Water Cement Ratio

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 depended to 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 affect 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