A Preliminary Study on Biopolymerised Concrete with Sawdust as an Admixture

Abstract

In this study bio polymer obtained from Tapioca starch and sawdust in fine form were assessed for the use as partial replacement of cement materials for an application in lightweight concrete. Physical and chemical characteristics of bio polymer and sawdust were analyzed initially. Properties of concrete that has been investigated were compressive, tensile and flexural strength. The cement has been replaced by bio polymer and saw dust accordingly in the range of 1 and 2–5%, respectively for M-20 concrete mix. The concrete specimens were tested in three series as compression test, split tensile test and flexural test. These tests were carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties of concrete after 28 days curing.
Keywords: Bio polymer saw dust, Compression test, Replacement