represents the ‘minimum acceptance Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He is a
value’. Instead of mentioning openly probability Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering
value for defining the ITR, another suggestion at Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering,
Mysore. He has research experience of 25 years and
could be (fck-SD) as ITR which means a value of has published over 100 technical papers in national
(fm-2.65*SD) since the fck is at a distance of 1.65 and international journals and conferences. His
from the fm (on the ND curve). The data in Table 1 areas of interest are SFRC, concrete mix design
and controlled low strength materials. He is in the international
shows that, this could mean a failure rate of more technical committee of PROTECT in connection with international
than 1 in 700 which may seem to be a little stiff conferences.
criterion.
Dr. T.P. Ganesan holds a PhD from Indian
Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai. He is
Acknowledgements Pro-Vice Chancellor (Planning and Development)
of SRM University, Tamil Nadu. He has published
The topic of this paper was earlier presented at DST several technical papers in national and
sponsored ‘National workshop on utilisation of fly international journals and conferences, besides
ash (UFA 11)’, June 10-11, 2011, organised by SVNIT, authoring books in the field of model analysis
Surat. The technical discussions occurred during this of structures. His wide areas of interest/expertise in civil
engineering include masonry structures, preparation of
Workshop were utilised in the preparation of this paper. laboratory models and testing for special structures,
The authors wish to acknowledge here the contributions experimental stress analysis, analysis and design of
made by Dr C.S. Viswanatha, Chairman, Civil - Aid structures, modern building materials, low cost housing and
Technoclinic Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore. He felt that the topic repairs and renovation of buildings.
discussed here is of high practical importance. He

APRIL 2012 The Indian Concrete Journal 37

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