# Concrete Obtained with the Viterbo O’Reilly Method for Aggregate Gradation: A Potential Model for Sustainable Design and Reducing Development Costs

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new concrete mix design method that reduces cement use, lowering costs and environmental impact while maintaining strength and durability.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in applying the Viterbo O’Reilly method to optimize concrete mixtures through detailed material analysis and data-driven aggregate gradation.

## Key findings

- Optimal water, cement, and aggregate ratios were determined for improved sustainability and performance.
- The method successfully reduced cement content without compromising compressive strength or workability.
- SEM and EDS analysis revealed enhanced microstructural properties supporting the material's durability.

## Abstract

The following investigation presents concrete cement obtained with the Viterbo O’Reilly Diaz method, introduced to quantify the concrete mixture by using an aggregate gradation method. This research uses this procedure to decrease the amount of cement in the mix, thus reducing the CO2 footprint and production costs, which directly impact the environmental and economical sustainability of the material. The formulations used structural and general use Portland cements. As aggregates, fine sand and 3/4” gravel were included. Several characterization techniques were used, including granulometry testing for the aggregates, compression strength testing for the concrete samples, and granulometry testing for the raw materials. Compressive tests were conducted on samples after 28 days of curing, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to understand the microstructure. The results revealed the optimal amounts of water, cement, and aggregates. Combinations of fine and coarse aggregates were determined as well. The main novelty in this manuscript is the use of the Viterbo O’Reilly mix design method to innovatively enhance concrete mixes by analyzing material properties and behavior in detail, an unexplored method in the literature. This research considers not only strength but also durability and workability, using mathematical tools for data analysis. This data-driven approach ensures effective aggregate gradation towards sustainability when compared to other traditional methods.