PORTLAND CEMENT (PC) CONCRETE PROPORTIONS
Materials for pavement concrete and structural concrete shall be mixed in any one of the following proportions for the class of concrete specified. Each mixture will have specific requirements for the coarse and fine aggregates and the type of cement. Concrete mix proportions include the unit volumes of all materials.
Mix numbers designate numerous aspects of the particular mix. The following is an explanation of the various aspects of the mix number:
· The first letter designates the class of concrete as designated in the contract documents.
· In certain mix designations, the letter V or L appears after the first hyphen. This indicates either Class V or Class L aggregate is to be used. If no letter is shown, aggregate other than Class V or Class L shall be used.
· The number indicates the relationship of coarse aggregate to fine aggregate. A mix with a 4 is a 50/50 mix. The following chart shows the number within the mix number and the proportions of the aggregates for each number:
2 is composed of 40% fine and 60% coarse
3 is composed of 45% fine and 55% coarse
4 is composed of 50% fine and 50% coarse
5 is composed of 55% fine and 45% coarse
6 is composed of 60% fine and 40% coarse
7 is composed of 65% fine and 35% coarse
8 is composed of 70% fine and 30% coarse
57 is composed of 50% fine and 50% coarse
57-6 is composed of 60% fine and 40% coarse
· The letters WR indicate water reducer is used in this mixture.
· When a C or an F is shown toward the end of the mix number, fly ash is a part of the mixture and C-fly ash or an F-fly ash, respectively, is used. The percentage of fly ash being used in the mixture shall be designated at the end of the mix number.
· When used as a mineral admixture, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) shall be designated through the letter “S,” followed by the percent substitution, and shown at the end of the mix number. This would be in the same convention used for fly ash substitution. When GGBFS is a portion of a blended cement, the cement type will be designated as IS, but special notation will not be made in the mix number.
· The following example illustrates a mix number showing a Class C concrete mixture, 50/50 aggregate proportions, using Class L aggregate, water reducer, and 35% GGBFS substitution.
Example: C - L 4 W R – S35
The following example illustrates a mix number showing a Class C concrete mixture, 50/50 aggregate proportions, using water reducer and a Class C fly ash substitution at a rate of 10%.
Example: C – 4 W R – C10
The following example illustrates a mix number showing a Class C concrete mixture, 50/50 aggregate proportions, using a water reducer, Class C fly ash substitution at 20%, and GGBFS substitution at 20%.
Example: C – 4 W R –C20-S20
The Class D mixtures and the Class V mixtures vary somewhat from the above pattern, but follow the general format.
General requirements for the mixes are:
1. Fly Ash and GGBFS used in concrete mixtures shall meet the requirements of Section 4108. Fly Ashes for use in concrete mixtures shall be included on the list of approved sources (Materials IM 491.17). GGBFS for use in concrete mixtures shall be included on the list of approved sources (Materials IM 491.14).
2. A water-reducing admixture shall be used in concrete mixtures with the designation as follows: Those mixtures have mixture numbers which have the letters "WR" following a single digit number, all following the first hyphen in the mixture number. These mixtures have reduced cementitious contents to produce concrete of approximately equal strength compared with other mixtures in a particular class of concrete. A water-reducing admixture may be added to other concrete mixtures, without cement reduction, to aid in workability and air entrainment. Other admixture combinations may be approved based on manufactures recommendations.
The water-reducing admixture shall meet the requirements of Section 4103 and shall be included on the list of Approved Sources of Water Reducing Admixtures (Materials IM 403, Appendix C). The dosage shall be as described in IM 403.
3. The total quantity of water in the concrete, including water in the aggregate, shall not exceed the maximum water to cement and fly ash ratio.
4. Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IP, and Type IS Cement shall be used as provided for in the specifications. All cement shall be from an approved source as per IM 401. The cement type shall be documented on all reports pertaining to a project.
