The ratio of water to cement in a concrete mix — less water means stronger concrete, but also a stiffer, harder-to-pour mix.
The ratio of the weight of water to the weight of cement in a concrete mix, the most critical factor controlling concrete strength and durability. Lower water-cement ratios produce stronger, more durable concrete with lower permeability. Typical structural concrete has a w/c ratio between 0.40 and 0.50; adding water to improve workability increases the ratio and reduces strength.
The specification limited the water-cement ratio to 0.45 maximum to achieve the required durability for the bridge deck.
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