What effect does excess water have in concrete?

Excess water in concrete primarily affects its properties adversely, and one significant impact is on shrinkage. When there is too much water in the mix, it leads to the formation of more pores and voids as the concrete cures and dries. As the excess water evaporates, these voids can lead to increased shrinkage. This shrinkage can ultimately result in cracking, structural weaknesses, and a reduction in durability.

While the other options touch on aspects of concrete qualities, they do not correctly reflect the outcomes of excess water. For instance, excess water typically decreases the overall strength of the concrete as it dilutes the cement paste, leading to a weaker structure. It also does not enhance workability in a beneficial way; rather, it can create issues like segregation. The retention of color is not significantly influenced by excess water, as color retention is more dependent on the types of aggregates and pigments used. Thus, the assertion regarding increased shrinkage accurately captures the negative impact of excess water in concrete.