---

Today we batched our seventh mix and we're finally making some progress!  Since previous batches have been yielding negative air contents, we were excited when we achieved an air content of +3.2% today (although the mix is still illegal).  To fix the problem, we ran specific gravity tests on our aggregates and discovered that the manufacturer's values were surprisingly low.  Hopefully, we have corrected the problem and can work on some of the other problems (low workability of the mix and clumping of fibers).  We discussed some solutions and are ready to batch again on Monday.

Hey you (read: Michael), Don't Touch!

---

We have completed our first three batches and plan to design and test at least eight more mixes over the next month.  We will continue to meet in SEM 124 on Mondays at 2:00 pm and Saturdays at noon to batch.   The concrete is looking good, although the new fibers are giving the concrete interesting characteristics...

We are still in desperate need of reinforcing samples and hope to find some contacts that sell carbon fiber mesh.  We are running out of time before practice pour day and need to settle on something soon!  Until then, we will test the concrete properties and focus on making new beam molds.

A 7-day break of the first batch with our new fibers

Doyle batching concrete on Saturday

---

We finally received our reinforcement samples yesterday and are now able to start composite design.  We will be batching tomorrow, Thursday, October 19 at 11:00 am and we will also batch on Saturday, October 21 at 1:00 pm in SEM 124.  Next Monday, we will meet at our usual time (1:00 pm), but we will be cleaning up all of our materials in the lab and organizing our storage space.  In the upcoming weeks, we will be testing all of the previous mixes and hopefully start making some decisions about the mix design.

---

After finally receiving the bulk of our materials, mix design is well underway!   Last week, we made our first two test batches with the white portland cement, and then broke one of last year's test cylinders (4,400 psi).  From now on, we will be meeting twice a week to batch concrete, break test cyliders, and test composite beams to determine what type of reinforcement will be best.  Meetings are held every Monday at 2:00 pm and Saturday at 1:00 pm.  We will meet in the ASCE Student Lounge (SEM 119) and then move to the Pavement Lab to mix (SEM 124).  If you're interested in helping, come by the lab, or contact Kelly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .