EFFECT OF LOCUST BEAN POD EXTRACT AS WATER REDUCING ADMIXTURE ON

THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE.

BY

ALFA UMAR

(BSc. Civil engineering)

A Thesis submitted to the department of civil engineering, Kaaf University College in partial

fulfilment of requirement for the degree of

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Faculty of Engineering

June 2016

1
DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this submission is my own work towards the award of bachelor of science in

civil engineering and that, to the best of our knowledge; it contain no material previously published

by another person or material which has been accepted for award of any other degree of the

university, except where due acknowledgement has been made in the text.

-------------------- -------------------- ---------------------

Student’ Name Signature Date

Certified by:

------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------

Supervisor’ Name Signature Date

Certified by

------------------- ------------------------ ------------------

Head of Dept. Name Signature Date

2
ABSTRACT

This project present the investigatory result on the use of locust bean pod extract (LBPE) as a

replacement for water on the Compressive strength of concrete. The locust bean pod is a waste

material that is normally discarded after the seed have been harvested. 60 cubes of blocks of size

150 x 150 x 150mm were produced using locust bean pod extract as a blinder in concentration of

0, 0.15, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5kg/l respectively. The cubes without locust bean pod extract were used

as control. The whole cube were cured under atmospheric condition in the laboratory and their

compressive were determined. It was found that locust bean pod extract can significantly increase

the compressive strength of the concrete block by 78.57% and that the concentration of the locust

bean pod extract, the greater the compressive strength of the concrete cubes.

3
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

With a heart full of gratitude I acknowledge and give a fitting recognition to the Almighty God

for his special grace. Also to my parent for their ethical, spiritual, financial support and

encouragement which made this piece a success. My sincere, profound and special gratitude goes

to the following deserving and distinguished institutions, department and personalities who in

diverse way have contributed immensely in making the piece a reality.

 Sonitra laboratory for their equipment

 Dr. Francis Achampong, my Supervisor and lecturer, for his encouragement and

support

 Mr Opare, Mr. Dominic Owusu- Ansah for their patience and tolerance in helping us

throughout practical work aside their very busy schedule and helping us acquire every

material needed for the project work.

4
DEDICATION

I dedicate this piece of work to ALLAH first, my parent, lecturer and teacher who had thought me

from kindergarten to tertiary in our educational journey

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

Contents
DECLARATION .......................................................................................................................................... 2
ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................................. 3
ACKNOWLEDGMENT............................................................................................................................... 4
DEDICATION .............................................................................................................................................. 5

6
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General Background of the Study

Industrial and agricultural activities are on the increase, thus giving rise to a significant increase

in industrial and agricultural wastes which most often have impacted negatively on the

environment. This degradation of the environment has prompted engineers and scientist to embark

on researches towards possible ways of recycling these wastes in order to keep the environment

safe and ecologically habitable. The transportation, construction and environmental industries

have the greatest potential to recycle these large quantity of waste (Basha, et al; 2002).

Plate I: Locust bean fruit

Locust bean pod which is a Waste Agricultural Biomass (WAB) and obtained from the fruit of the

African locust bean tree (Parkia Biglobosa) which is the material resource required for production

of Locust Bean Pod extract (LBPE). The harvested fruits are ripped open while the yellowish pulp

and seeds are removed from the pods; the empty pods are the needed raw material. The pods make

up 39% by weight of the fruits while the mealy yellowish pulp and seeds make up to 61% (Adama

and Jimoh, 2011).

7
For years running, a liquid extract had been obtained by boiling the pod husks of the locust tree

fruits in water and is usually reddish brown in colour. The local technology of extracting this liquid

admixture from the locust bean pod husks has been a common practice among the Nupe and Koro

speaking tribe found in Niger and Kaduna state. The extract was mainly used as a bonding agent

between locally manufactured clay tiles and the soil beneath in the construction of durable floor

finishes for their rooms and frontage of the rooms. The construction process involved the filling

of the floor area with lateritic soils and compacted, the locust bean pod extract is then poured over

the compacted surface at ordinary temperatures after which the clay tiles are laid over the wet floor

and is further compacted to a firm finish using specially fabricated wooden rammers. Some floors

usually strengthened through this process. (Adama and Jimoh, 2011).

The above method has been in existence for more than fifty (50) years ago. Evidences still abound

across Nupe land of the use of locust bean pod husks on fence walls built using lateritic soils;

(Plate 03, Adama and Jimoh, 2011). In this case the pod husks are usually attached to the external

parts of the walls so that when rain falls, the extracts from the pod husks normally will drain into

the walls and the walls are usually strengthened through this process (Adama and Jimoh, 2011).

8
 Plate II:
Locust bean pod husks on mud fence wall (Adama and Jimoh, 2011)
1.2 Problem Statement and Justification of Study
1.2.1 Problem Statement

Housing is one of the most important needs of human being and as such, the demand for it is

always on the increase. In developing countries like Nigeria, the increasing cost of construction

materials like cement, concrete production have led to the need of utilizing the agricultural waste

to determine whether they will serve the purpose of improving this construction materials. The

environmental degradation of this waste to make them economical rather than discarding them.

1.2.2 Justification of Study

Owing to the high rate of environmental pollution resulting from the disposition of agricultural

biomass and the increase in the cost of construction material like cement in Nigeria, this study is

centered on exploiting the usefulness of some of this agricultural biomass (Locust bean pod husks)

to reduce environmental pollution and to optimize the use of cement in concrete production.

1.3 Aim and Objectives

1.3.1 Aim

The aim of this project is to determine the effect of locust bean pod extract (LBPE) as a

replacement for water on the Compressive strength of concrete.

9
1.3.2 Objectives:

The objectives of this study include the following;

1. To determine the physical properties of the aggregates through preliminary test.

2. To determine the oxides composition of the extract (chemical analysis).

3. Casting of 60 concrete cubes at different concentration of the pod extracts (0, 0.05, 0.10,

0.15, 0.20 and 0.25kg/l) and curing for 7 and 28 days only.

4. To determine the compressive strength of concrete at varied concentrations by crushing of

cubes.

5. To determine the optimum LBPE replacement level.

1.4 Scope and Limitations

1.4.1 Scope
The scope of this study spans on the production of mass concrete with a mix ratio of 1:2:4 and

water-cement ratio of 0.5 for 7 and 28 days curing ages.

1.4.2 Limitations
In the course of this study, the extract used was obtained only by manual leaching due to

unavailability of modern equipment. The leaching effect of the extract during the curing periods

was not duly controlled as the control specimen were exposed to the same environment.

10
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Preamble

The construction industry relies heavily on construction materials such as cement, granite and sand

for the production of concrete. The high and increasing cost of materials has greatly hindered the

development of shelter and infrastructural facilities in developing countries. There arises the need

for engineering consideration of the use of cheaper and locally available materials to meet desired

need, enhance self-efficiency, and lead to an overall reduction in construction cost for sustainable

development.

