Experimental Investigation of Aloe Vera Gel as a Self-Curing Agent in Concrete Production
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Date
2023-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Nature-based admixtures are emerging as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic additives, promoting sustainable practices in construction by replacing depletable resources. Aloe Vera gel is easily accessible and low-cost plant extract that has the potential to be used as a bio-admixture in concrete, improving workability and enhancing compressive strength. Due to the viscose nature of the plant, it is desired to examine the self-curing effect of aloe vera gel in concrete.
The research examined the effects of using Aloe Vera gel as a self-curing agent for the concentration of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight of cement. The investigation started with selecting the appropriate concrete making ingredients such as cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate. The important physical tests, parameters useful for categorizing the ingredients and helpful for designing concrete, have been conducted in a laboratory. ACI mix design method was the procedure followed for designing C-30 grade concrete.
Workability, split tensile strength, flexural strength, water absorption, drying shrinkage, and compressive strength tests were conducted on concrete samples at specified time intervals. Additionally, mortar samples were cured under two conditions—water-cured and sealed-cured—and their compressive strength was evaluated. The study also analyzed the effect of Aloe Vera gel on the consistency and setting time of cement paste.
The addition of Aloe Vera gel improved workability and strength, with 1% gel showing optimal mortar compressive strength, and 2% gel yielding the best overall performance in concrete. On the long term, this natural additive has had an increasing drying shrinkage with the increase in dosage, however the change in length was marginal laid within the allowable limit. Additionally, the natural additive has a retarding effect on the setting time of cement paste.
In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of Aloe Vera gel as a sustainable alternative to conventional additives, warranting further research on optimization and large-scale applications
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Admixture, Aloe Vera gel, Self-Curing, Mortar, Concrete, Strength.