Fresh and hardened characteristics of a novel alkali-activated geopolymer concrete with GGBFS

Abstract

The development of a country's infrastructure relies heavily on the use of cement concrete as the major building material. The cement industry significantly contributes to global warming due to its substantial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Reducing the consumption of cement in concrete while maintaining its essential features can lead to a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly advancement of the construction sector. By looking at a new concrete mix that includes fly ash (FA) and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS), this study aims to develop cement less concrete. An Alkali-Activated Solution (AAS) was used as the liquid binder along with a dry mix of FA and GGBFS. This study examines the utilization and impact of liquid and solid binders in the production of alkali-activated GGBFS-based Geopolymer Concrete (GPC), as well as the optimal quantities required for their incorporation. Various ratios of AAS to GSB were experimented with to determine the optimum mixture. To find optimum mixture of GGBFS for the GPC, different amounts of GGBFS were utlised as a Partial substitution for fly ash. At 28 days, test specimens, such as cubes, cylinders, and beams, were cast and put to the test. The GPC has also decided to use heat curing to get good results. It is found that the ratio 0.5 between AAS and GSB and a makeup of 75% GGBFS made the strongest material. The results of the study show that using AAS and GGBFS in geopolymer concrete makes a better product, which could be used in places where there is not enough water