Attempts have equally been made by various researchers to reduce the cost of its constituents and

hence total construction cost by investigating and ascertaining the usefulness of materials which

could be classified as agricultural or industrial waste some of this waste include locust bean pod,

sawdust, pulverized fuel ash, palm kernel shells, slag, fly ash etc. which are produced from milling

stations, thermal power station, waste treatment plant, and sometimes locally extracted. The utility

of locust bean pod extract for mixes is on the rise (Aguwa and Jimoh 2012), Investigated the use

of locust bean pod extracts in determining the compressive strength of lateritic and sand Crete

blocks and discovered that it improves the strength of the blocks by 78.5%.

2.2 Concrete

Concrete is made from cement, aggregate and water with occasional addition of an admixture.

Historically concrete is a roman invention made from changing recipe of lime motor, volcanic

sand, water and small stone. The mixture was placed in wooden frame and left to dry bond with a

fairing of brick or stones in a procedure somewhat like the casting of status in bronze or other

metals. When the concrete were completely dried, the wooden moulds were removed leaving

11
behind a solid mass of great strength. The properties of concrete depend on the quantities and

qualities of its components because cement is the most component of concrete and usually has the

greatest unit cost, its selection and proper use are important in obtaining most economically the

balance of properties desired for any particular concrete mixture.

2.3 Constituents of Concrete

There are three major constituents of concrete which include the following:

1. Cement

Cement is made by heating limestone (calcium carbonate) with small quantities of the other

materials such as clay in a kiln, in process known as calcinations, whereby a molecule of carbon

dioxide is liberated from calcium oxide, or quicklime, which is then blended with other materials

that has been included in the mix of which the breakdown of the chemical make-up (by mass) are

shown in the table 2.1. the resulting hard substance, called ‘clinker’, is then grounded with a small

amount of gypsum into powder to make ‘ Ordinary Portland cement’ the most commonly used

type of cement today.

Table 2.1 The Chemical Composition of Portland cement

Minerals Chemical Oxide composition Abbreviation Percentage
formula %
Tricalciumsilicate Ca3SiO5 3CaO,SiO2 C3 S 50-70%
(alite)
Dicalcium silicate Ca2SiO4 2CaO,SiO2 C4 S 15-30%
(belite)
Tri-calcium Ca3Al2O4 3CaO,Al2O3 C3 A 5-10%
aluminate
Tetra-calcium 4Cao,AlnFe2NO7 4CaO,AlnFe2NO3 C4AF 5-10%
aluminoferrite
Calcium& CaO&MgO 3-8%
magnesium oxides
Source: Jackson N. (1983)

The hydration of calcium silicate, aluminate, and alluminoferrite minerals, causes the hardening,

or setting of cement. The ratio of C3S to C2S helps to determine how fast the cement will set. Faster

12
setting occurs with higher C3S content, lower C3A contents, promotes resistance to sulfates. Higher

amount of ferrites leads to slower hydration, also, the ferrite phase causes the brownish gray colour

in cements, so that ‘white cement’ (i.e. those that are low in C4AF) are often used for aesthetics

purposes. The calcium aluminoferite (C4AF) forms a continuous phase around the other mineral

crystallites, as the iron containing species act as a fluxing agent in the rotary kiln during cement

production and are the last to solidify around the others. Hydration involves many of different

reactions often occurring the same time. As the reaction proceed, the products of the cement

hydration process gradually bond together the individual sand and gravel particles and other

components of the concrete, to form a solid mass.

2. Aggregate

Aggregates are inert granular materials such as sand, gravels or crushed stone that, along with

water and Portland cement is essential ingredient in concrete. For a good aggregate mix, aggregate

need to be clean, hard, strong particles free of absorbed chemicals or coating of clay and other fine

materials that could cause the deterioration of concrete. Aggregate typically consist of 70% to 80%

of the concrete volume, but it is commonly thought as inert filler having little effect on the finished

concrete properties. In fact, aggregate plays a substantial role in determining workability, strength,

dimensional ability and durability of the concrete also has significant effect in the cost of concrete

mixture (port land cement association). Aggregate can be classified as:

a) Normal Weight aggregates; it specific gravity ranges from 1.5-3.0. Usually gotten from

natural rock weathering e.g. gravel, sand and crushed rocks. Blast furnace slag, limestone,

sandstone, granites etc. are further examples. The produce concrete of density 2000-

3000kg/m3.

13
 b) Heavy Weight Aggregate; with specific gravity of 4 and above. These include magnetite

(Fe3O4), hematite (Fe2O3), iron short, bate etc.

c) Light Weight Aggregates; its natural forms are scoria, volcanic cinders, turf, pumice etc.

while furnace clinker, expanded clay etc. are artificial forms. Agricultural wastes such as

sawdust, coconut shells, etc. are all in this category and produces concrete of density less

than 1920kg/m3 (Lydon, 1982).

3. Water

Water is an important ingredient in concrete mixture and its quality its quality has vital influence

on the strength of concrete. Combining water with a cementenous material forms a cement past by

the process of hydration. The cement paste glues the aggregate together, fills the voids within it

and allows it to flow more freely. Less water in the cement paste will yield a stronger more durable

concrete; more water will give a free-flowing concrete with a higher slump. Impure water used to

make concrete can cause problem when setting or causing premature failure to the structure.

2.4 Mix design

The concrete mix design is a process of selecting suitable materials that will be mixed up with

water to form concrete and determining their proportions which would produce an economical

concrete that will satisfy the job requirements. The ratio of mineral mix is very important, because

this determines the compressive, workability, and durability of concrete i.e. in this report a mix

ratio of 1:2:4 (cement: sand: gravel) with proper proportion of water will be adopted and use. The

proportioning of the concrete mix is accomplished by the use of certain empirical relations which

afford a reasonable accurate guide to select the best combination of materials so as to achieve

desired proportions. The design can be based on the compressive strength of concrete governed by

14
water to cement ratio and for the given aggregate characteristics, which the workability of the

concrete is governed by the water content.

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2.4.1 Workability

The amount of useful internal work necessary to overcome the internal friction to producing full

compaction is termed as workability. It is the ability of a fresh (plastic) concrete to fill the

form/mould properly with the desired work (vibration), without reducing the concrete quality.

Workability depends on the water content, aggregate (shape and size distribution), cementitious

content and age level of hydration, and can be modified by adding chemicals admixtures, like

super-plasticizer. Raising the water content and adding admixture will increase concrete

workability. Excessive water will lead to increase in bleeding (surface water) or segregation of

aggregates (when the cement and aggregate start to separate), with resulting concrete having

reduced quality. The use of aggregate with an undesirable gradation can result in a very harsh mix

design with a low slump, which cannot be made readily workable by the addition of reasonable

amount of water. Workability can be measured by the concrete slump test or compaction factor

test, a simple measure of the plasticity of fresh concrete, following the ASTM C143 or EN12350-

2 test standards.

