Enhancing the Durability of RCC Residential Buildings: The Critical Role of Water Management

Water plays a crucial role in the durability and sustainability of reinforced concrete structures (RCC). This paper examines the interconnected impacts of water quality, water-to-cement (w/c) ratio, and environmental factors on RCC durability, particularly focusing on carbonation and chloride induced corrosion. Elevated w/c ratios increase pore size and permeability, accelerating carbonation and ingress of harmful atmospheric chemicals like chlorides, moisture and oxygen leading to corrosion, especially when curing or compaction is compromised. Contaminated water used for mixing and curing exacerbates these issues, potentially leading to premature structural failure. While optimizing water management and ensuring best construction practices are critical for mitigating these challenges, limitations include the variability of exposure conditions, practical constraints in water sourcing, and inconsistent adherence to best practices across construction projects in India. Addressing these challenges requires holistic strategies encompassing rigorous quality control, sustainable water management, and innovative construction practices to enhance RCC durability and reduce environmental impacts.