An Evaluation of the Strategic Highway Research Project Packing Handbook

Cox, Kenneth P.; Scholer, Charles F.; Cohen, Menashi D.; ,

An Evaluation of the Strategic Highway Research Project Packing Handbook

by Kenneth P. Cox, Purdue Univ, West Lafayette, United States,
Charles F. Scholer, Purdue Univ, West Lafayette, United States,
Menashi D. Cohen, Purdue Univ, West Lafayette, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Pacific Rim TransTech Conference?Volume II: International Ties, Management Systems, Propulsion Technology, Strategic Highway Research Program

Abstract:

The objective of this paper is to present the use of the November 8, 1991 SHRP C-206 report entitled `Packing Handbook - A Guide to the Optimal Gradation of Concrete Aggregates'. The purpose of the Packing Handbook is to determine the optimal combination of fine and coarse aggregates for concrete from available aggregate sources. Through the use of tables provided in the Packing Handbook and given sources with known aggregate gradations and void contents, the relative proportion of each aggregate (coarse and fine) is obtained. The calculation of the aggregate parameters and the use of these parameters and tables will be explained in this paper. A numerical example will also be included. The use of this method of aggregate proportioning is the subject of current research in collaboration with Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and an Indiana contractor. Concretes made using the Packing Handbook recommendations of aggregate proportioning are being compared to concretes proportioned using other mix design methods and used on various INDOT pavement projects. The difference between the field mixtures, the field mixtures repeated in the laboratory, and the Packing Handbook laboratory mixtures was the relative aggregate quantities. Other proportions were held constant, i.e. cement content, w/cm ratio, and admixtures. The Packing Handbook is being evaluated based on the comparison of engineering properties of the field control mixtures and Packing Handbook mixtures. Packing Handbook mixes may help achieve cost reductions based on the relative cost of fine and coarse aggregates available.

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