CIVL 1112 ACI Mix Design 1/9

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

 The most common method used in North America is that  Water/cement ratio (w/c ratio) theory states that for a
established by ACI Recommended Practice 211.1 given combination of materials and as long as workable
 Any mix design procedure will provide a first approximation consistency is obtained, the strength of concrete at a
of the proportions and must be checked by trial batches given age depends on the w/c ratio
 Local characteristics in materials should be considered  The lower the w/c ratio, the higher the concrete strength.
 Whereas strength depends on the w/c ratio, economy
 The following sequence of steps should be followed: depends on the percentage of aggregate present that
(1) determine the job parameters - aggregate properties, maximum would still give a workable mix.
aggregate size, slump, w/c ratio, admixtures,
 The aim of the designer should always be to get concrete
(2) calculation of batch weight, and mixtures of optimum strength at minimum cement content
(3) adjustments to batch weights based on trial mix. and acceptable workability.

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

 Air-Entrained Concrete
 One of the greatest advances in concrete technology was
the development of air-entrained concrete in the late
1930s.
 Today, air entrainment is recommended for nearly all
concretes, principally to improve resistance to freezing
when exposed to water and deicing chemicals.
 Air-entrained concrete contains billions of microscopic air
cells
 These relieve internal pressure on
the concrete by providing tiny
chambers for the expansion of
water when it freezes.

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

 Once the w/c ratio is established and the workability or  The flowchart is a representation of
consistency needed for the specific design is chosen, the the principal properties of “good”
concrete
rest should be simple manipulation with diagrams and
 cement
tables based on large numbers of trial mixes.
 w/c ratio
 aggregate
 Such diagrams and tables allow an estimate of the
 cement paste and aggregate
required mix proportions for various conditions and permit
 mixing
predetermination on small unrepresentative batches.
 placement and handling of fresh
concrete
 curing
CIVL 1112 ACI Mix Design 2/9

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

Basic Considerations Basic Considerations
 Economy -- The material costs are most important in  Workability -- A good mix design must be capable of
determining the relative costs of different mixes. being placed and compacted, with minimal bleeding and
 The labor and equipment costs, except for special segregation, and be finishable.
concretes, are generally independent for the mix design.
 Since cement is more expensive than aggregate, it is  Water requirements depend on the aggregate rather than
clear that cement content should be minimized. the cement characteristics.

 Workability should be improved by redesigning the mortar

 This can be accomplished by faction rather than simply adding more water.
1. using the lowest slump that will permit handling,
2. using a good ratio of coarse to fine aggregate, and
3. possible use of admixtures.

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

Basic Considerations
 Strength and Durability -- In general, the minimum  A measure of the degree of consistency and extent of
compressive strength and a range of w/c ratios are workability is the slump.
specified for a given concrete mix.
 In the slump test the plastic concrete specimen is formed
 Possible requirements for resistance to freeze-thaw and into a conical metal mold as described in ASTM Standard
chemical attack must be considered. C-143.

 Therefore, a balance or compromise must be made  The mold is lifted, leaving the concrete to "slump," that is,
between strength and workability. to spread or drop in height.

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

 Process of measuring the slump of fresh concrete  Process of measuring the slump of fresh concrete
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ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

 Here are some examples of different measures of slump:
 This drop in height is the slump measure of the degree of
workability of the mix.

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

Mix Design Procedures
 The flowchart is a representation of
the principal properties of ACI mix
design of concrete 1. Required material information -- sieve analyses of
 workability – slump both fine and coarse aggregates, unit weight, specific
 water and air content gravities, and absorption capacities of aggregates.
 w/c ratio
 cement 2. Choice of slump -- Generally specified for a particular
 coarse aggregate job. However, if not given, an appropriate value may be
 fine aggregate
chosen from Table 1. As a general rule, the lowest slump
that will permit adequate placement should be selected.
 moisture adjustment
 trial mix

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

Mix Design Procedures
Table 1. Recommended Slumps for Various Types of Construction

3. Maximum aggregate size -- The largest maximum

aggregate size that will conform to the following
limitations:
 Maximum size should not be larger than 1/5 the minimum
dimension of structural members, 1/3 the thickness of a slab, or
3/4 the clearance between reinforcing rods and forms. These
restrictions limit maximum aggregate size to 1.5 inches, except in
mass applications.

