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This document has been approved for use by agen-

cies of the Department of Defense and for listing in ACI 211.1-91


the DaD Index of Specifications and Standards. (Reapproved 2002)

Standard Practice for Selecting Proportions for


Normal, Heavyweight, and Mass Concrete (ACI 211.1-91)
Reported by ACI Committee 211

Donald E. Dixon, Jack R. Prestrera, George R. U. Burg,"


Chairman Secretary Chairman, Subcommittee A

Edward A. Abdun-Nur" David A. Crocker Mark A. Mearing George B. Southworth


Stanley G. Barton Kenneth W. Day Richard C. Meininger" Alfred B. Spamer
Leonard W. Bell" Calvin L. Dodl Richard W. Narva Paul R. Stodola
Stanley J. BIas, Jr. Thomas A. Fox Leo P. Nicholson Michael A. Taylor
Ramon L. Carrasquillo Donald A. Graham James E. Olivenon Stanely J. Vigalitte
Peggy M. Carrasquillo George W. Hollon James S. Pierce William H. Voelker
Alan C. Carter William W. Hotaling, Jr. Sandor Popovics" Jack W. Weber"
Martyn T. Conrey Robert S. Jenkins Steven A. Ragan Dean J. White II
James E. Cook Paul K1ieger Harry C. Robinson Milton H. Willis, Jr.
Russel A. Cook" Frank J. Lahm Jere H. Rose" Francis C. 'Nilson
William A. Cordon Slantey H. Lee James A. Scherocman Robert Yuan
Wayne J. Costa Gary R. Mass" James M. Shilstone"

Gary R. Masst George R. U. Burgt


Chairman Chairman, Subcommittee A

Edward A. Abdun-Nurt David A. Crocker Richard C. Meiningert William S. Sypher


William L. Barringert Luis H. Diaz James E. Olive non Ava Szypula
Stanley G. Barton Donald E. Dixont James S. Pierce Jimmie L. Thompsont
Leonard W. Bellt Calvin L. Dodl Sandor Popovics Stanley J. Virgalitte
James E. Bennett, Jr. Thomas A. Fox Steven A',Ragan Woodward L. Vogt
J. Floyd Best George W. Hollon Jere H. Reset Jack W. Weber
Ramon L. Carrasquil10 Tarif M. Jaber Donald L. Schlegel Dean J. White, III
Jame. E. Cookt Stephen M. Lane James M. Shilstone, Sr. Marshall S. Williams
Russell A. Cook Stanley H. Lee Paul R. Stodola John R. Wilsont

Describes, with examples, two methods for selecting and adjusting proportions
for normal weight concrete, both with and without chemical admixtures, paz-
zolanic, and slag materials. One method is based on an estimated weight of the
concrete per unit volume; the other is based on cakulations of the absolute
volume occupied by the concrete ingredients. The procedures take into consid-
eration the requirements for placeability, consistency, strength, and durability.
Example cakulations are shown for both methods, including adjustments based
on the characteristics of the first trial batch.
The proportioning of heavyweight concrete for such purposes as radiation
shielding and bridge counterweight structures is described in an appendix. This
appendix uses the absolute volume method, which is generally accepted and is Chapter 4-Effects of chemical admixtures, pozzolanlc,
more convenient for heavyweight concrete. and other materials on concrete proportions, p.211.1-4
There is also an appendix that provides information on the proportioning
of mass concrete. The absolute volume method is used because of its general
acceptance. Members of Subcomminee A who prepared Ihis standard. The committee
acknowledges tbe significant coolribution of William L. Barringer to tbe work of4be
Kt)'WOI'd.:absOJptioo; admixtures; aggregates; blastfurnace slag; cemeotitious subcomminee.
materials; cooaele durability; .on .t ; consistency; durability; exposure; fine t Members of Subcomminee A wbo prepared tbe 1991 revision.
aggregates;flyasb; beavyweightaggregates; he .,....,ight.on .t ; m on.t.; mix This standard supersedes ACI 211.1-89. It was revised by the Expedited
proportioning; pouolans; quality control; radiation shielding; silica fume; slump tests; Standardization procedure, effective Nov. 1. 1991. This revisionincorporates provisions
volume; water-cement ratio: water-cementitious ratio; workability. related 10 tbe use of tbe mineral admixture silica fume in conaele. Chapler 4 bas been
expanded to caver in detail the effects of the use of silica fume on tbe proportions of
ACICommitteeReports.Guides.SundardPractices.andCommentariesareintendedfor conaele mixtures. Editorial cbanges bave also been made in Chapters 2 through 4,
guidance in planning, designing, executing, and inspecting construction. This document is and Chapters 6 through 8.
inlendedfOrlheuse of individualswhoare compelent 10 evalualethe significanceand
limitations of its content and recommendations and who win accept responsibility for Copyright <i:'J 1991. American Concrele Inslitule.
the application of the material it contains. The American Concrete Institute disclaims any All rigbts reseIVed including rights of reproduction anlJ use in any form or by
andallresponsibilityforthe statedprinciples.TheInstituteshallnO!be liableforanylossor any means. including the making of copies by any photo process. or by any electronic
~~~e~i'm ~~J~~inent shall nol be made in contract documenl';. If items found in or mechanical device. printed. written. or oraL or recording for sound or visual
thisdocumenlaredesiredbythe Architecl/Engineer
tobe a partof thecontractdocuments. reproduction or for use in any knowledge or retrieval system or devioe. unless
they shall be restated in mandatory language for incorporation by the ArchitectlEngineer. permission in writing is obtained from the copyright proprietors.

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