ABSTRACT
A designated mix or designed mix is a mix selected from a restricted range, where the producer must hold a current accredited product conformity certification. Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand, small stone or gravel and water. BS 8500-1 sets out five different approaches to specifying concrete. The five types include: Most concrete is now ordered from ready-mixed plants, so the most commonly used mixes are designated mixes. Where designated mixes be supplied, standard mixes can be used. For most applications there is a standard mix equivalent to the quality assured designated mix. The concrete should be selected by reference to the British Standard Code of Practices: BS 8500 is the British Standard for specifying and producing concrete. Visual concrete, which is designed to be seen on completion, requires consideration and specification. To produce concrete with a good finish and the required visual finish, the formwork, concrete itself, and the way it is placed and compacted must be specified.
