Civil Engineering Journal
Vol. 12 No. 5 (2026): May

Waterproofing Admixture and Aloe Vera Biopolymer Gel in Concrete: Microstructure, Durability and Structural Validation

Marlon Cubas (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, César Vallejo University, Chiclayo 14012)
Pedro Patazca (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, César Vallejo University, Chiclayo 14012)
Robert Suclupe (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, César Vallejo University, Chiclayo 14012)
Luis Villegas (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, César Vallejo University, Chiclayo 14012)
Omar Coronado (School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil, Systems, and Architecture Engineering (FICSA), National University Pedro Ruiz Gallo, Lambayeque 14013)
Oscar Alvarado (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, César Vallejo University, Chiclayo 14012)
Javier Guerrero (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, César Vallejo University, Chiclayo 14012)
Brayan Perleche (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, César Vallejo University, Chiclayo 14012)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 May 2026

Abstract

Concrete durability in aggressive environments is often limited by chloride ingress, carbonation, and sulfate attack, which compromise structural integrity and increase maintenance costs. This study examines the combined effects of an integral waterproofing admixture (Sika®-1, 3– 4% cement weight) and Aloe vera biopolymer (1–2% cement weight) on mechanical performance, durability, and microstructural characteristics of conventional concrete. Four mixtures were produced: a control (P1) and three hybrid formulations (P2: 4%S1+1%AV; P3: 3.5%S1+1.5%AV; P4: 3%S1+2%AV), subjected to fresh state testing, strength development at 7, 14, and 28 days, and durability assessment including water permeability, chloride penetration, sulfate resistance, carbonation depth, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and surface abrasion through 56 days, alongside X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The optimal mixture (P4) achieved 28.77 MPa compressive strength, reduced water permeability to 0.00420 cm/s, lowered chloride penetration to 138.38 Coulombs, and minimized carbonation depth to 0.44 mm, with microstructural analysis revealing enhanced C-S-H gel densification and refined porosity. Pilot-scale reinforced concrete frames fabricated with P4 exhibited 9.6% lower maximum strain, confirming improved structural stiffness and durability. Techno-economic evaluation yielded an index of 1.104, demonstrating economic viability despite an 11.2% material cost increase. These results support the use of the hybrid admixture system as a sustainable option for extending concrete service life in marine, industrial, and tropical environments.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

cej

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture

Description

Civil Engineering Journal is a multidisciplinary, an open-access, internationally double-blind peer -reviewed journal concerned with all aspects of civil engineering, which include but are not necessarily restricted to: Building Materials and Structures, Coastal and Harbor Engineering, ...