Engineering Materials·MCQ explained

The ratio of various ingredients (cement : sand : coarse aggregates) in concrete of grade M20 is:

Try it first: pick an option, then read the explanation.

Correct answer: C. 1:1.5:3

Detailed Explanation: Nominal Mix Ratios per IS 456

Why C (1:1.5:3) is correct: IS 456 specifies nominal mix proportions (cement : fine aggregate : coarse aggregate by volume) for standard concrete grades. These are approximate mixes for ordinary concrete. For M20 the nominal proportion is 1:1.5:3.

IS 456 Nominal Mix Proportions

GradeNominal Mix (C:FA:CA)Target Strength (N/mm²)Use
M101:3:610Lean concrete, PCC
M151:2:415Foundation, mass concrete
M201:1.5:320General RCC (beams, slabs, columns)
M251:1:225Pre-stressed, high-strength RCC
  • M20 = 1:1.5:3 (cement : sand : CA by volume).
  • For M25 and above, IS 456 recommends design mix (IS 10262) rather than nominal mix.