In what form should concrete mix designs be reported?

The correct choice for reporting concrete mix designs is to express them as a volumetric ratio of water, cement, aggregates, and any admixtures used. This method provides clear insights into the proportions of each component in the concrete mix, which is essential for achieving the desired strength and performance characteristics for the concrete.

Using volumetric ratios is beneficial because it allows for consistency in the mix regardless of the specific weights of the materials, which may vary due to factors like moisture content. Additionally, volumetric ratios facilitate ease of understanding and communication among technicians, engineers, and laborers involved in the concrete production process.

In contrast, reporting a mix as individual material properties focuses on characteristics that may not adequately inform the boister on how to achieve the desired concrete characteristics. Expressing the mix as a weight ratio may not be as straightforward for mixing purposes, particularly at the job site where volumetric measures are often more practical for batching. Simply stating the total quantity of materials does not provide detailed insight into how to replicate the mix for future use, which is critical for ensuring uniformity and compliance with project specifications.