Fermented Banana Stem Extract as a Sustainable Water-Reducing Admixture in Concrete

Fermented Banana Stem Extract as a Sustainable Water-Reducing Admixture in Concrete | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Fermented Banana Stem Extract as a Sustainable Water-Reducing Admixture in Concrete Gokarna Awasthi, Shankar Bhujel, Tika Sagar Adhikari, Saurav Gautam, and 3 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8017427/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 14 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study explores the utilization of Fermented Banana Stem (FBS) extract as a sustainable bio-based water-reducing admixture in concrete. The FBS extract was prepared by collecting fresh banana stems, cleaning, chopping, and mixing them with water in a 1:1 ratio by weight. The mixture was then fermented naturally at room temperature for seven days, followed by filtration to obtain brownish, mildly fermented liquid rich in organic compounds. Physical characterization revealed a viscous texture and earthy odor, while chemical analysis confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and organic acids, which are known to enhance workability, strength, and durability in cementitious systems. In the experimental phase, FBS extract was used to partially replace mixing water at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% proportions for an M20 grade Concrete. Standard tests were conducted to evaluate the workability (slump test), compressive strength (after 7 and 28 days of curing), and durability (water absorption test) of the prepared concrete mixes. Results indicated that FBS addition significantly improved workability, The slump increased from 75 mm to 112 mm. The maximum compressive strength of 30.25 MPa was observed at 15% replacement, attributed to improved particle dispersion and enhanced hydration due to the organic compounds present in the extract. Beyond 20% replacement, a slight reduction in strength was recorded, suggesting an oversaturation effect. Moreover, water absorption decreased consistently with increasing FBS content, confirming improved pore structure and reduced permeability. In conclusion, Fermented Banana Stem extract can serve as an effective and eco-friendly admixture in concrete production. An optimum dosage of 15% replacement of mixing water enhances workability, compressive strength, and durability, promoting sustainable and green construction practices. FBS extract Bio-based Admixture Workability Compressive Strength Water Absorption Sustainable Concrete Full Text Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 21 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 20 Jan, 2026 Reviews received at journal 19 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 18 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 16 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 16 Jan, 2026 Reviews received at journal 16 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 16 Jan, 2026 Reviews received at journal 05 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 04 Dec, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 24 Nov, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 18 Nov, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 15 Nov, 2025 First submitted to journal 15 Nov, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8017427","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":551506252,"identity":"56a78fc6-a06c-44b0-813b-9af70802d8fc","order_by":0,"name":"Gokarna Awasthi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Madan Bhandari College of Engineering","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Gokarna","middleName":"","lastName":"Awasthi","suffix":""},{"id":551506253,"identity":"d43acd66-5d2f-4eb2-b26b-c638ab449140","order_by":1,"name":"Shankar Bhujel","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Madan Bhandari College of Engineering","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Shankar","middleName":"","lastName":"Bhujel","suffix":""},{"id":551506254,"identity":"669d8f6a-e9d1-489c-877e-ef1d937d33b0","order_by":2,"name":"Tika Sagar Adhikari","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Madan Bhandari College of Engineering","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Tika","middleName":"Sagar","lastName":"Adhikari","suffix":""},{"id":551506255,"identity":"e59aae3d-e948-43c6-8b4c-d1934d61b4ed","order_by":3,"name":"Saurav Gautam","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Madan Bhandari College of Engineering","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Saurav","middleName":"","lastName":"Gautam","suffix":""},{"id":551506256,"identity":"acfb346b-5321-49c8-8188-d1d58dc8b05d","order_by":4,"name":"Samiksha Ghising","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Madan Bhandari College of Engineering","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Samiksha","middleName":"","lastName":"Ghising","suffix":""},{"id":551506261,"identity":"947de431-a7eb-47c2-8cca-5d032e4a70e1","order_by":5,"name":"Samika Sunuwar","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Madan Bhandari College of Engineering","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Samika","middleName":"","lastName":"Sunuwar","suffix":""},{"id":551506263,"identity":"7c6dc55c-3c3c-4663-bc3b-e12319ef7bfd","order_by":6,"name":"Kaushal Kumar","email":"data:image/png;base64,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","orcid":"","institution":"Jaypee University of Information Technology","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Kaushal","middleName":"","lastName":"Kumar","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-11-03 09:38:23","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8017427/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8017427/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":97138436,"identity":"21d296df-c1cf-4e82-93fa-098d4ad92c59","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:58:51","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":1214396,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"FermentedBananaStemExtractasaSustainableWaterReducingAdmixtureinConcrete151125.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/a155b95429f0343beaa1ca35.docx"},{"id":96986135,"identity":"eb5b71a4-ad87-4c44-9caa-a35925e63f39","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"json","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":8612,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"2cc50cf7927640ba897fe288c44df334.json","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/50f96bfced8cedc8f3eb77cf.json"},{"id":97138063,"identity":"c762fd83-79c1-4eab-ae47-809b4ae1e872","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:58:27","extension":"xml","order_by":2,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":99569,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"2cc50cf7927640ba897fe288c44df3341enriched.