Adding Water to Concrete: What’s a little water going to hurt?
By Bill Meek and Jim Turici From: Concrete Construction April 2013
Have you ever been at a concrete placement when someone said, “How about adding some water to that load?” But is it acceptable to add water on site? Water addition to a load of concrete may or may not be acceptable depending on the parameters that need to be met. ASTM C94, “Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete,” states the following regarding water additions:
If the desired slump or slump flow is less than specified, and unless otherwise stated, obtain the desired slump or slump flow within the tolerances stated in [applicable sections] with a one-time addition of water. Do not exceed the maximum water content for the batch as established by the designed mixture proportion. A one-time addition of water is not prohibited from being several distinct additions of water provided that no concrete has been discharged except for slump or slump flow testing. All water additions shall be completed within 15 min. from the start of the first water addition. The drum shall be turned an additional 30 revolutions, or more if necessary, at mixing speed to ensure that a homogenous mixture is attained.
This article will give you a better understanding of how performance of the concrete may be affected by water additions.
I found it interesting when you said to don’t go over the batch’s maximum water content, as determined by the planned mixture proportion. For our garage, my husband and I have been considering many choices. The best choice for us will undoubtedly be concrete, as lovely as a tile floor would be. Thanks for the advice; I’ll be sure to use a Small Load Ready Mix Concrete Delivery.