Concrete production with domestic and industrial wastewaters: a literature review

Abstract

With water scarcity posing an ever-present worldwide crisis, treated wastewater usage as an alternative to fresh water could be a smart choice and contribute to a sustainable construction industry. Numerous studies have been conducted by using treated domestic or industrial wastewater in concrete production, providing a promising solution to the global water shortage and wastewater management. However, the effectiveness of wastewater on the concrete manufacturing in comparison to pure freshwater has been a concern due to its impurities and contaminants. The results derived from previously published studies on concrete manufacturing with wastewater vary as a consequence of considerate different additives, curing age, treatment method, or wastewater quality. This review compiles and compares the previous investigations on physical and mechanical properties, durability characteristics, and morphological assessments of manufactured concrete with treated wastewater, and discusses the reasons for similarities and differences. Research findings and conclusions from the literature are summarized, and future research directions based on the research gaps are also recommended.