Experimental investigation on mechanical properties of concrete using different sources of water for mixing and curing concrete

Abstract

The quality of the ingredients used in the production of concrete determines its strength. Mixing and curing water is one of the components required, and it should be suitable for producing concrete. Impurities in water can reduce concrete strength and induce corrosion of reinforcement, hence water quality is critical. In developing countries such as Ethiopia, the usage of potable water is increasing, which can result in a decrease in freshwater availability. As a result, other sources of water were utilized as a substitute for concrete mixing and curing. This study examined the effects of various water sources on the mixing and curing of concrete. In this study, water samples were collected from different water sources (river water, deep well water, and rainwater), and their chemical properties were conducted based on standard laboratory procedures to identify the constituents. Experimental tests were conducted on cement setting time, workability of concrete, compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength of concrete. The concrete grade C-25 with a cube compressive strength of 25 MPa was prepared using the identified water sources, and testing was performed at the curing age of 7 and 28 days. The impurities observed in the water sources are within the specified limit as per the ASTM C94/C1602. The initial and final setting time of cement using each water source showed an insignificant deviation from the control samples. The results obtained from the compressive strength test of concrete cubes cast at the curing ages of 7 and 28 days using river water, deep well water, and rainwater satisfied 90% of the control strength. Compressive strength testing of cubes using potable water for mixing and other sources of water used for concrete curing only, river water shows less than 90% of the control strength. Compressive strength test of cubes used a similar source of water for both concrete mixing and curing, only deep well water satisfied 90% of the control strength. The effect of identified water sources on concrete split tensile and flexural strength results is comparable to that of compressive strength results. River water shows improved performance for concrete mixing and curing, and it can be properly utilized for concrete production.