Ambient-cured geopolymer concrete with single alkali activator

Abstract

In order to reduce the carbon emissions of concrete production and meet sustainability requirements, a new binding material to replace Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is needed. This study focuses on experimental work to produce and evaluate a sustainable geopolymer concrete using a new approach. Only one activating solution was used instead of the typically two activators to prepare the geopolymer concrete mixes cured at ambient condition. Fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and silica fume were used to produce different concrete mixes that were evaluated for mechanical properties, microstructural performance, and environmental impact. The geopolymer concrete with 100% replacement of cement by GGBS achieved a 36 MPa compressive strength at 28 days without heat curing of the specimens. The tensile strength of the new geopolymer increased by 12% compared to normal concrete. Results also showed that geopolymer concrete has the potential to decrease carbon emissions footprint by more than 60%.