Production of Concrete Using Diverted Rainwater First Flush

Abstract

Rainwater harvesting is a primordial practice gaining acceptance for its fundamental quality. The most stimulating aspect of rainwater harvesting is the methods of capture, storage, and use of this natural resource. Pollutants are accumulated on the roof during dry weather and then washed off at the beginning of a rain event. This contaminated volume of water at the initial stage of a rainfall is known as "first flush". This study involves the applied use of this foul water as an alternative to potable water in concrete making and compared its performance with the conventional potable water. Water quality tests of diverted rainwater to find out its impact on the prepared concrete and on the usual mix design procedure for preparing concrete are also shown here. After analysing the result, it is established that concrete production can be done in a more environmentally sound way regarding the use of water resources. Construction sector consumes a high volume of water resources. If we can divert the initial dirty water of rainfall events, collect and store it properly, it can be an alternative to the potable water that is being used to produce concrete, maintaining the quality of the concrete.