A new procedure of concrete mixture designing

Abstract

Today's procedures of design mix of fresh concrete mixtures do not allow for water mass (mw) to be calculated exactly but through approximation methods which include calculating the type of aggregate, demanded consistency (slump concrete) and the largest aggregate grain (Dmax). The other way demands that the water mass (mw) be read from a table which is based on the largest aggregate grain, aggregate origin and the demanded concrete of concrete subsidence. Hence, cement mass (mc) which is calculated based upon the aforementioned water mass (mw) is also approximate and, ultimately, the whole process is conducted in an approximate and not precise manner. According to the new method the authors are proposing, water mass is calculated precisely and in an exact manner in regard to the cement mass (mc) and the mass of all of the aggregate fractions (ma) in accordance with the projected or set granulometry. According to the new procedure, cement mass (mc), water mass (mw) and aggregate mass (ma) are calculated simultaneously in regard to the projected or set concrete class (C fck, cyl/fco, cube) and required concrete strength fk,28 through a set of three equations with cement mass (mc), water mass (mw) and aggregate mass (ma) being the unknowns in these equations. This precise procedure is a necessity in a chase for better structures that could be seen standing in all their glory 1000 or 2000 years from now, as we are seeing Egyptian, Roman and Chinese and structures standing today.