The most common and easy way of proportioning concrete is by the volume method using a measuring box for sand and gravel. The reasons behind its traditional acceptance and use is the convenience in measuring and fast handling of the aggregates from the stock pile to the mixer.

The volume method of concrete proportioning had long been practiced in almost all types of concrete construction and time have proven it to be effective and successful. However, in construction where space for materials stock piling and mixing does not permit, ready-mixed concrete is the most practical solution.

Concrete Proportion  

It is interesting to note that the volume of sand and gravel for all classes of mixture is constant at .50 cu. M. and 1.0 cu. m. respectively. This is true on the assumption that the cement paste enters the void of the sand and at the same instance the combination of these two materials fills the void of the gravel and thereafter, forming a solid mass called solid concrete equivalent to one cubic meter. Based from actual concreting work, one cubic meter of gravel plus one half cubic meter sand mixed with cement and water will obtain a little bit more than one cubic meter solid concrete. The small excess over one cubic meter will be considered as contingency

Ordering of coarse aggregate must be specific as to:

a. Kind of gravel, either crushed stone or natural gravel from the creek.b. The Minimum and maximum size of the stone must be specified. It should be free from mixed sand because sand is cheaper than gravel. Natural gravel from the creek requires screening to obtain a well graded coarse aggregate. Remember that screening involves additional cost of labor and reduction in the net usable volume of gravel.