International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Basic Sciences (IJEEBS)

ISSN (Online) 2349-6967

Volume 2 , Issue 2(Mar--Apr 2015), PP17-24

Application of Mathematics in Concrete Technology in Civil

Engineering
Pallavi W. Zungare
(Department of Applied Mathematics, Priyadarshini Institute of Engineering and Technology, Nagpur, India)

ABSTRACT

Ever since manufacturing is commenced attempts have been made to control the process in order to improve
quality and drive down manufacturing costs. Within manufacturing process, natural and special variations is
clearly relevant to the production of concrete at a ready-mixed plant or precast factory and the requirement to
achieve a specified compressive strength. Even the results of different cubes/cylinders cast from the same
concrete at the same time cured and tested in the similar way may also show different results. This paper presents
a heuristic method for evaluation of such compressive strength test results, with the help of statistical approach in
which the test results when plotted on a histogram, results tend to follow a ‘Normal Distribution Curve’. The
deviation of compressive strength test result from ‘Target Mean Strength’ which is statistically known as
‘Standard deviation’ represents quality control in the field and also enables us to obtain the characteristic strength
of the concrete. For structural safety reasons, a batch with a concrete strength significantly below the
characteristic strength which is a non-conforming batch is excluded. Statistics are used to quantify the risk of
non-conformity which decreases as the standard deviation increases. Illustrative examples have been solved to
show the method’s details for proper understanding.
Keywords: - Normal distribution, Standard deviation

I. INTRODUCTION
Concrete is one of the most popular construction materials. Its popularity and ease with which it can be
prepared, has led to many innovations in the field of construction. In manufacturing process, attempts
have been made to control the process in order to improve quality and drive down costs.
In [1], the author has discussed that concrete is generally characterized by ‘compressive strength’ and
designated by ‘Grade of concrete’. The grade of concrete is 28 days characteristics compressive strength of
concrete cube of 15 cm size expressed in N/mm2. In order to get a relatively quicker idea of the quality of
concrete, optional test for 3 days or 7 days compressive strength of concrete be carried out.
Cubes are cast with the same concrete which is being used in the structure. In fact, 3 cubes constitute one
sample. In one sample, the strength of individual cube should not vary by more than 15% of average
strength of three cubes of sample, otherwise the sample is considered to be invalid. At the time of testing,
the rate of loading should not be more than 14 N/ mm2 per minute; otherwise the results will not be
accurate. In [2], the compression testing machine shall be capable of applying the load at the specified rate,
uniformly without shock using manual or automatic control. The percentage of error shall not exceed ±1.0
percent of the indicated load. The compressive strength of concrete is calculated as: Maximum load/Cross-
Sectional area of cube.

Importance of Cube Test

In [1], we can see; though cube strength does not represent the actual strength of concrete in the structure
because of many reasons as explained in the forthcoming paragraphs, yet the importance of cube testing
can’t be underestimated because of the following reasons:
 It indicates the potential strength of the mix.
 It detects the variation in quality control at site.
 It helps in determining the rate of gain of strength of concrete.
 It helps in determining the time of removal of form work.
However as explained above, the cube strength does not guarantee the same strength in the
structure because of the following reasons:
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 International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Basic Sciences (IJEEBS)
ISSN (Online) 2349-6967
Volume 2 , Issue 2(Mar--Apr 2015), PP17-24
 The concrete in cubes does not pass through the misadventures of transportation, placement, compaction
and curing. All these processes are much superior in cube as compared to the structure.
 Its shape is different from the shape of structures. Therefore the shape factor also plays an important
part in strength. The strength of the actual structure is approximately 2/3rd of cube strength for the same
concrete.

Statistical interpretation of cube results:

From [1], it is clear that statistical methods have found widespread use in the concrete industry in both
ready-mixed concrete and precast concrete sectors as a tool for quality control. Statistical methods can be
applied to monitor a range of product characteristics (e.g. cube/cylinder strength, consistence, w/c (mass ratio
of water to cement), constituent materials (aggregate grading, cement strengths etc.) or production (batching
accuracy).The most common application of Statistical methods in Concrete testing is; as a means of
continuously assessing compressive strength results in order to:
 check whether target strengths are being achieved;
 measure the variations from target (all products vary);
 identify magnitude of any variation;
 objectively define action required (e.g. change w/c ratio) to get the process back on target;
 identify periods and concretes where the strength was less than specified, so that investigations can be
carried out and corrective action taken.
The use of Statistical methods should not be treated in isolation from the rest of production control. All the
information available to the concrete producer should be used to interpret the information and with the help of
statistical method should make informed decisions.
Again in [1], it is discussed that Compressive strength test results of a large number of cubes, prepared
under similar conditions tend to follow a normal distribution as illustrated in Figure 3.1.
It is also observed that a large number of cubes will have the strength near the mean value and the no.
of cubes having more or less strength will reduce progressively depending upon the difference from the mean
value. The deviation of compressive strength test result from ‘Mean Strength’ statistically known as ‘Standard
deviation’ represents quality control in the field. As shown in Fig. 3.1, the quality control of curve 1 is very
good, for curve 2 it is good and for curve 3 it is poor.

