Concrete Mix Design 5

[LPPE]

Does anyone know if ACI specifically says what must be included in a concrete mix design submittal?
Usually, I get reams of paper on the cement, aggregates, admixtures, strength results where the mix was used in other projects, etc. Today, I received a mix design submittal that was one page with just the mix materials list for approval. I'm a bit leary of approving it.

 

[Plainsboro]

As far as my experience goes, all these submittals do include the actual testing (lab results) of cubes/ cylinder based on submitted design mix (should have strength overdesign as per ACI). Also if there are additives than manufacturer's spec. Some data about cement properties and also sieve analysis of aggregates etc for moisture and /or dust content.

 

[miecz]

To be sure, I spell out what I want to see in the Concrete Specification. If you didn't spell it out in your spec, you can request Mix backup if you specified that the Contractor meet ACI 318, under Article 5.3. If you specified that the Contractor meet ACI 301, you can ask for Submission of data and test documentation on materials and mixture proportions under Article 6, Quality Assurance.

 

[concreteguru]

What I want to see is a letter from the concrete supplier with the proportions of each raw material, giving both weights and volume occupied. The weights should be based on materials in a S.S.D. (Surface Saturated Condition). It should also list sources of raw materials. Each mix design being submitted should have a title as to properties, i.e. 3000 psi air-entrained, 4000 psi floor mix, etc. and each mix should state the maximum water/cementitious material ratio, target slump, target air. I want a mill report/s from the cementitious material suppliers, a mechanical analysis of fine and coarse aggregate, data sheets on all admixtures and a statistical analysis of a representative class of concrete for each production plant supplying the job. I also want the name of the person at the ready mixed concrete plant responsible for the quality of production. If special concrete properties are required, additional information may be required.

Fred J. Croen, RSM
Engius, LLC
Boston, MA
www: engius.com

 

[pba]

concreteguru,

When you get this information what do you do with it?

I have in the past obtained similar information but must confess that most of it is meaningless to me. It seems to reside on the project files waiting for some claim against us of the supplier.

I've never felt comfortable with information where I only understand a small part of it!

 

[Ron]

For review of concrete mix design submittals, I require the following (I don't always get it though!!):

1. Mix constituents with absolute volumes
2. Source of aggregates
3. Source of admixtures (if not common, I ask for cut sheets)
4. Statistical strength data
5. A strength gain curve
6. Test results on coarse aggregate showing that the aggregates are innocuous and non-reactive in the application intended
7. Mill certificates on the cement

These items help to troubleshoot problems with the concrete if they occur.

 

[LPPE]

Thanks for all the responses. I rejected the submittal and requested more info.

Ron- Where do you call for your requirements? On the drawings, or in the specs? Or is it just commonly accepted practice that you get that info? In my part of the country, we usually get all that info, which is why the submittal I received last was a bit surprising.

 

[Ron]

I review mix designs in the capacity of a consultant, usually not the designer. When it isn't in the specs, I send a letter to my client with those requirements.

 

[techmaximus]

Ron, do you know if ACI (or ASTM or IBC) specifically states what must be included in a concrete mix design submittal.



SCET - Techmaximus

 

[Ron]

techmaximus...none of those specify the components of a mix design submittal. Up to the person asking for it. I would prefer to see it in the specifications as that provides some contractual punch to get it from the contractor as a submittal.