The Effect of Cassava Starch on the Durability Characteristics of Concrete

Abstract

Background: Concrete is a common material used in the construction of marine structures, such as bridges, water treatment plants, jetties, etc. The use of concrete in these environment exposes it to attack from chemicals like sulphates, chlorides and alkaline, thereby causing it to deteriorate, and unable to perform satisfactorily within its service life. Hence, the need to investigate the durability properties of concrete has become necessary especially when admixtures are used to modify some of its properties. Objective: This research work investigates the effect of Cassava Starch (CS) on the durability characteristics of concrete. Methods: The durability properties investigated in this work are water absorption, sorptivity, resistance to sulphates, sodium hydroxides and chloride penetration. The specimens were prepared by adding CS by weight of cement at 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0% respectively. The concrete specimens were cured for 28 days, tested for compressive strength before ponding in ionic solutions of sodium hydroxide, sulphuric acid and sodium chloride. Six (6) concrete mixes were prepared, five of which were used to evaluate the effect of CS on the durability characteristics of concrete. Results: The slump values reduced with the increasing dosage of CS due to the viscous nature of the CS paste. Generally, the addition of CS in concrete tends to improve the resistance of concrete to sulphate and chloride attack due to the ability of the muddy-like starch gel to block the pore spaces of hardened concrete, hence, reduces the rate at which water and other aggressive chemicals penetrate the concrete. In addition, the retarding ability of CS impedes the formation of mono-sulphate aluminates during cement hydration, thereby making the concrete less susceptible to sulphate attack. Conclusion: The addition of CS to concrete by weight of cement generally improved the durability characteristics of concrete, while the relative performances of the concrete mixes showed that CS 2.0 gave a better resistance to chloride penetration and sulphate attack.

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

“…Because of its viscosity characteristics and thickening ability, starch in concrete lowers its workability. The results were in line with the findings of Okafor (2010) [36], and Xavier (2020) [59], but disagreed with Agbi & Uguru (2021) [60], and Oni et al (2020) [61].…”

“…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.…”

Cassava Biomaterial Innovations for Industry Applications

“…The relative strength is reported to be 711.5 kg/cm2 in addition to the brick being more environmentally responsive. Elsewhere, experimental trials of cassava starch modified concrete confirmed improved compressive, split tensile, flexural and elastic modulus of concrete at an optimum of 0.8% as well increased setting time and durability, with potential application in retarding admixtures [40,41].…”

Analysis of Agro Alternatives to Boost Cameroon’s Socio-Environmental Resilience, Sustainable Development, and Conservation of Native Forests

“…This type of starch contains two categories of macromolecules, called linear amylose and branched amylopectin, which consist of glucose chains [140]. Branched amylopectin accounts for 83% of the carbohydrate content present in cassava roots, while linear amylose occurs in a much smaller percentage, approximately 17% [112].…”

“…This glucose chain (amylose and amylopectin) that makes up cassava starch has been shown to give the cement mix greater strength and flexibility compared to mortars lacking this substance [146,147]. It also improves the durability properties of concrete when exposed to chloride-rich, sulphate-rich, or alkaline environments [140].…”