2.4.2 Slump of concrete

Slump is normally measured by filling an “Abrams cone” with a sample from a fresh batch of

concrete. The cone is placed with the wide end down unto a level, non-absorptive surface. It is

then filled in three layers of equal volume, with each layer being tamped with a steel rod in order

to consolidate the layer. When the cone is carefully lifted off, the enclosed material will slump a

certain amount due to gravity. A relatively dry sample will slump very little, having a slump value

of one or two inches (25 or 50mm). Relatively wet sample may slump as much as eight inches.

Workability can also be measure using the flow table.

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2.4.3 Compaction Factor Concrete

Compaction factor of fresh concrete is done to determine the workability of fresh concrete by

compacting facto test in accordance with B.S 1881 part (1970). The apparatus used is the

compacting factor apparatus. The sample of concrete is placed in the upper hopper up to the brim,

and the trap door is opened so that the concrete falls into the lower hopper. The trap-door of the

lower hopper is opened and the concrete is allowed to fall into the cylinder. The excess concrete

remaining above the top level of the cylinder is then cut off with the help of plane blades. The

concrete in the cylinder is the weighed. This is known as of partially compacted concrete. The

cylinder is filled with fresh sample of concrete and vibrated to obtain full compaction. The concrete

in the cylinder is weighed again. This weight is known as weight of fully compacted concrete. This

test is develop in UK and it is the measure of the degree of compaction for the standard amount of

work and this offer a direct and reasonable reliable assessment of the workability of concrete. The

required measurement of the weight of partially and fully compacted concrete and the ratio of the

partial compacted weight to the fully compacted weight, which is always less than one, is known

as compaction factor (Glanville, et al; 1986). For the normal range of concrete the compaction

factor lies between 0.8-0.92.

2.4.4 Compressive Strength of Concrete

Concrete mixture can be designed to provide a wide range of mechanical and durability properties

to meet the design requirement of a structure. The compressive strength of concrete is the most

common performance measure used by the engineer in designing buildings and other structures.

The compressive strength is measured by breaking concrete cube specimen in a compressive-

testing machine. The compressive strength is calculated by the failure loading by the cross section

area resisting the load and reported and recorded in unit pound-force per square inch (pai) in US

17
customary unite or mega Pascal’s (MPa) in ST units. Concrete compressive strength can vary from

2500pai (27MPa) for residential concrete to 4000pai (28MPa) and higher in commercial structures.

Higher strength up to and exceeding 10,000pai (70MPa) are specified for certain application.

2.5 Pozzolanic Admixtures

Ancient Greeks and Romans used certain finely divided Siliceous material which when mixed with

lime will produce strong cementing material having hydraulic properties. Such cementing

materials were employed in the construction of Arch, Bridges etc.

Pozzolanic materials are siliceous or siliceous and aluminous materials which in themself possess

little or no cementitious value, but will in finely divided form and in the presence of moisture

chemically react with calcium oxide liberated on hydration, at ordinary temperature, to form

compounds, possessing cementious properties (Shetty, 2006).

Generally, amorphous silicate reacts much more rapidly than the crystalline form. It is pointed that

calcium hydroxide, otherwise, a water soluble material is converted into insoluble cementitious

material by the reaction of pozzolanic materials (Shetty, 2006). The reaction can be shown as

follows;

Pozzolan + calcium hydroxide + water C-S-H (Gel)

This reaction involves the consumption of Ca(OH)2. The reduction of Ca(OH)2 improves the

durability of cement paste by making the paste dense and impervious (Shetty 2006). Activity of

pozzolan is the capacity of pozzolan to form alumino-silicates with lime to form cementitious

products. Factors that affect the activity of Pozzolans are;

1. SiO2 + Al2O2 + Fe2O3 content

2. The degree of amorphousness of its structure

3. Fineness of its particles

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 Table 2.2 Chemical and Physical Requirement of Pozzolans
Chemical Requirements Mineral Requirements
N F C
Silicon dioxide, Aluminium dioxide and Iron oxide 70 70 50
(SiO2+Al2O3 +Fe2O3), Minimum %
Sulfur Trioxide (SO3), Maximum % 4.0 5.0 5.0
Moisture content , maximum % 3.0 3.0 3.0
Loss on Ignition , maximum % 10.0 6.0 6.0
Available alkalis as Na2O, maximum% 1.5 1.5 1.5
Physical Requirements 34 34 34
Fineness, maximum % retained on 325-Mesh (44µm) sieve.

Source: ASTM Specification C618-92a Chemical and Physical Specification (1994)

2.6 The Use of Agricultural Biomass as Partial Replacement in the Construction Industry
Rice Husk: Rice husk ash has been widely used as partial replacement of cement in the production

of concrete it is of the advantage that it is prepared entirely from agricultural waste, and it

manufacture does not require special skills or machinery, it is suitable for rural and low-cost

housing programme. It is highly pozzolanic and suitable for use in lime, pozzolanic mixes and for

Portland cement replacement, therefore the use of rice husk ash as a pozzolana is significant in the

construction industry. (Hassan, 2007)

Sugarcane bark: Bagasse ash is the product of sugarcane bark this is also as a replacement of

cement in the production of concrete. It highly recommended for use in the production of

lightweight concrete as its density decreases with increasing quantity of ash replacement. It is also

recommended when low stress is required at reduced cost. (Daneji, 2014).

2.7 History and General Structure of Locust Bean Pod Extract (LBPE)
The African locust bean tree, “Parkia biglobosa” is a perennial tree legume, belonging to the sub-

family Mimosodeae and family leguminosae (Campbell, 1980). Parkia biglobosa an important

multipurpose tree from the savannah zone of West Africa. The plant increases soil fertility, grows

to about 15m in height and has dark, evergreen, pinnate leaves.

19
Its fruit is a brown, leathery pod of about 10 to 30cm long and contains gummy pulp of an agreeable

sweet taste, in which lies a number of seeds. The pods are edible and are often used for livestock

feed. It has been reported that the bark of the plant can be used in the treatment of toothache,

leprosy, eye sores, fever, hypertension as well as wound, ulcer and snake bite.

The seeds are used extensively as seasoning and also good source of essential amino acids (Hassan

and Umar, 2005). The fruit pulp analyzed showed moisture content of 8.41%, protein 6.56%, fat

1.80%, crude fibre 11.75%, ash 4.18% and carbohydrate of 67.30% (Gernmah et al, 2007). The

locust bean seed produced by the parkia tree is embedded in a yellowish, sweet tasting edible pulp.

The pods, containing locust bean seeds, resemble that of a soya bean pod that starts out as a bright

green and turns dry and deep brown as it matures on the tree.

The African locust bean has a wide distribution ranging across the Sudan and Guinea Savanna and

the ecological zones. The range extends from the western coast of Africa in Senegal across to

Sudan. It is found in nineteen African countries: Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra

Leone, Mali, Cote De Voir, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad,

Central Africa, Republic, Zaire, Sudan and Uganda. In Nigeria, it is predominantly found in the

northern part of the country.

Locust bean pod has a pH of 6 implying weak organic acid with a density of l0.97kg/m with a dark

brown colour. It has the following chemical composition the bark contains 12 - 14% of tannin

while the husk contains 27- 44% of tannin. Also Campbell (1980) reported that Locust bean pod

contains 60% carbohydrates and 10-20% of which is sucrose, with 29mg of vitamin C per 100g of

Locust bean pod. The pulp is a beneficial food source in the middle of the dry season with initial

early colour white, turning to bright yellow as the pod matures.

