Feasibility of Saline Water Utilization in Concrete Mixes: A Review
Keywords:
Seawater, Saline groundwater, Concrete compressive strength, Reinforcement corrosionAbstract
This study presents a systematic critical review of twenty-seven scientific studies that investigated the use of seawater and saline groundwater as mixing water in concrete. The review focuses on the influence of water type on concrete properties and durability in coastal environments. The reviewed studies indicate that the use of saline water accelerates cement hydration reactions, primarily through a reduction in initial setting time ranging from 30% to 36%. Enhanced early-age strength development during the first fourteen days has been reported, attributed to the interaction of chloride ions with cement constituents, leading to the formation of additional hydration products such as Friedel’s salt, which contributes to the densification of the concrete microstructure. However, this acceleration is accompanied by a significant reduction in workability, with slump losses reaching up to 54%, mainly due to the increased viscosity of the cement paste.
Most studies report that concrete strength begins to decline after 28 days, with further reductions over time ranging between 7% and 15%, and reaching up to 35% at high salinity levels. This deterioration is mainly associated with sulfate attack, the interaction of magnesium ions with the calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) gel, and increased shrinkage and permeability. Chemical and microstructural analyses reveal the formation of brucite and calcium carbonate layers, which initially reduce permeability; however, these layers gradually lose stability under prolonged exposure to salts and carbon dioxide.
One of the most critical risks associated with the use of saline water in concrete is the corrosion of steel reinforcement due to chloride ion interactions that disrupt the protective alkaline passive layer. Previous studies indicate that approximately 40% of marine structures fail as a result of reinforcement corrosion induced by these mechanisms.
Based on the findings of this review, saline water may be considered suitable for use in plain (unreinforced) concrete. Nevertheless, the corrosion risk remains a major challenge for reinforced concrete structures in coastal environments unless advanced design strategies and effective protection systems are implemented.
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