An Experimental Investigation on Geopolymer Concrete Utilising Micronized Biomass Silica and GGBS

Abstract

In the atmosphere greenhouse gases concentration has rapidly increased due to anthropogenic activities which cause global warming. Portland cement manufacturing process requires enormous amount of energy and also consumes huge quantity of natural resources. To overcome this issue, Portland cement free geopolymer concrete is produced with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as main binder and micronized biomass silica (MBS) is substituted in place of GGBS at different quantities. Experimental investigation highlighting mechanical properties and durability performance of geopolymer concrete mixes produced with GGBS and MBS are presented here. Rice husk is used in the manufacture of MBS. Compressive, flexural, split tensile strength, elastic modulus and durability parameters like water absorption, sorptivity, rapid chloride permeability test were conducted. Geopolymer concrete mix with 20 percent MBS and remaining GGBS as binder was found to have optimal strength and durability performance. However, the compressive strength was above the target design strength for all the geopolymer concrete mixes. This experimental investigation vindicates the feasibility of utilizing MBS as a binder raw material in geopolymer concrete production.