The results of an experiment to evaluate the effects of a water reducer are
shown in Table P6.32.
a. Calculate the water–cement ratio in each of the three cases.
b. Using water reducer, how can we increase the compressive strength of
concrete without changing workability? Refer to the appropriate case in
the table.c. Using water reducer, how can we improve workability without changing
the compressive strength? Refer to the appropriate case in the table.
d. Using water reducer, how can we reduce cost without changing
workability or strength? (Assume that the cost of the small amount
of water reducer added is less than the cost of cement.) Refer to the
appropriate case in the table.
e. Summarize all possible effects of water reducers on concrete.
Extracted text: TABLE P6.32 With Water Reducer Without Water Reducer Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Cement content, lb/yd³ Water content,* lb/yd³ 735 735 735 662 368 368 294 331 Slump, inches 28-Day compressive strength, psi 2 2 2 4,100 4,105 5,055 4,104 *Assume that the water content is above the saturated surface-dry (SSD) condition of the aggregate.