MIX DESIGN

SUBMITTED BY: SHIVAM

SINGHAL
LECTURE CIVIL
GITAM
 Types Of Mix
1. Nominal Mix:
a. Used for relatively unimportant and simpler works.
b. No scope for any deviation by the designer since
ingredients are prescribed and their proportions specified.
c. May be used for M-20 or lower.

Table 9 - IS 456

Kg
 Types Of Mix
2. Design Mix:

a. Performance based mix.

b. Choice of ingredients and proportioning are left to
designer.
c. User has to specify requirements of concrete in fresh as
well as in hardened state only.

Fresh concrete – Workability, Bleeding & Segregation.

Hardened concrete–Compressive strength, durability,
Impermeability & surface finish.
 Defination
DESIGN MIX
• It is a process of selecting suitable ingredients and
determining their relative proportions with the
objective of producing concrete of having certain
minimum workability, strength and durability as
economically as possible.

Objective as per IS-10262 : 2009

• The objective of proportioning concrete mixes is to
arrive at the most economical and practical
combinations of different ingredients to produce
concrete that will satisfy the performance
requirements under specified conditions of use.
 Sampling
1. One sample comprising of 3 cubes shall be taken from
each shift.
Quantity of concrete in work Number of samples (Min)
2. Samples should be taken at random and should be
1-5 cumof actual concrete.
representative 1
6-15 2
16-30 3
31-50 4
51 and above 4 + 1 additional sample for each
additional 50 cum or part thereof.

Factors affecting cube test results

 Sampling
• Three test specimens (cubes) shall be made for each
sample for testing at 28 days.

• Additional samples may be required for various purposes

such as to determine the strength of concrete at 3 days/
7 days or at the time of striking the formwork, or to
determine the duration of curing or to check the testing
error.
• Additional samples may also be required for testing
samples cured by accelerated methods as described in
IS 9103.
• The specimen shall be tested as described in IS 516.
 Cube Casting (IS 516)

1. Concrete is filled in mould in 3 equal layers.

2. Manual compaction - Each layer is tamped 35 times by
bullet headed tamping rod of 16 mm dia and 600 mm long.

3. Needle/plate vibrator can also be used.

4. The cube in mould is covered with glass/metal plate.

5. Stripped after 16-24 hrs and then submerged in pond till

testing.

6. Light marking of date and number for identification is

done .

7. Cube should not be allowed to dry till testing.

 Cube Testing
1. 3 cubes constitute one sample.
2. Smooth faces should face top and bottom during
testing.
3. The rate of loading should not be more than
14 N/mm2 per minute.
4. Individual variation of Cube strength should not be
more than +15% of average strength.
If more, the test results are invalid.

e.g. grade of concrete-M30

C1=24, C2=32, C3=37 Average=93/3=31

+15% of 31 = 31+31x0.15 = 31+4.65 = 35.65
- 15% of 31 = 31-31x0.15 = 31-4.65 = 25.65
- Invalid
 Importance Of Cube Test

1. Cube strength represents the strength of the structure

2. It indicates potential strength of the mix.
3. It detects variation in quality control at site.

4. It helps in determining the rate of gain of strength.

5. It helps in determining the time of removal of form work.
 Statistical Interpretation Of Cube Results
• Cube test result is influenced by number of
factors like material, their proportions, various
processes like mixing, compaction, curing and
finally the testing procedure of cubes.
• Even the results of different cubes, cast from the
same concrete at the same time, cured and
tested in similar way may also show different
results.
• Therefore for evaluation of the test results, the
help of statistical approach is required.
Statistical Interpretation Of Cube Results
(Histogram/Normal distribution curve)
 Understanding Of Normal Distribution Curve

 Shows the probability of concentration of test results at

this strength.
 Concentration at mean value depends upon ‘Quality
control’ & S.D.
 If S.D. is less, probability of concentration of test results
will be higher at the mean value.
 80

