THE ROLE OF ADMIXTURES IN ENHANCING CONCRETE WORKABILITY AND STRENGTH AND MICROSTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55766/sujst8852Keywords:
Calotropis Gigantea Milk, Fly Ash, Self-Compacting Concrete, WorkabilityAbstract
This study investigates the use of fly ash, Calotropis gigantea milk, and superplasticizers to enhance concrete's properties while promoting sustainability. Fly ash, a coal combustion byproduct, was utilized as a partial cement replacement, with proportions ranging from 5% to 25%. The inclusion of Calotropis gigantea milk, a natural admixture, and superplasticizers further improved the concrete's workability, flowability, and compressive strength. Tests, including slump, L-box, J-ring, V-funnel, and U-box, evaluated fresh concrete properties, while compressive strength was assessed at 7, 14, and 28 days. The results identified optimal performance with a mix containing 15% fly ash, 3% Calotropis gigantea milk, and 2% superplasticizers. This combination achieved superior workability, enhanced flow characteristics, and a maximum compressive strength of 39.35 MPa at 28 days. The micro structural analysis shows the less pores in T12 mix compared to T1 and T9 mix. The findings demonstrate the viability of incorporating these materials for producing high-performance, eco-friendly concrete. Fly ash reduces cement usage and mitigates waste disposal issues, while Calotropis gigantea milk and superplasticizers optimize performance.
References
Akshana, V., Arasu, A. N., & Karthigaiselvi, P. (2020). Experimental study on concrete by partial replacement cement with silica fume. Journal of Critical Reviews, 7(17), 3801-3805.
Altalabani, D., Linsel, S., & Bzeni, D. K. H. (2020). Rheological properties and strength of polypropylene fiber-reinforced self-compacting lightweight concrete produced with ground limestone. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 45(5), 4171-4185. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-020-04410-z
Amare, M., Swara, S., Haish, M., Pani, A. K., & Saha, P. (2023). Performance of agro-wastes and chemical admixtures used in concrete: A review. Materials Today: Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.08.058
Anbarasu, N. A., Keshav, L., Raja, K. C. P., & Sivakumar, V. (2024). Unraveling the flexural behavior of concrete and compare with innovative FEA investigations. Matéria (Rio de Janeiro), 29(4), e20240656. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-7076-RMAT-2024-0656
Anbarasu, N. A., Sivakumar, V., Yuvaraj, S., Veeramani, V., & Velusamy, S. (2025). Pioneering the next frontier in construction with high-strength concrete infused by nanomaterials. Matéria (Rio de Janeiro), 30, e20240730. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-7076-RMAT-2024-0730
Annamalai, K., Sampathkumar, S., Kachancheeri, M. S., Padmanaban, M., Ayyanar, O., & Anbarasu, N. A. (2025). Exploring the role of recycled aggregates in modern concrete technology. Matéria (Rio de Janeiro), 30, e20250033. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-7076-RMAT-2025-0033
Appaji, D. G., & Chethan, K. (2023). Study on properties of SCC mixed with mineral admixtures and fibres subjected to elevated temperature. Materials Today: Proceedings, 80(Part 3), 3098-3110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.07.173
Arasu, A. N., Muthusamy, N., Natarajan, B., & Parthasaarathi, R. (2023). Optimization of high-performance concrete composites by using nanomaterials. Research on Engineering Structures and Materials, 9(3), 843-859. https://doi.org/10.17515/resm2022.602ma1213
Benaicha, M., Jalbaud, O., & Burtschell, Y. (2025). Ultrasonic characterization and mechanical performance of self-compacting concrete in fresh and hardened states. Ultrasonics, 152, 107657. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultras.2025.107657
Bernal, J., Reyes, E., Massana, J., León, N., & Sánchez, E. (2018). Fresh and mechanical behavior of a self-compacting concrete with additions of nano-silica, silica fume and ternary mixtures. Construction and Building Materials, 160, 196-210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.11.048
