Sustainable Concrete Modification: Assessing Moringa Gum’s Influence on Structural Integrity, Workability, and Environmental Resilience

This research explores the efficacy of Moringa gum, a natural biopolymer, as a sustainable admixture for optimizing concrete performance while addressing cost barriers in material processing. Evaluated as a multifunctional additive in cement pastes, mortars, and concrete, Moringa gum was tested at concentrations of 0–1.6% (by cement weight) under a fixed water-cement ratio of 0.50. Results demonstrated progressive improvements in compressive (28.70 MPa at 1.2% gum), flexural (8.30 MPa), and split tensile strengths (4.90 MPa) over 90-day curing periods, alongside increased bulk density. Fresh-state performance revealed enhanced workability (slump: 65–85 mm), extended setting times (270–340 minutes), and reduced water demand. Durability assessments indicated improved chloride resistance (corrosion rate: 0.0728 mm/year at 1.2% gum) despite slight early-age strength reductions. The findings position Moringa gum as a viable eco-friendly solution for enhancing concrete’s rheological and mechanical properties in construction applications.