Influence of organic agents to compressive strength of cement mortar

Concrete is considered as a primary unit of infrastructure and its performance have significant impacts on sustainability because lot of energy along with various resources are being consumed during its production. Several cementitious and useful organic materials are therefore added intentionally in concrete to enhance its mechanical properties and performance. But few organic materials also get mixed due to polluted construction site and may have severe impacts on performance of concrete structures. Detailed analysis of concrete under such aggressive environment must be assessed. In this research, three types of organic materials (vinegar, gram pulse and frog contaminated water) were selected that usually get mixed unintentionally during placing of concrete in developing countries. Mechanical performance was evaluated by conducting the compressive strength test after 7, 28, 90 and 180 days of curing. It was concluded that all types of organic materials used in mortar adversely affected its compressive strength, especially after a duration of 180 days. Results clearly indicated that mortar was adversely affected by inclusion of such organic materials. But it was ignored up till now and this work will provide awareness to the technologist for sustainable development.