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2.7.1 Processing of locust bean pod extract;

In the middle belt and Northern states of Nigeria, The pods are collected and soaked in water for

at least four to seven days. The extract can also be obtained from leaching process of the pod

through boiling i.e. extraction of soluble constituents from a solid by means of solvent, for example

extraction of sugarcane or beets, so also binding materials can be leached out from locust beans

pod through boiling.

2.8 Locust Beans Pod Extract as a Replacement for Water in Concrete Production

The pods are usually measured and soaked with a solvent (water) which has been identified as the

best extractor (Abagale, Twumasi and Awudza, 2013) for a number of days. The number of

soaking days that gives maximum strength in the production of mud blocks using the extract is 4

days (Kareem, 2010). The pod solution obtained after the required soaking period is used in mixing

the concrete cubes at the expense of the ordinary distilled water. This is carried out at different

concentration of the pod extract obtained which usually is expressed in kilogram per litre.

A lot of works have been done using the locust bean pod extract as a binder (Aguwa, 2012; Adama

and Jimoh, 2011). Aguwa in his research using the locust bean pod extract as a binder in the

production of mud blocks, found out that locust bean pod extract can significantly increase the

compressive strength of lateritic block by 78.57% and that the higher the concentration of the pod

extract, the greater the compressive strength of lateritic blocks.

All works carried out on the replacement of water with the locust bean pod extract have focused

on the production of mud and sandcrete blocks only. In this study however, the use of the locust

bean pod extract will be directed on the production of concrete cubes by varying the concentrations

to see possibilities of it improving concrete strength.

21
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Materials

The materials used for this research work are; Dangote Portland cement of sound quality, Fine

aggregates and Coarse aggregate collected from Sonitra Laboratory Ghana. The Locust bean pod

used was obtained from Nima market Ghana. Tap water free from contaminant either dissolve or

suspension ( BS 3148, 1980) was collected from Sonitra Laboratory, Ghana and used for leaching

process of the bean pod as well as mixing the concrete cubes. The chemical composition of the

locust bean pod extract test was conducted in chemistry department laboratory, Ahmadu Bello

University Zaria using Oxford instrument. The physical properties and strength of the aggregate

were determined by conducting several tests, such as specific gravity and water absorption, bulk

density and void ratio, moisture content, sieve analysis as well as compressive strength test at the

ages of 7days and 28 days. The extraction process used is the leaching process which is employed

in the extraction of soluble constituent from pod by means of solvent. The solvent used in this case

is water which is usually considered as the best solvent for leaching as it has sufficiently low

viscosity which enables free circulation.

22
3.2 Moisture Content Test of Fine and Coarse Aggregate
Aim: To determine the quantity of water contained in aggregate.

Apparatus: Electronic weighing balance, cans and oven.

Procedure: Three cans were weighed and recorded as A, a reasonable quantity of sample was

placed in each can and weighed on the weighing balance to obtain the weight of can plus surfaced

dry sample recorded as B. The surfaced dry sample was oven dried for 24 hours and reweighed to

obtain the weight of can plus dry sample recorded as C. The moisture content of the aggregate is

then calculated using the equation (3.1), and as presented in Table 4.2 and 4.3.

B−C
x100 (3.1)
C−A

3.3 Specific Gravity and Water Absorption of Aggregate

Specific gravity of aggregates Gs is the mass density of the mineral solids normalized relative to

the mass of water.

3.3.1 Specific Gravity and Water Absorption of Fine Aggregate

Aim: To determine the specific gravity and water absorption of shape sand (fine aggregate) in

accordance to BS 812: part 2: (1975).

Apparatus: electronic weighing balance, thermostatically controlled oven, rubber vessel, air-tight

container and fine sand.

Procedure: The plastic vessel was weighed empty. The vessel was then filled with appreciable

sample of fine sand and weighed to obtain the weight of vessel plus sample. The vessel plus sample

was partly filled with water and kept for 24 hours. After the 24 hours, the assembly was completely

filled with water and weighed to obtain the weight of vessel plus sample plus water recorded as B.

the vessel was then emptied and the saturated sample was surfaced dried. The vessel was then

filled with water only and weighed to obtain the weight of vessel plus water recorded as C. The

23
saturated sample after attaining a completely surfaced dried condition was then weighed to obtain

weight of surface dried sample recorded as A. The surfaced dried sample was then placed in an

oven for 24 hours. After the 24 hours, the sample was removed and cooled in an air-tight container

and weighed to obtain the weight of oven dried sample recorded as D. The specific gravity and

water absorption was calculated using equation (3.2) and (3.3). As presented in Table 4.4.

D
Specific gravity = A-(B-C) (3.2)

A-D
Water absorption = X 100 (3.3)
D

Where; A = weight of surfaced dried aggregate

B = weight of vessel plus water plus sample

C = weight of vessel plus water only

D = weight of oven dried sample

3.3.2 Specific Gravity and Water Absorption of Coarse Aggregate

Aim: To determine the specific gravity and water absorption of granite stone (coarse aggregate)

in accordance to BS 812: part 2: (1975).

Apparatus: The apparatus used in this experiment are same as in 3.5.1

Procedure: The experiment was done and carried out as in 3.5.1. As presented in Table 4.5.

3.4 Bulk Density

Bulk density can be defined as the weight of aggregate required to fill a container of a giving

volume. It can also be considered to be the measure of how dense or closely packed a sample is.

3.4.1 Bulk Density of Sharp Sand (Fine Aggregate)

Aim: To determine the bulk density of fine aggregate (sand)

Apparatus: electronic weighing balance, tamping rod, straight edge, cylindrical mould of known

volume and fine sand sample.

24
Procedure: the cylindrical mould was cleaned, weighed empty and recorded as w1. It was later

filled with the fine aggregate sample, leveled off with a straight edge and weighed and recorded

as w2 for the uncompacted test.

The cylindrical mould was then filled in three layers each subjected to 25 blows of a standard

tamping rod (16mm) the last layer was allowed to overflow the cylindrical measure and the surplus

being struck off using a straight edge. The cylindrical measure plus the weight of the compacted

aggregate was weighed and recorded as w2 for the compacted test. The bulk density of the

compacted and uncompacted test was calculated using equation (3.4), as presented in Table 4.6.

3.4.2 Bulk Density of Granite Stone (Coarse Aggregate)

Aim: To determine the bulk density of coarse aggregate (granite stone)

Apparatus: electronic weighing balance, tamping rod, straight edge, cylindrical mould of known

volume and granite stone sample.

