Fresh and Hardened Properties of Sustainable Concrete Using Recycled Household Greywater

Abstract

This study investigates the production of sustainable concrete mixes using recycled household greywater. Batches consisting of different mixes of cement pastes, mortar specimens, and concrete specimens were produced and tested for both fresh and hardened properties. The main variable was the type of water used for mixing and curing. The study showed that the use of greywater had little or no effect on the setting times of cement pastes, while the average workability of fresh concrete was slightly increased. The study also showed that the compressive strength of sustainable concrete was within 90 % of the standard control mix. Generally speaking, the combined results of compressive strength, splitting strength and drying shrinkage of the batches cured using greywater and mixed with either potable or greywater were within acceptable limits, provided that greywater conforms to the limits imposed by the applicable Codes and Standards typically imposed on potable water used in concrete.