# Standard Deviation of Concrete Cube Test

In an earlier post we had discussed Tensile Strength of Concrete Test and now we are going to see the Standard deviation of concrete mix design.

In design mix of concrete, the target mean strength should be equal to the characteristic strength plus 1.65 times the standard deviation.

## What is Meant by Standard Deviation of concrete?

Standard deviation denotes the deviation of a set of variables from the mean value.

## Why Standard Deviation required for Concrete Design Mix?

The concrete was produced from a certain mixture of different material and those all are having different properties.

In the design mix, the concrete was calculated by weight method so some mistakes may happen. So standard deviation value was added in concrete design mix for safer side.

## Standard Deviation Formula for Concrete Cubes

As per IS 456 follow the below rule to calculate the Standard deviation of Concrete cubes.

#### Rule 1:

The standard deviation should be calculated separately for each grade of concrete.

#### Rule 2:

For the first time, the total number of concrete cube sample should not less than 30 to calculate the deviation.

#### Rule 3:

The standard deviation value should be calculated separately when significant changes are made in the production of concrete batches.

#### Rule 4:

The calculation of standard deviation shall be brought up to date after every change of mix design.

# Standard Deviation of Concrete

Average Strength μ = 744/30 = 24.8 N/Sqmm

N = Number of sample

Std Deviation =  √[274.8 (n-1)] = √(274.8/29) = 3.07 N/sqmm

Hence the Standard Deviation of above concrete cube test results – 3.07 N/Sqmm.

As per IS 456, the assumed Standard deviation value has mentioned from the past records for a similar grade of concrete.