Optimization of Mortar Phase in Concrete – Using Particle Packing Concept

Submitted: Jul 2, 2013; Accepted: Aug 12, 2013; Published: Aug 29, 2013 Abstract: Concrete mix design involves determination of relative proportions of powder contained in the binder system, granular aggregates and water. The theory of particle packing (TPP) concepts can be used for rational proportioning of concrete mixtures analytically based on the measured properties of individual ingredients of concrete. In this regard, Dewar’s concept on the TPP developed for binary particulate mixtures (BPM) is discussed in this paper with special attention to mortar systems. A number of mortar mixes were prepared manually by mixing different proportions of Portland cement and sand for each mixes, for which the quantity of water required to achieve the desired level of workability is measured. The test data presented in this paper indicates that optimized values of mortar proportions were found to be feasible using TPP.