Study of organic and mineral admixtures on strength of concrete in alkaline/ acidic environments

A blend of concrete is prepared with 20% of Ground-Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag (GGBS), 10% of Silica fumes asmineral admixtures and 5% of organic admixture (Trigonella Foenum Graecum) replacing cement. An experimental program was conducted to study the variation in compressive strength of concrete with combination of mineral and organic admixtures in alkali and acidic environment. 21 specimens each of controlled concrete and of concrete with combination of mineral and organic admixtures were cast and compressive strengths were tested after 28 days. 6 specimens of each type were exposed to alkali and acid attack for next 28 and 56 days. Investigation with respect to acid and alkali resistance was carried out on concretes with mineral and organic admixtures and their performance benchmarked against controlled concrete are presented in this paper. Their performances were measured with respect to the loss in compressive strength and weight of concrete cubes. In later stages concrete with mineral and organic admixtures showed better resistance to alkali and acid attacks when compared to controlled concrete.