Fig. 3.1

According to Gibb and Harrison [3], a normal distribution is defined by two parameters, the mean value of the
distribution and the standard deviation (σ), which is the measure of the spread of results around the mean value.
A low standard deviation means that most strength results will be close to the mean value; a high standard
deviation means that the strength of significant proportions of the results will be well below (and above) the
mean value. The area under the normal distribution between two values of ‘x’ represents the probability that a
result will fall within this range of values.

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 International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Basic Sciences (IJEEBS)
ISSN (Online) 2349-6967
Volume 2 , Issue 2(Mar--Apr 2015), PP17-24
Standard deviation in Concrete testing :

One can find the standard deviation of an entire population in cases (such as standardized testing) where
every member of a population is sampled. In cases where that cannot be done, the standard deviation σ is
estimated by examining a random sample taken from the population and computing a statistic of the sample,
which is used as an estimate of the population standard deviation. Such a statistic is called an estimator, and the
estimator is called a sample standard deviation, and is denoted by s or σ . An unbiased estimator for the variance
is given by applying Bessel's correction, using n −1 instead of n to yield the unbiased sample variance, denoted s2
or σ2.
1
σ2 = ∑(x − X)2
𝑛−1

Taking square roots, yields the corrected sample standard deviation, denoted by s or σ:

 x  X 
2

 
n 1

Most often, the standard deviation is estimated using the corrected sample standard deviation (using n − 1),
defined below, and this is often referred to as the "sample standard deviation".
From [3], we come to know that the standard deviation of a population will only be truly known if every
batch of concrete is tested. However if 35 or more results are available, the estimated standard deviation is likely
to be very close to the true standard deviation.
When n ≥35, the standard deviation may be estimated using the equation 4.1:

 x  X 
2
Sample standard deviation,   (4.1)
n 1

where x = value for individual cube

n = total number of cubes.
X = Arithmetic mean of values of ‘n’ cubes

Again from [3], we can alternatively determine standard deviation through a Mean range of successive pairs
approach using equation 4.2:

Mean range of successive pairs = 1.128 x standard deviation

or,
Standard deviation (σ )= 0.886 x mean range of successive pairs of results (4.2)

In [3], the range is the numerical difference between successive results and the difference is always taken as a
positive number, e.g. |2-3|=1. The true standard deviation of a population, σ, can only be determined if all the
population were to be tested, which is impractical. In practice the population standard deviation is estimated by
testing samples. The more samples that are tested, the more reliable will be the estimated population standard
deviation. The above idea can be made more clear by the below example of calculating the Standard deviation
from the mean range of successive pairs.

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 International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Basic Sciences (IJEEBS)
ISSN (Online) 2349-6967
Volume 2 , Issue 2(Mar--Apr 2015), PP17-24
Example 4.1. Calculation of the standard deviation using sample standard deviation

Result Strength (N/mm2) (x) (x-X)2 (N/mm2) Calculation of standard deviation

(using equation 4.1)
∑(x−X)2 102.68516
σ2 = √ =√
𝑛−1 9

1 45.20 29.289744 = 3.377789547

2 55.35 22.448644
3 49.46 1.327104 ≈ 3.4 N/mm2
4 50.32 0.085264
5 51.84 1.507984
6 51.22 0.369664
7 55.12 20.322064
8 52.92 5.326864
9 46.77 14.760964
10 47.92 7.246864
506.12
Arithmetic mean of strengths (X) = 10 = 50.612 N/mm2
If 35 or more results are available, the estimated standard deviation is likely to be very close to the true standard
deviation.

