Module No.

5 • To design a concrete mix, the following information

should be known before hand:
• grade of concrete
• type of cement
• size and type of aggregates available
By • minimum and maximum cement content
• desired workability
Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon • type and amount of admixture used
• type of curing etc

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

• A process of selecting suitable ingredients of concrete and

• The mix design methods being followed in different
determining their relative quantities.
countries are mostly based on empirical relationships,
• Proportioning of various ingredients of a concrete mix is charts and graphs developed from extensive experimental
of utmost importance, as it is the only means of achieving investigations.
the fundamental requirements of quality and economy.
• Any mix design procedure however will provide a first
• The main objects of designing the concrete mix are: approximation of the proportions and must be checked by
trial batches.
• To attain the minimum compressive strength at specified
age

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

• To achieve the workable concrete mix
• To obtain a cohesive mix which offsets the possibility of
bleeding, segregation and honey combing.
• To achieve durability for particular site conditions and
• Concrete mixes can be designed by using any of the
following methods
• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
• American Concrete Institute’s mix design procedure

• To obtain maximum economy

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design • British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
• The British method of concrete mix design, popularly STEP NO. 1 Determination of Target Mean Strength
referred to as DoE method, is used in UK and other parts • M= k x s
of world. • Where, k = a value appropriate to the % age defectives
permitted below the characteristic strength
• Originates from the Road Note No 4, published in Great • s = the standard deviation
Britain in 1950.
• The value of k is taken as :
• In 1975, the note was replaced by the Design of Normal • k for 10% defective = 1.28
• k for 5% defective = 1.64
Concrete Mixes, published by the British Department of • k for 2.5% defective = 1.96
Environment. • k for 1% defective = 2.33
Figure: Normal Distribution of concrete strength
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design • British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
Example of Calculation of Standard Deviation
STEP NO. 1 Determination of Target Mean Strength
• Mean strength:
• Because of the variability of concrete strength during
production, the mix must be designed to have a • This is the average strength obtained by dividing the sum
considerably higher strength than the specified of strength of all the cubes by the number of cubes.
characteristic strength.
• where
• This is done by an amount termed as margin, which is • x = mean strength
obtained by using the relation: • Σx = sum of the strength of cubes
• n = number of cubes.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design • British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
Example of Calculation of Standard Deviation
STEP NO. 1 Determination of Target Mean Strength
• Standard Deviation:
• fm = fc + M
• This is the root mean square deviation of all the results.
• Where, fm = the target mean strength This is denoted by s or σ.
• fc = the specified characteristic strength
• where
• M = the margin • σ = Standard deviation,
• n = number of observations
• The value of the margin (M) can be derived from the
• x = particular value of observations
calculation: • x- = arithmetic mean
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design • British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
Example of Calculation of Standard Deviation STEP NO. 2 Determination of water cement ratio

Fig: 2 Relationship b/w compressive strength and free w/c ratio.

• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design • British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
STEP NO. 2 Determination of water cement ratio STEP NO. 3 Determination of water content
• From Table 1 corresponding to the type of cement, type of • Table 2 corresponding to the maximum size of coarse
coarse agg. and specified age, the appropriate value of
strength (at w/c ratio of 0.5) is obtained. aggregate and specified slump, the value of water content
is obtained.
• From Fig. 2, a point corresponding to this strength at a w/c
ratio of 0.5 is marked.
• Through this point, a curve ‘parallel’ to the neighboring
curves is drawn. Using this new curve, the w/c ratio
corresponding to the specified target mean strength is
obtained.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design • British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
STEP NO. 2 Determination of water cement ratio STEP NO. 3 Determination of water content
Table: 1 Approximate compressive strengths (N/mm2) of concrete mixes Table: 2 Approximate free water contents required to give various levels of workability
made with free w/c ratio of 0.5
Slump (mm) 0-10 10-30 30-60 60-180
Compressive Strengths (N/mm2)
Type of Coarse Vebe Time (s) > 12 6 -12 3–6 0-3
Type of Cement
Aggregate
Age (days) • Maximum Size of Type of
3 7 28 91
Aggregate (mm) Aggregate
Ordinary Uncrushed 22 30 42 49
Uncrushed 150 180 205 225
Portland Cement 10
Crushed 180 205 230 250
or Sulphate
Crushed 27 36 49 56 Uncrushed 135 160 180 195
Resisting 20
Portland Cement Crushed 170 190 210 225
Rapid Hardening Uncrushed 29 37 48 54 Uncrushed 115 140 160 175
40
Portland Cement Crushed 34 43 55 61 Crushed 155 175 190 205
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
STEP NO. 3 Determination of water content
• Note: When coarse and fine aggregate of different types
are used, the free-water content is estimated by the
expression:
• 2/3 Wf + 1/3 Wc
• Where:
• Wf = water content appropriate to type of fine agg.
• Wc = water content appropriate to type of coarse agg.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
STEP NO. 4 Determination of cement content
• Cement is determined by dividing the water content
obtained in Step (3) with the w/c ratio obtained in Step (2).
• The value obtained should be checked against any
maximum or minimum cement contents that may have
been specified.
• If the cement content as calculated above is below a
specified minimum, this minimum must be used.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
STEP NO. 4 Determination of cement content
• On the other hand, if the calculated cement content is
higher than a specified maximum, then the specified
strength and workability cannot simultaneously be met
with the selected materials.
• Consideration should then be given to changing the type of
cement, the type and maximum size of the aggregate.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
STEP NO. 5 Determination of Total aggregate content
• Knowing the water content and cement content, the total
aggregate content is determined by using the relation:
• Total aggregate content = D – Wc - WFW
• Where:
• D = the wet density of concrete (kg/m3)
• Wc = the cement content (kg/m3)
• WFW = the free-water content (kg/m3)
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
STEP NO. 6 Determination of Fine & Coarse aggregate content
• This step involves deciding how much of the total
aggregate should consist of material smaller than 5 mm, i.e
fine aggregate content.
• The F.A content of concrete is estimated by reference to
Fig. 4, which relates the amount of F.A as a %ge of the
total aggregate content to the w/c ratio for different values
of workability, max. size of aggregate and grading of F.A.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
STEP NO. 6 Determination of Fine & Coarse aggregate content
• The coarse aggregate content is then simply obtained by
subtracting the fine aggregate content from the total
aggregate content.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 DOE MIX DESIGN PROCEDURE

Example:
• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
STEP NO. 6 Determination of Fine & Coarse aggregate content • Using the D.O.E method of mix design, compute the batch
quantities required for a cubic meter of concrete to suit the
following data:
• Characteristic cube strength is 30 MPa at 28 days with 5%
defective rate.
• Type of cement: Ordinary Portland Cement
• Coarse aggregate: Crushed of max. size 20 mm
• Fine aggregate: Natural river sand (uncrushed) confirming to
grading zone II
• Desirable slump: 50-75 mm
• Standard deviation = 6 N/mm2
Fig: 4 (a) Recommended proportion of fine aggregate according to percentage passing
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
600µm sieve

DOE MIX DESIGN PROCEDURE

STEP NO. 1 Determination of Target Mean Strength

• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
Target mean strength (fm) = fc + ks
STEP NO. 6 Determination of Fine & Coarse aggregate content = 30 + 1.64 x 6
= 30 + 9.84
= 39.84 ≈ 40 N/mm2
k for 10% defectives = 1.28
k for 5.0% defectives= 1.64
k for 2.5% defectives= 1.96
k for 1.0% defective = 2.33

30 28
5
6
1.64 1.64 6 9.84
30 9.84 39.84

Fig: 4 (b) Recommended proportion of fine aggregate according to percentage passing

600µm sieve

DOE MIX DESIGN PROCEDURE

STEP NO. 2 Determination of water cement ratio

• British D.O.E. Method of Mix design
STEP NO. 6 Determination of Fine & Coarse aggregate content

30 28
5
6
1.64 1.64 6 9.84
30 9.84 39.84

crushed
uncrushed

Fig: 4 (c) Recommended proportion of fine aggregate according to percentage passing

600µm sieve
 DOE MIX DESIGN PROCEDURE DOE MIX DESIGN PROCEDURE

Table 2. Approximate Compressive Strength (N/mm2) Figure 4. Relationship between Compressive

strength and Free-Water/ Cement
of Concrete Mixes made with a Free-Water/Cement
0.5
STEP NO. 4 Determination of Cement content
Compressive Strengths
Type of
Type of (N/mm2) Free water content
Cement
Coarse
Age (days) Cement content =
Aggregate Water / cement ratio
3 7 28 91
Ordinary = 205 / 0.57
Uncrushed 22 30 42 49
Portland
= 359.65 ≈ 360 Kg/m3
Cement
(OPC) of
Sulphate
Resisting Crushed 27 36 49 56 205 0.57 360
Portland -
Cement
(SRPC)
-
Rapid Uncrushed 29 37 48 54
Hardening -
Portland
Cement Crushed 34 43 55 61
(RHPC)