Carvalho, J., Fontes, W. C., de Azevedo, C. F., Brigolini, G., Schmidt, W., & Peixoto, R. A. F. (2020). Enhancing the eco-efficiency of concrete using engineered recycled mineral admixtures and recycled aggregates. Journal of Cleaner Production, 257, 120530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120530
Chen, B., & Liu, J. (2008). Experimental application of mineral admixtures in lightweight concrete with high strength and workability. Construction and Building Materials, 22(6), 1108-1113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2007.03.001
Devi, K., Aggarwal, P., & Saini, B. (2020). Admixtures used in self-compacting concrete: A review. Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Civil Engineering, 44(2), 377-403. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-019-00244-4
Gesoğlu, M., Güneyisi, E., & Ozbay, E. (2009). Properties of self-compacting concretes made with binary, ternary, and quaternary cementitious blends of fly ash, blast furnace slag, and silica fume. Construction and Building Materials, 23(5), 1847-1854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2008.09.015
Gurusamy, M., Soundararajan, S., Karuppusamy, M., & Ramasamy, K. (2024). Exploring the mechanical impact of fine powder integration from ironwood sawdust and coco dust particles in epoxy composites. Matéria (Rio de Janeiro), 29, e20240216. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-7076-rmat-2024-0216
Ho, D., Chua, C. W., & Tam, C. T. (2003). Steam-cured concrete incorporating mineral admixtures. Cement and Concrete Research, 33(4), 595-601. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(02)01028-1
Jin, X., & Li, Z. (2003). Effects of mineral admixture on properties of young concrete. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 15(5), 435-442. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0899-1561(2003)15:5(435)
Kadhar, S. A., Gopal, E., Sivakumar, V., & Anbarasu, N. A. (2024). Optimizing flow, strength, and durability in high-strength self-compacting and self-curing concrete utilizing lightweight aggregates. Matéria (Rio de Janeiro), 29, e20230336. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-7076-RMAT-2023-0336
Kanamarlapudi, L., Jonalagadda, K. B., Jagarapu, D. C. K., & Eluru, A. (2020). Different mineral admixtures in concrete: A review. SN Applied Sciences, 2(4), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-2533-6
Kapoor, K., Singh, S., & Singh, B. (2016). Durability of self-compacting concrete made with recycled concrete aggregates and mineral admixtures. Construction and Building Materials, 128, 67-76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.10.026
Krishnadas, G., Karuppasamy, R., Selvam, S., & Manickaraj, K. (2024). Evolving sandwich composites through structural modifications with polyurethane foam and glass fiber. Matéria (Rio de Janeiro), 29(4), e20240507. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-7076-RMAT-2024-0507
Kumar, R., Kumar, S., Rai, B., & Samui, P. (2024). Development of hybrid gradient boosting models for predicting the compressive strength of high-volume fly ash self-compacting concrete with silica fume. Structures, 66, 106850. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2024.106850
Łaźniewska-Piekarczyk, B. (2013). The influence of chemical admixtures on cement hydration and mixture properties of very high performance self-compacting concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 49, 643-662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.07.072
Liang, W., Lin, M., Yin, W., Zhong, Y., Zhu, Z., Zou, Z., Yuan, S., & Chen, W. (2023). Experimental study and simulation of workability and compressive performance of SCC with high-volume mineral admixtures. Construction and Building Materials, 409, 133997. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.133997
Malathy, R. (2017). Experimental study on strength and durability properties of bio-self-cured fly ash based concrete under aggressive environments. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology International Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering, 11(3).
