DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONCRETE MIX - ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONCRETE MIXES

Concrete mixes are generally divided into two types;

NOMINAL MIX:

Nominal mix is generally adopted for small scale constructions. In type of mix,the mix ratios and concrete constituent proportion and prefixed and specified. The mix proportions like M10,M15, M20 etc are adopted in nominal mix of concrete without any scientific base,only on the basis of past empiritical studies. 

ADVANTAGES OF NOMINAL MIX;

1. It is easy to make at the site.
2. No need of skilled labour for making nominal mix concrete.

DESIGN MIX:

Design mix concrete is adopted for high rise constructions. In design mix concrete, proportions of the ingredients are properly determined with their relative ratio to achieve the concrete of desired strength.

Not only the desired strength but also according to the properties of fresh concrete like workability or performance of concrete with the certain specifications are taken in details consideration.

All the materials are tested before the use and the entire process is found based on trial and error of various options from available materials designated for the work.

There are various standard guidelines available for making a design mix concrete such as;

1. IS Method
2. BS Method
3. ACI Method

ADVANTAGES OF DESIGN MIX;

1. Design mix is more scientific than nominal mix.
2. It gives accurance of strength.
3. Mix design concrete is performance based concrete.