Effect Of Mavoko Water Quality On Concrete Compressive Strength, Le Chatelier Expansion And Setting Time

Abstract

ABSTRACT Over time, cases of collapsing buildings have increased. Mavoko water from Ukambani region of Kenya is prone to a combination of several salts attributed to decreasing concrete stability. This study aimed at analyzing the extent by which this water affects concrete compressive strength, soundness and setting time. Ordinary Cement (OPC) and Pozzolanic Portland Cement (PPC) containing 20% filler (PPC-1) and 30% filler (PPC-2) were moulded using different water samples and their setting time, strength and soundness monitored. The results proved Mavoko water retarded concrete compressive strengths, increased soundness and fluctuated setting times. Concrete expansion increased by 2.5mm. This water had large margins of up to 54±2 minutes between early and late setting times recorded. The water gave retarded values for both early (30.51MPa) and late (40.12MPa) compressive strengths. Concrete containing Mavoko water gave outlier late compressive strengths for both cement brands (p ≤ 0.05, n= 14). This study highlighted the need for stricter regulations to be put on this water used in major constructions. Key words: Concrete, Mavoko water, soundness, setting-time, concrete strength