Impacts of water quality on the Compressive Strength of Concrete: Case of Banteyiketu, Betel, Bulbula and Mekanisa rivers in Addis Ababa
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2025-01-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Addis Ababa is a water stressed city and it does not meet the demand of domestic water. On the other hand, there are aggressive constructions all over the city that need abundant water. In most of the areas, the construction has used piped water supply which adds an additional burden to the city’s water distribution system. So, it is very important to consider alternative water supply for the construction industry. So, one of the possible sources is river water. In Addis Ababa, about 10 rivers flow through the city at various locations. The rivers have different capacities and quality levels. This research investigates the impact of using water from various rivers in Addis Ababa on the comprehensive strength of concrete. The study aims to identify key water quality parameters that influence concrete performance and assess the suitability of Addis Ababa river water for construction purposes. Water samples were collected from four distinct locations namely Bantiketu, Betel, Bulbula and Mekanisa taking into consider the river flow rates. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate parameters including pH levels, suspended and dissolved solids, and chemical composition. The results were compared with a control sample using potable water and analyzed against ASTM and ACI standards. The findings reveal that river water quality varies across sampling points, with Banteyiketu and Mekanisa exhibiting the cleanest water suitable for concrete mixing. Although Betel (P3) showed higher acidity and nitrate levels, requiring caution and potential treatment, all samples generally fell within permissible limits for concrete use. The Bulbula sample demonstrated the highest compressive strength, while the other samples also showed acceptable performance by the 28th day. This research concludes that with proper quality control, river water can serve as a viable alternative source of water for concrete production in Addis Ababa, addressing local water scarcity challenges. Building a three-story structure consumes water equivalent to the daily needs of 442–883 people or residents in 3–6 condominium blocks. This emphasizes the need for sustainable water management in urban construction.
Key words: Construction, compressive strength, water quality, Addis Ababa Rivers,