7 Factors Affecting The Workability of Concrete

What is Workability

Workability is defined as the property of the concrete which determines the amount of useful internal work necessary to produce full compaction. 

In other words, workability is the property of fresh concrete or mortar which determines the ease and homogeneity with which it can be mixed, placed, compacted and finished. 

So, concrete is said to be workable if it is easily mixed, placed, compacted and finished without any segregation.

Factors Affecting The Workability of Concrete

The elements affecting the workability of concrete can be listed as follows:

1. Water Content

Workability improves with the increase in water content in concrete and vice versa.

2. Mix Proportion

Aggregate-cement ratio is an important factor influencing workability. The lower aggregate-cement ratio gives higher workability and vice versa.

3. Size of Aggregate

Use of large size aggregate in concrete gives better workability within certain limits.

4. Shape of Aggregate

The use of round aggregate in concrete gives higher workability than that of angular or flaky aggregate. 

5. Surface Texture of Aggregate

The rough textured aggregate will show poor workability and smooth textured aggregate will give better workability.

6. Grading of Aggregate

The better the grading, higher workability.

7. Use of Admixture

Uses of admixtures such as air-entraining agents, plasticizers etc. give better workability.

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