Firstmix enables anyone who has a basic knowledge of concrete to design a concrete mix, that is to find the proportions in which cement, water, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate must be combined in order to produce concrete of the required workability, strength and durability.
The procedures used by Firstmix are based on the long established British DOE Method of concrete mix design. The method was developed for use with cements and aggregates, which conform to the relevant British Standards. However since these Standards lay down requirements which materials must meet in order to be suitable for good quality concrete, the procedures of the DOE Method can be applied to concrete mix design generally, subject to Firstmix Limitations.
A Mix Design Form, on which data may be entered for a mix design, is displayed when Firstmix is started. But before using it you should have an understanding of the mix design procedure used in Firstmix to meet a specification for a concrete mix and be aware of Firstmix limitations.
You can customize Firstmix to suit your requirements and select whether to use:
You can specify cement properties and aggregate characteristics.
If you have tested a mix design by making a trial mix, it is easy to change the mix proportions to match the trial mix test results.