Water-Cement Ratio

Group 3
Water-Cement Ratio
• What is Water-Cement Ratio?
• What is the Importance of Water-Cement Ratio?
• Effects of Water-Cement Ratio on workability and
strength.
• Typical Water-Cement Ratios in Concrete Mixes.
What is Water-Cement Ratio?
• Water–cement ratio is the ratio of the
weight of water to the weight of
cement used in a concrete mix. A lower
ratio leads to higher strength and
durability, but may make the mix
difficult to work with and form.
What is Water-Cement Ratio?
• The water–cement ratio is a convenient
measurement whose value is well
correlated with PCC strength and
durability. In general, lower water–
cement ratios produce stronger,
more durable PCC (plain cement
concrete).
Why is it Important?
• Water-Cement Ratio is important for
workability and strength of the
concrete mix.
• Higher water-cement ratio = Higher
workability.
• Lower water-cement ration = lower
workability.
Why is it Important?
• Higher water-cement ratio = Lower
strength and durability.
• Lower water cement ratio = Higher
strength and durability.
Water-Cement Ratio on Workability
Water-Cement Ratio on Strength
Reasons why higher water-cement ratio is NOT
recommended:
• Chances of segregation and bleeding
• Less durability
• Development of voids
• Decrease in strength of concrete
• Decrease in life of structure
• Leakage and chances of corrosion
• Increased carbonation due to voids and hence reduce life
• Freeze-thaw effect etc.

Water-Cement Ratio
Reasons why lower water-cement ratio IS
recommended:
• Increase in strength
• Increase in durability
• Lower permeability
• No leakage or dampness
• Greater freeze-thaw durability
• Better bond with reinforcement etc.

Water-Cement Ratio
Typical Water-Cement Ratios in Concrete Mixes

Typical w/c ratios are as follows:

• Normal for ordinary concrete (sidewalks and driveways): 0.6 to 0.7
• Specified if a higher quality concrete is desired: 0.4
The practical range of the w/c ratio is from about 0.3 to over 0.8.
• A ratio of 0.3 is very stiff (unless sperplsticizers are used).
• A ratio of 0.8 makes a wet and fairly weak concrete.
Typical compressive strengths when concrete is properly cured
• 0.4 w/c ratio –> 5600 psi
• 0.8 w/c ratio –> 2000 psi.
Water-Cement Ratio