 Current thought suggests that a reduced maximum aggregate

size for a given w/c ratio can achieve higher strengths. Also, in
many areas, the largest available sizes are 3/4 in. to 1 in.
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ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

Mix Design Procedures Mix Design Procedures

4. Estimation of mixing water and air content -- An Approximate mixing water (lb./yd.3) and air content for different slumps
estimation of the amount of water required for air- and nominal maximum sizes of aggregates
entrained and non-air-entrained concretes can be
Maximum aggregate size (in.)
obtained from Table 2. Slump(in) 0.375 0.5 0.75 1 1.5 2 3 6
1 to 2 350 335 315 300 275 260 220 190
One major disadvantage of concrete is its susceptibility to damage 3 to 4 385 365 340 325 300 285 245 210
6 to 7 410 385 360 340 315 300 270 -
by single or multiple freeze-thaw cycles.
Air Content 3.0% 2.5% 2.0% 1.5% 1.0% 0.5% 0.3% 0.2%
However, concrete can be made frost-resistant by using air-
entraining admixtures.
Concrete is routinely air-entrained in the Northern U.S. and Non-Air-Entrained Concrete
Canada.

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

Mix Design Procedures Mix Design Procedures

Approximate mixing water (lb./yd.3) and air content for different slumps
and nominal maximum sizes of aggregates
Maximum aggregate size (in.)
Slump(in) 0.375 0.5 0.75 1 1.5 2 3 6
1 to 2 305 295 280 270 250 240 225 180
3 to 4 340 325 305 295 275 265 250 200
6 to 7 365 345 325 310 290 280 270 -
Air Content
Mild 4.5% 4.0% 3.5% 3.0% 2.5% 2.0% 1.5% 1.0%
Moderate 6.0% 5.5% 5.0% 4.5% 4.5% 4.0% 3.5% 3.0%
Extreme 7.5% 7.0% 6.0% 6.0% 5.5% 5.0% 4.5% 4.0%

Air-Entrained Concrete

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

Mix Design Procedures Mix Design Procedures
Relationship between water/cement ratio and compressive strength of
5. Water/cement ratio - This component is governed by concrete
strength and durability requirements 28-day Compressive Non-AE AE
Strength (psi)
(a) Strength -- Without strength vs. w/c ratio data for a certain 2,000 0.82 0.74
material, a conservative estimate can be made for the 3,000 0.68 0.59
accepted 28-day compressive strength from Table 3. 4,000 0.57 0.48
5,000 0.48 0.40
6,000 0.41 0.32
(b) Durability -- If there are severe exposure conditions, such as
freezing and thawing, exposure to seawater, or sulfates, the 7,000 0.33 ---
w/c ratio requirements may have to be adjusted.
CIVL 1112 ACI Mix Design 5/9

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

Mix Design Procedures Mix Design Procedures

6. Calculation of cement content -- Once the water 7. Estimation of coarse aggregate content - The percent
content and the w/c ratio is determined, the amount of of coarse aggregate to concrete for a given maximum size
cement per unit volume of the concrete is found by and fineness modulus is given by Table 4.
dividing the estimated water content by the w/c ratio.

weight of water The value from the table multiplied by the dry-rodded unit
weight of cement  weight (the oven-dry (OD) weight of coarse aggregate
w c required per cubic foot of concrete).

However, a minimum cement content is required to To convert from OD to saturated surface dry (SSD)
ensure good finishability, workability, and strength. weights, multiply by [1 + absorption capacity (AC)].

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

Mix Design Procedures Mix Design Procedures

Volume of dry-rodded coarse aggregate per unit volume of concrete for Volume of dry-rodded coarse aggregate per unit volume of concrete for
different coarse aggregates and fineness moduli of fine aggregates different coarse aggregates and fineness moduli of fine aggregates

Fineness Modulus
Max Aggregate (in.) 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 3
0.375 0.50 0.49 0.48 0.47 0.46 0.45 0.44
0.500 0.59 0.58 0.57 0.56 0.55 0.54 0.53
0.750 0.66 0.65 0.64 0.63 0.62 0.61 0.60
1.000 0.71 0.70 0.69 0.68 0.67 0.66 0.65
1.500 0.75 0.74 0.73 0.72 0.71 0.70 0.69
2.000 0.78 0.77 0.76 0.75 0.74 0.73 0.72
3.000 0.82 0.81 0.80 0.79 0.78 0.77 0.76
6.000 0.87 0.86 0.85 0.84 0.83 0.82 0.81

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

Mix Design Procedures Mix Design Procedures
8. Estimation of fine aggregate content -- There are two 9. Adjustment for moisture in the aggregate -- The water
standard methods to establish the fine aggregate content, content of the concrete will be affected by the moisture
the mass method and the volume method. We will use the content of the aggregate.
"volume" method.

