Mix design for M25 grade concrete

Stipulations for proportioning

Type of cement = OPC 53 grade

Maximum nominal size of aggregate = 20 mm
Maximum water cement ratio = 0.60
Workability = true slump
Exposure condition = moderate

Test data for materials

Cement used = OPC 53 grade

Specific gravity of cement = 3.15
Specific gravity of fine aggregate = 2.65
Specific gravity of coarse aggregate = 2.74
Water absorption of fine aggregate = 0.5%
Water absorption of coarse aggregate = 1%

STEP 1 : Target mean strength

fck = fck + 1.65 S

= 25 + 1.65 x 4 (IS 10262 2009)
= 31.6 N/ mm2

STEP 2 : Selection of w/c ratio

From fig 1 of (IS 10262 1982) w/c = 0.4

Maximum w/c ratio = 0.6
w/c ratio = 0.45

STEP 3 : Water content

From table 4 of (IS 10262 2009) , for 20 mm nominal size aggregate

and sand confirming to grading zone III
Water content per cu.m = 186 litres
Water content for increase in = 186 + 186 x 3 / 100
compacting factor (0.9-0.8)
= 192 litres

STEP 4 : Calculation of cement content

w/c ratio = 0.45

Water content = 192 litres
Cement content = 192 / 0.45
= 426 kg / m3

STEP 5 : calculation of fine aggregate

Sand content as % total aggregate by = 35 %

absolute volume
Percentage of sand = -3.5
P = 35 – 3.5
= 31.5 %
= 31.5 / 100
= 0.315
From table 3 of ( IS 10262 2009) air voids is 2 %
V = 100 – 2
= 98 %
V = ( W + C / Sc + 1 / P x F / Sfc ) x
1/1000
0.98 = ( 192 + 426 / 3.15 + 1 / 0.315 x
F / 2.65 ) x 1/1000
F = 535 kg / m3

STEP 6: calculation of coarse aggregate

V = ( W + C / Sc + 1 / P x C / Sca ) x
1/1000
0.98 = ( 192 + 426 / 3.15 + 1 / 0.315 x

C / 2.74 ) x 1/1000
C = 1165 kg / m3

STEP 7 : mix calculation

Mass of cement in kg / m3 = 426

Mass of water in lit / m3 =192
Mass of fine aggregate in kg / m3 = 535
Mass of coarse aggregate in kg / m3 = 1165
Water cement ratio = 0.45
STEP 8 : Mix ratio

The mix ratio for M25 grade concrete = 1 : 1.3 : 2.75