This paper presents the details of optimized mix design for normal strength and high performance concrete using particle packing method. A critical review of mix design methods have been carried out for normal strength concrete using American Concrete Institute (ACI) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) methods highlighting the similarities and differences towards attaining a particular design compressive strength. Mix design for M30 and M40 grades of concrete have been carried out using ACI, BIS and particle packing methods. Optimization of concrete mix has been carried out by means of particle packing method using EMMA software, which employs modified Anderson curve to adjust the main proportions. Compressive strength is evaluated for the adjusted proportions and it is observed that the mixes designed by particle packing method estimates compressive strength closer to design compressive strength. Further, particle packing method has been employed to optimize the ingredients of high performance concrete and experiments have been carried out to check the design adequacy of the desired concrete compressive strength.

Nano technology is an emerging field of interest for civil engineering application. Among the nano materials presently used in concrete, nano-silica possess more pozzolanic nature. It has the capability to react with the free lime during the cement hydration and forms additional C-S-H gel giving strength, impermeability and durability to concrete. Present paper investigates the effects of addition of nano silica in normal strength concrete. Three types of nano-silica in the form of nano suspension having different amount of silica content have been investigated. Mix design has been carried out by using particle packing method. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis has been carried out to find the chemical composition of control concrete and nano modified concrete. Further, experimental investigations have been carried out to characterize the mechanical behaviour in compression, tension and flexure. It has been observed that the addition of nano-silica in normal strength concrete increased the compressive strength and decreased the spilt tensile strength and flexural strength. Also, Rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) has been conducted to know the chloride permeability of control concrete, nano modified concrete, and nano coated concrete. It has been observed that the chloride permeability is less for nano coated concrete.