Assessing Qualities of Different Sources of Water for Mixing Concrete

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of water sources on concrete properties. A mix ratio of 1:1.5:3 with 0.5w/c was used in mixing the concrete. Water from the Stream, the hand-dug well and the borehole were used for the experiments with pipe borne water serving as the control. Cubes and beams were cast and tested for compression and flexural strengths respectively at 7-day and 28-day curing ages. Chemical and physical properties of the water samples were also tested. The results indicate that the chemical impurities of all the water types were within the limits given in GS 175-1:2009, EN 1008, ASTM C94 and AS 1379. The physical specifications were all satisfactory, except for the stream water. The water sources had no significant effect on the workability of concrete. Effects of efflorescence were not observed on hardened concrete specimens obtained from any of the water sources. Concrete Specimens mixed with water from the hand-dug well had the highest compressive strength.