70
NUMBER OF SPECIMENS IN 70

60
60
55
52
50
50
INTERVAL

40
35 35

30 30
30

20
15

10 10
10
7
4 5
2 3 3 3 2
0 1 1 1
0
40.041.042.045.046.047.048.049.050.051.052.053.054.055.056.057.058.059.060.061.062.063.064.065.0

COMPRESSIVE
STRENGTH IN MPa
 Standard deviation (S.D.) :

S.D. (S) = ∑ (x- µ)²

n-1

Where S = Standard deviation of the group

x = Individual test result
n = no. of test results considered
µ = Average of n test results considered
S.D. will be less if the quality control at site is better.
Target Mean Strength
 Target Mean Strength
• From the experiments it is found that the area under the
‘Normal distribution curve’ follows certain behavior such that
area covered within a distance equal to one S.D. on either side
from mean will be equal to 34.1% of total area. Similarly 2nd &
3rd S.D. will cover additional area of 13.6% & 2.2% respectively.
Approximately 99.9% area will be covered within distance equal
to (3 x S.D) on each side from mean value.

• From this it is clear that if we require the strength equal to

mean value, probability is that only 50% cubes will have
strength equal to or more than the required strength.
• If we want to increase the % of cubes having strength equal or
more than the required strength, we will have to target for
higher strength.
Target Mean Strength
 Target Mean Strength
• So instead of placing the desired strength (fck) at mean value, it is placed on
left side of mean value by a distance equal to (k x S.D), where k will depend
upon the % of cubes we want to have strength equal or more than the desired
strength.
As per IS 456-2000, this % is 95% and therefore desired strength has to be
placed at 1.65 times S.D. left of mean.
f’ck = fck + 1.65 S
OR f’ck = fck + X Whichever is higher

Here, fck - Characteristic compressive strength at 28 days in N/mm²

f’ck - Target mean compressive strength at 28 days in N/mm²
S - Standard Deviation in N/mm²
X - Factor based on the grade of concrete, as per Table 1.

The value of 1.65 is based upon the provision that 5% of the test results can be
accepted having lower than the required strength.
 Value of X Table 1 of IS-10262
Grade Of Concrete Value of X

i) M-10, M-15 5.0

ii) M-20, M-25 5.5
iii) M-30, M-35, M-40, M-45, M-50, M-55, M-60 6.5
iv) M-65 and above 8.0
NOTES
1. The above values correspond to good degree of site control having proper
storage of cement; weigh batching of all materials; controlled addition of
water; regular checking of all materials; aggregate grading and moisture
content; and regular checking of workability and strength. Where there are
deviations from the above, the site control shall be designated as fair and the
values given in the above table shall be increased by 1 N/mm2.
2. For grades M65 and above, the standard deviation may also be established by
actual trials based on assumed proportions, before finalizing the mix.
 Target mean strength
• While designing the mix, it should be targeted for
higher strength called ‘Target mean strength’ (f’ck) so
that not more than 5% test results fall below a desired
strength ‘fck’ i.e. characteristics strength (CS).

• Few cube test results may show less strength below CS

value. This is in accordance with the design criteria of
mix and acceptable. Therefore manipulation of results
shall not be attempted.
• The mix shall be designed to produce the grade of
concrete having the required workability and a
characteristic strength not less than appropriate values
given in Table 2 of IS456-2000.
 Target mean strength

• Proportion/grading of aggregate shall be made by

trial in such a way as to make densest possible
concrete.
 Acceptance Criteria (As per IS-456:2000)
a. Compressive strength-
Specified Mean of the group of 4 non overlapping Individual test
Grade consecutive test results in N/mm2 results in N/mm2
M-15 and ≥ fck +0.825 x established S.D. ≥ fck - 3 N/mm2*
above or
fck + 3 N/mm2*, whichever is greater.

NOTE-
1. In the absence of established value of standard deviation, the values given in
Table 8 may be assumed and attempt should be made to obtain results of 30
samples as early as possible to establish the value of standard deviation.

