Abstract
Abstract
This paper presents an analytical calculation and experimental investigation to evaluate the American and British methods usually used for mix design of normal concrete. Six concrete mixes with different target of mean strength were design using crushed and uncrushed aggregates. A reliable approach has been suggested to calculate the mix proportions. In order to validate the former approach, an experimental programme was running to measure the workability aspect and compressive strength of three selected concrete mixes designed for strength levels of 21.5 MPa, 27.5 MPa and 36.5 MPa at different sample ages using 108 cubes.
The results obtained showed notable differences between the approaches of American and British methods adopted to calculate the mix proportions. There was no indication have found in the American method to distinct between design the concrete mix containing crushed aggregate and that of uncrushed aggregate. The procedure followed in British method produced concrete mix with higher strength than that designed according to American method. The experimental results of compressive strength and workability showed close agreement with the suggested approach for calculation the mix proportions.
