Concrete Materials and Mix Development Fundamentals

• Overview
• Credits

Understand how the concrete mixture design impacts the design, construction, and performance of a structure.Concrete is frequently viewed as a simple construction material that is specified primarily based on strength. However, concrete is actually a complicated heterogenous material that must be specified, designed, and proportioned correctly to perform as intended by owners, engineers, and architects over the service life of the structure. Improper mix development and design is responsible for delays and claims on construction projects around the country. This topic is intended to educate viewers on the basics of concrete materials and mix development. This material will review the basic ingredients of a concrete mix design, including mineral and chemical admixtures that are routinely used to change the performance characteristics of concrete. This topic also explains how to address durability and desired performance characteristics in the development of concrete mixture proportions. This information is critical for parties involved in concrete construction so they can understand how the concrete mixture design impacts the design, construction, and performance of a structure.

Authors

Agenda

Concrete Basic Ingredients

Chemical Admixtures

• Water-Reducers

• Air-Entrainers

• Set Accelerators/Set Retarders

• Corrosion Inhibitors

• Specialty Admixtures

Mineral Admixtures

• Cementitious Materials

• Pozzolanic Materials

• Pozzolanic/Cementitious Materials

• Finely Ground Inert Minerals

Durability Design

• Material-Related Durability

• Performance-Related Durability

Proportioning Concrete Mixtures

• Selection of Materials

• Selection of Proportions

• Weighing/Batching of Materials

• Mixing

• Transporting/Delivery