Experimental Investigation of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Cassava Starch Modified Concrete

Abstract

Background: Concrete is a widely used material in construction, which has given rise to innovations in terms of modifying some of its properties to meet desired requirements. The use of chemical admixtures is important in this regard, which has necessitated the search for new materials which can serve as a substitute. Objective: This research work investigates the use of Cassava Starch (CS) as an admixture for improving the physical and mechanical properties of concrete. Methodology: The physical and mechanical properties of concrete were studied by adding CS by weight of cement at 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0%, respectively. Concrete cubes and cylinders were cast and cured for a test period of 7, 14, 28, 56 and 90 days, respectively. Unreinforced beams of size 150 x 150 x 530 were cast and cured for 28 days. A total of 6 mix proportion was used, five out of which were used to examine the effect of CS on the properties of concrete. Results: The workability of concrete reduced as the percentage of CS increased due to its viscosity modifying properties. CS increased the initial and final setting time of concrete for every increase in percentage addition. An improvement in the compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength and elastic modulus of concrete were noticed for cassava starch-modified concrete over the control for some of the mixes at all days of curing. The density of concrete was found to decrease at 1.6 and 2.0% addition of CS in concrete. Conclusion: From the results of this investigation, CS improved the compressive, split tensile, flexural and elastic modulus of concrete at an optimum of 0.8 percentage addition of CS. The setting time of concrete was also increased, which makes CS suitable to be used as a retarding admixture in hot weather concreting. Based on the findings of the work, CS can be considered as an admixture to be used as a substitute for retarders and viscosity modifying admixtures for improved concrete properties.

Analysing the Effect of Cassava Flour as a Mixture on the Physical, Mechanical, and Durability Properties of High-Strength Concrete

“…Age-related gains in strength have been seen, for instance, by Okafor (2010) [36]. Similar findings were found by Ikoko et al, 2021 [41], Xavier (2020) [59], Kone et al (2022) [34], and Oluwabusayo Oni et al, (2020) [25]. Since it can make concrete stronger when it's pressed, cassava flour could be thought of as a green material additive.…”

“…As a result, chemical admixtures have improved the characteristics of concrete and increased its performance [24]. However, they are in short supply in developing countries due to low industrial activity, posing a threat to their availability and sustainable use [25]. In addition, chemical admixtures have the potential to pollute the environment during production, shipping, storage, or handling; usage in the construction of concrete structures; reuse of concrete after demolition; and disposal of construction debris and leftovers [26].…”

“…Therefore, some researchers have focused on using naturally occurring admixtures to improve the hardened and fresh properties of concrete, which are widely accessible, economical, eco-friendly, and may be processed locally to reduce dependence on imported chemical admixtures. Regional materials that have been investigated as concrete admixtures include corn starch [27], sorghum flour [28], Arabic Karoo gum [29,30], okra extract and cypress tree [37,38], and cassava starch [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35]. Cassava is a woody tree that is grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions because of its roots, which contain a high percentage of starch.…”

Cassava Biomaterial Innovations for Industry Applications

“…Application of cassava in civil works. Research has demonstrated that waste cassava is an ingredient in building materials [39]. It is demonstrated that when waste cassava, cement, charcoal and sand mixed in 2.5 kg composite and made into bricks, a denser texture of the bricks is obtained with perfect binding and compaction [39].…”

“…Research has demonstrated that waste cassava is an ingredient in building materials [39]. It is demonstrated that when waste cassava, cement, charcoal and sand mixed in 2.5 kg composite and made into bricks, a denser texture of the bricks is obtained with perfect binding and compaction [39]. The relative strength is reported to be 711.5 kg/cm2 in addition to the brick being more environmentally responsive.…”