Waseem, Mohammed

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

Optimization of concrete mix design using a statistical 
approach 
Mohammed Waseem 
Civil Engineering 
September 1982 
Abstract 
A comprehensive and rational design of a concrete mix is extremely complex as it is controlled 
by numerous factors which depend upon the properties and source of the materials, besides the methods 
of preparation, compaction, placement and curing of concrete and the requirements of the construction 
job. When these factors are incorporated in the design of a concrete mix, the task of selecting proportions 
of ingredients becomes difficult and in most cases inaccuracies in the required properties of concrete 
result, which are corrected by trial and error procedures. 
 
In order to optimize concrete mix design the effects of the three most important parameters 
influencing the strength and workability of concrete, viz., water-cement ratio, coarse-to-total aggregate 
ratio, and aggregate-cement ratio have been investigated in this study. Instead of the traditional method of 
keeping all other factors constant and varying one factor at a time, to determine its effects, a Factorial 
Experimental Design was adopted which enables one to evaluate the combined effects of two or more 
variables and their interactions when used simultaneously. 
 
Aggregates from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were considered and various physical and chemical tests 
were carried out on the aggregates to ascertain their quality. The experimental data for workability, 
measured in terms of slump, and the 28-day compressive strength was subjected to regression analysis 
and models developed for strength and workability. The equations for strength and workability so 
developed were used to generate mix design tables. A computer program has been prepared to predict 
economic mix proportions for given strength and workability requirements. 


Optimization of concrete mix design using a statistical approach

https://eprints.kfupm.edu.sa/id/eprint/2419/1/S_M_A_42.pdf

Optimization of concrete mix design using a statistical approach

Abstract

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King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals