An approach of using ideal grading curve and coating paste thickness to evaluate the performances of concrete-(1) Theory and formulation

Abstract

The performance of a concrete is significantly influenced by its mixture proportion and the coating thickness on aggregate surface. The concrete in this study is designed by estimating the blending ratio of aggregate using a densified mixture design algorithm (DMDA) based on an ideal grading curve and estimating the paste volume as the sum of the amount of paste needed to provide an assigned coating paste thickness. So as to obtain appropriate concrete amount, and thus can accurately estimate the property of concrete. Deduction of this mix design formula is simple and easy understanding, and meanwhile to obtain result is fast. This estimation model of mix design is expected to reward to industry and effectively upgrade concrete quality.