Which of the following is a disadvantage of adding too much water to concrete?

Adding too much water to concrete primarily reduces its strength. This occurs because increasing the water-to-cement ratio dilutes the cement paste, leading to a lower concentration of cement particles in the mix relative to the volume of water. As a result, the hydration process, which is crucial for developing the strong bond between cement and aggregates, becomes less efficient. A higher water content in the mix can also create voids in the hardened concrete once the water evaporates, resulting in reduced density and overall structural integrity.

The reduction in strength may not be immediately evident, but it typically manifests as a lower compressive strength once the concrete has cured. This weakened state can significantly impact the longevity and durability of the concrete structure, making it more susceptible to cracking and other forms of damage under load.

While it is true that adding more water can increase the workability of the concrete, this advantage is outweighed by the detrimental effects on strength. Additionally, having increased setting times and weakened bonding due to excess water align with the overarching concern of strength reduction, which is the central issue at hand when considering the impact of water content in concrete mixtures.