Design of Normal Concrete Mix Based on Both Building Research Establishment and American Concrete Institute Method of Mix Design

Abstract

To achieve a defined workability, strength and durability in construction works, concrete mixes are designed and this is done towards the selection and proportioning of constituents to produce a concrete with pre-defined characteristics both in fresh and hardened states. This study assesses the design of normal concrete mix based on the American Concrete Institute and Department Of Environment methods of mix. A characteristic strength of 20 N/mm2 was designed for using the two mix design methods. The concrete components used were tested for specific gravity; moisture content, particle size distribution, aggregate impact value, aggregate crushing value, slump test and compacting factor test and were found suitable. Two sets of concrete cubes (150 x 150 x 150 mm) each were cast using two mix designs. Compressive strengths were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of curing. The 28th day strengths of the two sets of concrete were found to be 30.5 N/mm2 and 29.5 N/mm2 for both DOE and ACI mix design methods which did not exceed the calculated targeted strength.