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/eff56ef7191f5127011ec57c.xml"},{"id":97137915,"identity":"969c330c-09d2-4491-8b67-637d157a36e0","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:58:18","extension":"jpeg","order_by":3,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":5598,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/f0a352089ea5d34a5fcea567.jpeg"},{"id":96986136,"identity":"c82c20a7-74ec-42c8-8489-e1bea93d583d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"jpeg","order_by":4,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":72627,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage10.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/a23a4a8a83cce57d82330a45.jpeg"},{"id":97138154,"identity":"194244db-c951-407f-9c88-81b41d5fca31","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:58:33","extension":"jpeg","order_by":5,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":59512,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage11.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/29296db5ab5480a19b3d6b90.jpeg"},{"id":97137884,"identity":"2865a8b6-7632-4f6a-9efe-7cff65730bbe","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:58:17","extension":"jpeg","order_by":6,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":67910,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage12.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/98b984a0452ed615e6580d30.jpeg"},{"id":96986148,"identity":"f5b61ad6-d0d6-4428-b13c-a4b748221254","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"jpeg","order_by":7,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":19760,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage13.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/0387a9ba7dbb201b5f5231cb.jpeg"},{"id":96986139,"identity":"a144baef-68f4-4df6-97ed-028da3815a37","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"jpeg","order_by":8,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":48460,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage14.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/7288d25df81b23505da0f792.jpeg"},{"id":97138591,"identity":"b5c787ab-c0c7-455e-b6b1-39c282cbb4bc","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:59:07","extension":"jpeg","order_by":9,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":70789,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage15.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/5eb5fd47dfb573d3eccb5eb4.jpeg"},{"id":97136909,"identity":"8b34e06d-16a9-4eae-929c-14a22974c817","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:57:06","extension":"jpeg","order_by":10,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":24562,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage16.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/4bbe4559d443a0ffd618f3be.jpeg"},{"id":96986142,"identity":"93750b40-5c21-45c4-a227-ae83b7deb153","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"jpeg","order_by":11,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":47882,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage17.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/2695046551c55ee59f849e19.jpeg"},{"id":96986154,"identity":"5841d0fd-5e0a-4d34-be8c-3a8326adb3c7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"png","order_by":12,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":14425,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage18.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/0e0c692933ad615788ea83e3.png"},{"id":96986150,"identity":"2c0d24fc-4d7d-4514-95b6-9790d3d20d70","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"jpeg","order_by":13,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":35389,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage19.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/3581e1d7e1984bee589666d3.jpeg"},{"id":96986146,"identity":"3e303f9d-28d5-4576-8b25-600195e4b2cb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"jpeg","order_by":14,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":26306,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/15cfb67867278601403b6ab6.jpeg"},{"id":96986157,"identity":"f0937f61-8079-4132-ad4e-250b495b8c4c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"jpeg","order_by":15,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":153993,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage20.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/440fd1b19c829e2ada19e8d8.jpeg"},{"id":96986151,"identity":"eee44d20-f94c-4f0f-b4d7-e7bfcdab4c4f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"jpeg","order_by":16,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":221429,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage21.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/7588faec5421c4e6916761be.jpeg"},{"id":97138395,"identity":"8dc46cac-47ef-4cea-9552-541a4914c01a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:58:49","extension":"jpeg","order_by":17,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":161722,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage22.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/b84d4eb76c685f4155d75232.jpeg"},{"id":96986149,"identity":"96e4c11f-8cda-48d3-8af1-766fb72e4ee5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"jpeg","order_by":18,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":65519,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage3.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/3ff46410467029ef1bd426f1.jpeg"},{"id":96986156,"identity":"b65a24c7-0d22-45cb-a156-bd3e80d7c386","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"jpeg","order_by":19,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":112813,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage4.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/84232463159c5786652b70f4.jpeg"},{"id":97138120,"identity":"f5499db2-5b54-425f-8b0d-8ac4a6c22316","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:58:30","extension":"jpeg","order_by":20,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":47838,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage5.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/d6392d406786a56efc18b756.jpeg"},{"id":97139142,"identity":"8ae59426-8e56-444f-87b1-6bbd03f59a43","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:59:41","extension":"jpeg","order_by":21,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":76741,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage6.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/c567fff9d7eb6b967dcd0b54.jpeg"},{"id":96986162,"identity":"dac96d89-8c5f-4505-876d-ffd3b4c1b73c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"jpeg","order_by":22,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":58843,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage7.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/7460c93bfaa42ac1394e6367.jpeg"},{"id":96986160,"identity":"d4f500a4-79ca-478b-9617-141eb53ad5ae","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"jpeg","order_by":23,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":52374,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage8.