2. For concrete of quantity up to 30m3 (where the no. of samples to be taken is

less than four as per frequency of sampling) the mean of test results of all such
samples shall be fck + 4 N/mm2 minimum and the requirement of minimum
Individual test results shall be fck - 2 N/mm2 minimum. However when no. of
sample is only one as per 15.2.2,the requirement shall be fck + 4 N/mm2 minimum
 Acceptance criteria
Qty of No. of Acceptance Criteria-Compressive strength
concrete Samples
cum
Mean of the samples M30 Individual test M30
in N/mm2 results in N/mm2

31-40 4 ≥ fck + 0.825 x 33 ≥ fck – 3 27

established S.D.
or fck + 3 N/mm2
whichever is greater

16-30 3 ≥ fck + 4 N/mm2 34 ≥ fck - 2 28

6-15 2 ≥ fck + 4 N/mm2 34 ≥ fck – 2 28

1-5 1 ≥ fck + 4 34
 Acceptance Criteria (As per CBC)
1. Compressive strength-
(For M-20 & above grades only)

a. The mean of 4 consecutive test results should exceed

fck by 3 N/mm2 i.e. fck+3 N/mm2 and

b. Any individual test result ≥ fck – 3 N/mm2.

Data for Mix proportioning (IS-10262, 2019)
1. Grade designation,
2. Type of cement, grade of cement,
3. Maximum nominal size of aggregate,
4. Maximum water cement ratio,
5. Workability required at the time of placement,
6. Exposure conditions as per table 4 and 5 of IS-456,
7. Maximum temperature of concrete at the time of placing,
8. Method of placing, Transportation time,
9. Degree of site control (good/fair) or value of established
standard deviation, if any;
10. Type of coarse aggregate & fine aggregate,
11. Maximum & Minimum cement content,
12. Whether chemical & mineral admixture shall or shall not be
used and the type of admixture and the condition of use.
 Procedure
1. Calculation of Target mean strength
2. Approximate Air Content
3. Selection Of Water-Cement Ratio
4. Selection Of Water Content
5. Calculation of cementitious material content
6. Estimation of coarse aggregate proportion
7. Estimation of fine aggregate proportion
8. Mix calculations
 DESIGN MIX STEPS
For Ordinary & Standard Grades concrete

1. Calculation of Target mean strength

f’ck = fck + 1.65 S
OR
f’ck = fck + X Whichever is higher

2. Approximate Air content

Table 3 gives the approximate amount of entrapped
air to be expected in normal (non-air-entrained)
concrete.
 Assumed Standard Deviation & Value of X (Table 1&2 of IS-10262)
Grade Of Concrete Assumed standard Value of ‘X’
deviation ‘S’ (N/mm²)
M-10, M-15 3.50 5.0
M-20, M-25 4.00 5.5
M-30, M-35, M-40, M-45
M-50, M-55, M-60 5.00 6.5

M-65, M-70, M-75, M-80 6.00 8.0

NOTES
1 The above values correspond to good degree of site control having proper
storage of cement; weigh batching of all materials; controlled addition of water;
regular checking of all materials; aggregate grading and moisture content; and
regular checking of workability and strength. Where there are deviations from
the above, the site control shall be designated as fair and the values given in the
above table shall be increased by 1 N/mm2.
2 For grades M65 and above, the standard deviation may also be established by
actual trials based on assumed proportions, before finalizing the mix.
 Approximate Air Content
(Table 3 of IS 10262)

Sr. Nominal Maximum Size of Entrapped Air

No. Aggregate (mm) (as % of Volume
of concrete)
1 10 1.5
2 20 1.0
3 40 0.8
 3. Selection Of Water-Cement Ratio
1. Table-5 of IS-456 Min cement content, max W/C ratio and min grade of
concrete for different exposures with normal weight aggregates of 20
mm nominal maximum size.
2. Fig-1 of IS 10262 gives Free W/C ratio corresponding to expected
compressive strength of concrete for various grade of cement.

SN Exposure RCC (Table 5)

Minimum Maximum free Minimum grade
cement content water cement of concrete
(Kg/m3) ratio

1 Mild 300 0.55 M-20

2 Moderate 300 0.50 M-25
3 Severe 320 0.45 M-30
4 Very Severe 340 0.45 M-35

5 Extreme 360 0.40 M-40

 Procedure (IS-10262, 2019)

1. The supplementary cementitious materials i.e. Mineral

admixtures shall also be considered in water cement
ratio calculations.

