Effect of natural gums as viscosity modifiers to reduce transport properties of cement mortar

Durabilty of concrete structures against corrosion of steel and ingression of aggressive species into a concrete is of great concern all over the world. Although several methods are available to make the concrete as smarter and high performance one, a simple way to achieve the properties like high cohesiveness, reduced pore size and its connectivity improved microstructure and reduced transport properties is adding viscosity modifiers with mixing water. In the present research work, several natural gums are added at very little percentage in water and dispersed and used as mixing water for mortar. The required strength tests are conducted and results are discussed in detail.