Bleeding Of Concrete: Causes, Effect And Ways

To Reduce It
Concrete is a mixture of cement, fine aggregates
and course aggregates. Number of problems can
occur in concrete due to improper mixing, curing
and placing, one such problem is “bleeding” in
concrete.

BLEEDING in concrete is a phenomenon in which

free water in the mix rises up to the surface and
forms a paste of cement on the surface known as
“laitance” .
Bleeding occurs in concrete when course
aggregates tends to settle down and free water
rises up to the surface. This upward movement of
water while traversing from bottom to top, makes
continuous channels. If the water cement ratio
used is 0.6 or more, the bleeding channel will
remain continues. This continuous bleeding
channels are often responsible for permeability in
the structure. In the process of upward
movement, the water gets accumulated below the
aggregates and creates water voids and reduces
the bond between the aggregates and paste.
Similarly, the water that accumulates below the
reinforcing bars reduces the bond between the
 reinforcement and concrete. Process of bleeding
is a normal phenomena if it is at normal rate but
can create weakening of bond if occurs at high
rate. Bleeding is a type of segragation, in which
water comes out of concrete.
Causes Of Bleeding

Segregation is the cause of bleeding in the

concrete mix. Segregation is the phenomena in
which heavy aggregate particles settles down,
due to settling of heavy particles, water rises up to
the surface and forms a layer. This upward
movement of water also carries fine particles of
cement with it. The top surface of slabs and
pavements will not have good wearing quality.

Bleeding will be more frequent on the surface of

concrete, when water to cement ratio is higher.
The type of cement used, quantity of fine
aggregate also plays a key role in rate of
bleeding.

Effects Of Bleeding

 Due to bleeding concrete loses its homogeneity.

 Bleeding is responsible for causing permeability in
concrete.
 As far as safety is concerned, water that
accumulates below the reinforcing bars, reduces
the bond between the reinforcement and
concrete.
 In the process of bleeding the accumulation of
water creates a water voids and reduces bond
between the aggregate and cement paste.
 Due to bleeding pumping ability of concrete is
reduced.
 Increase in the water-cement ratio at the top.
 The accumulation of water at the top, results in
delayed surface finishing.