Concrete Waste Wash Water Recycling in Geopolymer
Production/Alkaline Activated Mortar
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1
Water Resources and Environmental Management, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt 19385, Jordan
author’s email: ayoup.ghrair@bau.edu.jo
2
Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan e-mail: hus.kroom@yahoo.com
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Corresponding author
Ayoup M. Ghrair
Water Resources and Environmental Management, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt 19385, Jordan
author’s email: ayoup.ghrair@bau.edu.jo
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ABSTRACT
Jordan faces significant water scarcity, with the ready-mix concrete industry being a major consumer of water and a contributor to environmental pollution. This study explores the recycling of concrete waste wash water for geopolymer production, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement. The research investigates the optimal mix design by varying the ratios of waste wash water, metakaolin, sand, and fireplace ash across three stages, evaluating compressive and flexural strength, and analyzing microstructure and chemical composition.
The methodology involved preparing geopolymer mortar samples with different compositions, testing their mechanical properties at 7, 28, and 90 days, and conducting XRD, XRF, and microstructure analyses. The results revealed that a 50% replacement of freshwater with waste wash water yielded the best performance, with further enhancements achieved by incorporating 41.7% metakaolin, 1.7% lime, and 40% fireplace ash. Microstructural analysis confirmed the formation of dense calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel, contributing to improved strength and durability.
The findings demonstrate that concrete waste wash water and fireplace ash can be effectively utilized in geopolymer production, reducing environmental impact while maintaining high mechanical performance. This study provides a foundation for sustainable construction practices, addressing water scarcity and waste management challenges in Jordan and beyond