DOE MIX DESIGN PROCEDURE DOE MIX DESIGN PROCEDURE

STEP NO. 2 Determination of water cement ratio STEP NO. 5 Determination of total aggregate content

As,
Total aggregate content = D – Wc - WFW
30 28
Where:
5
D = the wet density of concrete (kg/m3)
6
Wc = the cement content (kg/m3)
1.64 1.64 6 9.84
WFW = the free-water content (kg/m3)
30 9.84 39.84
Therefore,
crushed
Total aggregate content
uncrushed
= 2400 – 205 – 360
0.57 Use this value
= 1835 Kg/m3
-

Figure 5. Estimated Wet Density of Fully Compacted Concrete

DOE MIX DESIGN PROCEDURE DOE MIX DESIGN PROCEDURE

STEP NO. 3 Determination of Free water content STEP NO. 6 Determination of fine and coarse
aggregate content
Table 3. Approximate Free-Water Contents (kg/m3) required to
give Various Levels of Workability
Slump (mm) 0-10 10-30 30-60 60-180 Free-water content Fine aggregate content = Total
Vebe Time (s) > 12 6 -12 3–6 0-3 = 2/3(195) + 1/3(225)
Maximum Size of Type of
aggregate content x proportions of
= 130 + 75 fines
Aggregate (mm) Aggregate
Uncrushed 150 180 205 225 = 205 kg/m3
10
Crushed 180 205 230 250
And,
Uncrushed 135 160 180 195 Coarse aggregate content = Total
20
Crushed 170 190 210 225
Uncrushed 115 140 160 175
aggregate content – fine aggregate
40 content
Crushed 155 175 190 205

Note: When coarse and fine aggregate of different types are used, then free-water content is
estimated by the expression
2/3 Wf + 1/3 Wc
Figure 6. Recommended Proportions of Fine Aggregate
Where: Wf = free-water content appropriate to type of fine aggregate
According to Percentage Passing 600 m sieve
Wc = free-water content appropriate to type of coarse aggregate
 DOE MIX DESIGN PROCEDURE

STEP NO. 6 Determination of fine and coarse ACI Method of Mix Design
aggregate content
 Data to be required for the design of the mix
2  Before starting the mix design process, the following
37% - 44% use 40.5%
material properties should be determined:
0.405 1835 743
1835 743 1092  Specific gravity of cement
 Fineness modulus of selected Fine Aggregate
 Unit weight of dry rodded coarse aggregate
 Sp. gravity of coarse and fine aggregates in SSD condition
 Absorption characteristics of both coarse & fine aggregates

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

DOE MIX DESIGN PROCEDURE

Assuming a trial mix of 0.05 m3 to be used using aggregate with ACI Method of Mix Design
saturated surface dry condition for this example
 The ACI mix design procedure can be divided into the
The required amount for each material for this volume is listed in following steps:
the final line of this mix design form.
 Choice of slump
 Maximum aggregate size selection
 Mixing water and air content estimation
 Determination of Water-cement ratio
 Determination of Cement content
360 205 743 1092  Determination of Coarse aggregate content
0.05 18 10.25 37.15 54.6  Determination of Fine aggregate content
 Adjustment for aggregate moisture
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

 This method of mix design, widely used in the USA,
was first published in 1944 by ACI committee 613
 In 1954 the method was revised to include, among other
modifications, the use of entrained air
 In 1970, the method became the responsibility of ACI
committee 211
 Step 1: Choice of Slump
 Select the slump of concrete depending on the type of
construction and the degree of workability
 If slump is not specified, a value appropriate for the
work can be selected from Table 1
 As a general rule, the lowest slump that will permit
adequate placement, should be selected

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

 Step 1: Choice of Slump  Step 3: Estimation of Mixing water and Air content
Table 1. Recommended Slumps for Various Types of Construction
 Determine the amount of mixing water required for air
entrained or non-air entrained concrete for the selected
slump and maximum size of coarse aggregate from
Table 2.

 This Table 2 also indicates approximate amount of

entrapped air.