Example 4.2. Calculation of the standard deviation using mean range

Result Strength (N/mm2) Range (N/mm2) Calculation of standard deviation
(using equation 4.2)
1 45.20
2 55.35 10.15
3 49.46 5.89 σ= 0.886 x 3.193537778 = 2.829474471
4 50.32 0.86 ≈ 2.9 N/mm2
5 51.84 1.52
6 51.22 0.62
7 55.12 3.9
8 52.92 2.2
9 46.77 6.15
10 47.92 1.15
28.74184
Mean of ranges = 9
= 3.193537778 N/mm2

We can see the different standard deviations using both the formulae (4.1) and (4.2). The true standard
deviation of a population, σ, can only be determined if all the population were to be tested, which is
impractical. In practice the population standard deviation is estimated by testing samples. The more samples
that are tested, the more reliable will be the estimated population standard deviation.

III.CHARACTERISTIC STRENGTH AND TARGET STRENGTH IN CONCRETE TESTING

In [1], author has discussed that from the experiments it has been found that the area under the ‘Normal
Distribution Curve’ will follow certain behaviour such that the area covered within a distance equal to one S.D.
on either side from mean will be equal to 34.1% of total area. Similarly second and third S.D. on each side will
cover additional area of 13.6% and 2.15% respectively. Combined together, approximately 99.7% area will be
covered within distance equal to 3 × S.D. on each side from mean value as shown in Fig-5.1.

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 International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Basic Sciences (IJEEBS)
ISSN (Online) 2349-6967
Volume 2 , Issue 2(Mar--Apr 2015), PP17-24

Fig. 5.1

From this figure it is also clear that if we require the strength equal to mean value, probability is that only
50% cubes will have strength equal to or more than the required strength. If we want to increase the percentage
of cubes having strength equal or more than the required strength, we will have to target for higher strength. So
instead of placing the desired strength at mean value, place it on the left side of mean value by a distance equal to
k × S.D. where k will depend upon the percentage of cubes we want to have strength equal or more than the
desired strength.
In [1], the author has discussed that the desired strength is known as ‘Characteristic Strength’ and the mean
value as ‘Target Mean Strength’. However the actual mean strength will not be known until the concrete has
been produced and tested and therefore the target mean strength (TMS) is usually set at some higher value to
ensure the concrete achieves at least the specified characteristic strength and is shown in Fig-5.2.

Fig. 5.2

The target mean strength is given in following equation:

TMS = fck +k× σ (5.1)
where TMS = Target Mean Strength
fck = Characteristic Compressive Strength
σ = Estimate for standard deviation of population
k = Statistical Constant
k × σ = the margin
We can conclude that as the margin increases and/or the standard deviation increases, the target mean strength
increases, as illustrated in Example 5.1.

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 International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Basic Sciences (IJEEBS)
ISSN (Online) 2349-6967
Volume 2 , Issue 2(Mar--Apr 2015), PP17-24
Example 5.1 Target mean strength for specified characteristic strength of 25N/mm2. A standard deviation (σ) of
3 N/mm2 is typical of a concrete with low variability and a value of 6 N/mm2 represents high variability.

Margin Target mean strength(cube)

σ = 3 N/mm2 σ = 6 N/mm2
1.65σ 29.95 34.9
1.80σ 30.4 35.8
2.00σ 31 37
2.40σ 2.2 39.4
3.00σ 34 43

IV. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA OF THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CUBES

In [1], acceptance criteria both with respect to IS-456:2000 (Indian Standard code of practice for general
structural use of plain and reinforced concrete) and as per CBC (California Building Code) has been discussed.

Acceptance criteria (As per IS-456:2000)

It is discussed that while designing the mix, we have to target for a higher strength called ‘Target Mean
Strength’ so that not more than 5% test results fall below a desired strength called ‘fck’ i.e. Characteristics
Strength (CS).
When we test a large number of cubes, a few cubes will certainly have strength below CS. This is
perfectly in accordance with the design criteria of mix. Therefore, we should not worry if some of the cubes
have less strength than CS. We should also not attempt to manipulate the test results.
A concrete strength below the characteristic strength is not a failure as statistically 5% of the results are
expected and accepted as to fall below this value. However for structural safety reasons, a batch with a
concrete strength significantly below the characteristic strength is excluded, even though it forms part of the
expected population. A minimum strength required is; for individual results (fci) or (fck — 4). Any batch
below this strength is a non-conforming batch. The risk of non-conformity decreases as the margin
increases. Statistics are used to quantify that risk.
In [1]; there is a well-defined criteria for acceptance of compressive strength of cubes. The test result
will be accepted when the following two criteria are satisfied.
a. The mean strength determined from any group of four consecutive test results for both M-
15(concrete mix with strength 15) and M-20 & above(concrete mix with strength 20 & above)
should comply with the following condition:

