What does workability of concrete refer to?

Workability of concrete specifically refers to how easily the concrete can be mixed, transported, placed, and finished without segregating or bleeding. This characteristic is crucial because it affects the quality and durability of the finished product. When concrete is workable, it can flow into formwork and fill all voids without requiring excessive vibration or tooling.

Key factors contributing to workability include the water-cement ratio, the type of aggregates used, and the presence of admixtures. A well-worked concrete mix will lead to a uniform distribution of materials and reduce the risk of defects like voids or weak spots in the cured concrete.

The other options relate to different properties or aspects of concrete. The strength of cured concrete is a distinct property that indicates its load-bearing capacity after hardening. Curing time pertains to the period concrete requires to reach desired strength and durability, which is a separate concern from its workability. Measuring cost-effectiveness does not directly relate to how easily concrete can be handled or placed but rather to the overall economy of the materials and processes involved in its production. Thus, the focus on ease of handling in the correct answer aligns precisely with the definition of workability.