2. The free water-cement ratio selected should be checked

against the limiting water cement ratio for the
requirement of durability and lower of the 2 values
adopted. (From CBC)
 TABLE 4 (a) : MAXIMUM WATER CEMENT RATIO
(Clause 5.4.3 of CBC)

Exposure Max. W/C Ratio

condition
PCC RCC PSC

MODERATE 0.50 0.45 0.40

SEVERE 0.45 0.40 0.40

EXTREME 0.40 0.35 0.35

34
 4. Selection Of Water Content
Table-4 of IS-10262 Water content per cubic meter of concrete for
nominal maximum size of aggregate.

SN Nominal maximum size of Maximum water content

aggregate (mm) (Kg)
1 10 208
2 20 186
3 40 165
Note: 1. These quantities of mixing water are for use in computing cementitious
material contents for trial batches.
2. Water content corresponds to SSD aggregate. (saturated surface dry condition)
3. The water content is for angular CA and for 25-50 mm slump range.
4. For other than 25-50 mm slump range, the water content can be
established by trial or an increase by about 3% for every additional 25
mm slump or alternatively by use of chemical admixtures.
5. Water reducing admixtures usually decrease water content by 5-10% and
superplasticizers by 20% and above.
 5. Calculation of cement/cementitious materials
. content

1. The cement and supplementary cementitious materials

content per cubic meter can be calculated from free
water cement ratio and the quantity of water per cubic
meter.

2. The cementitious material should be checked against

minimum content for the requirement of durability and
greater of the two should be adopted.
 MIN. CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL CONTENT
(As per CBC Table 4(c) Clause 5.4.5)
Exposure Minimum Cementitious material
condition content in Kg/m3
PCC RCC PSC

MODERATE 240 300 400

SEVERE 250 350 430
EXTREME 300 400 440
Maximum cement content
As per IS-456-2000 (Para 8.2.4.2) - Not to exceed 450 kg/m3 when
OPC is used
As per CBC – 2014 (Clause 5.4.5) - Shall be limited to 500kg/m3.
37
 6. Estimation of coarse aggregate proportion

Table-5 of IS-10262 Volume of CA per unit volume of total

aggregate for different zones of FA.
SN Nominal Volume of CA per unit volume of total aggregate for
maximum size of different zones of fine aggregate
aggregate
(mm) Zone IV Zone III Zone II Zone I

1 10 0.54 0.52 0.50 0.48

2 20 0.66 0.64 0.62 0.60
3 40 0.73 0.72 0.71 0.69
Note: 1. The approximate values of aggregate volume are for a water
cement ratio of 0.50 which may be suitably adjusted for other
water cement ratios.
2. For Pumpable concrete or when the concrete is required to be
worked around congested steel, it may be desirable to reduce
the CA upto 10%.
 7. Estimation of Volume of CA+FA

Volume-

a. Volume of entrapped air

b. Cement = Mass x 1
SG 1000

c. Water = Mass x 1
SG 1000

d. Chemical Adm. = Mass x 1

SG 1000

Volume of CA+FA = (1-a) - (b+c+d) m³

8. Estimation of mass of CA & FA proportion

e. The value so obtained is divided into CA and FA

fractions by volume in accordance with CA proportion
already determined.

f. Mass of CA = Volume x SG x 1000

g. Mass of FA = Volume x SG x 1000

 Quantities per 1 m³ of concrete:
1. Cement - kg/m3
2. Water - kg/m3
3. CA - Kg/m3
4. FA - Kg/m3
5. Chemical admixture - Kg/m3
6. Water cement ratio -
This is first trial mix, TM – 0
Note -
7. Aggregate should be used in SSD condition.
8. If otherwise, allowance shall be made for free(surface) moisture
contributed by the CA and FA.
3. On the other hand, if the aggregates are dry, the amount of mixing water
should be increased equal to the moisture likely to be absorbed.
4. Necessary adjustments are also required in mass of aggregates.
5. The surface water and percentage water absorption of aggregates shall be
determined according to IS 2386.
9. Trial Mixes -
1. Workability of TM-0 will be measured.
2. The mix will be carefully observed for freedom from
segregation, bleeding and finishing properties.
3. If the workability of TM-0 is different from the
stipulated value, the water and/or admixture content
shall be adjusted suitably.
4. With this adjustment, the mix proportions will be
calculated again keeping same W/C ratio.

