Abstract:
The goal of this study focuses on the influence of
gum Arabic as a biopolymer admixture on setting time,
Workability, and mechanical properties of concrete mixed
with calcined kaolin. Concrete was mixed with calcined
kaolin (CK) in the proportion of 0%-30% by cement weight
and cured under laboratory conditions for 28 days. Later
gum Arabic was added to the concrete at the following ratios
0%-1% after obtaining the optimum percentage of calcined
kaolin. The addition of gum Arabic in concrete delayed the
initial and final time, improved the Workability, and
increased the mechanical properties of concrete.
Furthermore, an SEM test was performed on cement,
calcined kaolin, and gum Arabic in powder form to study
their surface morphology. Gum Arabic was added to the
cement mixture and calcined kaolin in powder form and was
subjected to X-ray fluorescence to analyse its chemical
compositions. Finally, the study concluded that 20%CK was
the optimum since the compressive strength was above the
minimum value required at 28 days due to the silicon content
in CK that could react with lime in cement compared to 25%
and 30%. Also, 0.8%GAB was the percentage whereby
concrete reached its high compressive strength.
