Treated Wastewater on Properties on Hardened Concrete

Abstract

The global scarcity of fresh water has prompted increased interest in alternative water sources, such as treated wastewater (TWW), for concrete production. This study evaluates the effects of TWW on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete, focusing on its feasibility as a sustainable substitute for potable water. A comprehensive experimental design was employed to compare concrete mixes using fresh water (FW) and TWW, with and without the incorporation of SG and Silica Fume (SF) as admixtures. Compressive strength testing at 7, 28, and 56 days revealed that TWW alone reduced concrete strength due to its high biochemical and chemical oxygen demand. However, the use of Sodium Gluconate (SG) and SF significantly mitigated these negative effects, enhancing both workability and strength. TWW mixes with SG and SF achieved compressive strengths that met or exceeded the 90% threshold of FW controls, demonstrating their potential compliance with BS EN 1008 (2002) standards. These findings emphasize the promise of integrating TWW in concrete production, provided appropriate admixtures are utilized. Further research is recommended to investigate long-term durability and optimize admixture combinations to ensure consistency across varied TWW sources.