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

Table 2. Approximate Mixing Water and Air Content Requirements for different Slumps
 Step 2: Selection of Maximum Aggregate size and Maximum Aggregate sizes

 Decide the maximum size of coarse aggregate that is

economically available and conform to the following
limitations:
 ACI 211.1 suggests that maximum size should not be
larger than:
 1/5 the minimum dimension of structural member,
 1/3 the thickness of a slab,
 or 3/4 the clearance between reinforcing rods and forms

ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

 Step 2: Selection of Maximum Aggregate size  Step 4: Determination of water cement ratio

 These restrictions limit maximum aggregate size to 40  Find the minimum water-cement ratio based on the
mm (1.5 inches), except in mass applications dual criterion of durability and strength using Tables 3
and 4.
 Generally for RCC work 20 mm and prestressed
concrete 10 mm size are used
 Note: Aggregate larger than these dimensions may be
difficult to consolidate & compact resulting in a honey-
combed structure or large air pockets.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design
Table 3. Maximum Permissible W/C Ratios for Different Types of Structures and Degrees of Exposure
 Step 6: Determination of Coarse aggregate content

 Determine the amount of coarse aggregate required for

a unit volume of concrete from Table 5.

 The value thus obtained is multiplied by the dry

rodded unit weight of coarse aggregate to get the
required weight of coarse aggregate per unit volume
of concrete.

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

Table 3. Maximum Permissible W/C Ratios for Different Types of Structures and Degrees of Exposure Table 5. Dry bulk volume of Coarse Aggregate per unit volume of concrete

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

 Step 5: Determination of cement content  Step 7: Determination of Fine aggregate content

 Once the water content and w/c ratio is determined  Determine the amount of fine aggregate.
from steps 3 and 4, the amount of cement per unit
 If the weight of concrete per unit volume is assumed,
volume of the concrete is found by dividing the
the required weight of fine aggregate is simply the
estimated water content by the w/c ratio.
difference b/w the weight of fresh concrete and the
i.e. Cement content = Water content / Water cement ratio total weight of all other ingredients.
 This cement content should not be less than the cement
 An estimate of weight of fresh concrete can be made
content required based on durability or some other
criterion. either by using the following Equation (1) or Table 6
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

ρ = 10 γa (100 - A) + C (1 – γa / γ ) – W (γa - 1) … 1(a) (kg/m3)
ρ = 16.85 γa (100 - A) + C (1 – γa / γ ) – W (γa - 1) … 1(b) (lb/ft3)
where,
ρ = density (unit weight) of fresh concrete, kg/m3(lb/ft3)
γa = weighted av. specific gravity of combined fine & coarse agg.
A = air content, percent
C = cement content, kg/m3(lb/ft3)
γ = specific gravity of cement ( generally 3.15)
W = mixing water requirement, kg/m3 (lb/ft3)
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 Example: Using the ACI method, design a concrete mix
for construction of internal columns of a building. The
specified strength of concrete is 30 MPa at 28 days
measured on standard cylinders. The size of the column
sections and the spacing of the reinforcement require a
slump of 50 mm (2 in.) and a maximum size of aggregate
of 20 mm (3/4 in.). The specific gravity of Fine &
Coarse aggregates are 2.65 and 2.70 respectively. The
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

Table 6. First Estimate of density (unit weight) of fresh concrete
dry rodded bulk density of Coarse aggregate is 1600
kg/m3(100 lb/ft3) and fineness modulus of Fine aggregate
is 2.80. Ordinary Portland cement (Type 1) will be used.
Coarse aggregate is found to be absorptive to the extent
of 1% with a moisture surface of 2.2% while the fine
aggregate has a absorption of 0.7% and free surface
moisture is found to be 3.5%.

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

 Step 8: Adjustment for aggregate moisture  Step 1: Choice of Slump

 Adjust the mixing water quantity and proportions of  Select the slump of concrete depending on the type of

fine and coarse aggregate based on the surface construction and degree of workability. If not given, an
moisture and absorption capacity in the aggregate. appropriate value may be chosen from Table 1

 Check the calculated mix proportions by means of trial  The slump of 50 mm (2 inch) is given, which is

batches and make some adjustments in the mix consistent with Table 1.
proportions, if necessary.

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

 Step 1: Choice of Slump  Step 3: Estimation of Mixing water and Air content
Table 1. Recommended Slumps for Various Types of Construction
 From Table 2, the mixing water content for non air-
entrained concrete with a slump of 50 mm (2 in.), and
a maximum size of aggregate of 20 mm (3/4 in.) is
190 kg/m3 (315 lb/yd3)

 Also, we note that the entrapped air content is 2%

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

Table 2. Approximate Mixing Water and Air Content Requirements for different Slumps
 Step 2: Selection of Maximum Aggregate size and Maximum Aggregate sizes
 Decide the maximum size of coarse aggregate to be used.

 The maximum size of 20 mm (3/4 in.) of coarse

aggregate is given.