Procedure: Rodded bulk density

A 1.7 x 10-3m3 cylindrical mould was weighed (w1) and filled in three layers with each layer given

25 blows of the standard tamping rod (16mm). The last layer was allowed to overflow the

cylindrical mould and the surplus being struck off using a straight edge. The weight of the

cylindrical mould plus the compacted aggregate was weighed and recorded as w2. The compacted

bulk density was determined using the equation (3.4), as presented in Table 4.8.

weight of sample W2-W1

Bulk density = volume of sample divider = (3.4)
V

Where: V= l x b x h

l = length of sample divider

b = breadth

d = depth

25
Loose/Uncompacted bulk density of granite stone (coarse aggregate)
The cylindrical mould was again filled to overflow by dropping the aggregate from a height of

about 50mm from the top of the cylindrical mould using a scoop. The surplus was struck off using

a straight edge and leveled. The weight of the cylindrical mould plus sample was then weighed

and recorded as w2. The uncompacted bulk density was determined using equation 3.2, as

presented in Table 4.8.

3.5 Void Ratio

Void ratio is defined as the ratio of the volume of void in a mixture to the volume of solids. It can

be represented mathematically as;

Void ratio (e) = (1-bulk density)/specific gravity x unit weight of water (3.5)

3.6 Porosity

Porosity is a measure of the void spaces in a material, and is measured as a fraction.

Porosity = (1-A/B) x 100 (3.6)

Where A is loose bulk density and

B is compacted density.

3.7 Sieve Analysis

Sieve analysis is commonly known as gradation test. In general, it has been used for decades to

monitor material quality based on particle size distribution. For coarse material sizes that range

down to #100 mesh size (150µm), a sieve analysis and particle size distribution is accurate and

consistent.

3.7.1 Sieve Analysis of Sharp Sand (Fine Aggregate)

Aim: To determine the grading of aggregate as provided in BS 812: part 1: (1975)

26
Apparatus: set of sieve sizes used: 5.0mm, 3.35mm, 2.36mm, 2.0mm, 1.18mm, 900µm, 600µm,

425µm, 300µm, 150µm and 75µm.Electronic weighing balance, brush, sample tray and

mechanical sieve shaker, lid and pan.

Procedure: 500g of sample was weighed and washed to remove clay particles. The washed sample

was oven dried for 1 hour. The sieves were arranged in accordance to BS 812: part 1: (1975). The

dried sample was placed on the topmost sieve and cover with a lid. The setup was allowed to

vibrate in the mechanical sieve shaker for 10 minutes. The sample retained in each sieve was

weighed, measured and recorded, as presented in table 4.10.

3.7.2 Sieve Analysis of Granite Stone (Coarse Aggregate)

Aim: To determine the particle size distribution of granite stone (coarse aggregate) as provided in

BS 812: part 1: (1975).

Apparatus: Set of sieve sizes used: 20.0mm, 14mm, 10mm, 6.3mm, 5mm and a bottom tray,

electrical weighing balance, sieve brush, granite stone and mechanical sieve shaker.

Procedures: the sieves were properly cleaned and arranged in order of their sizes with the largest

sieve size at the top of the stack. 1kg of the aggregate (granite stone) was poured into the stack of

sieve fastened securely on the mechanical sieve shaker and vibrated for 10 minutes until no particle

passes again. The sample retained in each sieve was weighed, measured and recorded, as presented

in table 4.11.

3.8 Mix Proportion of Concrete by Absolute Volume Method

W C Fa Ca
+ 1000SGc + 1000SGs + 1000SGg + Air void = 1m3 (3.7)
1000

Where; W= required quantity of water

C= Cement

Fa= required quantity of fine aggregate

27
Ca= required quantity of coarse aggregate

SGc= specific gravity of cement

SGs= specific gravity of sand

SGg= specific gravity of granite

With, W/C (water: cement) = 0.50

W = 0.50C (3.8)

Using a mix ratio of 1:2:4

C/Fa = ½

Fa= 2C (cement: sand) (3.9)

C/Ca= ¼

Ca= 4C (Cement: granite) (3.10)

Substituting equation (3.8), (3.9) and (3.10) into equation (3.7)

Where,

SGc= 3.15, SGs= 2.61, SGg=2.64

0.5C C 2C 4C
+ + + + 0.02 = 1m3
1000 1000x3.15 1000x2.61 1000x2.64

C (3.099x10-3) =1-0.02

C = 316.23kg/m3

Materials required for producing 1m3 of concrete are given below:

C = 316.23kg/m3

Fa = 632.46kg/m3

Ca = 1264.92kg/m

W = 158.12kg/m3

Materials required for 10cubes of 0.15m x 0.15m x 0.15m concrete volume are given below:

28
Volume of cube = 0.15m x0.15mx0.15m = 0.003375m3

For 10cubes, the volume is given as 0.03375m3

C = 10.67kg

Fa = 21.35kg

Ca = 42.69kg

W = 5.34kg

3.9 Leaching Procedure for Locust Bean Pod Extract

The pods were transferred into a container with a specific amount of water (solvent) to give the

design concentration (solution). The resulting mixture was then filtered using a sieve size of

0.425mm as presented in appendix B (plate III).

3.10 Batching and Mixing Process

Batching this is a method of preparing or producing a concrete mix to be delivered at a time, one

after the other based on the different replacement percentages of the specified constituents in their

respective proportions. This operation goes in line with the concrete mix design procedure which

allows one to determine the actual proportion by weight and volume of all the ingredients available

in producing the concrete. For the purpose of this study, the absolute volume method of mix design

will be adopted.

Thorough mixing of materials is essential for the production of uniform concrete. The mixing

should ensure that the mass becomes homogeneous, uniform in colour and in consistency. The

method adopted in mixing the concrete is the manual (hand mixing) method. The required quantity

of sand (fine aggregate) was first measured and poured on a flat clean surface. The required

quantity of cement was also measured and mixed thoroughly with the sand forming a

homogeneous colour. The granite (coarse aggregate) was finally measured and added to the

29
mixture and remixed. A measured volume of water obtained from the mix design was added and

finally mixed thoroughly as required for quality control.

30
3.11 Slump test
The slump test is a measure of workability of fresh concrete. Workability is the ease with which

concrete can be compacted hundred percent having regard to mode of compaction and place of

deposition.

Aim: To determine the workability of fresh concrete mix in accordance to BS 1881: part 102:

(1983).

Apparatus: slump cone (300mm high), tamping rod, hand trowel, scoop and measuring tape.

Procedure: The internal surface of the slump cone was thoroughly cleaned and freed from

superfluous moisture and adherence of any old set concrete before commencing the test. The cone

was placed on a smooth, horizontal rigid and non-absorbent surface. The cone was then filled in

three layers, each approximately ¼ of the height of the cone. Each layer was subjected to 25 strokes

of a standard tamping rod (16mm) with the strokes evenly distributed over the cross section. After

the top layer has been rodded, the concrete was struck off level with a hand trowel. The cone was

removed from the concrete immediately by raising it slowly and carefully in a vertical direction.

The difference in level between the height of the cone and that of highest point of subsided concrete

was measured and recorded as the slump of the concrete. As presented in Table 4.12.

31
3.12 Compaction Factor Test

Aim: To determine the workability of fresh concrete mixing accordance to BS 1881: part 103:

(1993).