This will be TM-01.

5. In addition, 2 more TM no. 2 and 3 will be made with

same water content and varying the W/C ratio by +10%.
6. A graph between 3 W/C ratios and their corresponding
strengths at 28 days will be plotted to work out the
mix proportions for the given Targeted mean strength TMS.
7. However, durability requirement shall be met.
 Example - M40 grade
STIPULATIONS FOR PROPORTIONING
a) Grade designation - M40
b) Type of cement - PPC 43 grade conforming to IS 1489(Part-I)
c) Maximum nominal size of aggregate - 20mm
d) Minimum cement content as per table 3 & Maximum water-
cement ratio as per table 5 of IS 456 to be adopted. (320 kg/m3 &
0.45)
f) Workability - 75 mm (slump)
g) Exposure condition - Severe (for reinforced concrete)
h) Method of concrete placing – Chute (Non pumpable)
j) Degree of supervision - Good
k) Type of aggregate - Crushed angular aggregate
m) Maximum cement content - 450 kg/m3
n) Chemical admixture type - Superplasticizer
TEST DATA FOR MATERIALS
a) Cement used - PPC 43 grade conforming to IS 1489(Part-I)

b) Specific gravity of cement – 2.88

c) Chemical admixture - Superplasticizer conforming to IS 9103

d) Specific gravity of:

1) Coarse aggregate (at SSD condition) – 2.74
2) Fine aggregate (at SSD condition) – 2.65
3) Chemical Admixture – 1.145

e) Water absorption:
1) Coarse aggregate - 0.5%
2) Fine aggregate – 1.0%
f) Moisture content of aggregate (As per IS 2386 (Part-3)):
1) Coarse aggregate - Nil
2) Fine aggregate - Nil

g) Sieve analysis:
1) Coarse aggregate - Conforming to Table 7 of IS 383
2) Fine aggregate - Conforming to grading Zone II of
Table 9 of IS 383
 CALCULATIONS FOR MIX PROPORTIONING
1. TARGET STRENGTH FOR MIX PROPORTIONING
f'ck = fck + 1.65 S OR fck + X whichever is higher

Where, f'ck = target average compressive strength at 28 days,

fck = characteristic compressive strength at 28 days, and
S = standard deviation.
X = factor based on grade of concrete
From Table 2 of IS 10262 standard deviation, S = 5 N/mm2
Table 1 of IS 10262, X = 6.5
Therefore, target strength
a) f'ck = 40 + 1.65 x 5 = 48.25 N/mm2
b) f'ck = 40 + 6.5 = 46.5 N/mm2
Higher of the above - 48.25 N/mm2
2. Approximate Air content
From Table 3, the approximate amount of entrapped air to be
expected in normal (non-air-entrained) concrete is 1.0 percent
for 20 mm nominal maximum size of aggregate.

3. Selection of water-cement ratio

From Fig. 1, free w/c required for the target strength of 48.25
N/mm2 is 0.36 for OPC 43 grade curve.
(For PPC, the strength corresponding to OPC 43 grade curve is assumed for
the trial).
From Table 5 of IS 456, maximum water-cement ratio = 0.45.
prescribed for ‘severe’ exposure for reinforced concrete.
0.36 < 0.45, hence O.K.
4. SELECTION OF WATER CONTENT

From Table 4, maximum water content = 186 kg

for 20 mm aggregate, (for 25 to 50 mm slump range)

Estimated water content for 75 mm slump = 186 + (3/100 X 186)

= 191.58 kg
As superplasticizer is used, the water content may be reduced.
Based on trial data, the water content reduction of 23 percent is
considered while using superplasticizer at the rate 1.0 percent by
weight of cement.
Hence the water content
= 191.58 × 0.77
= 147.52 kg ≈ 148 kg
5. CALCULATION OF CEMENT CONTENT
Water-cement ratio = 0.36
Cement content = 148/0.36 = 411.11 kg/m3 ≈ 412 kg/m3

From Table 5 of IS 456, minimum cement content for 'severe'

exposure condition = 320 kg/m3

412 kg/m3 > 320 kg/m3, hence, O.K.

