Performance analysis and life cycle assessment of acrylic concrete structures for rainwater harvesting

Abstract

This study investigates the viability of acrylic concrete (AC) tanks as an alternative rainwater harvesting (RWH) material through structural, water quality, and global warming impact data – focusing on material reuse and availability for sustainable communities. The mechanical testing evaluated the flexural strength of AC mixtures made with varying dosages of acrylic paint, Portland cement, and sand. The results identified mechanically viable AC mixtures and the largest flexural strength value was observed in the mixture with 20% Portland cement and 80% acrylic paint by weight at 28-days with a modulus of rupture of 266 psi. The water quality tests measured the water quality of tanks built with AC mixtures and the results identified the presence of total and fecal coliforms, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and benzoic acid. Measured inorganic compounds were below the World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water. The life cycle assessment of different AC mixtures as compared to other common RWH tank materials indicated that the AC RWH tank performs the best when acrylic paint is treated as a waste product (73 kg CO2e/m3) while RWH systems made of steel drums show the highest global warming impact (827 kg CO2e/m3) compared to high-density polyethylene drums (79 kg CO2e/m3). These results suggest the viability of AC mixtures in water infrastructure such as RWH tanks to conserve resources and reduce pollution. The study concludes with takeaway benefits and constraints regarding the use of AC RWH tanks.