Mix Design for Scaled-Down Models

Physical tests allow for a thorough and detailed assessment of the overall performance of reinforced concrete structural systems. The complexity of certain experimental programmes, coupled with spatial and financial constraints, limits the ability to execute certain full-scale structural samples. To accommodate these constraints, scaled-down models are usually fabricated to provide a physical representation of the behaviour of the full-scale prototype. To yield results representative of the full-scale structural behaviour, a scaled-down model must follow similitude theory requirements, including the scaling down of material properties. In this study, a fine-grained concrete performance-based mix design is developed based on the material requirements for similitude theory. A parametric experimental study is conducted to examine the effect of the constituent materials on the overall mix and the one-day, three-day, and seven-day strength of the resulting concrete mix. The applicability of the proposed mix is assessed by analysing its individual material strength properties.