From Table 4(c) of CBC, minimum cement content for 'severe'

exposure condition = 350 kg/m3, hence, O.K.
6. PROPORTION OF VOLUME OF COARSE AGGREGATE AND FINE
AGGREGATE CONTENT

From Table 5,the proportionate volume of coarse aggregate

corresponding to 20 mm size aggregate and fine aggregate (Zone II)
for water-cement ratio of 0.50 = 0.62

In the present case, water-cement ratio is 0.36

Therefore volume of coarse aggregate is required to be increased
to decrease the fine aggregate content.

As the water-cement ratio is lower by 0.14, the proportion of

volume of coarse aggregate is increased by 0.028 (at the rate of -/+
0.01 for every ± 0.05 change in water-cement ratio).
Therefore corrected proportion of volume of coarse aggregate for
the water-cement ratio of 0.36 = 0.62 + 0.028 = 0.648
 Volume of fine aggregate content = 1 – 0.648 = 0.352

7. MIX CALCULATIONS
The mix calculations per unit volume of concrete shall be as follows:
a) Volume of concrete = 1 m3
b) Volume of entrapped air in wet concrete = 0.01 m3
c) Volume of cement = Mass of cement x 1
Specific gravity of cement 1000
= 412/2.88 x 1/1000
= 0.143 m3
d) Volume of water = Mass of cement x 1
Specific gravity of cement 1000
= 148/1 x 1/1000
= 0.148 m3
e) Volume of chemical admixture
(superplasticizer@ 1.0 percent by mass of cementitious material)
= Mass of chemical admixture x 1
Specific gravity of admixture 1000
= 4.12/1.145 x 1/1000
= 0.0036 m3

g) Volume of all in aggregate = [(a-b) - (c +d+e)}

= (1-0.01) - (0.143 + 0.148 + 0.0036)
= 0.695 m3

h) Mass of coarse aggregate = g x Volume of coarse aggregate x

Specific gravity of coarse aggregate x 1000
= 0.695 x 0.648 x 2.74 x 1000
= 12233.98 kg ≈ 1234 kg
j) Mass of fine aggregate = g x volume of fine aggregate x Specific
gravity of fine aggregate x 1000
= 0.695 x 0.352 x 2.65 x 1000
= 648.29 kg ≈ 648 kg

7. MIX PROPORTIONS FOR TRIAL NUMBER 0 (TM-0)

Cement = 412 kg/m3
Water = 148 kg/m3
Fine aggregate = 648 kg/m3
Coarse aggregate = 1234 kg/m3
Chemical admixture = 4.12 kg/m3
Free Water-cement ratio = 0.36
 ADJUSTMENT ON WATER, FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATE
(IF THE COARSE AND FINE AGGREGATE IS IN DRY CONDITION)

a) Fine Aggregate (Dry)

= Mass of fine aggregate in SSD condition
1 + water absobtion /100
= 648
1+ 1/100
= 641.58 kg/m3 ≈ 642 kg/m3

b) Coarse Aggregate (Dry)

= Mass of coarse aggregate in SSD condition
1 + water absobtion /100
= 1234
1+ 0.5/100
= 1 227.86 kg/m3 ≈ 1 228 kg/m3
The extra water to be added for absorption by coarse
and fine aggregate,

1) For coarse aggregate = Mass of coarse aggregate in SSD

condition – mass of coarse aggregate in dry condition
= 1 234 – 1 228 = 6 kg

2) For fine aggregate = Mass of fine aggregate in SSD condition –

mass of fine aggregate in dry condition
= 648 – 642 = 6 kg
The estimated requirement for added water, therefore, becomes
= 148 + 6 + 6 = 160 kg/m3

