ABSTRACT
This research delves into the integration of diverse admixtures in concrete, aiming to augment its mechanical and durability traits. Specifically, it focuses on investigating the unconventional use of sugar as an admixture and its impact on concrete's physical properties, including compressive strength, workability, and durability. Experimental tests, encompassing compressive strength, slump, and durability assessments, explore the effects of varying sugar concentrations as a percentage of cement weight. The study seeks optimal proportions for enhanced performance, offering insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of sugar as a sustainable and economically viable concrete admixture. The findings gotten with a mix design from the experiment was 1:1.68:3 with w/c ratio of 0.48 with sugar added to the concrete at different percentage of 0.05,0.5, 1, 5, and 10. Slump test was carried out for all the batches to determine its workability, after 24hrs curing was carried out for 7 days, 14 days and 28 days .These cubes specimens were of dimension 100x100x100mm. These findings of this study indicate that mixing sugar with concrete results in a noticeable alteration of its properties. Consequently, it can be inferred that as the percentage of sugar increases up to 1%, the setting time of the concrete increases. After surpassing a 1% sugar content, there is a significant decrease in the setting time of concrete. Hence sugar acts as a retarder when used beyond this threshold in concrete proportions. A sugar content equivalent to 0.05% by weight of cement has been observed to enhance compressive strength. There was no detrimental effects observed on the concrete and cement paste at the sugar level of 0.05% for the concrete cube analyzed. Sugar content exceeding 1% by weight of cement accelerated the setting time with a slight decrease in initial strength, Additionally, excessive volume expansion resulted in the visible cracks within the sample itself. Thoughtfully incorporating sugar can offer an economic contribute to advancing concrete technology, providing a novel approach to improve physical properties while addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional admixtures. This research holds implications for innovative materials in the construction industry, potentially influencing sustainable and resilient infrastructure development.