 "Volume" Method -- This method is the preferred method, as it is a

somewhat more exact procedure
 The volume of fine aggregates is found by subtracting the volume
of cement, water, air, and coarse aggregate from the total concrete
volume.
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ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

Mix Design Procedures Mix Design Procedures

9. Adjustment for moisture in the aggregate -- The water 9. Adjustment for moisture in the aggregate -- The water
content of the concrete will be affected by the moisture content of the concrete will be affected by the moisture
content of the aggregate. content of the aggregate.

AC
SM Moisturecontent (MC )  AC  SM

ACI Mix Design ACI Mix Design

Mix Design Procedures Mix Design Procedures
10. Trial batch -- Using the proportions developed in the
preceding steps, mix a trial batch of concrete using 10. Trial batch
only as much water as is needed to reach the desired
slump (but not exceeding the permissible w/c ratio). The fresh concrete should be tested for slump, unit
weight, yield, air content, and its tendencies to segregate,
bleed, and finishing characteristics. Also, hardened
samples should be tested for compressive and flexural
strength.

ACI Mix Design Example ACI Mix Design Example

 Concrete is required for an exterior column located above  Step 1. Required material information (already given).
ground where substantial freezing and thawing may occur.  Step 2. Choice of slump. The slump is given, consistent
The 28-day compressive strength should be 5,000 lb./in2. with Table 1.
The slump should be between 1 and 2 in. and the
maximum aggregate size should not exceed ¾ in.
 The properties of the materials are as follows:
 Cement : Type I, specific gravity = 3.15
 Coarse Aggregate: Bulk specific gravity (SSD) = 2.70;
absorption capacity = 1%; dry-rodded unit weight = 100 lb./ft.3;
surface moisture = 0%
 Fine Aggregate: Bulk specific gravity (SSD) = 2.65; absorption
capacity = 1.3%; fineness modulus = 2.70; surface moisture = 3%  Step 3. Maximum aggregate size. Given: ¾ inches
CIVL 1112 ACI Mix Design 7/9

ACI Mix Design Example ACI Mix Design Example

 Step 4. Estimation of mixing water and air content. Since
freezing and thawing is important, the concrete must be  Step 5. Water/cement ratio. From Table3, the estimate for
air-entrained. From Table 2, the recommended air content required w/c ratio to give a 28-day strength of 5,000 psi.
is 6%; the water requirement is 280 lb./yd.3.
28-day Compressive Non-AE AE
Maximum aggregate size (in.) Strength (psi)
Slump(in) 0.375 0.5 0.75 1 1.5 2 3 6 2,000 0.82 0.74
1 to 2 305 295 280
280 270 250 240 225 180
3 to 4 340 325 305 295 275 265 250 200
3,000 0.68 0.59
6 to 7 365 345 325 310 290 280 270 - 4,000 0.57 0.48
Air Content 5,000 0.48 0.40
Mild 4.5% 4.0% 3.5% 3.0% 2.5% 2.0% 1.5% 1.0%
Moderate 6.0% 5.5% 5.0% 4.5% 4.5% 4.0% 3.5% 3.0%
6,000 0.41 0.32
Extreme 7.5% 7.0% 6.0%
6.0% 6.0% 5.5% 5.0% 4.5% 4.0% 7,000 0.33 ---

ACI Mix Design Example ACI Mix Design Example

 Step 6. Calculation of cement content. Based on steps 4  Step 7. Estimation of coarse aggregate content.
and 5, the required cement content is: Interpolating Table 4 for the fineness modulus of the fine
aggregate of 2.70

