The 'water-cement ratio' is the single most important factor controlling:
Choose the correct answer
Setting time of concrete
Compressive strength and durability — lower w/c = higher strength and lower permeability (Abrams'' law)
Only the colour and appearance
Aggregate particle size distribution
Correct Answer
B. Compressive strength and durability — lower w/c = higher strength and lower permeability (Abrams'' law)
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Abrams'' law (1918): strength = A/(B^(w/c)) where A, B are constants. Lower w/c = higher strength AND better durability (less permeable). w/c also affects: workability (higher w/c = better flow but lower strength), drying shrinkage, bleeding, porosity. IS 456 sets maximum w/c ratios for durability (0.40–0.55 depending on exposure). The w/c governs strength more than any other single parameter.
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