Mechanical Properties of Concrete Produced With Different Sources of Waste Water

This study investigates the mechanical properties of concrete produced using bathroom wastewater, abattoir wastewater and potable water as mixing water sources. The research objectives include determining the chemical composition of the wastewater, assessing the mechanical properties of aggregates, evaluating workability, density, compressive strength, and split tensile strength of the concrete produced using bathroom wastewater, abattoir wastewater and potable water. Materials test carried out on fine aggregate waste water are; sieve analysis, specific gravity test, moisture content and chemical composition of bathroom wastewater and abattoir wastewater. Sieve analysis results confirmed that the sand used fell within the medium grading zone, making it suitable for concrete production. Specific gravity and moisture content tests results revealed that the fine aggregates were within acceptable limits. Chemical composition analysis results indicated that bathroom wastewater had elevated levels of acidic oxides (132.18 mg/L) and calcium oxides (120.00 mg/L), while abattoir wastewater exhibited high concentrations of alkaline oxides (143.12 mg/L) and chloride oxides (87.11 mg/L). The workability test results showed that abattoir wastewater-based concrete had a higher slump value due to the lubricating effects of organic matter, whereas potable water and bathroom wastewater exhibited lower values. Density test results indicated that bathroom wastewater-based concrete (BWC-BWC) had the highest density (3877.04 kg/m³) due to pozzolanic reactions, while potable water-based concrete (PWC-PWC) had a standard density of 2547.41 kg/m³. Compressive strength tests results revealed that potable water-based concrete achieved the highest 28-day strength (17.29 N/mm³), followed by bathroom wastewater-based concrete (14.13 N/mm³) and abattoir wastewater-based concrete (13.78 N/mm³). Similarly, split tensile strength tests results showed that potable water-based concrete had the highest value (3.50 N/mm³), while bathroom wastewater-based concrete (3.28 N/mm³) and abattoir wastewater-based concrete (3.41 N/mm³) demonstrated slightly lower strengths. The findings suggest that while bathroom and abattoir wastewater can be used in concrete production, their chemical composition affects workability, density, and strength. Potable water remains the most effective for optimal hydration and mechanical performance. Pre-treatment of wastewater is recommended to mitigate adverse effects and enhance concrete properties.