Apparatus: Scoop, fresh concrete mix, hand trowel, tamping rod, weighing balance, compaction

factor apparatus and cylinder

Procedure: Ensure the apparatus and associated equipment is clean before test and free from

hardened concrete and superfluous water. The sample of concrete to be tested was placed in the

upper hopper up to the brim. The trap-door was opened so that the concrete falls into the lower

hopper. Then the trap-door of the lower hopper was opened and the concrete was allowed to fall

into the cylinder. The excess concrete remaining above the top level of the cylinder was then cut

off using plane blades. The concrete was then filled up exactly up to the top of the cylinder. It was

then weighed and recorded as the “weight of partially compacted concrete”.

The cylinder was emptied and refilled with the concrete from the same sample in layers

approximately 5cm deep. The layers were heavily rammed so as to obtain full compaction. The

32
top of the fully compacted concrete was the struck off leveled with the top of the cylinder, weighed

and recorded as “weight of fully compacted concrete.”

The compacting factor was then computed using the equation 3.8. As presented in Table 4.13.

weight of partially compacted concrete

Compacting factor = (3.11)
weight of fully compacted concrete

3.13 Casting of Concrete Cubes

Concrete mixing, slump test and compaction factor tests precedes casting of concrete cubes. The

mould were placed on a rigid horizontal surface and filled with concrete in such a way as to remove

entrapped air as possible and to produce full compaction of the concrete with neither excessive

segregation nor laitance. The concrete was placed in the mould in layers and compacted using

compacting bar. Each layer of approximately 50mm deep was subjected to 25 blows of the standard

compacting bar (16mm).The test cubes were prepared in accordance to BS 1881 part 108: (1983).

3.14 Curing of Concrete Cubes

Curing is the process of preventing the loss of moisture from the concrete through maintaining a

satisfactory temperature regime. It can be describe as the process of maintaining satisfactory

moisture content and a favourable temperature in concrete during the period immediately

33
following placement, so that the hydration of cement may continue until the desired properties are

developed to a sufficient degree to meet the requirement of services. Curing follows immediately

after demoulding. The cubes were submerged immediately in the curing tank for the required

curing age of 7 and 28days which are the ages to be considered for the purpose of this study. The

curing of cubes was carried out in accordance to BS 1881 part 111: (1983).

3.15 Compressive Strength Test

Curing is succeeded by crushing of the concrete. Crushing is an operation performed on concrete

cubes by way of applying compressive force on them gradually until the cubes start breaking after

having attained its supposed maximum strength limit. Compressive strength test was carried out

on the concrete cubes at curing age of 7 and 28 days respectively, in accordance to BS 1881: part

116: (1983) using Seidner compression machine as presented in appendix B (plate V).

34
 CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS OF RESULTS

4.1 Results

The results of the laboratory work carried out on chemical composition of pod extract, moisture

content, specific gravity, bulk density, %porosity, void ratio and sieve analysis of aggregates,

compaction factor test and compressive strength after 7 and 28 days of curing period are

represented in Tables: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15,

4.16, 4.17 and graphically represented on Figures 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 respectively.

Table 4.1 Chemical Composition of Locust Bean Pod Extract

Element Concentration
Na2O 0.0000 Wt %
MgO 0.0000 Wt %
Al2O3 0.0000 Wt %
SiO2 45.2203 Wt %
P2O5 0.0000 Wt %
K2O 33.5274 Wt %
CaO 14.8564 Wt %
TiO2 1.9126 Wt %
Fe2O3 4.4833 Wt %

Table 4.2 Moisture Content of Fine Aggregate (Sand)

Trials 1 2 3
Can number Tp1 Tp5 4
Weight of empty can (g) 43.3 42.9 38.9
Weight of empty can + sample (g) 104.5 96.5 117.5
Weight of empty can + dry sample (g) 102.5 94.5 114.8
Weight of dry sample (g) 59.2 51.6 75.9
Weight of water (g) 2.0 2.0 2.7
Moisture content % 3.4 3.9 3.6
Average moisture content % 3.6

Table 4.3 Moisture Content of Coarse Aggregate (Granite)

Trials 1 2 3
Can number Tp1 Tp5 S8
Weight of empty can (g) 43.3 42.9 43.6

35
 Weight of empty can + sample (g) 144.5 132.2 138.7
Weight of empty can + dry sample (g) 144.0 131.9 138.2
Weight of dry sample (g) 100.7 89.0 94.6
Weight of water (g) 0.5 0.3 0.5
Moisture content % 0.5 0.3 0.5
Average moisture content % 0.4

Table 4.4 Specific Gravity and Water Absorption of Fine Aggregate

Trials 1 2 3
Weight of sample g 154.4 130.4 131.4
Weight of vessel +sample + water (B) g 881.6 866.1 868.7
Weight of vessel + water only (C) g 785.2 787.1 788.1
Weight of saturated surface dry sample (A) g 151.4 129.2 130.2
Weight of oven dry sample (D) g 149.4 127.4 129.4
Specific gravity Gs = D/A-(B-C) 2.67 2.54 2.61
Average specific gravity 2.61
Apparent specific gravity = D/D-(B-C) 2.82 2.63 2.65
Average apparent specific gravity 2.70
Water absorption = ( (A-D)/D) 1.34 1.41 0.62
Average water absorption% 1.12

Table 4.5 Specific Gravity and Water Absorption of Course Aggregate

Trials 1 2 3
Weight of sample g 506.6 471.9 504.6
Weight of vessel +sample + water (B) g 1105.2 1081.5 1101.2
Weight of vessel + water only (C) g 788.7 788.0 786.7
Weight of saturated surface dry sample (A) g 503.7 473.8 505.3
Weight of oven dry sample (D) g 500.7 470.3 502.3
Specific gravity Gs = D/A-(B-C) 2.67 2.61 2.63
Average specific gravity 2.64
Apparent specific gravity = D/D-(B-C) 2.72 2.66 2.67
Average apparent specific gravity 2.67
Water absorption = ( (A-D)/D) 0.60 0.74 0.60
Average water absorption % 0.65

Table 4.6 Bulk of Fine Aggregate

Uncompacted Compacted

36
 Trials 1 2 3 1 2 3
Weight of mould (w1) kg 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09

Volume of mould (V) m3 0.00171 0.00171 0.00171 0.00171 0.00171 0.00171

Weight of mould + Sample (w2) 3.39 3.44 3.43 3.90 3.91 3.94
kg
Net weight of sample (Mnet = w2- 2.30 2.35 2.34 2.81 2.82 2.85
w1) kg
Bulk density = (Mnet/V) kg/m3 1345.03 1374.27 1368.42 1643.27 1649.12 1666.67

Average bulk density (kg/m2) 1362.57 1653.07

Table 4.7 Percentage Porosity of Aggregate

Sample Uncompacted Bulk Compacted Bulk % Porosity
Density (kg/m3) Density (kg/m3)
Crushed granite 1492.06 1634.92 91.20%