5. The fine aggregates other than Class V (Section 4117) and Class L (Section 4111) shall meet the requirements of Section 4110 of the current specifications. The coarse aggregates for mixtures using aggregates, other than Class V aggregates, shall meet the requirements of Articles 4115.01 through 4115.04 of the current specifications. The coarse aggregates for Class O or Class HPC-O concrete mixtures shall meet the requirements of 4115.05 of the current specifications. Intermediate aggregates used for QMC, BR, or HPC-D mixes shall meet 4112.
6. When approved by the Engineer, combined fine and coarse aggregate may be used in combination with screened coarse aggregate to produce proportions specified for Class D and Class X concrete mixtures according to the percentage of particles passing the No. 4 sieve in the combined aggregate at the time the material is used.
7. With Engineer approval, proportions designated for mixtures A-V, B-V or C-V with and without fly ash may be substituted for Class X concrete.
8. With Engineer approval, Class M concrete may be substituted for Class A, Class B or Class C concrete.
A-Mixes are specified primarily as paving mixes. They have a lower cement content and lower ultimate strength when compared to a Class C-Mix. A-Mix may be used on lower traffic roadways or detour pavement.
B-Mixes are specified primarily on sidewalks and trails. They have the least amount of cement of any paving mix. The strength is also lower than for other paving mixes.
C-Mixes are specified for use in both paving and structures. It is the normal paving mix used in primary paving. Typical structural uses would include box culverts, bridge piers, bridge abutments, and most bridge decks. When Class C is specified, any mix beginning with the letter C may be utilized.
D-Mixes are specified for use primarily in structures. A typical use includes drilled shafts.
M-Mixes are designed for high early strength, suitable for many applications for which they are allowed. Calcium chloride should only be used when needed, for patching and other placements without steel reinforcement. Do not include water in calcium chloride solution when calculating water cement ratio.
O-MIX
O-Mixes are specified for low slump concrete, primarily for use in bridge deck overlays. The water-cement ratio is intended to be controlled by the slump specified elsewhere for concrete where these mixtures are used. A water-reducing agent is required for this mix, as described in IM 403. O-Mixes require coarse aggregate specifically intended for repair and overlay. See Article 4115.05. HPC-O is also used in bridge deck overlays. The HPC-O mix requires the use of blended cements, slag, and fly ash. The maximum water-cement ratio is 0.42 (basic of 0.40).
X-Mixes are specified to be used as seal course concrete, primarily in cofferdams. No air entraining is required. No maximum water-cementitious ratio is specified. See Article 2405.05 for limits on water usage.
Contractor-designed aggregate proportioning mixes for paving. Minimum absolute volume of cement is 0.106. Basic water-cement ratio is 0.40. Maximum water-cement ratio is 0.45.
BR mixes are used in slip form barrier rail in accordance with Section 2513. Determine aggregate proportions based on production gradations. Unless major changes occur to aggregate gradations, utilize aggregate proportions determined and assess gradation of individual aggregates during concrete production. The minimum absolute volume of cement is 0.114. Maximum water-cement ratio is 0.45.
Class V is an aggregate classification, specified in Section 4117. The fine limestone aggregates in concrete mixes using Class V aggregate with/without fly ash shall meet the requirements of Article 4117.03 of the current specifications. Allowable cements and substitutions shall meet the requirements of Article 4117.05. This material may be used in various concrete mixes, including HPC mixes. The mixes utilizing this material will be designated with a Roman numeral V, in the Mix Number.
Class L is an aggregate classification, specified in Section 4111. This material may be used in various concrete mixes, so designated. The mixes utilizing this material will be designated with a Roman numeral L, in the Mix Number.
Class C-SUD and CV-SUD mixes are utilized on SUDAS projects where higher durability is desired to reduce joint deterioration due to deicing chemicals. These mixes are designed with a lower water to cement ratio to reduce permeability. To maintain the lower water to cement ratio a low or mid-range water reducer may be needed. To further enhance durability, the use of blended cements (Type IP or IS) should be utilized along with fly ash substitution. When three aggregates are desired for certain placements, use the C-SUD mix design with aggregates proportioned to meet Zone II-A or II-B in accordance with IM 532. Otherwise, use the aggregate proportions listed at 55% coarse aggregate and 45% fine aggregate.