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

 Step 3: Estimation of Mixing water and Air content
 Determine the amount of mixing water required for air
entrained or non-air entrained concrete for the selected
slump and maximum size of coarse aggregate from Table
2.
 Since there are no special exposure conditions,
Ordinary Portland cement will be used without air
entrainment.
 Step 4: Determination of water cement ratio
 Find the water-cement ratio based on the dual criterion of
durability and strength using Tables 3 and 4.
 Adopt the lower value out of strength and durability
consideration.
 From Table 3, based on the exposure/durability
conditions, the estimated w/c ratio is 0.5

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

 Step 4: Determination of water cement ratio  Step 5: Determination of cement content

 From Table 4, for non air-entrained concrete, the  Find the amount of cement per unit volume of the
concrete by dividing the estimated water content by the
estimated w/c ratio is 0.55 for an average strength of
w/c ratio.
30 N/mm2
Thus, Cement content = 190 / 0.5
 Therefore, adopt w/c ratio of 0.5
= 380 kg/m3

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

Table 3. Maximum Permissible W/C Ratios for Different Types of Structures and Degrees of Exposure
 Step 6: Determination of Coarse aggregate content
 Determine the amount of coarse aggregate required for a
unit volume of concrete from Table 5.
 The value thus obtained is multiplied by dry rodded unit
weight of coarse aggregate to get the required weight of
coarse aggregate per cubic unit of concrete.

 From Table 5, for 20 mm coarse aggregate and for

Fineness modulus of 2.80, the dry rodded bulk volume
of Coarse agg. is 0.62 per unit volume of concrete.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

Table 5. Dry bulk volume of Coarse Aggregate per unit volume of concrete
Table 4. Relationship Between W/C Ratio and Compressive Strength of Concrete

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

 ACI Method of Mix Design
 Step 6: Determination of Coarse aggregate content
 Thus,
the weight of coarse aggregate = 0.62 x 1600 = 992
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
ACI Method of Mix Design
 Step 7: Determination of Fine aggregate content
 Determine the amount of fine aggregate.
 If the weight of concrete per unit volume is known, the
required weight of fine aggregate is simply the difference
b/w the weight of fresh concrete and the total weight of all
other ingredients.
 An estimate of weight of fresh concrete can be made
either by using Table 6 or using the Equation (1).
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
ACI Method of Mix Design
Table 6. First Estimate of density (unit weight) of fresh concrete
ACI Method of Mix Design
 Step 7: Determination of Fine aggregate content
 From Table 6, the first estimate of density of fresh
concrete for 20 mm maximum size of coarse aggregate
kg/m3
and for non air-entrained concrete is 2355 kg/m3
 The weight of all the known ingredients of concrete:
 Weight of water = 190 kg/m3
 Weight of cement = 380 kg/m3
 Weight of coarse aggregate = 992 kg/m3
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
ACI Method of Mix Design
 Step 7: Determination of Fine aggregate content
 Thus,
the weight of fine aggregate = 2355 – 190 – 380 – 992
= 793 kg/m3
 Alternatively, the weight of fine aggregate can also be
found out by absolute volume method which is more
accurate and is given by,
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
ACI Method of Mix Design
 Step 7: Determination of Fine aggregate content
 Thus,
the absolute volume of fine aggregate = 1000 – 698.04
= 301.96
 Therefore,
the weight of fine aggregate = 301.96 x 2.65
= 800.19 say 800 kg/m3
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 ACI Method of Mix Design ACI Method of Mix Design

 Step 8: Adjustment for aggregate moisture Final Mix Proportions

 Adjust the proportions of fine & coarse aggregate and the Fine Coarse
mixing water quantity based on the surface moisture and Ingredients Cement Water
Aggregate Aggregate
absorption capacity in the aggregate. Quantity
380 828 1014 156
 Since, both fine and coarse aggregates contain surface kg/m3
moisture, therefore their weights must be adjusted. Ratio 1 2.18 2.67 0.41
Thus, the weight of fine aggregate = 800 + 3.5% (800)
= 828 kg/m3

ACI Method of Mix Design

 Step 8: Adjustment for aggregate moisture

 and, the weight of coarse aggregate = 992 + 2.2% (992)

= 1013.82
≈ 1014 kg/m3
 Similarly, the required adjusted amount of water will be
calculated as follows:
 Water from fine aggregate = 800 x (3.5 – 0.7)%
= 22.40 kg/m3

ACI Method of Mix Design

 Step 8: Adjustment for aggregate moisture

 Water from coarse aggregate = 992 x (2.2 – 1.0)%

= 11.90 kg/m3
 therefore, the required adjusted amount of water
= 190 – 22.4 – 11.90
= 155.70 ≈ 156 kg/m3