ENVIROMENTAL LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF CACTUS MUCILAGE-MODIFIED CONCRETE

Abstract

development and employment trends in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs). Cement-based materials are the most consumed in infrastructure projects, and embodied carbon in construction materials contribute approximately to 13% of the global GHG emissions. This paper presents findings of an experimental and environmental impact evaluation, conducted on Normal Strength Concrete (NSC) mixtures dosed with Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage (Ofim) as a bio-additive by mass-replacement of the mixing water. A 15% mixing-water mass-replacement resulted in 20% enhancement of compressive strength relative to the conventional mix. In addition, it achieved an average reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 9.6% with a notable decrease in CO2 equivalents resulting from a lower cement content in the Ofim-modified mix. Moreover, enhancement in durability properties of concrete elongates maintenance cycles reducing the demand for materials that would otherwise be used for frequent repairs. The study concluded that Ofim-modified concrete is an environmentally improved material.