Reuse of wastewater effluent in concrete mixing and the effect of high temperatures on its residual properties

Abstract

This paper investigates the suitability of using wastewater effluent for mixing in concrete. In particular, the effect of elevated temperatures up to 700°C on the compressive strength of concrete made with treated wastewater has been experimentally studied. The concrete specimens consisted of cubes that were cast using potable water (PW), primary treated wastewater (PTWW), secondary treated wastewater (STWW), and tertiary treated wastewater (TTWW) obtained from a local wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The properties of concrete that were tested consisted of: setting time, compressive strength at ambient and elevated temperatures (up to 700°C), and resistance to corrosion of reinforcing steel. In general, at elevated temperatures, the strength of concrete made with treated wastewater exhibited lower values than concrete made with PW. In summary, tertiary treated wastewater, of the type produced from wastewater treatment plants in Kuwait, is found to be suitable for mixing concrete with no adverse effects.