Civil Engineering - Building Materials - Discussion

The water-cement ratio is a measure of the amount of water used in a concrete mixture relative to the amount of cement. The water-cement ratio is important because it affects the strength, durability, and workability of the concrete. Different types of structures and environments may require different water-cement ratios to achieve optimal results.

For thin structures subjected to wetting and drying, such as walls and bridges, the water-cement ratio should be around 0.45. For mass concrete structures subjected to wetting and drying, such as dams and foundations, the water-cement ratio should be around 0.55.

For thin structures that remain continuously under water, such as slabs and beams, the water-cement ratio should be around 0.55. For massive concrete structures that remain continuously under water, such as piers and abutments, the water-cement ratio should be around 0.65.

Strength of concrete primarily depends upon the strength of cement paste. Strength of cement paste depends upon the dilution of paste or in other words, the strength of paste increases with cement content and decreases with air and water content.