MIX PROPORTIONS AFTER ADUSTMENT FOR DRY AGGREGATES

Cement = 412 kg/m3

Water (to be added) = 160 kg/m3
Fine aggregate (Dry) = 642 kg/m3
Coarse aggregate (Dry) = 1 228 kg/m3
Chemical admixture = 4.12 kg/m3
Free water-cement ratio = 0.36
DURABILITY
 DURABILITY OF CONCRETE
• Definition-
A durable concrete is one that performs
satisfactorily in the working environment
during its anticipated exposure conditions
during service life.

The materials and mix proportions specified

and used should be such as to maintain its
integrity and, if applicable, to protect
embedded metal from corrosion.
 DURABILITY OF CONCRETE
Concrete structure should continue to perform
its intended functions i.e.
1. Maintain its required strength and serviceability,
during the specified or traditionally expected service
life.

2. Concrete must be able to withstand the processes of

deterioration to which it is expected to be exposed.

 
 DURABILITY & CUBE STERNGTH
• The cube strength only indicates the strength of
the structure at the time of construction.
• Whereas Durability is the long term guarantee
of the same strength and serviceability of the
structure.
• Durability does not mean an indefinite life.
• Concrete may have strength initially but may not be
durable.
 DURABILITY OF CONCRETE
The main characteristics influencing the DURABILITY of
concrete is its PERMEABILITY to the ingress of water,
oxygen, carbon dioxide, chloride, sulphate and other
potentially deleterious substances.

Voids increase the permeability of concrete.

Permeability causes rusting of steel and spalling

(disintegration) of concrete.

Impermeability is governed by the constituents and

workmanship used in making the concrete
 DURABILITY OF CONCRETE
Factors influencing durability are
• The environment/exposure conditions
• Cover to embedded steel
• The type and quality of constituent materials
• The cement content and W/C ratio
• Workmanship to obtain full compaction & efficient
curing
• Shape & size of the member
 DURABILITY OF CONCRETE
• Voids reduce the strength of concrete.

• With every one percent entrapped air, the

strength is reduced by about 5% to 6%.

• Five percent entrapped air mean 30% loss of

strength.

• Compaction also helps eliminate stone pockets

and thereby eliminate all types of voids that may
possibly be left in the concrete, which causes
reduction in strength as well as durability.
 Permeability test
As per CBC cs no.1,
(i) Permeability test has been made mandatory for
- all major bridges in all exposure conditions

- all RCC/PSC bridges when exposure condition is

severe/very severe or extreme.

(ii) Under mild and moderate environment, permeability

test shall be mandatory for
- all major bridges and
- for other bridges permeability test is desirable to the
extent possible.
 PROCEDURE FOR MEASURING PERMEABILITY OF
CONCRETE APPENDIX – G (Clause 5.4.2.1) CBC
Test Specimen
• Test specimen of 200 mm dia and 120 mm thick shall be used.
After 24 hours of casting of specimen, central circular area of
100mm diameter shall be roughened with a wire brush on the
side on which the water pressure is to be applied. The
unroughened part of the side of the test specimen which is
subjected to water pressure is to be sealed with two coats of
cement water paste (W/C = 0.4).
Procedure:
a) After 28 days curing, test specimen is fitted in to a test
apparatus where water pressure acts on the required face and
remaining faces can be observed
 PROCEDURE FOR MEASURING PERMEABILITY OF
CONCRETE
b) At first, a pressure of 1 bar (1kg/cm2) is applied for 48 hours,
then 3 bar for 24 hours and 7 bar for 24 hours.

c) After the test, the specimen is split in the middle by

compression applied on two round steel bars lying on opposite
sides, above and below. The side, after test specimen exposed to
the water pressure should face downwards.

• The greatest water penetration depth, is taken as the average

value of the greatest penetration depths on three test specimen.

• The depth of penetration of water should not be more than

25mm other wise it is considered to be failed in permeability
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