Factors Affecting Workability

It is apparent that workability depends on a number of interacting factors: water content,

aggregate type and grading, aggregate/cement ratio, presence of admixtures and fineness of
cement. To achieve optimum conditions for minimum voids or for maximum density with no
segregation, the influence of the aggregate type and grading has to be considered. The porosity or
absorption of the aggregate is important since some mixing water will be removed from that
required for lubrication of the particles.

Lightweight aggregate tends to lower the workability. Workability is governed by the

volumetric proportions of particles of different sizes. For a constant water/cement ratio, the
workability increases as the aggregate/cement ratio is reduced because the amount of water
relative to the total surface of solids is increased.

High ratio of volumes of coarse aggregate to fine aggregate can result in segregation and
in a lower workability. There are two others factors which affect workability: time and
temperature. Freshly mixed concrete stiffens with time but this should not be confused with the
setting of cement. The stiffening of concrete is effectively measured by a loss of workability with
time known as slump loss which varies with richness of the mix, type of cement, temperature of
concrete and initial workability.

Cohesion and Segregation

Segregation can be defined as separation of the constituents of a heterogeneous mixture so

that their distribution is no longer uniform. In the case of concrete, it is the differences in the size
of particles that are the primary cause of segregation, but its extent can be controlled by the choice
of suitable grading and by care in handling.

There are two forms of segregation. In the first, the coarser particles tend to separate out
since they travel further along a slope or settle more than finer particles in dry mixes. The second
form of segregation occurring in wet mixes is manifested by the separation of grout (cement plus
water) from the mix. With some gradings, when a lean mix is used, the first type of segregation
occurs if the mix is too dry; the addition of water would improve the cohesion of the mix, but
when the mix becomes too wet, the second type of segregation would take place.

The actual extent of segregation depends on the method of handling and placing of
concrete. With a correct method of handling, transporting and placing, the likelihood of
segregation can be greatly reduced.

The danger of segregation (in placing, as distinct from handling) is increased with improper
use of a vibrator. The danger of segregation can be reduced by the use of air entrainment. The use
of coarse aggregate whose specific gravity is greater than that of the fine aggregate can lead to
increased segregation.

Bleeding

Bleeding, known as water gain, is a form of segregation in which some of the water in the
mix tends to rise to the surface of freshly placed concrete. This is caused by the inability of the
solid constituents of the mix to hold all of the mixing water when they settle downwards. When
the cement paste has stiffened sufficiently, bleeding of concrete ceases.

If the bleeding water is remixed during the finishing of the top surface, a weak wearing
surface will be formed. This can be avoided by delaying the finishing operations until the bleeding
water has evaporated.

Bleeding is often pronounced in thin slabs, such as roads, in which frost represents a
considerable danger. If it is undisturbed, the effective water/cement ratio may be lowered with a
resulting increase in strength. If the rising water carries with it a considerable amount of the finer
cement particles, a layer of laitance will be formed.

Although dependent on the water content of the mix, the tendency to bleeding depends
largely on the properties of cement. Bleeding is lower with finer cements and is affected by certain
chemical factors. Air entrainment effectively reduces bleeding so that finishing can follow casting
without delay.