"Optimization of Mixture Proportions of Normal, High-Performance and Self-Compacting Concrete"

This paper outlines an experimental and numerical study on the optimization of mixture proportions in concrete. For this purpose about 500 mixture proportions were studied in the laboratory and compared with about 500 mixture proportions from industry. Normal, high-performance and self-compacting concrete were included in the investigation. Additives, such as fly ash, limestone filler, silica fume and slag and different kinds of cement were included in the program. The w/c varied between 0.15 and 1, with 28-day cylinder strength ranging from 20 to 120 MPa. The results show with high significance that ideal particle distribution curves exist fro each cement and concrete type taking into account also the related water demand and the correlation between w/c and strength. The study resulted in a highly efficient commercially available computer program.