Avertising mix disasters: by entering this research project, your mix design will be tested alongside scores of other mixes. Avoid your next disaster by entering your mix

Concrete Producer, The, June, 2003

You've had a new mix design idea for a while now, but you don't have the time or money to put it through the rigorous testing required. Instead of testing it in the field and having the mix crumble at your feet, enter THE CONCRETE PRODUCER'S Mix Design Research Project. Not only will your design be tested, but scores of other mix design formulas will be available to you when the testing is complete.

Rules and guidelines

The Designing the Future: Mix Designs for ICFs program will include two testing rounds. In the first round all submittals will be tested. Entrants will receive a number that identifies their submission and the test results will be posted online. The entry period for the first round runs through June 2, 2003.

To make it to the second round, the mix design must be ranked in the top 10% of all submittals as of July 15. Entrants into this second tier will be allowed to make adjustments to their mix submittals. The adjusted mix designs will be cast by Aug. 18, with the final breaks occurring September. (The fibers will be added to the concrete for the second round only.) The laboratory testing will follow relevant ASTM test methods unless otherwise specified.

Entrants are limited to a design using ingredients supplied by contest sponsors. ARI Communications has selected eight different coarse aggregates and seven sands (three natural and four manufactured). Test reports providing information on all physical characterizations including gradings, voids, organic impurities and density, absorption, and unit weight are available to be downloaded online. Samples may be purchased.

Selecting the best mixes

Entrants can download a chart that lists the standardized costs of materials. Mix design rankings will be based upon the following factors:

Category 1. Strength over 2500 psi. This will be scored as pass/fail. All entrants will be awarded 10 points for exceeding 2500 psi. Failure to achieve 2500 psi will cease any further testing.

Category 2. The best ratio of strength divided by cost. This will be worth 10 points. The highest strength/cost ratio will be awarded 10 points, the lowest ratio awarded 0 points. All other entries will be pro-rated.

Category 3. Economics. The lowest material cost achieving a minimum 2500 psi. This will be worth 10 points. The most economical mix will be awarded 10 points, the least economical awarded 0 points. All other entries will be pro-rated.

Category 4. The lowest placement cost. We are assuming a 40-cubic-yard installation, labor, and equipment at a rate of $100 per hour. The installation rate of the concrete will be calculated by the viscosity measurements as deter mined by the rheometer. This will be worth a total of 30 points and points will be awarded on a standardized sliding scale on time elapsed to complete installation.

Category 5. Consolidation effort/compactability. This will be measured using the U-box test method. The most compacting mix using the U-box will be awarded 10 points, the least compacting mix awarded 0 points. All other entries will be pro-rated.

Category 6. Residual strength. A maximum of 30 points will be awarded to the best residual strength, closest to 150 psi. This will be tested in accordance with ASTM C 1399.

Mixes have a potential of 100 total points.

How Do I Enter?

Act fast. Entries are due June 2, 2003. Download the complete details about this program at www.aggregate research.com/site/mixdesign.

Entrants will be limited to producers, testing labs, and industry consultants. Sponsors or their affiliates are ineligible. The entry fee is $250 per submittal made payable to Hanley-Wood, LLC, and there is no limit on submittals by a lab or producer. Entry submittals will be sent first tO THE CONCRETE PRODUCER and then forwarded to ARI for testing with only a lab sample number. The entrant will receive the number when it is determined that the submittal is unique.

Each company entering will receive a complimentary report listing test results at the end of the review process. The retail value of this report will be $500.

Duplicate mix designs will not be accepted and entries will be recorded on a first-come, first-mixed basis. ARI Communications representatives will make the final judgment as to whether a submittal is a duplicate sample.

Mix submittals should be sent by June 2 to:

Amara Rozgus

2003 Mix Design Project

426 S. Westgate St.

Addison IL 60101

arozgus@hanley-wood.com

fax: 630.543.3112

Sponsors of this research project include: Grace Construction Products, ISG Resources, Lafarge North America, Luck Stone, Master Builders Inc., National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Phoenix Systems and Components, and SI Concrete Systems.