Water Footprint Analysis for a Geotechnical Project: A Case Study Approach for Piling Works
摘要
Water scarcity is a critical global issue, and the construction industry is a significant consumer of water. Geotechnical piling projects are water-intensive because of their various activities, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, and construction. This technical paper presents a comprehensive overview of water usage in geotechnical projects, from raw material extraction to construction completion. As an industry-leading geotechnical construction company with 50 years of local experience and 165 years of global expertise, Keller Bahrain started an initiative to measure and optimize water consumption in its geotechnical projects. This research, the first of its kind, provides valuable insights into the actual water usage at each stage of the geotechnical process, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, concrete mixing, transportation, site preparation, equipment washing, and general site usage. Through this initiative, Keller Bahrain could identify areas for water conservation and make further recommendations for implementing optimization techniques. The findings of this study demonstrate the carbon footprint for water usage, cost benefit analysis, and recommendations to the importance of practical water management in the construction industry and provide a practical guide for other companies seeking to reduce their water footprint.