scope:

This guide describes a method for selecting proportions for concrete made with hydraulic cement meeting ASTM C150/C150M, C595/C595M, or C1157/C1157M with or without other cementitious materials, chemical admixtures, or both. This concrete consists of normal-density aggregates, high-density aggregates, or both (as distinguished from lightweight lightweight aggregates), with a workability suitable for normal cast-in-place construction (as distinguished from specialty concrete mixtures such as pervious or self-consolidating concretes). Proportioning with lightweight aggregates and recycled aggregates are other common options; however, they are beyond the scope of this document. Please refer to ASTM C330/C330M and ACI 213R for lightweight aggregates, and ACI 555R for recycled aggregates.

Also included are several design examples applying the procedure to a variety of situations. For proportioning with ground limestone or other aggregate mineral filler, refer to ACI 211.7R.

Information is provided on terms and concepts used in the proportioning procedure that may be unfamiliar to a novice user.

The procedure produces a first approximation for proportions of a concrete mixture. It is intended that the proportions be checked by trial batches in the laboratory, field, or both, and adjusted as necessary to produce a concrete with all the desired characteristics.