What are the sought after properties of concrete?
A. 1. The concrete mix is extremely workable. It can be placed and consolidated properly. 2. Desired qualities of the hardened concrete are met. For example, resistance to freezing and thawing and deicing chemicals, watertightness (low permeability), wear resistance and strength. 3. Economy. Since the quality depends mainly on the water to cement ratio, the water requirement should be minimised to reduce the cement requirement (and thus reduce the cost).
