PROPERTIES OF NEEM GUM POWDER IN CONCRETE
In this paper, effect of neem-gum-powder as an admixture to modify both physical and mechanical properties of grade 20 concrete was assessed. The research work is aimed at investigating the properties of neem gum powder concrete. The neem-gum used for the study were collected from neem tree which possess a treat to the environment, thereby causing pollution to the environment. In addition, the use of neem gum powder in concrete production will help reduce the cost. Neem gum extruded from the tree were air-dried at ambient temperature and ground to powder. It was then added to freshly mixed concrete at different percentages of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2% by weight of cement in the concrete mix. Experimental tests comprising setting time of cement pastes, slump of the concrete mixes as well as compressive strength and splitting tensile strength tests were carried out. Results from the assessments show that the setting time and consistency of the cement paste increases with increase of the need-gum-powder. The initial and final setting time of the cement paste increased by 41 and 14.9% respectively and consistency increased by about 48% at 1.2 % addition of the neem gum powder. Workability of the concrete mixes also increases with increase in the amount of neem gum powder. At optimum content 0.4% neem-gum-powder addition, the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of the concrete increased by 13.20 and 39.6% respectively at 28 days of curing but decrease with increase in the neem gum powder percentage in excess of 0.4%. Base on the finding, neem gum powder can be used as a retarder and further research can be carried out to regulate the effect of potassium and chlorine in the neem gum powder.
Authors : Aliyu, Y. and Aboshio, A.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 9(1) Date Uploaded : 10th May 2023