Mix Design For Concrete Roads As Per IRC:15-2011

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By
Kaushal Kishore, Materials Engineer, Roorkee

ABSTRACT:
The stresses induced in concrete pavements are mainly flexural. Therefore flexural
strength is more often specified than compressive strength in the design of concrete mixes
for pavement construction. A simple method of concrete mix design based on flexural
strength for normal weight concrete mixes is described in the paper.

INTRODUCTION:
Usual criterion for the strength of concrete in the building industry is the compressive
strength, which is considered as a measure of quality concrete. However, in pavement
constructions, such as highway and airport runway, the flexural strength of concrete is
considered more important, as the stresses induced in concrete pavements are mainly
flexural. Therefore, flexural strength is more often specified than compressive strength in
the design of concrete mixes for pavement construction. It is not perfectly reliable to predict
flexural strength from compressive strength. Further, various codes of the world specified
that the paving concrete mixes should preferably be designed in the laboratory and
controlled in the field on the basis of its flexural strength. Therefore, there is a need to
design concrete mixes based on flexural strength.

The type of aggregate can have a predominant effect, crushed rock aggregate resulting in
concrete with higher flexural strength than uncrushed (gravel) aggregates for comparable
mixes, assuming that sound materials are used. The strength of cement influences the
compressive and flexural strength of concrete i.e. with the same water-cement ratio, higher
strength cement will produce concrete of higher compressive and flexural strength.

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MIX DESIGN DETAILS

IRC: 15-2011 specified that for concrete roads OPC should be used. This code also
allowed PPC as per IS: 1489 (Part-1) with flyash content not more than 20 percent by
weight of PPC. Accordingly OPC + fly ash may be used in concrete roads. Flyash shall be
not more than 20 percent by weight of cementitious material. However, IS: 456-2000
specified that fly ash conforming to grade-1 of IS” 3812 may be used as part replacement of
OPC provided uniform blended with cement is essential. The construction sites where
batching plants are used this may be practicable. In ordinary sites where mixer or hand
mixing are done uniform blending of fly ash with cement is not practicable. At such
construction sites, PPC may be used. PPC should be used with caution where rapid
construction methods like slip form is being used. Joints cutting also need early strength.

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1 Characteristic : 4.5 N/mm 2
Flexural
Strength at
28 days

2 Cement : Three mixes are to be designed

MIX-A
With PPC (Flyash 18 percent based) conforming to IS:1489-part-I-1991. 7
days strength 37.5 N/mm2 . Specific Gravity : 3.00

MIX-B
With OPC-43- Grade conforming to IS: 8112-1989. 7 days strength 40.5
n/mm2 . Specific Gravity : 3.15

MIX-C
With OPC of Mix-B and Fly ash conforming to IS:3812 (Part-I)-2003 Specific
Gravity : 2.20

Note: Requirements of all the three mixes are the same. Fine Aggregate,
Coarse Aggregate and Retarder Super plasticizer are the same for all the
three mixes.

3 Fly ash : 20% Fly ash is required to be replaced with the total cementitious materials.
replacement

4 Maximum : 31.5 mm Crushed aggregate

nominal size
of
aggregates

5 Fine : Given in Table 1

aggregate
and coarse
aggregate
grading

6 Minimum : (a) OPC shall not be less than 360 kg/m 3 .

cement (b) PPC shall not be less than 425 kg/m 3 . Fly ash in it 20% maximum by
content for weight of total cementitious materials
4.5 N/mm2
characteristic (c) OPC + Fly ash mix OPC shall not be less than 340 kg/m 3 . Fly ash 20%
flexural maximum by weight of cementations material
strength:

7 Maximum : (a) For OPC 0.45

free W/C (b) For PPC 0.50
Ratio

8 Workability : 40 mm slump at pour the concrete will be transported from central batching
plant through transit mixer, at a distance of 15 Km during June, July months.
The average temperature last year during these months was 300 C.

9 Exposure : Moderate
condition

10 Method of : Fully mechanised construction

placing

11 Degree of : Good
supervision

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 12 Maximum of : (a) OPC 425 kg/m 3
cement (b) PPC 425 kg/m 3
content

13 Chemical : Retarder Super plasticizer conforming to IS:9103-1999. With the given

admixture requirements and materials, the manufacturer of Retarder Super plasticizer
recommends dosages of 1% bw of OPC, which will reduce 15% of water
without loss of workability. For fly ash included cement dosages will be
required to be adjusted by experience/ trials.2% maximum by weight of
cementitious material

14 Values of Z : 1.96 x 0.40

x (for
National
Highway)

