Use of Tunisian Opuntia ficus-indica Cladodes as a Low Cost Renewable Admixture in Cement Mortar Preparations

Abstract

The present study deals with the influence of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes powder on the durability and the mechanical properties of Portland cement mortar, including setting time and compressive strength. A control specimen with ordinary Portland cement was made and in other specimens, cement was replaced with 1, 2.5 and 4% of Opuntia ficus-indica cladode’s powder by weight of cement. The obtained results showed that setting times decreased notably with the addition of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes and that there is an enhancement of the mechanical strength and the resistance to acetic and hydrochloric 5% acid solution compared with the standard specimen.