The Impact of Water on Concrete Quality
Session
Civil Engineering, Infrastructure and Environment
Description
Water is vital to concrete, and it has a dual role. This paper will examine the impact of the quantity (water/cement ratio - W/C) and water quality on concrete. W/C directly affects workability, mechanical strength, porosity, and durability. A low W/C gives stronger concrete but with difficult workability; a high W/C improves workability but weakens mechanical properties and durability. Water quality is also critical; impurities such as chlorides, sulfates, and organic substances can negatively affect cement bonding and strength, cause corrosion of reinforcement, and degradation. Water is also essential for curing, which maximizes strength and durability. Therefore, strict control of water quantity and quality and good curing are key to quality concrete and consistent performance, according to standards (e.g., EN 1008, EN 206).
Keywords:
Concrete, Water/Cement Ratio, Water Quality, Strength, Durability, Hydration, Curing
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
26-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.58
Recommended Citation
Luzha, Ibush; Aliu, Bujar; and Zguro, Teodor, "The Impact of Water on Concrete Quality" (2025). UBT International Conference. 20.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/CEIE/20
The Impact of Water on Concrete Quality
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
Water is vital to concrete, and it has a dual role. This paper will examine the impact of the quantity (water/cement ratio - W/C) and water quality on concrete. W/C directly affects workability, mechanical strength, porosity, and durability. A low W/C gives stronger concrete but with difficult workability; a high W/C improves workability but weakens mechanical properties and durability. Water quality is also critical; impurities such as chlorides, sulfates, and organic substances can negatively affect cement bonding and strength, cause corrosion of reinforcement, and degradation. Water is also essential for curing, which maximizes strength and durability. Therefore, strict control of water quantity and quality and good curing are key to quality concrete and consistent performance, according to standards (e.g., EN 1008, EN 206).