Improvement of mechanical and physical properties of normal concrete using mulberry extract as an admixture

Published at: 28-08-2023

Abstract

Chemical admixtures are widely used in all concrete construction; however, some of them are harmful to humans, and admixtures are very readily soluble in water, hence creating an environmental problem due to leaching. This research focused on using mulberry extract as an alternative admixture that has a similar effect on concrete properties, this research presents a wide range of experiments that show how using mulberry extract as an admixture in normal concrete increases the compressive strength of concrete and also reveals how fresh properties of concrete could be enhanced through the use of the optimal amount of mulberry extract. Results show that there is a continuous increase in slump value with increasing liquid dosage, reaching 122% at 0.66% ME, and there is a compressive and flexural strengths enhancement of 27% and 15%, respectively, at 0.33% liquid dosage followed by a strength loss. There is a continuous concrete tensile reduction, while there is no clear action of ME addition on the elastic modulus of concrete, and there is a vital need for future studies. Further, according to the SEM analysis, on using the optimum dosage of mulberry liquid, the microstructure of the hardened cement paste was improved, mainly because of the precipitation of the minerals in the pores. Based on the results obtained, there is a chance to use ME admixture instead of chemical ones to produce self-compacting concrete.

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