Evaluation of Effects of Treated Wastewater on Durability of Concrete

Abstract: Concrete production heavily relies on fresh water, a challenge given growing global water scarcity. Treated wastewater (TWW) is a sustainable alternative but raises concerns regarding its impact on long-term durability. Despite numerous studies, inconsistencies exist in evaluating TWW’s effects on concrete durability, particularly under aggressive environmental conditions. This study investigates how TWW and chemical admixtures (Sodium Gluconate [SG] and Silica Fume [SF]) affect concrete's durability parameters such as electrical resistivity, water absorption, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). Six concrete mix designs, using FW and TWW with/without SG and SF, were assessed. Durability tests included electrical resistivity (AASHTO TP 95), water absorption (ASTM C642), and UPV (BS 1881:203). Each parameter was tested at 7, 28, and 56 days of curing. Concrete made with TWW exhibited lower durability compared to that with FW, evident in higher water absorption and lower UPV and resistivity. However, the combined use of SG and SF significantly improved durability indicators in TWW mixes. Statistical analysis confirmed that differences among mix designs were highly significant (p < 0.001). TWW negatively impacts concrete durability, but SG and SF effectively mitigate these effects, making TWW a feasible alternative when properly treated and supplemented with admixtures. Keywords: Treated Wastewater (TWW); Concrete Durability; Sodium Gluconate (SG); Silica Fume (SF); Electrical Resistivity; Water Absorption; Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV); Sustainable Concrete. Title: Evaluation of Effects of Treated Wastewater on Durability of Concrete Author: Jackson Musyoka Munuve, Kakoi Beatrice, Odero Brian International Journal of Recent Research in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (IJRRCME) ISSN 2393-8471 Vol. 12, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025 Page No: 63-74 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published date: 13-August-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16838355 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/Evaluation%20of%20Effects%20of%20Treated%20Wastewater-13082025-3.pdf