The water cement ratio is the ratio of the weight of water to the weight of cement used in a concrete mix. A lower ratio leads to higher strength and durability, but may make the mix difficult to work with and form. Workability of the concrete is directly dependent on the water content. Less water leads to less workable concrete.
Significance
- Water is most important to start chemical reaction and it helps in setting of the concrete.
- Water cement ratio generally varies in 0.4 to 0.6.
- Water cement ratio directly affects the strength of the concrete. Lesser the water higher the strength.
- Water is important for workability of the concrete. But higher water content may decrease the strength of the concrete
- Optimum quantity of water must be achieved for workability and desired strength.
- Environmental exposure of the concrete may change the water cement ratio.
- Moisture content in the ingredients of the concrete
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Water Cement Ratio Table
The table below gives the minimum cement content, W/C ratio and grade for plain and reinforced cement concrete.
Water Cement Ratio Formula
Water Cement Ratio = Weight of Water / Weight of Cement
Example:
If weight of the water is 24 liter for 50 kg Cement then,
Water Cement Ratio = 24/50 = 0.48