The principal considerations on the quality of mixing water are related

to performance in fresh as well as harden state. The quality of the water

plays an important role in the preparation of concrete. Impurities in
water may interfere with the setting of the cement and may adversely
affect the strength and durability of the concrete also.

The chemical constituents present in water may actively participate in

the chemical reactions and thus affect the setting, hardening and
strength development of concrete.

In addition to that, health issues related to the safe handling of such

water must be considered. The suitability of water can be identified
from past service records or tested to performance limits such as setting
times and compressive strength and durability test. Limits are specified
for mixing water with their constituents such as total alkalis, chloride
sulfate etc.
The quantity of water in the mix plays a vital role on the
strength of the concrete. Some water which have adverse
effect on hardened concrete.

Sometimes may not be harmless or even beneficial during

mixing. So clear distinction should be made between the
effect on hardened concrete and the quality of mixing water.
 Function of Water in Concrete:

•To wet the surface of aggregates to develop adhesion

because the cement pastes adheres quickly and satisfactory
to the wet surface of the aggregates than to a dry surface.

•To prepare a plastic mixture of the various ingredients and to

impart workability to concrete to facilitate placing in the
desired position.

•Water is also needed for the hydration of the cementing

materials to set and harden during the period of curing.
Following are the tests required for quality of water for
construction purpose:
1.pH value test

2. Limits of acidity test

3. Limits of alkalinity test

4. Percentage of solids
a)Chlorides
b) Suspended matter
c) Sulphates
Colorimetric Method for pH of Water
Take the pH standard solution and the water that is to be tested. Take the colorimetric
paper. Dip this paper on the water sample. The obtained color is computed from the
standard table and the respective pH value is recorded. This pH Value will conclude
whether the sample of water is acidic or alkaline.
Electrometric Method for pH of water
One of the most widely accepted method for the hydrogen ion
determination (pH) is the electrometric method. This method is highly
accurate and used in laboratory work and by researchers. The accuracy of
the pH value is 0.1 to 0.0001.
Quality Parameters Maximum Limit (ppm)

Chlorides 500

SO3 1000

Alkali Carbonates
1000
and Bicarbonates

Turbidity 2000
Recommended Limits of construction water tests:
Water used for mixing and curing shall be clean and free from injurious
quantities of alkalies, acids, oils , salts, sugar, organic materials, vegetable
growth or other substance that may be deleterious to bricks, stone, concrete or
steel. Potable water is generally considered satisfactory for mixing.

The pH value of water shall not be less than the following concentrations
represent the maximum permissible values (of deleterious materials in water)

a) Limits of acidity: To neutralize 100ml sample of water, using

phenolphthalein as an indicator, it should not require more than 5ml of 0.02
normal NaOH.

b) Limits of alkalinity: To neutralize 100ml sample of water, using mixed

indicator, it should not require more than 25ml of 0.02 normal H2SO4.
c) Percentage of solids: Maximum permissible limits of solids when
tested in accordance with IS 3025 shall be as under:

Types of solids Limits

Organic solids 200 mg/liter

Inorganic solids 3000 mg/liter

Sulphates 400 mg/liter

2000 mg/liter for concrete not containing embedded steel,

Chlorides and
500 mg/liter for reinforced concrete work

Suspended matter 2000 mg/liter

The physical and chemical properties of ground water shall be tested along with
soil investigation and if the water is not found conforming to the requirements
of IS 456 – 2000, the tender documents shall clearly specify that the contractor
has to arrange good quality water construction indicating the source.

(i)Water found satisfactory for mixing is also suitable for curing. However,
water used for curing shall not produce any objectionable stain or unsightly
deposit on the surface.

(ii) Sea water shall not be used for mixing or curing.

(iii) Water from each source shall be tested before the commencement of the
work and thereafter once in every three months till the completion of the work.
In case of ground water, testing shall also be done for different point of
drawdown. Water from each source shall be got tested during the dry season
before monsoon and again after monsoon.
Effect of Sugar on Properties of Concrete:

The sugar content in water if is less than 0.05 percent by weight of water, then no

adverse effect is observed in the concrete structure. The sugar content in 0.15 percent

will result in retarding of setting time and the early strength of the concrete. But it is

observed that the 28th day strength of concrete is improved.

The sugar content increased by an amount to 0.20 percent is said to improve the setting

(time is accelerated). Further increase of sugar will cause rapid setting but the 28th day

strength is affected.
Effect of Oil Contamination on Properties of Concrete

Mineral oil in water, that have no animal or vegetable oil content have no adverse

effect on the concrete properties. The mineral oil content to a percentage of 2% is said

to increase the strength of the concrete. But for more than 8% mineral oil, the strength

is reduced.

The vegetable oil in water used for concrete manufacture shows its detrimental effects

on the strength of concrete at its later stages.

Why Do We Need to add Sufficient Water to the Concrete Mix?

Technically as per studies, cement requires 23% of water for the hydration process and

15% for expansion of pores and volume increment. Therefore 38% of the water by

weight of cement is minimum and must. it has been found that for full hydration of

cement paste and no capillary pores to be left there, sufficient water is required in the

concrete mix.

The least quantity of this water corresponds to 0.38 w/c ratio. Thus, if water-cement

ratio is less than 0.38, complete hydration is not possible. If it is more than this

concrete mass become porous and permeable and if it is less concrete becomes dry and

harsh and may not bind and develop full strength.

For workability consideration, this water-cement ratio is found as 0.4, but its selection

depends on the requirement of workability in different exposure conditions and

nature of work. At a water-cement ratio of 0.4, the mix has sufficient water for

hydration as well as for providing ease in the concreting process like mixing, placing,

transporting and compacting. Because water works as a lubricant in the concrete mix

and reduces the internal friction between particles of concrete.

At this water-cement ratio, the ‘gel’ formed is in good physical structure and dense.

At higher water/cement ratio the ‘gel’ formed is in the poor physical structure, create

voids during subsequent evaporation and become more porous, resulting in a lower

strength of concrete at a later age.

 Effect of Water-Cement Ratio on
Workability

Workability of concrete means the ability of concrete to perform concreting process

like mixing, transporting, placing, compacting with ease and without

any segregation. In other words, workability of concrete indicates the ability of

concrete to work easily. W/C ratio is also an important consideration for the

workability of concrete.

High w/c ratio leads to higher workability because inter particle lubrication is

increased. Similarly, lower w/c ratio leads to lower workability because there is lack of

interparticle lubrication. Graph of Workability vs. w/c ratio is shown below. This may
W/C ratio varies from 0.4 to 0.6 depending on the exposure condition as per IS 10262
(2009). A ratio of less than 0.4 makes concrete very stiff (if super plasticizers are not
used) and a ratio of greater than 0.6 makes a wet and weak concrete and perhaps
leaking concrete leading to corrosion in future.
 Duff Abrams’ Law for Water-Cement Ratio
American Researcher Duff Abrams’ gave a concept on water/cement
ratio which known is as “Abrams’ water/cement ratio law”. As per Duff
Abrams’ law strength of concrete is inversely related to the W/C ratio. If
w/c ratio increases, the strength of concrete decreases. 

Compaction of concrete is also important because, If concrete is not

properly compacted it contains large voids, which leads to porosity.
Thus, at a low water/cement ratio, where fully compacting is hard to
achieve, Abrams’ law is not valid.
Decrease in compressive strength with an increase in water/cement ratio
illustrated graphically below