Properties of Different Grades of Concrete Using Mix Design Method

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics exhibited by three different grades of concrete using mix design approach. From the result of the sieve analysis, it shows that the sands used for the experiment is a well graded sand of zone 1 of BS882 parts 2 (1973). The average specific gravity of 2.63 was obtained, this result falls within the lower limits for natural aggregate which have specific gravities between 2.6 and 2.7 Neville (2000). The average bulk densities of uncompacted and compacted sand were found to be 1422 kg/m³ and 1538kg/m³ respectively. The crushed stones used have specific gravity of 2.63, and a compacted and un compacted bulk densities of 1415kg/m³ and 1326kg/m³ respectively, which clarified it as normal weight aggregates. The values of density recorded in this work ranged between 2441kg/m³ and 2558kg/m³. The values of compressive strength ranged between 28.66N/m² to 39.55N/m² up to 28 days of curing, the strength was also observed to increase with hydration period which inform non-deterioration of concrete. The results for the values of flexural strength range between 3.5N/mm² and 6.0N/mm² at 28days of curing.