Concrete Mixing Plan P16485
Summary:
The following document describes how to correctly mix concrete and transfer the mix to the
desired testing cylinders and molds. This also covers the proper procedure to cure the concrete.
Equipment Needed:
Mixing tools:
Mixing tub
Trowel
Test Cylinders
Flexural test mold
Beakers
Scale
Scoop
Concrete Ingredients:
Cement
Fine Aggregate
Coarse Aggregate
Water
Fibers (optional)
Safety:
Gloves
Safety Glasses
Preparation:
1. Determine which concrete mix materials will be used before going to the lab
a. Ensure all proportions are calculated and known by the team
b. Have the following table filled out for each mix that will be created that day:
Cement
Coffee
Wood
Water
Sand
Water
biochar
biochar
bottle
fibers
Weight
(lbs)
Volume
(ml)
Manitou
fibers
As a note, remember we want to make sure we have 10% excess mixture.
2. Check out cart from senior design office
a. Load cart with needed materials
b. Walk it over to the soils lab
3. Locate all necessary equipment in the soils lab
a. All team members must put on safety glasses and mixers must locate gloves
b. Find necessary beakers
4. Ensure all equipment is clean and ready to be used
Procedure for mixing concrete in bowl:
1. Measure the amount of cement and non-fibrous fine aggregate needed for the current mix and
pour into the mixing tub.
a. Place an empty beaker on a scale and zero out the scale.
b. Add material to the beaker until the desired weight is achieved.
c. Pour the material into the mixing bowl.
2. Mix cement and fine aggregate in tub using trowel until thoroughly blended.
3. Measure out the amount of coarse aggregate needed for the mix and pour into the mixing tub.
a. Place an empty beaker on a scale and zero out the scale.
b. Add material to the beaker until the desired weight is achieved.
c. Pour the material into the mixing bowl.
4. Mix the materials in the tub until the coarse aggregate is distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Measure out the amount of water to be added to the mix
a. Place an empty beaker on a scale and zero out the scale.
b. Add water to the beaker until the desired weight is achieved.
6. Create an indentation in the center of the mix in the tub and add 2/3 of the water needed into
this crevice. Mix this in using the trowel.
7. Slowly mix in the rest of the water and any fibers (optional) using the trowel.
a. Mix until concrete is homogenous.
8. Transfer the mixed material from the tub to a cylinder or mold (instructions are below).
Procedure for making test cylinders:
1. Transfer the mixture from the tub to the clean test cylinder until the cylinder is full. Repeat with
new cylinders until all the material is used.
a. Use a trowel to scoop up mixture and place into the cylinders.
b. Smooth off the top of the cylinder with the trowel.
c. Make sure to securely place the cover on top of the cylinder to prevent the mixture
from drying out.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Label the cylinder with the mix number and date.
Take back to the design center to cure.
After 24 hours, remove the specimen from the test cylinder.
Insert specimen into bucket of water.
a. Leave specimen in bucket for at least 7 days to cure.
6. Compression test can now be performed on the specimen.
After mixing procedure (clean up):
1. Wash out all tubs, bowls, trowels, beakers, and other equipment that was used.
a. Wipe off equipment into the tan can with a paper towel to remove any solids.
b. Use rinse water in the orange buckets sitting around the lab to wash equipment.
c. Do not wash any cement down the drain.
2. Wipe down all tables and sinks that were used.
3. Put away all soils lab equipment that was used.
4. Load up cart with our materials and bring back to the design center
5. Return the cart.
References:
1. ASTM Standard C192-14 “Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory”
2. P15416 Lightweight Concrete Arborloo
3. Lowes, http://www.lowes.com/projects/other-activities/mix-concrete-by-hand/project
Revision:
Revision #
Author
Date
1
Cindy Widergren
11/5/2015
Verified by
Verification
Date