Evaluating the Compressive Strength of Concrete Different Water - Cement Ratio
Abstract
The performance of concrete is greatly influenced by the proportion of its constituting materials. Despite concrete having rightful content of binder and mineral fillers, the amount of water used for its production has significant effects on its characteristics. The standard concrete mix design influences the characteristics performance of concrete and plays significant roles in the development of quality and sustainable concrete. This study evaluates the effect of different water - cement ratios (0.6 and 0.43) on the density, workability, and compressive strength of concrete. In the experiment, concrete mix of 1:2:3 with 0.6 and 0.43 water – cement ratios were used. The workability was assessed through slump test in accordance with SANS5862-1:2006, while the compressive strength test was done on 100 x 100 x100 concrete cubes in accordance with SANS5863: 2006. The densities were measured before the compressive strength tests were performed. The slump values obtained from the concrete with 0.6 and 0.43 water – cement (w/c) ratios were 80 mm and 70 mm respectively. The concrete with 0.6 and 0.43 w/c ratios have density range of 2310 – 2434.5 kg/m3 and 2332.5 – 2398.5 kg/m3, respectively. The concrete’s compressive strengths with 0.43 w/c ratio exceeds that of 0.6 by 59.09, 30.54 and 29.66 % at 3, 7 and 28 days, accordingly. In conclusion, concrete with 0.43 w/c ratio gave better compressive strength and is recommended for the construction of high-rise buildings and infrastructures.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Joseph Kilani Abiodun , Abdulwahab Rasheed , Deborah Ikotun Bolanle
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