Guidelines for Proportioning Optimized Concrete Mixtures with High Microfines

Abstract

The optimization of aggregates is advantageous for economical and technical reasons; however, the availability of materials and construction operations can dictate the proportions of fine and coarse aggregates. Some general guidelines based on field experience, other investigations and the results of this investigation are presented. Two sets of guidelines were developed. One is intended for users of the ACI 211 method who want to optimize aggregate proportions. The other is intended for eventual users of the Compressible Packing Model. CPM is more complex and requires more testing than ACI 211. As a result, it might not be the preferred procedure for some users. These guidelines are focused on the proportioning and optimization of aggregates; the determination of mixing water, water-to-cement ratio, and cement content is briefly mentioned.