Malathy, R., Chung, I. M., & Prabakaran, M. (2020). Characteristics of fly ash based concrete prepared with bio admixtures as internal curing agents. Construction and Building Materials, 262, 120596. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120596
Malathy, R., Narayanan, K., & Mayakrishnan, P. (2022). Performance of prestressed concrete beams using magnetic water for concrete mixing. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 36(6), 666-684. https://doi.org/10.1080/01694243.2021.1936383
Manickaraj, K., Karthik, A., Palanisamy, S., Jayamani, M., Ali, S. K., Sankar, S. L., & Al-Farraj, S. A. (2025). Improving mechanical performance of hybrid polymer composites: Incorporating banana stem leaf and jute fibers with tamarind shell powder. BioResources, 20(1), 1998-2025. https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.20.1.1998-2025
Moghaddam, H. H., Lotfollahi-Yaghin, M. A., & Maleki, A. (2025). Comprehensive analysis of mechanical characteristics in self-compacting concrete (SCC) with aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles and glass fibers: An experimental and analytical investigation. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 22, e04095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2024.e04095
Mukherjee, S., Kumar, R., Behera, M., Goyal, A., & Rahman, M. R. (2025). Rheology, mechanical properties and microstructure characterization of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) incorporated sustainable lightweight self-compacting concrete. Developments in the Built Environment, 21, 100601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2025.100601
Özcan, F., & Kaymak, H. (2018). Utilization of metakaolin and calcite: Working reversely in workability aspect as mineral admixture in self-compacting concrete. Advances in Civil Engineering, 2018, 4072838. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4072838
Pahsha, E., Nair, P. S., Gupta, R., & Agrawal, V. (2025). Sustainable development of self-compacting concrete incorporating granite waste and recycled concrete aggregate: Evaluation of strength, durability, and microstructure. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 47, 102136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scp.2025.102136
Rajamallu, C., Chaitanya, D., Jagarapu, K., Kumar, M. K., Sambangi, A., Charan, S. S., Rollakanti, C. R., & Prince, S. (2024). Investigation of self-compacting concrete utilizing different supplementary pozzolanic materials for cement replacement. ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 19(13), 815-827. https://doi.org/10.59018/072412
Ramalingam, M., Narayanan, K., Masilamani, A., Kathirvel, P., Murali, G., & Vatin, N. I. (2022a). Influence of magnetic water on concrete properties with different magnetic field exposure times. Materials, 15(12), 4291. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15124291
Ramalingam, M., Narayanan, K., Sivamani, J., Kathirvel, P., Murali, G., & Vatin, N. I. (2022b). Experimental investigation on the potential use of magnetic water as a water reducing agent in high strength concrete. Materials, 15(15), 5219. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15155219
Sabet, F., Libre, N., & Shekarchi, M. (2013). Mechanical and durability properties of self-consolidating high-performance concrete incorporating natural zeolite, silica fume and fly ash. Construction and Building Materials, 44, 175-184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.02.069
Sajeev, P. S., Rajagopal, V. S. G., & Arasu, N. (2025). Investigation of concrete durability enhancement using supplementary cementitious materials. MethodsX, 15, 103527. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2025.103527
Shankar, S. S., Natarajan, M., & Arasu, A. (2024). Exploring the strength and durability characteristics of high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete containing nanosilica. Journal of the Balkan Tribological Association, 30(1).
Sobuz, M. H. R., Aditto, F. S., Datta, S. D., Kabbo, M. K. I., Jabin, J. A., Hasan, N. M. S., Khan, M. M. H., Rahman, S. M. A., Raazi, M., & Zaman, A. A. U. (2024). High-strength self-compacting concrete production incorporating supplementary cementitious materials: Experimental evaluations and machine learning modelling. International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials, 18(1), 67. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40069-024-00707-7
Tangadagi, R. B., Manjunatha, M., Seth, D., & Preethi, S. (2021). Role of mineral admixtures on strength and durability of high strength self-compacting concrete: An experimental study. Materialia, 18, 101144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtla.2021.101144
Vakhshouri, B., & Nejadi, S. (2016). Mix design of lightweight self-compacting concrete. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 4, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2015.10.002
Wu, S. (2019). Application of mineral admixture in high performance concrete. Global Journal of Researches in Engineering, 19(1), 17-20.
Yaqin, C., Haq, S. U., Iqbal, S., Khan, I., Room, S., & Khan, S. A. (2024). Performance evaluation of indented macro synthetic polypropylene fibers in high strength self-compacting concrete (SCC). Scientific Reports, 14(1), 20844. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-71875-5
Zhao, W., Kong, J., & Sun, Q. (2024). Preparation and properties of ultra-high performance concrete incorporating multi-mineral admixtures. Materials Research Express, 11(8), 085311. https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ad71a1
