3.2. Functions of Water

Try these first

1. 1.

   What role does water play in hydration?

   Hint

   Think about what happens when cement and water mix.

2. 2.

   What does workability mean in concrete?

   Hint

   Consider the ease of handling fresh concrete.

3. 3.

   Which function does water perform in the hydration process?

   • Increase workability
   • Hydrate cement
   • Dissolve admixtures

   Hint

   Consider what cement needs to react with to gain strength.

4. 4.

   True or False: The water-cement ratio is not significant in determining concrete strength.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the relationship between strength and the amount of water added.

5. 5.

   Consider a construction site where quality of available water is questionable. Discuss the potential impact on concrete quality during mixing.

   Hint

   Think of how impurities affect chemical reactions.

6. 6.

   Explain how a civil engineer might address the need for workability in concrete without compromising the water-cement ratio.

   Hint

   Consider how polymers and chemicals could help with mixing.