Note: These mix designs should be used as an improvement to the overall pavement system. Other aspects, such as a drainable base, etc. must also be utilized to ensure durability.
At Contractor option, fly ash or GGBFS may be substituted for a portion of the cement in concrete mixes, within the limitations set forth in the appropriate Article for each type of placement. IM 527 gives instructions on how to determine the proper batch proportions in a mix.
When fly ash or GGBFS is substituted for the cement, the replacement shall be on a pound-for-pound basis. Tables 1, 2, and 3 define concrete mixes with no substitution. These mixes shall be used as the basis for determining the final batch proportions and shall be adjusted accordingly. The change in volume resulting from the substitution shall be determined and an adjustment in both coarse and fine aggregate proportions shall be determined in order to ensure a unit volume. The change in aggregate proportions shall be in the same ratio as that of the specific mix. In those cases where the cement content is increased, relative to the standard design mix, the mix proportions shall be adjusted and a change in the aggregate content shall be determined, as described above.
When both fly ash and GGBFS are substituted for the cement in ready-mixed concrete, the replacement shall be on a pound-for-pound basis and shall be substituted as shown in the following example.
Example: C-3WR-C20-S20
Absolute Volume Cement = 0.108
Cement = 0.108 X 62.4 X 27 X 3.14 = 571 lbs per cubic yard
Fly ash substitution 20% = 571 X 0.20 = 114 lbs per cubic yard
Slag substitution 20% = 571 X 0.20 = 114 lbs per cubic yard
Type IP and Type IS cements shall be considered cement with regard to substitution of fly ash. Refer to appropriate Article for limitations. A Type IS(25) cement with a 20% fly ash replacement is equivalent to a 40% weight replacement of Portland cement.
Example: C-3WR-C20 using Type IS(20) cement
Absolute Volume Cement = 0.108
Cement = 0.108 X 62.4 X 27 X 3.10 = 564 lbs per cubic yard
Fly ash substitution 20% = 564 X 0.20 = 113 lbs per cubic yard
Weight of cement = 564 – 113 = 451 lbs per cubic yard
Type IS(20) cement contains Portland cement and slag
451 x 0.80 = 361 lbs Portland cement
451 X 0.20 = 90 lbs slag
Total replacement of Portland cement
((113 + 90) / 564 ) X100 = 36%
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Proportion Table 1 |
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Concrete Mixes |
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Using Article 4110 and 4115 Aggregates |
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Basic Absolute Volumes of Materials Per Unit Volume of Concrete |
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A MIXES Basic w/c = 0.474 Max w/c = 0.532 |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Fine |
Coarse |
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A-2 |
0.101 |
0.150 |
0.060 |
0.276 |
0.413 |
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A-3 |
0.104 |
0.155 |
0.060 |
0.306 |
0.375 |
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A-4 |
0.108 |
0.161 |
0.060 |
0.335 |
0.336 |
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A-5 |
0.111 |
0.165 |
0.060 |
0.365 |
0.299 |
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A-6 |
0.115 |
0.171 |
0.060 |
0.392 |
0.262 |
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B MIXES Basic w/c = 0.536 Max w/c = 0.600 |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Fine |
Coarse |
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B-2 |
0.088 |
0.148 |
0.060 |
0.282 |
0.422 |
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B-3 |
0.091 |
0.153 |
0.060 |
0.313 |
0.383 |
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B-4 |
0.093 |
0.157 |
0.060 |
0.345 |
0.345 |
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B-5 |
0.096 |
0.162 |
0.060 |
0.375 |
0.307 |
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B-6 |
0.099 |
0.167 |
0.060 |
0.404 |
0.270 |
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B-7 |
0.102 |
0.172 |
0.060 |
0.433 |
0.233 |
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B-8 |
0.105 |
0.177 |
0.060 |
0.461 |
0.197 |
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C MIXES Basic w/c = 0.430 Max w/c = 0.488 |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Fine |
Coarse |
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C-2 |
0.110 |
0.149 |
0.060 |
0.272 |
0.409 |
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C-3 |
0.114 |
0.154 |
0.060 |
0.302 |
0.370 |
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C-4 |
0.118 |
0.159 |
0.060 |
0.331 |
0.332 |
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C-5 |
0.123 |
0.166 |
0.060 |
0.358 |
0.293 |
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C-6 |
0.128 |
0.173 |
0.060 |
0.383 |
0.256 |
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C-WR MIXES Basic w/c = 0.430 Max w/c = 0.489 |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Fine |
