Title:
How Useful is the Water-Cement Ratio?
Author(s):
Adam Neville
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
21
Issue:
9
Appears on pages(s):
69-70
Keywords:
compressive strength; durability; mixture proportioning; water-cement ratio
DOI:
Date:
9/1/1999
Abstract:
The concept of the water-cement ratio is part of probably the oldest “law” in the field of concrete. The author expresses the opinion that the term is unlikely to disappear from concrete technology, so its exact meaning and how it can be used must be known first. The traditional role of the water-cement ratio is as a determinant of strength. But the water-cement ratio alone does not determine the durability or even permeability of the concrete. Overall, the water-cement ratio is useful in assessing the properties of a concrete mixture at the time it is being designed, bearing in mind the nature of all the cementitious materials being used. The author suggests continued use of the water-cement ratio, with limitations on its interpretation which did not exist in the past.