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The USBR Method Mt&e Notes

The USBR concrete mix design procedure is a standardized method for proportioning concrete mixes in large civil engineering projects, focusing on workability, strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The process involves determining requirements, selecting water-cement ratios, estimating water content, determining cement content, selecting aggregate proportions, calculating aggregate quantities, adjusting for moisture conditions, and conducting trial mixes and testing. This systematic approach ensures that the concrete meets the necessary performance criteria for specific applications.

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Chetan Nigam
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46 views2 pages

The USBR Method Mt&e Notes

The USBR concrete mix design procedure is a standardized method for proportioning concrete mixes in large civil engineering projects, focusing on workability, strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The process involves determining requirements, selecting water-cement ratios, estimating water content, determining cement content, selecting aggregate proportions, calculating aggregate quantities, adjusting for moisture conditions, and conducting trial mixes and testing. This systematic approach ensures that the concrete meets the necessary performance criteria for specific applications.

Uploaded by

Chetan Nigam
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The USBR (United States Bureau of Reclamation) design procedure is one of the standard

methods used for proportioning concrete mixes, especially for large civil engineering projects
like dams, canals, and hydraulic structures. This method focuses on achieving the desired
workability, strength, durability, and economy of the mix.

Here's a simplified step-by-step explanation of the USBR concrete mix design procedure:

1. Determine Requirements:

Start by identifying the following:

 Compressive strength (usually at 28 days)


 Workability (slump requirement)
 Durability needs (exposure conditions, such as sulfate attack)
 Maximum size of aggregate
 Air content (for freeze-thaw resistance)

2. Select Water-Cement Ratio (w/c):

 Choose based on the required compressive strength and exposure conditions.


 Lower w/c ratio increases strength and durability but reduces workability.

USBR often uses graphs or tables based on past empirical data to correlate w/c ratio with
compressive strength.

3. Estimate Water Content:

 Depends on aggregate size, shape, and desired slump.


 Tables are available to give approximate water requirements.

Example: For 25 mm aggregate and 75 mm slump, around 180 kg/m³ of water


might be used.

4. Determine Cement Content:

 Once water content and w/c ratio are known:


 Cement content (kg/m3)=Water contentw/c ratio\text{Cement content (kg/m}^3\text{)}
= \frac{\text{Water content}}{\text{w/c
ratio}}Cement content (kg/m3)=w/c ratioWater content
 Ensure it meets minimum cement requirements for durability.
5. Select Aggregate Proportions:

 Coarse to fine aggregate ratio is selected based on:


o Workability
o Aggregate size and shape
o Past experience or USBR guidelines

The USBR uses charts and graphs to help select the volume of coarse aggregate per unit
volume of concrete, which depends on the nominal maximum size of aggregate and the fineness
modulus of sand.

6. Calculate Aggregate Quantities:

Use the following steps:

 Assume the total volume of concrete = 1 m³.


 Subtract volumes of cement, water, and air (if air-entrained concrete is used).
 The remaining volume is filled by aggregates (coarse + fine).
 Use the specific gravities to convert volumes to weights.

7. Adjust for Moisture Conditions:

 Adjust water content and aggregate weights to account for:


o Free surface moisture in aggregates
o Absorption capacity

8. Trial Mixes and Testing:

 Prepare trial batches.


 Test for:
o Slump
o Compressive strength
o Air content (if applicable)
 Adjust proportions as needed to meet performance criteria.

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