Evaluation of concrete properties using prosopis farcta extract admixture

Different bio admixtures have been used in lime binders to hold building units in historic structures. Although numerous research studies have been out conducted on bio-admixtures' impact on Portland cement concrete properties, concrete users are unfamiliar with these admixtures for practical applications. Indeed, this topic relates to producing eco-friendly concrete since chemical admixtures could be replaced with natural or bio admixtures. This study examined a novel extract derived from ProsopisProsopis farcta fruit (PFEA) for concrete. For this purpose, different properties of cement paste and concrete have been investigated. PFEA was added as water replacement by 0, 10, 20, 30, 35 and 40% (by weight). Results show that this admixture is a strong retarder, in which the initial and final setting times were increased by 2.74 and 3.34 times on using 35% and 30% PFEA, respectively. Slump reduction in the 15-78% range and compressive strength enhancement in the 36.4-43.2% range was observed. Using PFEA in concrete has enhanced splitting tensile and flexural strengths and reduced drying shrinkage. The author thinks that using PFEA has a promising future as a clean alternative for some types of chemical admixture to produce environmentally-friendly concrete.