Evaluation of Cassava Effluent as Organic Admixture in Concrete Production for Farm Structures

Abstract

This paper evaluated the influence of cassava effluent on the compressive strength of concrete for farm structures. Three sets of concrete cubes were produced with a concrete mix ratio of 1:2:4 (C 15) and a water to cement ratio (w c-1) of 0.5. The 1st set was produced with 100% fresh water (tap water). The 2nd set was produced with 75% partial replacement of the fresh water with fresh cassava effluent, while the 3rd set was produced with 75% partial replacement of the fresh water with old cassava effluent. The density, water absorption rate and compressive strength of the concrete cubes was tested in accordance with ASTM International standards, at the end of 7, 14, 21, 28 and 56 curing days. The results revealed that, the cassava effluent slightly increased the cubes density; but reduced their water absorption rate. The study further showed that, concrete produced with fresh cassava effluent, developed the highest compressive strength (29.57 MPa) at the end of the 56th curing day. In contrast, concrete produced with old cassava effluent developed the lowest compressive strength (24.43 MPa) at day 56, which was lower than the compressive strength of 27.18 MPa developed by the concrete produced with fresh water (also at day 56). In addition, the cassava effluent retarded the initial rate of strength development, as such, increasing its prospect as an organic concrete admixture. This study will be helpful in mitigating the harmful effects of cassava effluent in the environment, since it can be utilized in concrete production.

Keywords

• Cassava effluent
• cassava starch
• concrete
• hydrocyanic acid
• organic admixture

References

1. None