Concrete bleeding refers to the upward migration of water to the surface of freshly placed concrete before initial setting, due to gravity-driven separation of components. Denser particles like cement and aggregates sink, while lighter free water rises, forming a layer of water or diluted slurry on the surface. Common causes include: 1. Material-Related Issues Cement problems: insufficient fineness, low C₃A or alkali content, poor storage or gypsum deficiency; Poor SCM quality: low-grade fly ash or high blend ratios increase water demand; Aggregate issues: low sand ratio, coarse sand, oversized or flaky aggregates, low mud content in fine aggregate. 2. Mix Design & Admixture Problems High water–cement ratio (>0.5): excess free water exceeds binder capacity; Improper use of admixtures: overdosage of superplasticizers or retarders, poor air-entraining agent performance; Excess mineral additives: e.g., high-carbon fly ash or excessive slag leading to weak water retention. 3. C...