Title: Is this the Concrete Mix You Want?

Author(s): Ashok Kakade

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 332

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 87-94

Keywords: concrete mix design; consolidation; cracking; excessive admixtures; honeycomb; hot weather; placement difficulties, owner’s expectations

DOI: 10.14359/51719127

Date: 7/1/2019

Abstract:
When preparing ready-mix concrete for private applications, it is typically recommended that owners and contractors collaborate with suppliers and concrete specialists to understand the possibilities and limitations of concrete in their applications. Here, we describe a situation in which a homeowner took direct control over the exact specifications of concrete and admixtures, and ultimately resulted in an unsatisfactory concrete slab. The owner subsequently sued and settled with the concrete supplier outside of the court, which raises important questions regarding who maintains responsibility for concrete mixtures, their installation, and the final slab results. Suggestions are provided to help mitigate this problem.