DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE BY USING NON-POTABLE AND SANITARY WATER IN THAILAND

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of various water types in concrete mixes to minimize freshwater consumption and combat scarcity. River water, seawater, estuary water, domestic wastewater, and freshwater were assessed, analyzing concrete properties such as water absorption, compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths. Results indicated comparable failure modes across different water types in compression, flexure, and splitting. Estuary water decreased compressive strength by 8%, while other water types enhanced it, with domestic wastewater showing the most improvement. Splitting tensile strength saw no significant reductions; domestic wastewater exhibited the highest enhancement (24.39%), followed by estuary and river water, whereas estuary water led to flexural strength improvement. Domestic wastewater reduced absorption and increased slump by up to 60%. To summarize, domestic wastewater positively influenced compressive and splitting tensile strengths, decreased water absorption, and increased slump. River water exhibited properties akin to fresh water, implying its suitability; further exploration into reinforced concrete using these water sources is suggested.