Achieving cost leadership through optimized mix costs while ensuring quality assurance stands as the cornerstone of successful Ready Mixed Concrete (RMC) operations. However, the Indian RMC industry currently falls short in terms of using cement contents that are truly optimized based on the practical performance of concrete in the field.

This gap exists primarily due to the absence of a well-established benchmark linking ‘Cement content to strength’ relationships. Consequently, any optimization efforts made are essentially educated guesses. In contrast, the British Ready Mixed Concrete Association (BRMCA) has practiced a distinctive approach known as the “Polynomial mix design” for over eight decades. This method involves initially establishing the cement content to strength relationship using a defined set of ‘demonstrably similar’ aggregates for a given mix and cement type. The performance of concrete in the field is then tracked against this benchmark using Cumulative Sum of Deviation (CUSUM) analysis. Practical implementation of CUSUM analysis and polynomial mix design has proven highly beneficial in the context of Indian RMC operations.

Notably, it has resulted in a substantial average reduction of 8-10% in mix costs for M30 and higher-grade concrete. Transitioning from prescription-based specifications to performance-based specifications can have a profound impact on the overall business. This approach aligns well with the move toward low-carbon concrete, where minimizing cement content is vital for reducing the carbon footprint of concrete. The significance of leveraging this technology cannot be overstated. Exploring this unique method of concrete mix optimization promises to be a potential gamechanger for the RMC industry in India. Join us to gain insights into this exceptional approach and its potential to revolutionize the RMC business landscape.