DESIGN OF CONCRETE MIXTURES

Abstract

THE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE MADE FROM SOUND, DURABLE MATERIALS DEPENDS UPON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE SOLID PARTICLES ARE BONDED TOGETHER AND THE AMOUNT OF SOLID MATERIALS IN THE CONCRETE. THE BOND DEPENDS UPON THE PROPORTION OF CEMENT IN A GIVEN QUANTITY OF CONCRETE AND THE AMOUNT OF MIXING WATER. USING THESE BASIC PRINCIPLES SEVERAL METHODS FOR DESIGN ARE AVAILABLE. IN ANY CASE, THE MAINTENANCE OF A CONSTANT RATIO OF CEMENT TO MIXING WATER IS ESSENTIAL TO UNIFORMITY OF RESULTS. THE NEED FOR ACCURATE MEASUREMENT OF ALL MATERIALS IS EMPHASIZED AND ADEQUATE METHODS ARE DESCRIBED. AN EXAMPLE OF THE USE OF THE MORTAR-VOID METHOD OF DESIGNING TO MEET AN UNUSUAL CONDITION IS INCLUDED.