What should be done to account for the addition of water from fine aggregates in a concrete mix?

In the context of preparing a concrete mix, fine aggregates, such as sand, can contain moisture in various forms that affects the overall water-to-cement ratio. When fine aggregates are added to the mix, it's important to account for this additional water, as it can lead to an unintentional increase in the water content beyond what is intended for the mix design.

To achieve the desired strength and durability of the concrete, the total water content must be accurately controlled. If the fine aggregates already contain moisture, the effective water content in the mix increases, which can lead to a lower strength of concrete due to excessive water relative to cement. Therefore, to maintain the optimal water-to-cement ratio and ensure the concrete achieves its intended performance, it is necessary to adjust the water content by decreasing it.

This adjustment reflects an understanding of how the moisture in fine aggregates interacts with the overall mix and ensures that the concrete maintains its specified characteristics.