The effect of adding Zebar as partial replacement of mixing water on the
properties of concrete is investigated. In particular, this research is done to
study the effect of adding Zebar on durability and permeability. The effect on
durability is studied by performing abrasion test using Rotating Cutter Head
Machine. The effect on permeability is investigated by measuring the air
content of freshly mixed concrete using the pressure method. Furthermore,
absorption test has been done for the specimens at age of 28 days.
Our results show that the compressive strength decreased when the Zebar
percentage was up to 10% of mixing water, but beyond that the compressive
strength increased by increasing the Zebar percentage. Furthermore, at a Zebar
percentage of 30-35% the compressive strength increased up to 24% of the
strength of concrete without using Zebar.
Regarding permeability, the results show that the air content for all
mixes increased up to 5% by adding Zebar. this implies that Zebar can be used as
air entrained agent especially in frost conditions.