Coarse |
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C-3WR |
0.108 |
0.146 |
0.060 |
0.309 |
0.377 |
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C-4WR |
0.112 |
0.151 |
0.060 |
0.338 |
0.339 |
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C-5WR |
0.117 |
0.158 |
0.060 |
0.366 |
0.299 |
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C-6WR |
0.121 |
0.163 |
0.060 |
0.394 |
0.262 |
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D MIXES Basic w/c = 0.423 Max w/c = 0.450 |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Fine |
Coarse |
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D-57 |
0.134 |
0.178 |
0.060 |
0.314 |
0.314 |
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D-57-6 |
0.134 |
0.178 |
0.060 |
0.377 |
0.251 |
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M MIXES Basic w/c = 0.328 Max w/c = 0.400 |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Fine |
Coarse |
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M-3 |
0.149 |
0.153 |
0.060 |
0.287 |
0.351 |
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M-4 |
0.156 |
0.161 |
0.060 |
0.311 |
0.312 |
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M-5 |
0.160 |
0.165 |
0.060 |
0.338 |
0.277 |
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O MIXES Basic w/c = 0.327 Max w/c = ------ |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Fine |
Coarse |
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O-4WR |
0.156 |
0.160 |
0.060 |
0.312 |
0.312 |
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Basic w/c = 0.400 Max w/c =0.420 |
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HPC-O |
0.134 |
0.168 |
0.060 |
0.316 |
0.317 |
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HPC MIXES Basic w/c = 0.420 Max w/c =0.450 |
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HPC-S |
0.118 |
0.156 |
0.060 |
0.333 |
0.333 |
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X MIXES Basic w/c = 0.423 Max w/c = ------ |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Fine |
Coarse |
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X-2 |
0.124 |
0.165 |
0.000 |
0.284 |
0.427 |
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X-3 |
0.129 |
0.171 |
0.000 |
0.315 |
0.385 |
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X-4 |
0.134 |
0.178 |
0.000 |
0.344 |
0.344 |
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Above mixtures are based on Type I or Type II cements (Sp. G. = 3.14). Mixes using blended cements (Type IP or IS) must be adjusted for cement gravities listed in IM 401.
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Proportion Table 2 |
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Concrete Mixes |
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Using Class V Aggregates Combined with Limestone |
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Basic Absolute Volumes of Materials Per Unit Volume of Concrete |
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V47B MIXES |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Class V. |
Coarse Limestone |
Basic w/c |
Max. w/c |
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A-V47B |
0.107 |
0.148 |
0.060 |
0.479 |
0.206 |
0.440 |
0.560 |
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B-V47B |
0.098 |
0.160 |
0.060 |
0.477 |
0.205 |
0.520 |
0.597 |
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C-V47B |
0.107 |
0.138 |
0.060 |
0.486 |
0.209 |
0.430 |
0.488 |
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C-V47BF1 |
0.109 |
0.137 |
0.060 |
0.382 |
0.312 |
0.420 |
0.450 |
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M-V47B2 |
0.155 |
0.170 |
0.060 |
0.338 |
0.277 |
0.350 |
0.400 |
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V MIXES |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Class V. |
Fine Limestone |
Basic w/c |
Max. w/c |
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A-V |
0.135 |
0.188 |
0.060 |
0.586 |
0.031 |
0.444 |
0.467 |
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B-V |
0.135 |
0.188 |
0.060 |
0.586 |
0.031 |
0.444 |
0.467 |
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C-V |
0.135 |
0.188 |
0.060 |
0.586 |
0.031 |
0.444 |
0.467 |
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M-V |
0.160 |
0.196 |
0.060 |
0.555 |
0.029 |
0.390 |
0.420 |
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CV-HPC MIXES |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Class V. |
Coarse Limestone |
Basic w/c |
Max. w/c |
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CV-HPC-D1 |
0.123 |
0.147 |
0.060 |
0.368 |
0.302 |
0.400 |
0.420 |
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CV-HPC-S1 |
0.123 |
0.155 |
0.060 |
0.364 |
0.298 |
0.420 |
0.450 |
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Above mixtures are based on Type I or Type II cements (Sp. G. = 3.14). Mixes using blended cements (Type IP or IS) must be adjusted for cement gravities listed in IM 401.
