Effect of <i>Acacia Nilotica</i> Seed Powder on the Properties of Concrete

Abstract

Concrete is universally a vital building material due to its outstanding strength and durability. This makes it superior to other building materials such as wood and timber. Concrete, under moderate environmental exposure, has the ability to resist processes of deterioration. However, when exposed to aggressive environment, concrete deteriorates. Thus, an addition of a supplement is desirable to improve its resistance to the deteriorating processes of the environment; such as weathering actions, chemical attacks and abrasions. This study evaluated the compressive strength and the durability of concrete containing an agricultural waste - Acacia Nilotica Seed Powder (ANSP) in 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1% addition to the concrete mix design. The standard and specification and sourcing of the Portland cement and aggregates were same as for the control cubes. The concrete specimens were made by the addition of 0.25% or 0.50%, 0.75% and 1% of ANSP materials and using a concrete mixer. The control and specimens’ cubes were evaluated at 7, 14, and 28-days curing. Results indicated that the summation of the major oxides of SiO₂ (27.7%), Al₂O₃ (4.04%) and Fe₂O₃ (6.21%) was about 38% indicating a Class C pozzolan. The soundness of the Portland pozzolans concrete increase from 1 mm to 7.4 mm. Resistance to absorption rate increases from 2.4% to 7.4%. Outcome of the compressive strength of concrete cubes containing 0.25% addition of ANSP at 28 days curing period showed an increase of 1N/mm² (19N/mm²) above the control specimen (18N/mm² ). It is conclusive that addition of 0.25% ANSP into concrete mix has effect on the compressive strength and durability properties of the concrete. It is therefore recommended that 0.25% of ANSP can be added in concrete production as a retarder since it delays final setting time for about 8 hours; similarly increases the compressive strength of the concrete and improved the water absorption capacity from 2.4 to 7.4%.