TEST DATA FOR MATERIALS AND OTHER DETAILS

1. The grading of fine aggregate, 1 & 2 aggregates are as given in Table. 1.
2. Properties of aggregates

Tests Fine aggregate Aggregate 1 Aggregate 2

Specific Gravity 2.65 2.65 2.65

Water Absorption % 0.8 0.5 0.5

3. Target average flexural strength for all A, B and C mixes

S = S+ Zq
=4.5 + 1.96 x 0.40
= 5.3 N/mm2 at 28 days age
4. For Mix A, B and C free W/C ratio with crushed aggregate and required average flexural
target strength of 5.3 N/mm2 at 28 days from Fig. 1 Curve D found to be 0.42. This is lower
than specified maximum W/C ratio value of 0.45 for OPC and 0.50 for PPC.

Note:
In absence of cement strength, but cement conforming to IS Codes, assume from Fig. 1

Curve C and D for OPC 43 Grade

Take curves C and D for PPC, as PPC is being manufactured in minimum of 43 Grade of
strength.

5. Other data’s: The Mixes are to be designed on the basis of saturated and surface dry
aggregates. At the time of concreting, moisture content of site aggregates are to be
determine. If it carries surface moisture this is to be deducted from the mixing water and if it
is dry add in mixing water the quantity of water required for absorption. The weight of
aggregates are also adjusted accordingly.

DESIGN OF MIX-A WITH PPC

a) Free W/C ratio for the target flexural strength of 5.3 N/mm2 as worked out is 0.42 for first
trial.

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b) Free water for 40 mm slump from Table 2 for 31.5 mm maximum size of aggregate.
2/3×170 + 1/3×200= 180 kg/m3
From trials it is found that Retarder Super plasticizer at a dosages of 1.3% bw of PPC may
reduce 15% water without loss of workability
Then water = 180 – (180 x 0.15) = 153 kg/m3

c) PPC = 153/0.42 = 364 kg/m3 (Required minimum PPC is 425 kg/m3)

d) Formula for calculation of fresh concrete weight in kg/m3

Um = 10 x G a (100 – A) + Cm(1 – Ga/Gc ) – Wm (Ga – 1)
Where,
Um=Weight of fresh concrete kg/m3
Ga=Weighted average specific gravity of combined fine and coarse aggregate bulk, SSD
Gc =Specific gravity of cement. Determine actual value, in absence assume 3.15 for OPC
and 3.00 for PPC (Fly ash based)
A=Air content, percent. Assume for trial entrapped air 1.5%

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For 31.5 mm maximum size of aggregate

There is always entrapped air in concrete. Therefore ignoring entrapped air value as NIL
will lead the calculation of higher value of density. Take exact value of air as obtained in
the test
Wm=Mixing water required in kg/m3
Cm=Cement required, kg/m3
Note:- The exact density may be obtained by filling and fully compacting constant volume
suitable metal container from the trial batches of calculated design mixes. The mix be
altered with the actual obtained density of the mix.

Um =10 x Ga (100 – A) + Cm (1 – Ga/Gc ) – Wm (Ga – 1)

=10 x 2.65 (100 – 1.5) + 425(1- 2.65/3.00) – 153 (2.65 -1)
=2409 kg/m3

e) Aggregates = 2409 – 425 – 153 = 1831 kg/m3

f) Fine aggregate = 1831 x 0.45 = 824 kg/m3

Aggregate 1 = 1831 x 0.29 = 531 kg/m 3
Aggregate 2 = 1831 x 0.26 = 476 kg/m 3

g) Thus for 4.5 N/mm2 flexural strength quantity of materials per cu.m. of concrete on the
basis of saturated and surface dry aggregates:

Water = 153 kg/m3

PPC = 425 kg/m3
Fine Aggregate (sand) = 824 kg/m3
Aggregate (1) = 531 kg/m3
Aggregate (2) = 476 kg/m3
Retarder Super Plasticizer 1.3% bw of PPC = 5.525 kg/m3

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MIX- B WITH OPC
a) Water = 180 – (180 x 0.15) = 153 kg/m3
b) OPC = 153/0.42 = 364 kg/m3
c) Density: 10 x 2.65 (100 – 1.5) + 364 (1 – 2.65/3.15) – 153 (2.65 – 1)= 2416 kg/m3
d) Total Aggregates = 2416 – 364 – 153 = 1899 kg/m3
Aggregate 1 = 1899 x 0.29 = 551 kg/m 3
Aggregate 2 = 1899 x 0.26 = 494 kg/m 3
Fine Aggregate = 1899 x 0.45 = 854 kg/m3
e) Thus for 4.5 N/mm2 flexural strength quantity of materials per cu.m of concrete on the
basis of SSD aggregates are given below:
Water = 153 kg/m3
OPC = 364 kg/m3
Fine Aggregate (sand) = 854 kg/m3
Aggregate (1) = 551 kg/m3
Aggregate (2) = 494 kg/m3
Retarder Super Plasticizer 1% bw OPC = 3.640 kg/m3

