Influence of Thermal Waters Replacing 10%, 20% and 50% of Drinking Water on the Compressive Strength of Concrete

Abstract

In construction, one of the most widely used materials is concrete due to its versatility, affordable cost, and durability. Its strength is fundamental and can be affected by the type, quantity, and quality of the water used. Freshwater resources are being depleted every day; therefore, alternative water sources are being considered, such as wastewater, seawater, rainwater, and thermal waters, among others. This thesis focuses on the influence of thermal waters as a partial replacement for potable water at percentages of 10%, 20%, and 50%, with the aim of analyzing their effect on the compressive strength of concrete designed for 210 kgf/cm2. Research shows that it is possible to use these types of water without adversely affecting the physical chemical strength of concrete. However, without treatment, thermal waters may affect the durability of concrete; for this reason, partial replacement of potable water is proposed. The key issue is to evaluate the chemical composition of the water before its use, since certain ions or solids may negatively affect the microstructure of concrete.