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/9f10dfeeede7a1265f3078a7.jpeg"},{"id":96986158,"identity":"5220fbfa-1b12-4513-9a08-3498c80a8510","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"jpeg","order_by":24,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":56940,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage9.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/593b5d9b2eb896b691def361.jpeg"},{"id":97137045,"identity":"f87b67d8-239c-4647-a66b-adb7bad0b368","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:57:19","extension":"png","order_by":25,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":7281,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/3eee9c9cd89036cfb0642fd7.png"},{"id":96986167,"identity":"2a16b840-bab3-4af4-93e3-714b3318f880","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:13","extension":"png","order_by":26,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":68563,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage10.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/d372c12b450293babd75e58b.png"},{"id":96986159,"identity":"4de085dc-1e3a-43ff-82df-aaa56b2762ea","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"png","order_by":27,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":59196,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage11.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/c07eec7d7b330a713377dd01.png"},{"id":97138364,"identity":"595d2b5c-e660-45a1-adf9-c8534b2f1ee7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:58:49","extension":"png","order_by":28,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":42699,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage12.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/2a513908fb0f3e6cd0039767.png"},{"id":97138216,"identity":"56f0f0fd-c9ab-481e-8933-18339f6f705e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:58:38","extension":"png","order_by":29,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":29024,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage13.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/6c6a2dfa0aef290442cd92b6.png"},{"id":97138762,"identity":"58a02fee-3aee-4385-97ac-0106073d15fa","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:59:19","extension":"png","order_by":30,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":52468,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage14.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/709dd1ca6340263e197e39c3.png"},{"id":97248462,"identity":"5e09e41a-8f01-4bf3-8fa8-f12ecf90e43c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-02 12:59:04","extension":"png","order_by":31,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":46057,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage15.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/31c861c0aa296d4ddce76c21.png"},{"id":96986161,"identity":"920704eb-f8e7-43da-b34a-25c3f8b9bf19","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:12","extension":"png","order_by":32,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":15768,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage16.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/98e652f159002ff8e5ec5791.png"},{"id":96986163,"identity":"9f87c4cf-3681-4107-bb88-d8dc600b0824","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:13","extension":"png","order_by":33,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":53433,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage17.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/9611f59317d744a594eb98b6.png"},{"id":97138636,"identity":"75422fc8-db23-4943-9ba2-d3a67c3f40d7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:59:08","extension":"png","order_by":34,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":14213,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage18.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/ef8699040b8f7e96f62f8404.png"},{"id":96986177,"identity":"eaf57e58-3a3f-4aa2-b594-c41818d9a583","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:13","extension":"png","order_by":35,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":23553,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage19.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/58af3db61b00faf7032989e0.png"},{"id":97138034,"identity":"b5af069d-1fe0-4bd3-897c-3a5602ca5097","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:58:25","extension":"png","order_by":36,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":33486,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/27e4104f18e737eef7f1c80d.png"},{"id":96986175,"identity":"3844b3a9-8c07-4aa0-a478-65f4d3811aa6","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:13","extension":"png","order_by":37,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":29005,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage20.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/34c6b093a3efbe12f98e2d7e.png"},{"id":96986179,"identity":"2bd741f7-7143-4e7b-93b8-8ad7968288e2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:13","extension":"png","order_by":38,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":41104,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage21.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/fb2b62e8706c970795e02cc0.png"},{"id":96986173,"identity":"9fd75e29-8625-43c0-8201-3042cc59f0e4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:13","extension":"png","order_by":39,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":30490,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage22.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/14ed06bf6c946747cceb6eb4.png"},{"id":96986180,"identity":"465f87ef-bf1f-4069-803f-7520b0f07b78","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:13","extension":"png","order_by":40,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":51437,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/084a096409c34c84e855e9dd.png"},{"id":97137906,"identity":"3ad0312e-d2f1-4b75-84a9-7300b8962c8c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:58:18","extension":"png","order_by":41,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":71724,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/bab28d7bb8c26e9e5d48d449.png"},{"id":96986168,"identity":"6599ba72-78ed-4993-8521-497793c84c3d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:13","extension":"png","order_by":42,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":55732,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/c6fb24dc59b10cc9cc70ea28.png"},{"id":97137947,"identity":"db776b5e-531c-44b3-a523-4f0c4191e650","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:58:21","extension":"png","order_by":43,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":81029,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/12b71c6d730db2abd9d570e2.png"},{"id":97138598,"identity":"4403dc6e-8ef5-42dc-abee-2a0a1d2efbc8","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:59:07","extension":"png","order_by":44,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":64107,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/8a6c4b58804195a78e3f36ad.png"},{"id":96986182,"identity":"7492312f-8eae-4768-9439-7218c331f380","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:13","extension":"png","order_by":45,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":33361,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/4bf34daf436ce6d32f42d75b.png"},{"id":97138274,"identity":"82d55603-098b-4a48-b693-35a7bf7deeff","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 09:58:42","extension":"png","order_by":46,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":38680,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage9.