Utilization of Prosopis Juliflora Root Powder as a Self Curing Agent

Abstract

Curing plays a chief function in the improving the strength of concrete. The function of a self-curing agent is to save the water and to reduce the water evaporation from the concrete, and hence they increase the water retention capacity of concrete compared to the conventionally cured concrete. Prosopisjuliflora root powder is used as admixtures for self-curing concrete in this study. Prosopisjuliflora (SeemaiKaruvelam in Tamil) grows tremendously and spreads due to its mechanism to overcome adverse conditions of like drought and salt. With deep penetrating roots, it can draw water from deeper layers. Their root has high water holding capacity, so powder made from it can be used as admixture for self-curing concrete. This project involves the experimental investigation of self-curing of concrete by using Prosopisjuliflora root powder. Tests on fresh concrete and hardened concrete were conducted. From the results, we have concluded that adding prosopisjuliflora root powder as a self-curing agent in the concrete mix at various percentages, the addition of 0.75% of prosopisjuliflora root powder by the weight of cement attains the 28 days compressive strength of a conventional M25 grade concrete in 7 days.