Optimization of Aggregate Mix Design in Concrete Mixture

Grain size distribution of aggregates used in concrete mixtures, effectively influences physical characteristic of the hardened concrete. In this manuscript, firstly a mathematical method is proposed to optimize the grain size distribution of the concrete aggregates. Then, by applying this optimization method on the concrete mix design process and conducting a series of experimental tests, it is shown that the most important physical propertied of the concrete , e.g. its compressive strength sensibly enhance. This optimization method combines the different aggregates with different sizing curves that are available in the region. In mixes them in certain proportions that the optimization computer package calculates and recommends; so that the final aggregate mixture will have the best possible correspondence with the standard curves. Therefore the compressive strength of the concrete improves while the cement consumptions is kept at the same level.

Keywords:

Grain size distribution , Standard curves , Aggregate mix design , Optimization , Least square method , Compressive strength of concrete