Mix Design

Precast Consulting Service
Finance, Marketing & Operations

Mix Design
We can provide assistance in developing and testing mix designs.

4-Hour High-Early Strength We have had extensive experience in developing high-early mixes either through the use of direct steam injection in the mixer to achieve casting temperatures of 120-130 degrees or through the use of accelerating admixtures. Turning a bed more than twice a day is achievable. That is the voice of experience speaking.

Micro-silica and Pozzolans Our extensive experience in these dense mixes can provide a mix design that has very high strength, very low permeability, is workable, and is affordable.

Water Reducing Admixtures & SCC Self compacting concrete [SCC] has been widely adopted by many producers. It puts those that have not adopted this technology at a big disadvantage. Structural producers adopting SCC have consistently been able to reduce casting crew staffing. Architectural producers have been able to improve detail and quality. Vertically cast surfaces are greatly improved for all producers. Typically cement factor can be reduced by improved water-cement ratio resulting in reduced cost per yard. Such a mix may be "semi-SCC" in an effort to keep chemical costs under control. In short, most products show reduced labor and material costs and improved quality. But, to be successful, the batchplant must be under control. Some producers are playing catch up. Is that you? Illustration used by permission AXIM Italcementi .

Batch Plant Controls - Cost Reduction We believe many producers have the opportunity to improve control in the batch plant and save $5 or more per yard. This is achieved with practical systematic procedures, training of personnel, and measurement with statistical process control techniques.

We have substantial direct hands-on experience in design and use of these mixes: 4-hour cutdown breaks, pozzalans and micro silica, self-compacting concrete. Typically we would work with your additives vendor and your design staff on a particular project, develop and certify the mix design, implement it in the project, put the controls in place..
To be successful, these mix designs require regular batch plant control procedures. In addition to saving a great deal of money, our process control procedures bring you success with these specialty mix designs.
Both SCC and 4-hour high-early mixes require changes in mix handling and production methods to be successful. Our experience can help.
Batch plant problems can often be traced to problems in organizational design, training, supervision and other management factors. We can provide some insight in these areas.

Management professionalism for the Precast Industry