| dc.description.abstract | In this paper, Gum Arabic (GA) obtained from Acacia
Senegal trees found in northern Kenya and most of other semi
arid areas in Kenya was used in self compacting concrete as a
superplasticizer. The research sought to establish the effect of
Gum Arabic on concrete rheology at varying dosages and waterpowder ratio. Series of mix design trials were conducted based on
European Standard for design of self-compacting concrete
(EFNARC). The final optimum mix design ratio applied were:
water-powder ratio of 1.1, 1.0, 0.9 and 0.8 and Gum Arabic
dosages of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12% by weight of cement
while the coarse and fine aggregates content applied was 28%
and 45% respectively. The resultant mix was tested for passing
ability, flow ability and segregation resistance .The results show
that Gum Arabic is suitable for use as a superplasticizer in self
compacting concrete and a dosage of 8% by weight of cement for
water-powder ratio of 1.0, 0.9 and 0.8 by volume and aggregate
ratio of 28% coarse and 45% fine is recommended. It is also
noted that it has an advantage of being environment friendly. | en_US |
