Water–binder (w/b) ratios, the nature of Portland cement. The numerical values of the w/c and w/b ratios are directly related to the distance separating the cementitious particles in a cement paste when the hydration process starts.

These ratios directly impact the ultimate porosity, density, and mechanical properties of concrete. The lower these ratios are, the stronger, more durable, and more sustainable the concrete will be.

Therefore, super plasticizes, which allow the production of concrete with lower water content without compromising workability, have opened the doors to radical improvements in concrete performance.

In such concrete, there is not enough water for complete hydration, so compressive strength continues to increase as the w/c or w/b ratio decreases.