TECHNOLOGY
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Water found acceptable for mixing concrete is also suitable for curing .
All things hydro in construction
By Kim Kemp
Water has a variety of uses in construction and demolition , from putting structures up , to assisting in bringing them down again .
A main ingredient on any construction site , simply using available water to mix concrete could be the downfall — literally — of the structure . While water remains a vital ingredient in construction , ignoring water quality can have disastrous results . Required for preparing mortar , mixing of cement concrete , and for curing work during construction work , it is the quality and the quantity of water that affect the strength of mortar and concrete . Not any old water can be used for mixing and curing . It must be clean and free of alkalis , acid , oils , salt , sugar , organic materials , vegetable growth , and other substances that may be harmful to bricks , stone , concrete , or steel . Also , the pH value of water should be not less than six .
There are instances , however , where , despite using the best-quality material , such as cement , coarse sand , and coarse aggregate in concrete making , the desired results are not achieved . This is because there are several common impurities in water that affect the quality of mortar or concrete . Water containing impurities such as the presence of salt , calcium chloride ,
20 - CEC May 2018