Mixing Water in Concrete

Mixing Water in Concrete

The suitability of water for concrete production depends on its origin.

lists the following types:

·     Drinking water

Suitable for concrete. Does not need to be tested.

·     Water recovered from processes in the concrete industry (e.g. wash water)

Generally suitable for concrete but the requirements in annex A of the standard must be met (e.g. that the additional weight of solids in the concrete occurring when water recovered from processes in the concrete industry is used must be less than 1% of the total weight of the aggregate contained in the mix).

·     Ground water

May be suitable for concrete but must be checked.

·     Natural surface water and industrial process water

May be suitable for concrete but must be checked.

·     Sea water or brackish water

May be used for non-reinforced concrete but is not suitable for reinforced or pre stressed concrete.

The maximum permitted chloride content in the concrete must be observed for concrete with steel reinforcement or embedded metal parts.

·     Waste water

Not suitable for concrete.

Combined water is a mixture of water recovered from processes in the concrete industry and water from a different source. The requirements for the combined water types apply.