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/d558766b34df8253a667dfd3.png"},{"id":96986181,"identity":"e044ae6a-c912-4cc4-89db-fbc133dbcd14","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:13","extension":"xml","order_by":47,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":96784,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"2cc50cf7927640ba897fe288c44df3341structuring.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/326c35c0a772fea1c45b01db.xml"},{"id":96986184,"identity":"03ff1fee-f20a-4595-8ae7-c58a05a34781","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-28 10:11:13","extension":"html","order_by":48,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":106523,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1/514a0b09f88050271d49fef3.html"},{"id":97251897,"identity":"9734303b-2e1d-48da-8da8-9664659a969d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-02 13:20:45","extension":"pdf","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":948834,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"FermentedBananaStemExtractasaSustainableWaterReducingAdmixtureinConcrete151125.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8017427/v1_covered_a3a8f8a1-154f-4e3c-9ac2-04c3b61195cb.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Fermented Banana Stem Extract as a Sustainable Water-Reducing Admixture in Concrete","fulltext":[],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":false,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":true,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":true,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-civil-engineering","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Civil Engineering](https://www.springer.com/journal/44290)","snPcode":"44290","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/44290","title":"Discover Civil Engineering","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"FBS extract, Bio-based Admixture, Workability, Compressive Strength, Water Absorption, Sustainable Concrete","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8017427/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8017427/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis study explores the utilization of Fermented Banana Stem (FBS) extract as a sustainable bio-based water-reducing admixture in concrete. The FBS extract was prepared by collecting fresh banana stems, cleaning, chopping, and mixing them with water in a 1:1 ratio by weight. The mixture was then fermented naturally at room temperature for seven days, followed by filtration to obtain brownish, mildly fermented liquid rich in organic compounds. Physical characterization revealed a viscous texture and earthy odor, while chemical analysis confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and organic acids, which are known to enhance workability, strength, and durability in cementitious systems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the experimental phase, FBS extract was used to partially replace mixing water at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% proportions for an M20 grade Concrete. Standard tests were conducted to evaluate the workability (slump test), compressive strength (after 7 and 28 days of curing), and durability (water absorption test) of the prepared concrete mixes. Results indicated that FBS addition significantly improved workability, The slump increased from 75 mm to 112 mm. The maximum compressive strength of 30.25 MPa was observed at 15% replacement, attributed to improved particle dispersion and enhanced hydration due to the organic compounds present in the extract. Beyond 20% replacement, a slight reduction in strength was recorded, suggesting an oversaturation effect. Moreover, water absorption decreased consistently with increasing FBS content, confirming improved pore structure and reduced permeability.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, Fermented Banana Stem extract can serve as an effective and eco-friendly admixture in concrete production. An optimum dosage of 15% replacement of mixing water enhances workability, compressive strength, and durability, promoting sustainable and green construction practices.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Fermented Banana Stem Extract as a Sustainable Water-Reducing Admixture in Concrete","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-11-28 10:11:07","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8017427/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2026-01-21T09:32:37+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"22154410056921961019761130801998225858","date":"2026-01-20T10:59:06+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-01-19T06:39:42+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"7178195811010312833059669415047883382","date":"2026-01-19T03:47:05+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"140590620527398345243744301331863641031","date":"2026-01-17T02:39:46+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"192126925645520949309605624694107900164","date":"2026-01-17T00:09:11+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-01-16T22:04:12+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"147672792928266823539180663949104029069","date":"2026-01-16T20:05:08+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-01-05T14:45:28+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"177683874622996373420031587837383323739","date":"2025-12-04T15:07:57+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-11-24T11:05:40+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-11-18T10:44:53+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-11-15T18:16:30+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Discover Civil Engineering","date":"2025-11-15T18:13:48+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-civil-engineering","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Civil Engineering](https://www.springer.com/journal/44290)","snPcode":"44290","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/44290","title":"Discover Civil Engineering","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"cd2e118a-9d83-4528-8dec-3b9b41f9b926","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 28th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-05-05T12:25:50+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-11-28 10:11:07","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8017427","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8017427","identity":"rs-8017427","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}