Parameters for mix design

The selection of concrete proportions for a economical structural concrete should be based on
test data or experience with the materials actually to be used. The parameters to be considered
in any mix design will include the following, some will be specified, while others are dependant on
the available materials
Aggregate: type, grading, density, maximum particle size, minimum fines content, strength,
abrasion qualities, chemical stability, water absorption, porosity.
Admixtures: plasticisers, air entrainers, retarders, pumping aids, corrosion inhibitors, viscosity
modifiers
Cement: type, strength class
Additions: Ground granulated blastfurnace slag, pulverised fuel ash, silica fume, ground
limestone.
plus the following;
Concrete compressive strength,
Maximum aggregate size,
Maximum free water/cement ratio,
Maximum chloride content,
Workability,
Minimum and maximum cement content
Cohesion
Bleed
Stiffening time
These parameters can be used in the mix design process whether developing a mix from scratch
using unknown combinations of materials or modifying an existing design.
Concrete mix design is the process of selecting suitable ingredients of concrete and
determining their relative amounts with the objective of producing a concrete of the
required workability, strength and durability as economically as possible.

From the definition of concrete mix design we could see that following parameters
affect the design and are thus considered in it.

1)Type of concrete: Weather the concrete is to be used as RCC or PCC.

2)Grade of concrete: What is the strength requirement of concrete.

3)Shape of particles: Different shapes of coarse aggregate produce concrete of

different workability.

4)Slump: it determines the workability requirement of concrete.

5)Water-Cement ratio: Affects the workability and strength of concrete directly.

6)Exposure condition: Maximum water cement ratio and minimum cement content
are dependent on the exposure condition of the structure for which the concrete is to
be used.

7)Kind of aggregates: Since aggregate consists of more than 50% of the composition
of concrete their type, size and chemical composition affects the properties of
concrete.