The Importance of Mix Design

Getting the Right Mix for Any Project

Just what is mix design? The American Concrete Institute doesn't even use the term, preferring mix proportioning. But mix design is really more than simply coming up with the proportions of each mix constituent, it is everything that makes the concrete work well for your application.

There are three stages in concrete's life that need to be considered when developing the mix: the fresh concrete, the newly completed concrete, and everything after that for the rest of its life. The requirements for good performance in each of these three stages can actually conflict. As we all know, a wet easy-to-place concrete is not likely to be a durable concrete. But if you order the world's most durable concrete and find it impossible to place, then that's no good either.


Properly proportioned mixes will remain beautiful for many years.
Best Stamped Concrete Inc., Huntsville, AL.

One way to get the right mix for your application is to have a great relationship with your ready mix supplier. You can then tell him what your application is, when you plan to place, and what the specification requires and he can develop the ideal mix. A program currently being promoted by the National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association called P2P (Prescriptive-to-Performance) takes that concept to the ultimate conclusion--completely relying on the producer to provide the right mix. There's nothing wrong with this if you have a very knowledgeable producer and tell them precisely what you need. But understanding what's going on in the mix is still your responsibility.

So let's start by looking at how to design a good mix—one that will satisfy all your requirements. Then we'll look at what kind of mix you should use for stamping, staining, or overlays.

Find a Ready Mix Supplier

Return to Concrete Mix Design

Site Sponsors