Experimental Studies on Slump and Strength Properties of Concrete with Natural Admixture

Admixtures are frequently employed in the construction sector to enhance the various properties of concrete. Plasticizers are water reducers which are extensively used in the construction industry. However, use of chemical admixtures in concrete is proven to have undesirable effects on the environment due to the presence of formaldehyde, which is hazardous when released into the environment. Hence, there is a need to develop an alternative derived from natural materials which is low-cost, eco-friendly and equally efficient as chemical admixtures. In this study, a natural admixture prepared from the extract of a locally available tree pod is used to investigate the effect its addition on properties of concrete. Tests on workability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength were carried out on concrete specimens and the results of different mixes compared. The results obtained by the addition of natural admixture are compared with that of the control mix having no admixture and mix containing chemical admixture for better understanding of its behaviour. There was an enhancement in the concrete’s workability with the addition of natural admixture when compared to the control mix. An increase in the strength of concrete in compression, tension and flexure was also observed. Hence, use of natural admixture can prove beneficial in improving the fresh and hardened properties of concrete. Therefore, NP prepared from the tree pod extract can be considered to have the potential to be utilized as an efficient, low-cost and eco-friendly alternative to chemical admixtures