Effect of Effective Microorganisms (EM) on concrete performance

Abstract

Concrete technology is life-long research. The technology strives to discover the best additives or admixtures that are able to produce good concrete in terms of physical, chemical and mechanical properties in a more economical, sustainable, environmental friendly and obtainable. Since admixtures for concrete are known to improve the properties of concrete and indirectly increase the strength of concrete, they are now widely used in the construction industry all over the world. Admixtures itself comes with various types and forms, so intensive studies have been done to improve an applications and functions of admixture. The effective microorganisms (EM) which were invented by scientist in Japan started to use as admixture for concrete. Thus, this study describes the analysis of the properties of concrete containing effective microorganisms (EM) as admixture. This study focuses the effect of different dosages of EM toward strength of concrete. The compressive strength test was carried out to analyze these properties by using the concrete cubes with size 100mm x 100mm x 100mm. These concrete mixes were tested at different ages which are 7, 14 and 28 days. Effective microorganism (EM) replacement percentages are 5%, 10% and 15% and the strength of concrete with EM replacement will be compared with the concrete control. All the cubes were cured by immersed in the water for curing process before the compressive strength tests were conducted. Some results obtained from the tests shows predictable result. The experimental results show that 10% EM gives satisfactory results and approaching the compressive strength test results of the control concrete. This is a very valuable result in concrete field especially in admixtures application.