achieve the designed/ desired workability in the plastic stage

2. To fulfill the desired minimum strength in the hardened stage

3. To accomplish the wanted durability in the given environment conditions
4. To produce concrete as economically as possible
1.2 FACTORS EFFECTING THE CONCRETE MIX DESIGN
The following parameters are the leading dominators in the concrete mix ingredients
proportion[3], [4]:
1. Compressive Strength:
The primary demand of an excellent concrete is a satisfactory compressive strength
in its hardened state. Many of the popular properties like durability,
impermeability, abrasion resistance are highly influenced by the strength of
concrete. The strength of concrete depends upon the type of cement used and the
method of curing employed, since the rate of hardening of cements of different
types vary considerably. The mean compressive strength (fcm) required at a specific
age, usually 28 days, determines the nominal water-cement ratio of the mix. British
Standard, and Euro code employee the term means compressive strength which is
slightly greater than characteristic compressive strength. However, ACI Code do not
use such term.
2. Workability:
The workability of concrete mix is designed to suite the type of construction,
poring conditions and the used methods of compaction available at site. The
properties of fresh concrete, amount and condition of reinforcement and the shape
and size of the mold are important factors which control workability. The prime
factor affecting workability is the water content in the mix. Other parameters
influencing workability are the maximum size of aggregate, its grading, texture and
shape and the mix proportions.
3. Type, Size and Grading of Aggregate:
Concrete can be made by using different types of aggregates like rounded and
irregular gravel and crushed rock which is mostly angular in shape. The maximum
nominal size of the aggregate to be selected for a particular job depends on the
section dimension and the spacing of the reinforcement. The grading of aggregate is
a major factor, influencing the workability of a concrete mix. Also, an important
feature of a satisfactory aggregate is the uniformity of the grading that achieved
by mixing different size fractions.
4. Aggregate/Cement Ratio:
The various factors involved in selecting the aggregate/cement ratio of a mix are,
the desired workability, size, shape, texture and overall grading of the
aggregates. The aggregate/cement ratio affects the strength of concrete in the high
strength range to a significant degree and this is one of the reasons for
considering the design of high strength concrete separately.
5. Durability:
Generally, concrete made from suitable component, with proper compaction is durable
under ordinary conditions of exposure. In such cases, the mix is designed by
selecting the water/cement on the basis of strength and workability rather than
durability standards. If the conditions of exposure are such that high durability
is essential, the mix has to be designed by limiting the values of the water/cement
ratio depending upon the type of exposure and this could be accomplished through
control of the aggregate grading and by using water reducing admixtures.

CHAPTER 2

METHODOLOGY
2.1 DOE METHOD
DOE METHOD OF CONCRETE MIX DESIGN: The British method of concrete mix design,
popularly referred to as the "DOE method", is used in the United Kingdom and other
parts of the world and has a long established record. The method originates from
the "Road Note No 4" which was published in Great Britain in 1950. In 1975 the note
was replaced by the "Design of Normal Concrete Mixes", published by the British
Department of the Environment (DOE). In 1988 the "Design of Normal Concrete Mixes"
was issued in a revised and updated edition to allow for changes in various British
Standards[1], [5], [6].
DOE mix design generally involves the following steps:
1. Collecting data.
2. Determine target mean strength.
3. Determine the water/cement (W/C) ratio.
4. Determine the water content.
5. Determine cement content, C.
6. Determine the weight of total aggregate.
7. Determine the weight of fine aggregate.
8. Determine the combination of different coarse aggregate fractions.
9. Determine the