How is the water-cement ratio calculated?

The water-cement ratio is a critical factor in determining the strength and durability of concrete. It is calculated by taking the weight of water and dividing it by the weight of cement used in the mix. This ratio is essential because the amount of water in the concrete influences its workability, strength, and overall performance. A lower water-cement ratio generally leads to higher strength and durability since it reduces the porosity of the hardened concrete.

Using weight of water over weight of cement provides a clear indication of how much water is present relative to the binding agent (cement), which is necessary to achieve the desired chemical hydration reaction that occurs when concrete sets. This ratio must be carefully controlled to ensure optimal concrete properties and to meet specification requirements for various applications.