280 lb. yd.3

weight of cement   700 lb. yd.3
Fineness Modulus
Max Aggregate (in.) 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 3
0.4 0.375
0.500
0.50
0.59
0.49
0.58
0.48
0.57
0.47
0.56
0.46
0.55
0.45
0.54
0.44
0.53
0.750 0.66 0.65 0.64 0.63 0.62 0.61 0.60
1.000 0.71 0.70 0.69 0.68 0.67 0.66 0.65
1.500 0.75 0.74 0.73 0.72 0.71 0.70 0.69
2.000 0.78 0.77 0.76 0.75 0.74 0.73 0.72
3.000 0.82 0.81 0.80 0.79 0.78 0.77 0.76
6.000 0.87 0.86 0.85 0.84 0.83 0.82 0.81

ACI Mix Design Example ACI Mix Design Example

 The coarse aggregate will occupy:
 Step 8. Estimation of fine aggregate content by the absolute
3
 17.01 ft.
3
0.63  27 ft. yd.3
volume method.
yd.3
Temperature, °F Density, lb./ft.3
Value from
Table 4 60 62.368

 The OD weight of the coarse aggregate 65 62.337

70 62.302
17.01ft.
3
 100 lb.  1,701 lb.
yd. 3
ft. 3 yd.3 75 62.261

80 62.216
Dry-Rodded
Unit Weight 85 62.166
CIVL 1112 ACI Mix Design 8/9

ACI Mix Design Example ACI Mix Design Example

 Step 8. Estimation of fine aggregate content by the absolute  Therefore, the fine aggregate must occupy a volume of:
volume method.
 Water: 280 lb./62.4 lb./ft.3 = 4.49 ft.3 27 ft.3  19.77 ft.3  7.23 ft.3
 Cement: 700 lb./(3.15 x 62.4 lb./ft.3) = 3.56 ft.3

 The OD weight of the fine aggregate is:

 Coarse Aggregate: 1,701 lb./(2.70 x 62.4 lb./ft.3) = 10.10 ft.3

 Air: 6% x 27ft.3/yd.3 = 1.62 ft.3 7.23 ft.3  2.65  62.4 lb.  1,196 lb.
ft.3
Total 19.77 ft.3 Specific Gravity
of Fine Aggregate Unit Weight
of Water

ACI Mix Design Example ACI Mix Design Example

 Step 9. Adjustment for moisture in the aggregate.  Step 9. Adjustment for moisture in the aggregate.

 Since the moisture level of the fine aggregate in our storage The weight of aggregate from the stock pile is:

WeightStock Pile  WeightOD 1 MC 

bins can vary, we will apply a simple rule to adjust the water
required.

The change in the weight water due to the moisture of the

 Decrease the amount of water required by surface moisture aggregate from the stock pile is:
content of the weight of the fine aggregate
WeightWater  WeightOD  SM 
 Increase the amount of aggregate by the amount equal to the
surface moisture
AdjustedWeightWater  WeightWater  WeightWater

ACI Mix Design Example ACI Mix Design Example

 Step 9. Compute stockpile weight based on moisture content  Step 9. Adjust the amount of water based on moisture
content
 Fine aggregate required from the stockpile is:
The required mixing water required is:
1,196 lb. (1 + 0.043) = 1,247.4 lb./yd.3 or 1,247 lb./yd.3 280 lb. - 1196 lb. (0.043 – 0.013)  fine aggregate

Moisture Content 4.3%

Moisture Content 1% Moisture Content 4.3% Absorption Capacity 1.3%

 Coarse aggregate required from the stockpile is: - 1,718 lb. (0.01 – 0.01)  coarse aggregate

1,701 lb. (1 + 0.01) = 1,718 lb./yd.3 = 244.1 lb./yd.3 or 244 lb./yd.3

CIVL 1112 ACI Mix Design 9/9

ACI Mix Design Example ACI Mix Design

 Information for concrete mixtures using
 Thus the estimated batch weights per yd.3 are: particular ingredients can be plotted to
illustrate the relationship between
ingredients and properties:
Water = 244 lb.  Slump
Cement = 700 lb.
 Aggregate Size
Coarse aggregate = 1,718 lb.
 w/c
Fine aggregate (wet) = 1,247 lb.
 Cement content
Total = 3,909 lb./yd.3
= 144.8 lb./ft.3

End of ACI Mix Design

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