Integrating Recycled Materials and Date Palm Water to Enhance Concrete Properties and Promote Sustainability in Modern Construction

This study examines the feasibility of employing date palm water, a byproduct of date fruit processing abundant in sugars that are naturally occurring, as a sustainable additive in concrete manufacturing. The study examines the effects of integrating date palm water on essential fresh and hardened characteristics of concrete, such as workability (slump), compressive strength, and initial and f inal setting times. Experimental findings demonstrate that date palm water markedly improves workability, as indicated by elevated slump values, which can be ascribed to the sugar content diminishing the mixture’s viscosity. Compressive strength demonstrates a non-linear response: minimal concentrations (below percent 10 of total mixing water) yield marginal enhancements, whereas elevated levels cause a decline in strength due to the disruption of cement hydration by sugars. Furthermore, the incorporation of date palm water extends both the initial and final setting times, providing practical benefits for applications necessitating prolonged workability, such as concrete placement in elevated temperatures or intricate formwork systems. The study underscores challenges associated with fluctuations in sugar content among various batches of date palm water, highlighting the necessity for stringent quality control protocols. A suggested dosage range of 5–10 percent of the total mixing water is advised to optimise structural performance and workability. Additional research is necessary to determine the long-term durability of the concrete and determine the optimal dosage for different construction applications, although it shows promise in terms of sustainability and fresh concrete properties. The conclusions highlight the feasibility of date palm water as a sustainable additive in concrete technology, contingent upon its adaptation to project-specific needs.