Mix Design

NSAI Copyright – Reproduced with permission from the NSAI

Natural, artificial, reclaimed or recycled granular mineral constituent suitable for use in concrete.

(usually divided in coarse and fine sizes; the latter having a maximum size of 4 mm)

Note : See I.S. EN 12620 for further details

Finely ground inorganic material which, when mixed with water, forms a paste that sets and hardens by means of hydration reactions and processes and which, after hardening, retains its strength and stability even under water.

(see I.S. EN 206 National Annex for cement types suitable for use in Ireland)

Defined for concrete mix as the total water content of added water plus water already contained in the aggregates and on the surface of aggregates plus any water in the admixtures (or additions used in a slurry form).

(free from any impurities that could adversely affect concrete properties ; See I.S. EN 1008)

Constituent added during the mixing process in small quantities related to the mass of cement to modify the properties of fresh or hardened concrete.

(usually in liquid form)

Finely divided inorganic constituent that can be used in concrete in order to improve /provide certain properties. Two types are defined in I.S. EN 206 : Type I are nearly inert additions (e.g. limestone) ; Type II additions are pozzolanic or latent hydraulic additions (e.g. GGBS, Fly Ash, Silica Fume).

(See I.S EN 206 main text and National Annex for rules for use in Ireland)