What is water Absorption Test of concrete? explain in details with test procedure and examples

The water absorption test of concrete measures the amount of water that a concrete sample can absorb. This test is important for determining the durability and resistance to water of the concrete, and helps to ensure that the concrete will perform as expected in its intended environment.

Test Procedure:

1. Prepare a sample of concrete, either by cutting a piece from a concrete structure or by making a new sample.
2. Clean the surface of the concrete sample thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, or other contaminants.
3. Weigh the concrete sample to the nearest 0.1 g.
4. Immerse the concrete sample in water for 24 hours.
5. After 24 hours, remove the concrete sample from the water and wipe it dry with a cloth.
6. Re-weigh the concrete sample to the nearest 0.1 g.
7. Calculate the water absorption by subtracting the initial weight of the sample from the final weight, and divide the result by the initial weight.

The water absorption of concrete is expressed as a percentage of the initial weight of the sample. The lower the water absorption, the more water-resistant and durable the concrete is considered to be.

Examples:

1. For normal weight concrete, the water absorption is typically in the range of 10-15%.
2. For high-performance concrete, the water absorption is typically lower, in the range of 5-10%.
3. For lightweight concrete, the water absorption is typically higher, in the range of 20-25%.

In conclusion, the water absorption test is an important tool for engineers and contractors to evaluate the durability and resistance to water of concrete. The test provides valuable information about the quality and consistency of the concrete mix, and helps to ensure that the concrete meets the required standards and specifications for a particular application. The results of the water absorption test can also be used to determine the most appropriate type of concrete for a particular project, and to ensure that the concrete will perform as expected over its expected service life.