Specified grade Mean of the group of Individual test results in N/mm2

4 non-overlapping consecutive
test results in N/mm2

1. M-15 Mean ≥ fck + 0.825 x S.D. or fck - 3 N/mm2

≥ fck + 3 N/mm2 whichever is greater.
2. M-20 & above Mean ≥ fck + 0.825 x S. D. or fck - 4 N/mm2
≥ fck + 4 N/mm2 whichever is greater.

b. Any individual test result should not have value less than
fck - 3 N/mm2 for M-15 and
fck - 4 N/mm2 for M-20 and above.
Note :In above criteria, S.D. should be established at site after obtaining the test results of a minimum
30 samples.
The above idea is illustrated in example 5.2.

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 International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Basic Sciences (IJEEBS)
ISSN (Online) 2349-6967
Volume 2 , Issue 2(Mar--Apr 2015), PP17-24

Example 5.2. Check the following test results according to acceptance criteria assuming
fck = 25 N/mm2 and established standard deviation of 3 N/mm2.
30, 29.6, 24.35, 32.3, 23.9, 29.75, 31.8, 30.67, 26.9, 29.4, 27.7, 32.2. (All in N/mm2)
Solution: Here we have to check the test results as per Acceptance Criteria as given below and hence in above
obtained results we should not worry even if some of the test results are having value less than fck,:

i. The mean of 4 consecutive test results should be

≥ fck + 0.825 x 3=25+2.475=27.475 N/mm2 or ≥ 25+4=29 N/mm2

ii. Individual result should not be less than fck – 4, i.e 25 – 4 = 21 N/mm2

Calculating mean of set of four cubes

30+ 29.6+ 24.35+ 32.3

Mean of Ist set = = 29.0625 N/mm2
4

23.9+29.75+ 31.8+ 30.67

Mean of Ist set = = 29.03 N/mm2
4

26.9+ 29.4+ 27.7+ 32.2

Mean of Ist set = = 29.05 N/mm2
4

The mean of all the three sets are more than or equal to 29 N/mm2 , therefore, first criteria is satisfied
and since no test result is having value less than 21 N/mm2, the second criteria is also satisfied.
Therefore, even if the two results 24.35 N/mm2 and 23.9 N/mm2 are having value less than 25 N/mm2,
the above results have passed the criteria for acceptance.

Acceptance criteria (As per CBC)

In CBC, the values are for M-20 and above only. The two criterion are as given below :
a. The mean of 4 consecutive test results should exceed ‘fck’ by at least 3 N/mm2.
b. Any individual test result should not be less than ‘fck’ by 3 N/mm2.

The above example 5.2 also satisfy the acceptance criteria (as per CBC) as the mean of 4 consecutive
results is exceeding fck = 25 N/mm2 by 3 N/mm2 and any individual test result is not less than 25-3=22 N/mm2.

V. CONCLUSION
In this paper I have tried to explain the use of Statistical methods as a tool for quality control in concrete
production.
Compressive strength test results of a large number of concrete cubes, prepared under similar conditions
tend to follow a normal distribution curve. The standard deviation (σ) around the mean value represents quality
control in the field. ‘Target mean strength (TMS)’ is discussed and used to ensure that the concrete achieves at
least the specified characteristic strength. .
Acceptance criteria of the concrete both with respect to IS-456:2000 (Indian Standard code of practice for
general structural use of plain and reinforced concrete) and as per CBC (California Building Code) has been
discussed.
Figures and examples are used to show the underlying ideas for proper understanding.
Moreover, since environmental conditions are not considered during the statistical calculations, hence there
are the chances for the improvement of the results obtained. And may be the equations used can be further
modified so that we can get more accurate Characteristic strengths of the concrete cubes.
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 International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Basic Sciences (IJEEBS)
ISSN (Online) 2349-6967
Volume 2 , Issue 2(Mar--Apr 2015), PP17-24

REFERENCES

[1] Ghansham Bansal, Concrete Technology (Indian Railways Institute Of

Civil Engineering Pune, October 2007).
[2] Kaushal Kishore, Quality Control Of Construction Testing Of Concrete Cubes ( Materials Engineer,
Roorkee)
[3] Ian Gibb and Tom Harrison, Use of control charts in the production of concrete (MPA/BRMCA –
ERMCO October 2010)

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