Exploring the Potential of Banana Pseudostem Sap as a Functional Additive for Mortar and Concrete Development

This research investigates the use of Banana Pseudostem Sap (BPS) as a sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical-based admixtures in mortar and concrete. BPS, extracted from Pseudostems collected at Pashchimanchal Campus, was tested to enhance properties such as strength and workability while supporting eco-friendly construction. Initially, mortar samples with varying BPS content (0% to 25%) partially replaced water and were evaluated for workability, density, water absorption, and compressive strength to determine the optimal percentage. Using 15% BPS, concrete mixes were prepared and tested for workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength. The results showed that 15% BPS significantly improved properties. For mortar, workability increased by 38%, and compressive strength rose by 29% at 28 days. In concrete, 15% BPS improved slump by 60%, compressive strength by 1.65%, split tensile strength by 13.7%, and flexural strength by 10.1% at 28 days. These findings establish BPS as a promising bio-admixture, enhancing both workability and performance while reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. By incorporating waste materials, this innovative approach promotes sustainable construction practices and minimizes the environmental impact of building materials, paving the way for greener and more efficient construction solutions.