Investigation on the effect of mixing water in cement mortar performance

Abstract

Mixing water is very vital for development of concrete and/or mortar. It can also be a source of aggressive ions in the cured concrete/mortar. The study will investigate the effect of mixing water on performance of mortar made from selected Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC). Cement from three different companies will be used while mixing water will be sampled from five different localities with potential aggressive ions to cement mortar or concrete. The localities to be selected for water sampling will be areas with either CI-, S042-, Mg2+, alkalis or with high salt levels. The water samples will include borehole water, industrial waste water, runoff water, and river water. Cement mortar will be made using the sampled water vis a vis tap and distilled water and cured in accordance to Kenya Standard KS EAS 18: 2008. Compressive strength will be determined at 2nd, 7th, 28th and 90th day of curing. Setting time, soundness, pozzolanic activity, pore water pH and alkali content will also be investigated. Data will be statistically analyzed.