Research and Development of Concrete Ditch Mixed with Rubber Latex for Farm Irrigation System

Abstract

Research and development of concrete ditch mixed with rubber latex farm irrigation system. This study analyzed the physical and mechanical properties of concrete mixed with rubber latex (pre-vulcanized). The experiment was performed in a laboratory to test the properties of the mixture in terms of microstructure, workability, compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength and water absorption of concrete. To test the performance polymer and cement (P/C) were mixed in different proportions of 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 10% and 15% by weight to prepare the solution and was further added to concrete and the strength of the structure was tested after 28 days. The results indicated that the polymer cement ratio (P/C) of 1% gives the best performance with 244 ksc compressive strength, 35 ksc tensile strength, 46 ksc flexural strength and 1% water absorption of concrete. Thus, this study recommends that polymer cement ratio (P/C) of 1% by weight is most suitable for construction of concrete ditches. The material used in construction of irrigation ditch was consist of Portland cement 50 kg, sand 135 kg, gravel 148 kg, water 29.67 kg and rubber latex 0.83 kg. For field research precast concrete lining ditch having the bottom width of 0.4 m, height 0.3 m and thickness 0.07 m were constructed using the recommended mixture. The preliminary evaluation of the ditches in the field also indicates that these ditches allow water to flow quickly and easily. Reduction in the seepage loss the irrigation efficiency has improved significantly.