Effect of Water Quality on Performance of Concrete: A Study Towards Developing Sustainable Concrete

Abstract

Abstract This study investigates the feasibility of using treated sewage water from Vishnu Educational Society in concrete manufacturing to combat freshwater scarcity. Physicochemical properties of the water sources, including pH, alkalinity, hardness, acidity, chlorides, and nitrates, were analyzed. Tests were conducted on M25 and M35 Grade concrete mixes, with concrete cubes and cylinders cured for 14 and 28 days in both freshwater and treated sewage water namely water Used are CN,CC,TS. For the M25 mix, optimal results were achieved with canal water for casting and treated sewage water for curing, resulting in a compressive strength of 31.1 MPa. Similarly, for the M35 mix, superior results were obtained with normal campus water for casting and treated sewage water for curing, yielding a compressive strength of 37.28 MPa. Additionally, for M35 grade concrete, using treated sewage water for curing in combination with casting using canal water resulted in favorable outcomes, with a strength of 44.26 MPa, despite reduced workability, the usage of sewage treated water led to increased compressive and split tensile strengths. The physicochemical characteristics of the sewage treated sample were ascertained before utilization, and the setting time characteristics were determined. strength drops the percentage of 13.83% when compared with the conventional concrete. Concrete cubes and concrete cylinders were cast and cured for 14 and 28 days in both freshwater and treated sewage water. This research aims to explore the possibility of using treated sewage water in concrete production as an alternative water source through comprehensive laboratory investigation for better understanding and durability properties. Experiment results indicated an increase in chloride concentration with a decrease in the quality of mixing water.