Presentations
Our most recent presentation can be downloaded below (click on the title). Further presentations will be featured here as they become available.
- Forensic Investigation of Hardened Concrete: Water/Cement Ratio
Presented at Engineers Week 2011 by Julius Bonini, PE and Andrew Smith, PhD, with contributions by Uriel Oko, PhD, PE and Frank Anderson, PE.
Summary:
The relationship between water and cement content plays a major role in the performance of concrete. Correct water-to-cement ratio (w/c) is critical for sound, crack-free concrete. The desired proportions are specified in the mix design, however many processing issues from mix design to finishing can influence the final w/c ratio, and the ultimate performance of the as-placed concrete. When problems do occur, it can be difficult to determine forensically the w/c ratio in hardened concrete to help establish the root cause of failure. This presentation will review the basic chemical reactions in concrete, illustrate problems that occur with improper w/c ratio, and discuss the application and limitations of forensic techniques available to determine w/c ratio in hardened concrete.