MIX-C WITH OPC + FLY ASH

With a total cementitious material of 430 kg/m3,
OPC = 430 x 0.80 = 344 kg/m3
Fly ash = 430 x 0.20 = 86 kg/m 3
Mix on the basis of SSD Aggregates,
(1) Water as worked out earlier = 153 kg/m3
(2) OPC = 344 kg/m 3
(3) Fly ash = 86 kg/m3
Density = 10 x 2.65 (100 – 1.5) + 430 (1 – 2.65/3.00) – 153 (2.65 – 1) = 2410 kg/m 3

Total Aggregates = 2410 – 153 – 344 – 86 = 1827 kg/m3

(4) Fine aggregate 0.45 x 1827 = 822 kg/m3
(5) Aggregate (1) 0.29 x 1827 = 530 kg/m3
(6) Aggregate (2) 0.26 x 1827 = 475 kg/m3
(7) Retarder super plasticizer 1.5% bw of cementitious material = 6.450 kg/m3

Note:
(1) Cementitious material worked out as per IRC : 15-2011, which specified: In case fly ash
(as per IS: 3912 Part 1) is blended at site, the quantity of fly ash shall be restricted to 20
percent by weight of cementitious material and the quantity of OPC in such a blend shall
not be less than 340 kg/m 3 .

(2) After the first trial mix, its actual density is to be determined, as specified elase where in
this paper. The mix proportions shall then be worked out accordingly including the water
content, the dosages of Retarder SP for required workability keeping the free w/c ratio with
in the permissible limits and adjusting it according to the required flexural strength.

(3) The mix proportions given in this paper are for first trial and to be adjusted as per actual
site materials, conditions and requirements.

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For 4.5 N/mm2 flexural strength quantity of material per cu.m of concrete on the basis
of saturated and surface dry aggregates of Mix ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘c’ are given below:

Materials MIX. ‘A’ with PPC Mix. ‘B’ with OPC Mix. ‘C’ with OPC+Flyash

Water kg/m 3 153 153 153

PPC kg/m 3 425 — —

OPC kg/m3 — 364 344

Flyash kg/m3 — — 86

Fine Agg. kg/m 3 824 854 822

Agg. (1) kg/m 3 531 551 530

Agg. (2) kg/m 3 476 494 475

Retarder Super- plasticizer kg/m 3 5.525 3.640 6.450

W/ Cementitious ratio 0.36 0.42 0.356

Note:-
1. For exact W/C ratio the water in admixture should also be taken into account.
2. PPC reduces 5% water demand. If this is found by trial then take reduce water for
calculation.
3. If the trial mixes does not gives the required properties of the mix, it is then required to
be altered accordingly. However, when the experiences grows with the particular set of
materials and site conditions very few trials will be required, and a expert of such site very
rarely will be required a 2nd trial.

CONCLUSION
1. For 4.5 N/mm2 flexural strength concrete having same material and requirement, but
without water reducer, the OPC required will be 180/0.42 = 429 kg/m3

2. With the use of superplasticizer the saving in OPC is 65 kg/m3 and water 27 lit/m3.

3. In the financial year 2009-2010 India has produces 200 million tonnes of cement. In India
one kg of cement produce emitted 0.93 kg of CO2. Thus the production of 200 million
tonnes of cement had emitted 200 x 0.93 = 186 million tonnes of CO2 to the atmosphere.

4. If 50 million tonnes cement in making concrete uses Water Reducers 7500000 tonnes of
cement can be saved. 3750000 KL of potable water will be saved and the saving of Rs.
3300 crores per year to the construction Industry. 6975000 tonnes of CO2 will be prevented

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to be emitted to the atmosphere. The benefits in the uses of water reducers not limited to
this. When water reduces shrinkage and porosity of concrete are reduces which provides
the durability to concrete structures.

5. India is facing serious air, water, soil, food and noise pollution problems. Every efforts
therefore are necessary to prevent pollution on top priority basis.

6. As the stress induced in concrete pavements are mainly flexural, it is desirable that their
design is based on the flexural strength of concrete. The quality of concrete is normally
assessed by measuring its compressive strength. For pavings, however, it is the flexural
strength rather than the compression strength of concrete which determine the degree of
cracking and thus the performance of road, and it is imperative to control the quality on the
basis of flexural strength.

