Determining Water Footprint of Buildings During Construction Phase: An Activity-based Approach

Abstract

Construction activity uses water to a significant extent for many operations, materials, and on-site activities, and the availability of potable water for building construction is a matter of concern. This research work aims to determine water consumption during construction activities on-site during the construction phase of the building in the Indian context. Conventional low-rise load-bearing and Reinforcement Cement Concrete (RCC) framed buildings are considered for the calculations of materials and activities. The application of building materials and water requirements for various construction activities and methods is determined to achieve the goal. Theoretical water use for various activities on site is considered, as per water requirements for application, mixing, and curing. Based on this research, recommendations are made for potential strategies for water saving in construction activity. Water consumption in building construction is expected to increase globally, particularly in developing countries like India, because of the demand for urban development and housing for all. Hence, water efficiency in building construction is a matter of concern. This research will contribute to the addition of new knowledge to the existing database about this topic to set a benchmark. Research paves the way for energy-efficient construction techniques and the use of building materials in a sustainable manner to reduce water use in building construction.