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By: Raisul Islam Shuvo, Nahid Hossain, and Shahin Sheikh.
Department of Civil Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bangladesh Water Development Board, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Abstract
The overall performance and durability of concrete are significantly influenced by the quality of water. The strength of the concrete is mostly influenced by the pH of the mixing water, which also affects the hydration process of the cement. This study investigates how different pH levels of water affect the compressive strength of concrete. Three types of mixing water were prepared with pH values of 3.64, 6.90, and 10.21 by adding controlled amounts of acidic or basic solutions. These water samples were used to cast eighteen cylindrical concrete specimens (100 mm in diameter and 200 mm in height) for each pH level. The specimens were tested for compressive strength at 7, 21, and 28 days of curing. Results showed that the pH of the mixing water had minimal influence on the 7-day compressive strength, but a noticeable difference appeared at later ages. Compared to normal water (pH 6.90), concrete prepared with acidic water exhibited about a 5% reduction in strength, while alkaline water improved strength by approximately 12%. The findings suggest that concrete performs better in an alkaline environment due to favorable cement hydration conditions.
Citation:
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