¹Absolute volumes based on Type IP cement used.
2M-V47B mix shall use Type I/II cements for patching projects.
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Proportion Table 3 |
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Concrete Mixes |
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Using Class L Aggregates |
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Basic Absolute Volumes of Materials Per Unit Volume of Concrete |
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A-L MIXES Basic w/c = 0.474 Max w/c = 0.532 |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Fine |
Coarse |
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A-L-2 |
0.107 |
0.159 |
0.060 |
0.270 |
0.404 |
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A-L-3 |
0.111 |
0.165 |
0.060 |
0.299 |
0.365 |
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A-L-4 |
0.115 |
0.171 |
0.060 |
0.327 |
0.327 |
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A-L-5 |
0.118 |
0.176 |
0.060 |
0.355 |
0.291 |
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B-L MIXES Basic w/c = 0.536 Max w/c = 0.600 |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Fine |
Coarse |
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B-L-2 |
0.094 |
0.158 |
0.060 |
0.275 |
0.413 |
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B-L-3 |
0.097 |
0.163 |
0.060 |
0.306 |
0.374 |
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B-L-4 |
0.099 |
0.167 |
0.060 |
0.337 |
0.337 |
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B-L-5 |
0.102 |
0.172 |
0.060 |
0.366 |
0.300 |
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C-L MIXES Basic w/c = 0.430 Max w/c = 0.488 |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Fine |
Coarse |
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C-L-2 |
0.117 |
0.158 |
0.060 |
0.266 |
0.399 |
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C-L-3 |
0.121 |
0.163 |
0.060 |
0.295 |
0.361 |
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C-L-4 |
0.125 |
0.169 |
0.060 |
0.323 |
0.323 |
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C-L-5 |
0.131 |
0.177 |
0.060 |
0.348 |
0.284 |
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C-LWR MIXES Basic w/c = 0.430 Max w/c = 0.489 |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Fine |
Coarse |
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C-L3WR |
0.115 |
0.155 |
0.000 |
0.301 |
0.369 |
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C-L4WR |
0.119 |
0.161 |
0.000 |
0.330 |
0.330 |
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C-L5WR |
0.124 |
0.167 |
0.000 |
0.357 |
0.292 |
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Above mixtures are based on Type I or Type II cements (Sp. G. = 3.14). Mixes using blended cements (Type IP or IS) must be adjusted for cement gravities listed in IM 401.
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Proportion Table 4 |
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SUDAS Concrete Mixes |
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Using Article 4110 and 4115 Aggregates |
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Basic Absolute Volumes of Materials Per Unit Volume of Concrete |
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C-SUD MIXES Basic w/c = 0.400 Max w/c = 0.450 |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Fine |
Coarse |
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C-SUD |
0.106 |
0.133 |
0.060 |
0.315 |
0.386 |
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Above mixture is based on Type I or Type II cements (Sp. G. = 3.14). Mixes using blended cements (Type IP or IS) must be adjusted for cement gravities listed in IM 401. Use proportions listed above if not utilizing three aggregates.
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Using Class V Aggregates (4117) Combined with Limestone |
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Basic Absolute Volumes of Materials Per Unit Volume of Concrete |
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CV-SUD MIXES Basic w/c = 0.400 Max w/c = 0.450 |
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Mix No. |
Cement |
Water |
Air |
Class V. |
Coarse Limestone |
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CV-SUD |
0.114 |
0.135 |
0.060 |
0.379 |
0.311 |
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Above mixture is based on Type IP cements.