Alternative Water Sources in Earthwork Construction

During periods of drought, good-quality water becomes a precious commodity, especially in those parts of the United States that receive little rainfall. One way to reduce the demand for drinking water is to substitute non-drinking-quality water in earthwork construction. If nonpotable water from local sources can be used in construction, then the need for hauling in good-quality water from distant sources and the potential for construction delays because of water rationing can be avoided. A research study investigated the feasibility of using alternative water sources in earthwork construction. As a part of this study, alternative water supplies in Texas were identified and characterized for quality and volume availability. In addition, each proposed water source was evaluated to determine whether there were any adverse environmental impacts from its use in earthwork construction. Potential impact from the use of low-quality water on constructability, material behavior, and performance also were evaluated. Of special interest were the effects on corrosive potential, sulfate heave, and dispersion potential of the soil. Simple predictive models are presented to help when decisions are made regarding acceptance or rejection of water obtained from a specific source.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.3141/2004-10
• 
• Summary URL:
  http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Alternative+Water+Sources+in+Earthwork+Construction&author=P.+Jayawickrama&author=S.+Rajagopalan&publication_year=2007
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Public/Blurbs/159491.aspx
• Authors:
  • Jayawickrama, Priyantha Warnasuriya
  • Rajagopalan, Srinath
• Publication Date: 2007

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 88-96
• Monograph Title: Soil Mechanics 2007
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 2004
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Earthwork; Environmental impacts; Wastewater; Water; Water quality; Water resources; Water resources development
• Uncontrolled Terms: Nonpotable water; Reclaimed water; Water recycling
• Geographic Terms: Texas
• Subject Areas: Construction; Energy; Environment; Geotechnology; Highways; I15: Environment; I51: Earthworks and Soil Drainage;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01044063
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309104302
• Files: PRP, TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 16 2007 10:55AM