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Cited by 11Concrete and Cement Materials ResearchRecycled Aggregate Concrete PerformanceMaterials Engineering and Processing

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Feasibility study of using wash water on workability, mechanical properties and durability of alkali-activated concrete

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Hamsashree, Souza, Sinora Suzi D., Pandit, Poornachandra, Kumar, Y. M. Arun·2025·Discover Applied Sciences
DOI 10.1007/s42452-025-07711-w
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Abstract

The construction industry continually seeks sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact and promote resource efficiency. The environmental impact of wash water generated during ready-mix concrete production has emerged as a major concern for sustainable construction practices. The objective of this experimental study was to evaluate the feasibility of employing wash water in alkali-activated concrete (AAC). AAC is one of the major research outcomes in the field of sustainable construction materials. Binary binder systems comprising Class F fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) were activated using solid activators at 8%, 12%, and 16% content by binder mass. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted to evaluate the influence of wash water compared to tap water on the workability, density, mechanical properties, and acid resistance of AAC. Results demonstrated that WW significantly improved workability, with slump values increasing by 56–63% and enhanced compressive strength by 4.4–28% across all activator dosages and curing ages. While both TW and WW mixes exhibited significant strength degradation under acid exposure, wash water specimens demonstrated a slightly lower strength loss, indicating no adverse effect on acid resistance. These findings suggest that wash water can be effectively repurposed as mixing water in AAC; however, further investigation into long-term durability and microstructural characteristics is recommended before its large-scale application.

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Metadata

Authors
Hamsashree, Souza, S. S. D., Pandit, P., & Kumar, Y. M. A.
Affiliations
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (IN)
Corresponding author
Pandit, Poornachandra
ORCID
Venue
Discover Applied Sciences
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2025-09-29
Volume
7
Issue
10
ISSN
3004-9261 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1007/s42452-025-07711-w
OpenAlex
W4414613149
Cited by
11
References
59
Citations by year
2026: 11
FWCI
3.52
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Discover Applied Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Civil and Structural Engineering › Concrete and Cement Materials Research
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Building and Construction › Recycled Aggregate Concrete Performance
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Building and Construction › Materials Engineering and Processing
Keywords
alkali-activated concrete, Class F fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, workability, compressive strength, acid resistance, durability, sustainable construction materials

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