Concrete Mixing Water Analysis: Quality Control and Application Methods

Importance of Concrete Mixed Water Analysis

What is Concrete Mixing Water?

Concrete mixing water used in concrete production to ensure workability and hydration is a very important factor. Especially the amount of concrete mixing water should be 25% of its weight. The more water used in the amount of concrete water more than 25%, the more voids it causes in concrete. The strength, durability and overall performance of concrete is highly dependent on the properties of the water used. Concrete mixed water analysis enables the analysis of possible water sources that may affect the engineering properties of concrete and the final structural performance.

Concrete Mixed Water should be tested at regular intervals in accredited laboratories. The purposes of use of Concrete Mixing Water can be listed as follows:

Mixing water: mixing concrete with cement and aggregate
Maintenance water: application to the surface of fresh concrete
Wash water: cleaning of aggregates used in concrete production

The analyzes performed on Concrete Mixing Water within the scope of the relevant standards are as follows.

Sulphate Determination
Chloride Determination
Determination of Sodium Oxide
Potassium Oxide Determination
Total Alkali Content
pH Value
Nitrate Determination
Phosphate Determination
Lead Assignment
Zinc Determination
Suspended Solids Content
Detergent
Liquid - Solid Oil
Organic Matter Content
Sensory Properties; Color, Odor, Turbidity

Why Concrete Mixed Water Analysis is Necessary?

Concrete mixed water analysis aims to prevent negative factors affecting the mechanical and chemical resistance of concrete by determining the chemical composition, purity and mineral content of the water used in the mixture of concrete. In the concrete mix, water reacts with cement and initiates the hydration reaction, and for this reaction to be completed sufficiently, the water must have the appropriate chemical properties. Otherwise, the quality of the concrete may decrease and problems such as cracking and low strength may be encountered in the early stages.

Quality Control and Application Methods

Sample Collection: Water samples for concrete mix water analysis should be carefully collected and delivered immediately to the laboratory for analysis. Sampling should be meticulous to avoid impurities that could mislead the effects of concrete on water quality.
Test Methods: Concrete mixed water analysis is performed using standard test methods. Standards such as EN 1008 and BS 3148 specify the analysis procedures for concrete mixed water. These tests are used to determine the chemical and physical properties of water in a laboratory environment.
Evaluation of Results: The test results are compared to determine whether the water used in the concrete mix is suitable. If the water quality is not suitable, other water sources should be preferred in the concrete mix or water treatment processes should be applied.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Concrete Mixing Water Analysis. We also provide services in Environmental Analysis.

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