Table 4.8 Bulk Density of Course Aggregate

Uncompacted Compacted
Trials 1 2 3 1 2 3
Weight of mould (w1) kg 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.08

Volume of mould (V) m3 0.00168 0.00168 0.00168 0.00168 0.00168 0.00168

Weight of mould + Sample 3.60 3.56 3.60 3.84 3.81 3.83
(w2) kg
Net weight of sample ( Mnet = 2.52 2.48 2.52 2.76 2.73 2.75
w2-w1) kg
Bulk Density = ( Mnet/V) 1500.00 1476.19 1500.00 1642.86 1625.00 1636.90
kg/m3
Average Bulk Density 1492.06 1634.92
(kg/m2)

Table 4.9 Void ratio of Coarse Aggregate

Sample Bulk Density Specific Unit weight of Void ratio
3
(kg/m ) gravity water (g)
Crushed granite 1492.06 2.64 1000 0.56

Table 4.10 Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregate

37
 S/N SIEVE WEIGHT CUMMULATIV CUMMULATIV CUMMULATIVE
O SIZES RETAINE E WEIGHT E PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
(mm) D (g) RETAINED (g) RETAINED (%) PASSING (%)
1 5 1.6 1.6 0.32 99.68
2 3.35 5.7 7.3 1.46 98.54
3 2.36 16.2 23.5 4.7 95.3
4 2 11.4 34.9 6.98 93.02
5 1.18 67.8 102.7 20.54 79.46
6 0.85 55.2 157.9 31.58 68.42
7 0.6 68.6 226.5 45.3 54.7
0.425 66.9 293.4 58.68 41.32
8 0.3 76.3 369.7 73.94 26.06
9 0.15 101.4 471.1 94.22 5.78
10 0.075 19.9 491 98.2 1.8
11 0 8.6 499.6 99.92 0
12 TOTAL WEIGHT: 499.6

120

100
Percentage Passing (%)

80

60

40

20

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Sieve Size (mm)

Fig. 1.0 Particle size distribution of fine aggregate

Table 4.11 Sieve Analysis of Course Aggregate

S/NO SIEVE WEIGHT CUMMULATIVE CUMMULATIVE CUMMULATIVE
SIZES RETAINED WEIGHT PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
(mm) (g) RETAINED (g) RETAINED (%) PASSING (%)
1 37.5 0 0 0 100
2 28 0 0 0 100

38
 3 20 59.9 59.9 5.99 94
4 14 810.6 870.5 87.05 12.95
5 10 126.9 997.4 99.74 0.26
6 6.3 2.3 999.7 100 0
7 5 0 0 0 0
8 3.35 0 0 0 0
9 0.425 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL WEIGHT: 999.7

120
Percentage Passing (%)

100

80

60

40

20

0
0 10 20 30 40
Sieve Size (mm)

Fig. 2.0 particle size distribution of coarse aggregate

Table 4.12 Slump Test

Concentration levels (kg/lt) 0 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25
Slump Value (mm) 10 8 6 5 5 0

Table 4.13 Compaction Factor Test

Concentration levels (kg/lt) 0 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25
Partly compacted (kg) 11.86 11.43 11.18 11.23 11.36 11.03
Fully Compacted (kg) 14.76 14.40 14.22 13.40 13.16 13.30
Compaction factor 0.80 0.79 0.79 0.85 0.86 0.83

Table 4.14 Compressive Strength for 7 Days

39
 Concent Sample Volume of Area Weight Density Crushin Compres Average
rations no cube (m3) of of (kg/m3) g load sive compres
(kg/lt) cube specimen (kN) strength sive
(mm2) (kg) (N/mm2) strength
(N/mm2)
0 1 0.003375 22500 8.68 2571.85 740 32.89 31.67
2 0.003375 22500 8.65 2562.96 690 30.67
3 0.003375 22500 8.86 2625.19 690 30.67
4 0.003375 22500 8.61 2551.11 730 32.44
0.05 1 0.003375 22500 8.69 2574.81 750 33.33 33.44
2 0.003375 22500 8.77 2598.52 700 31.11
3 0.003375 22500 8.58 2542.22 840 37.33
4 0.003375 22500 8.62 2554.07 720 32.00
0.10 1 0.003375 22500 7.93 2349.63 790 35.11 34.80
2 0.003375 22500 8.50 2518.52 770 34.22
3 0.003375 22500 8.49 2515.56 770 34.22
4 0.003375 22500 8.56 2536.30 800 35.65
0.15 1 0.003375 22500 8.32 2465.19 830 36.89 33.34
2 0.003375 22500 8.33 2468.15 810 36.00
3 0.003375 22500 8.47 2509.63 800 35.56
4 0.003375 22500 7.97 2361.48 560 24.89
0.20 1 0.003375 22500 8.21 2432.59 610 27.11 24.84
2 0.003375 22500 7.95 2355.56 426 18.93
3 0.003375 22500 8.29 2456.30 660 29.33
4 0.003375 22500 8.31 2462.22 540 24.00
0.25 1 0.003375 22500 7.43 2201.4 320 14.22 18.96
2 0.003375 22500 8.18 2423.70 500 22.22
3 0.003375 22500 7.89 2337.78 470 20.89
4 0.003375 22500 8.18 2423.70 416 18.49

Table 4.15 Compressive Strength for 28 Days

Concent Sample Volume Area Weight Density Crushin Compres Average
rations no of cube of of (kg/m3) g load sive compres
3
(kg/lt) (m ) cube specimen (kN) strength sive
(mm2) (kg) (N/mm2) strength
(N/mm2)
0 1 0.003375 22500 8.68 2571.85 810 36.00 33.89
2 0.003375 22500 8.92 2642.96 860 38.22
3 0.003375 22500 8.76 2595.56 710 31.56
4 0.003375 22500 8.95 2651.85 670 29.78
0.05 1 0.003375 22500 8.63 2557.04 1010 44.89 40.00
2 0.003375 22500 8.46 2506.67 865 38.40
3 0.003375 22500 8.50 2518.52 805 35.78
4 0.003375 22500 8.76 2595.56 830 36.89
0.10 1 0.003375 22500 8.44 2500.74 810 36.00 38.89

40
 2 0.003375 22500 8.14 2411.85 860 38.22
3 0.003375 22500 8.37 2480.00 850 37.78
4 0.003375 22500 8.33 2468.15 980 43.56
0.15 1 0.003375 22500 8.10 2400.00 750 33.33 35.45
2 0.003375 22500 8.38 2482.96 900 40.00
3 0.003375 22500 8.38 2482.96 735 32.67
4 0.003375 22500 8.06 2388.15 805 35.78
0.20 1 0.003375 22500 7.94 2352.59 590 26.22 27.89
2 0.003375 22500 7.79 2308.15 590 26.22
3 0.003375 22500 8.41 2491.85 710 31.56
4 0.003375 22500 7.96 2358.52 620 27.56
0.25 1 0.003375 22500 7.98 2364.44 510 22.67 23.89
2 0.003375 22500 8.25 2444.44 570 25.33
3 0.003375 22500 7.88 2334.81 530 23.56
4 0.003375 22500 7.96 2358.52 540 24.00

7 Days curing 28 Days curing

50
Compressive Strength (N/mm2)

40

30

20

10

0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25
Concentrations (kg/lt)

Fig. 3.0 Variation of compressive strength with LBPE concentrations

4.2 Discussion of Results

The specific gravity was found to be 2.61 for fine aggregate and 2.64 for coarse aggregate which

are within the range of 2.5 and 3.0 standard. The bulk densities of the materials were found to be

1362.57kg/m3 for uncompacted and 1653.07kg/m3 for compacted fine aggregate. While that of

coarse aggregate was found to be 1492.06kg/m3 for uncompacted and 1634.92kg/m3 for

41
compacted. The void ratio of the aggregate was found to be 0.56 with percentage porosity of 91%.