7. As per IRC: 15-2011, in case of small size projects, where facilities for testing beams
with three print loading are not available, in such cases, the mix design may be carried out
by using compressive strength values and there after flexural strength will be determined as
per correlation between flexural strength with compressive strength given the following
equation.

Where fcr is the flexural strength in MPa or N/mm2 and fck is the characteristic compressive
strength in MPa or N/mm2 as per IS: 456-2000.

REFERENCES:

1 IS : 383- Specifications for coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources for
1970 concrete (second revision) BIS, New Delhi

2 IS: 456- Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete (fourth revision), BIS, New
2000 Delhi

3 IS: 9103- Specification for admixtures for concrete (first revision) BIS, New Delhi
1999

4 IS: 8112- Specifications for 43 Grade ordinary portland cement (first revision) BIS, New
1989 Delhi

5 IS: 2386 method of test for aggregate for concrete. Specific gravity, density, voids,
(Part-III) absorption and bulking, BIS, New Delhi
1963

6 IS: 3812 Specification for pulverized fuel ash: Part-I for use as pozzolana in cement,
(Part-I) cement mortar and concrete (second revision) BIS, New Delhi
2003

7 IS: 1489- Specifications for portland pozzolana cement (Part-I) Flyash based. (Third
Part-I 1991 revision), BIS, New Delhi

8 IRC: 15-2011 – Standard specifications and code of practice for construction of concrete road
(Fourth revision)

9 Kishore Kaushal, “Concrete Mix Design Based on Flexural strength for Air-Entrained
Concrete”, Proceeding of 13th Conference on our World in Concrete and Structures, 25-26,
August, 1988, Singapore.

10 Kishore Kaushal, “Method of Concrete Mix Design Based on Flexural Strength”, Proceeding of
the International Conference on Road and Road Transport Problems ICORT, 12-15 December,
1988, New Delhi, pp. 296-305.

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 11 Kishore Kaushal, “Mix Design Based on Flexural Strength of Air-Entrained Concrete”. The
Indian Concrete Journal, February, 1989, pp. 93-97.

12 Kishore Kaushal, “Concrete Mix Design Containing Chemical Admixtures”, Journal of the
National Building Organization, April, 1990, pp. 1-12.

13 Kishore Kaushal, “Concrete Mix Design for Road Bridges”, INDIAN HIGHWAYS, Vol. 19, No.
11, November, 1991, pp. 31-37

14 Kishore Kaushal, “ Mix Design for Pumped Concrete”, Journal of Central Board of Irrigation and
Power, Vol. 49, No.2, April, 1992, pp. 81-92

15 Kishore Kaushal, “Concrete Mix Design with Fly Ash”, Indian Construction, January, 1995, pp.
16-17

16 Kishore Kaushal, “High-Strength Concrete”, Bulletin of Indian Concrete Institute No. 51, April-
June, 1995, pp. 29-31

17 Kishore Kaushal, “Concrete Mix Design Simplified”, Indian Concrete Institute Bulletin No. 56,
July-September, 1996, pp.25-30.

18 Kishore Kaushal, “Concrete Mix Design with Fly Ash & Superplasticizer”, ICI Bulletin No. 59,
April-June 1997, pp. 29-30

19 Kishore Kaushal. “Mix Design for Pumped Concrete”, CE & CR October, 2006, pp. 44-50.

Table. 1: Grading of Aggregates

IS Sieve Percentage of passing by mass

Designation

Fine Crushed Combined IRC: 15-2011 recommended grading of

aggregate aggregate grading of combined aggregates for pavement quality
from river mix concrete (PQC)
45% (1) (2)
29% 26%

31.50 mm 100 100 100 100 100

26.50 mm 100 100 98 99 85 – 95

19.0 mm 100 100 25 81 68 – 88

9.50 mm 100 46 0 58 45 – 65

4.75 mm 94 5 44 30 – 55

600 micron 42 0 19 8 – 30

150 micron 10 5 5 – 15

75 micron 2 1 0–5

Table. 2: Approximate free-water content (kg/m3) required to give various levels of

workability for non-air-entrained (with normal entrapped air) concrete.

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 Maximum size of aggregate (mm) Type of aggregate Slump (mm) 25 + 10 40 + 1031.5

Uncrushed 160 170

Crushed
190 200

Note:- When coarse and fine aggregate of different types are used, the free water content
is estimated by the expression.
2/3Wf+1/3Wc
Where,
Wfsub>= Free water content appropriate to type of fine Aggregate
And Wc= Free water content appropriate to type of coarse aggregate.

We at engineeringcivil.com are thankful to Er. Kaushal Kishore for submitting the revised
mix design as per IRC:15-2011. This will be of great help to all civil engineering students
and faculty who are seeking information on mix design based on revised IRC.
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