The Use of Raw Sewage Sludge (RSS) as a Water Replacement in Cement-based Mixes

摘要

The aim of this study was to introduce an effective alternative to the traditional treatment methods of Raw Sewage Sludge (RSS). This included the utilization of RSS as a water replacement in cement-based mixes for the production of sustainable construction materials. Four mixes, incorporating Portland cement, fine aggregate (1:4.5 respectively) and RSS (97.5% liquid content as a water replacement), were prepared. One more mix incorporating drinking water was also investigated for comparison purposes. Prepared specimens were cured for 90 days and tested for their compressive strength, specific gravity (SG), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and total water absorption. Results showed that RSS could potentially be used as a water replacement, as mixes incorporating RSS presented relatively good engineering properties in comparison with mix incorporating drinking water. Engineering properties were mainly affected by the amount of RSS added, as with the decreasing of RSS amount the better the engineering properties.