Concrete Mixing Methods and Concrete Mixers: State of the Art.
Concrete Mixing Methods and Concrete Mixers: State of
the Art.
(143 K)
Ferraris, C. F.
Journal of Research of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology, Vol. 106, No. 2, 391-399,
2001.
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http://nvl.nist.gov/pub/nistpubs/jres/106/2/j62.fer.pdf
Keywords:
concretes; concrete mixers; mixer efficiency
Abstract:
The performance of concrete is determined by its
microstructure. Its microstructure, in turn, is
determined by its composition, its curing conditions,
and also by the mixing method used to process the
concrete. This paper gives an overview of the various
types of mixing methods used by the concrete industry.
There are mainly two types of mixers used: batch mixers
and continuous mixers. The most commonly used mixers are
batch mixers. To determine the mixing method best suited
for a specific application various considerations need
to be taken into account: location of the construction
site (distance to a ready-mix plant), the amount of
concrete needed, the construction schedule (volume of
concrete needed per hour), and the cost of the mixing
method. However, the main consideration is the quality
of the concrete produced. This quality is determined by
the performance of the concrete produced and by the
homogeneity of the material after mixing. This paper
will focus on a review of mixing methods in regards to
the quality of the concrete produced. Some procedures
used to determine the quality of the mixing method will
be examined.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899