WATER IN CONCRETE

Lecture 5
WATER IN CONCRETE
 Water in Concrete

Water is used:
• For the hydration
process of cement
• For the workability of
concrete
• Controlling concrete
temperature
 Cont.
• Mixing water for concrete – required to be fit for drinking, or
to be taken from an approved source
• The water should be reasonably free from impurities as
suspended solids, organic matter and dissolved salts
• The impurities may affect the properties of concrete,
especially the setting and hardening
 If the quality of water is in doubt?

• Can be tested by comparing:

– The setting time of cement paste
– The compressive strength of concrete

• Made with water in question and made with

distilled water
• BS 3148
 The use of Seawater?

• Does not adversely affect the

strength or durability of plain
Portland cement concrete
• BUT it must not be used for
reinforced or pre-stressed concrete
because of the danger of corrosion
of steel from the chloride content of
the water
Thank You