In many specifications, quality of water
is covered by a clause saying that mixing water should be fit for
drinking. What is its significance? Will drinking water always
be suitable as mixing water?
The
amount
of dissolved solids in drinking water is almost always less than
1000
ppm. For a water/cement ratio of 0.5, this corresponds to quantity of
solids
being about 0.05% of the weight of cement. This quantity is too insignificant
to cause any trouble.
However,
where
drinking water contains a high concentration of sodium or potassium
&
aggregate-alkali reaction is apprehended , such water should not be used.It
should be noted that water not fit for
drinking may often also be
satisfactorily used for making of concrete. Water with pH of 6
to 8 which does
not taste saline or brackish is suitable for use. Dark color or bad smells do
not necessarily mean that deleterious substances are present.
