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Understand Mix Design Basics, but Leave the Proportioning Up to the Experts

"You should know the fundamentals of concrete mix design, but it's best to leave the exact proportions to your ready mix producer," says Sparkman. Then if your supplier gets the formula wrong, you will at least have a basic understanding of how the components in a mix interact so you can help troubleshoot the problem. A reputable supplier will welcome your feedback and modify the mix to meet your needs. In some cases, even slight modifications can make a big difference in how the concrete performs.

An indispensable reference book on concrete mix design is Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, published by the Portland Cement Association (available at www.cement.org).

Good online resources include:

• The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (www.nrmca.org/aboutconcrete)
• PCA's Cement & Concrete Basics website (www.cement.org/basics)

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