Title:
Historical Perspective on Proportioning Concrete
Author(s):
Richard C. Meininger
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
4
Issue:
8
Appears on pages(s):
39-42
Keywords:
aggregates; air-entraining agents; history;
mix proportioning; pozzolan cements.
DOI:
Date:
8/1/1982
Abstract:
Engineering decisions concerning proper proportions for concrete have been an important considera-tion in concrete construction throughout history. Recorded discussion of the technology of proportioning concrete which has had direct impact on today’s practices includes work by such men as Feret in France, and in the United States, Fuller and Thompson, Duff Abrams, and Professor Talbot during the period before and after 1900. By 1923 many extensive laboratory research investigations had been published. During the 1930s and 1940s, the literature contains a number of theoretical discussions and proposed practical applications of concrete proportioning. The advantage of purposely added entrained air was recognized. Procedures for estimating proportions were published as ACI Recommended Practices in 1944, and then revised in 1954 as an outgrowth of these technical developments and practices. Strides continue to be made in the efficient use of aggregates, pozzolans, and chemical admixtures. ACI Committee 21 1 Proportioning, maintains standards on proportioning various classes of concrete such as normal weight, no-slump, lighweight, heavyweight, and mass concrete. Continuing review is needed to provide standards responsive to the needs of the concrete construction industry.