Comparative study on the action of different natural extract admixtures in concrete on workability and compressive strength properties

Mohammed, Azad A.; Hamid, Niyan A.

doi:10.22059/ceij.2025.388293.2218

Comparative study on the action of different natural extract admixtures in concrete on workability and compressive strength properties

Articles in Press

Authors

Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Sulaimani

10.22059/ceij.2025.388293.2218

Abstract

In this study, comparative action of five natural extract admixtures on workability and strength properties of concrete of 35 MPa strength and 95 mm slump was investigated. Compressive strength test was arranged to search for the optimum dosage of admixture and for this purpose a total of 22 concrete mixes were prepared. Results indicate that there is no good action of gum Arabic admixture to enhance compressive strength. Maximum strength enhancement is for the mix contained 0.3% pomegranate extract admixture which is 37.8% and maximum strength loss is for the mix containing 0.2% gum Arabic admixture (15.4%). Optimum dosage of the natural admixture was found to be 0.3% for mulberry and pomegranate extracts, 0.25% for grape extract, added by cement weight and equal to 35% added as water replacement for cactus extract. On the optimized mixes, results of tests show that there is an improvement in the homogeneity of the hardened concrete leading to the compressive strength enhancement except for the mix containing gum Arabic. Workability in terms of slump was enhanced because of using different extracts in concrete except cactus. Best natural admixture to enhance strength is pomegranate extract and the best one for workability is gum Arabic.

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