The moisture content of sand was found to be 3.6% and that of coarse aggregate was found to be

0.4%. The water absorption of fine sand was found to be 1.12% while that of coarse aggregate was

found to be 0.65%.

From the chemical analysis result, it was found that the locust bean pod extract is a class C

pozzolanic material with SiO3+Al2O3+Fe2O3 value of 50% which is the minimum percentage of

class C pozzolans (ASTM C618-92a, 1994) as presented in Table 2.2.

The graph in figure 3.0 shows that the compressive strength of concrete increases from the control

value (31.67N/mm2) to (34.80N/mm2) at 0.10kg/lt and decreases with minimum compressive

strength obtained at 0.25kg/lt for 7 days curing age. Also, the compressive strength increases from

the control value (33.89N/mm2) to (40.00N/mm2) at 0.05kg/lt and continually decreases with

minimum compressive strength obtained at 0.25kg/lt for 28days curing age (Table 4.15).

The average compressive strength of the control specimens for 7days and 28days curing age is

31.67N/mm2 and 33.89N/mm2 respectively. While the maximum compressive strength for 7days

curing was found to be 34.80N/mm2 at 0.10kg/lt and that of 28days curing age was found to be

40.00N/mm2 at 0.05kg/lt, this gave rise to a percentage increase of 9.88% and 18.03% respectively.

It is generally visible that the addition of locust bean pod extracts up to 0.15kg/lt has improved the

compressive strength of concrete.

42
 CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusions

Based on the study carried out on the compressive strength of concrete using locust bean

Pod extract (LBPE) as a replacement for water, the following conclusions can be drawn:

1. The locust bean pod extract used is a class C pozzolanic material as SiO2, Al2O2 and Fe2O3

content summed up to 50% which is the minimum for class C pozzolans (ASTM

specification C618-92a, 1994); as presented in Table 4.1 and Appendix A;

2. The maximum compressive strength is 40.00N/mm2 at concentration level 0.05kg/lt of 28

days curing age which is the optimum concentration level as presented in Table 4.15;

3. The minimum and maximum percentage increase in compressive strength is 4.6% and

18.03% at 0.15kg/lt and 0.05kg/lt respectively;

4. As the concentration level increases, the compressive strength decreases appreciably to a

value 18.96N/mm2 and 23.89N/mm2 at 0.25kg/lt concentration for 7 and 28days curing

ages respectively (figure 3.0). This is due the excess amount of the pod extract which

weakens the bond between cement and other constituent used in the production of concrete.

5.2 Recommendations

Since the replacement of water with locust bean pod extract at 0.05kg/lt and 0.10kg/lt

concentrations is seen to give higher compressive strength at the age of 7days and 28days, it is

hereby recommended that the pod extract at 0.05kg/lt, 0.10kg/lt and 0.15kg/lt concentrations can

be used to produce improved compressive strength concrete.

Further studies can be carried out either on:

43
1. 2hours revibration of concrete using the locust bean pod extract as replacement for water

using 0.10kg/lt concentration in order to determine the optimum compressive strength.

2. Using the locust bean pod ash (LBPA) to replace some percentage of cement can also be

explored to see the effect of this partial replacement for cement.

44
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Adama, Y. and Jimoh, Y.A. (2011). Production and Classification of Locust Bean Pod Ash
(LBPA) as a Pozzolan. Project Report EngineeringCivil.com.

Adama, Y.A. (2010). A study of Locust Bean Pod Ash/Extract as chemical stabilizer for
Road works in sub-tropical regions; PhD Progress report No.2, University of Ilorin, Ilorin,
Nigeria.

Aguwa, J. I and Okafor, J. O. (2012). Preliminary Investigation in the use of Locust Bean Pod
Extract as Binder for Production of Laterite Blocks for Buildings. International Journal of
Environmental Science, Management and Engineering Research.Vol.1, No.2, Pp.57-67

American Society for Testing and Materials ASTM C618-92a. (1994) Chemical and
Physical Specifications, 2 Parks Street, London.

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Standard Institute (BSI), 2 Parks Street, London.

BS 812 Part 109 (1990). Method for determination of moisture content of aggregates, British
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BS 1881 Part 103 (1993). Method for determination of compacting factor test of concrete,
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BS 1881 Part 124 (1983). Method for analysis of hardened concrete, British Standard
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Standard Institute (BSI), 2 Parks Street, London.

BS 1881 Part 128 (1983). Method for analysis of fresh concrete, British Standard institute(BSI),
2 Parks Street, London.

BS 1881 Part111 (1983). Method for curing of normal concrete specimens, British
Standard institute (BSI), 2 Parks Street, London.

BS 1881 Part 114 (1983). Method for determination of density of hardened concrete, British
Standard Institute (BSI), 2 Parks Street, London.

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BS 5328 part1 (1983). Guide to specifying concrete, British Standard institute (BSI), 2 Parks
Street, London.
BS 5075 Part 1 (1983). Admixtures, British Standard institute (BSI), 2 Parks Street,
London.

BS 1881 Part 116 (1983). Methods for Determining Compressive Strengths of Concrete Cube,
British Standard Institution (BSI), 2 Parks Street, London.

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Street, London, WIA 2BS.

BS EN 12350-2 (2000). Testing fresh concrete, Slump test.

Campbell-Platt, G. (1980). African Locust bean and its West African fermented Products
Dadawa, Eco. Food Nutrition, 9, pp123-132.

George Barnbrook; Ian Neville Guy; Dennis Palmer; J D Parkinson (1975). Cement and
Concrete Association, Concrete practice

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African Locust Bean fruit pulp, African.

Hassan, L.G. and Umar, K.J. (2005). Protein and Amino acids composition of African
Locust bean, Tropical and Sub-tropical Agro ecosystems, An International
Multidisciplinary Journals 15(1), pp45-50.

Neville, A.M. (2000). Properties of Concrete 4th Ed. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Pearson
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Chand & Company Ltd.

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APPENDIX A: Chemical Analysis Result

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 APPENDIX B: Plates

Plate III: Fibre nature of the locust bean pod after pounding

Locust bean pod undergoing soaking process

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 Locust bean pod extract

Plate IV: concrete cubes subjected to surface dried condition before weighing

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Plate V: Compressive strength test of concrete cubes using ADR machine

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