Durability properties of copper slag and coal bottom ash based I-shaped geopolymer paver blocks

Abstract

Geopolymer mortar was prepared with aluminate and silicate-bearing minerals with caustic activators like fly ash (FA), and copper slag (CS). The impression focused on the entire replacement of extensive and energy-intensive Portland cement and traditional natural fine aggregates with coal bottom ash and CS in manufacturing of sustainable geopolymer paving blocks suitable for both rural and urban infrastructure. The designed paver blocks were tested for various durability tests such as water absorption, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, efflorescence and initial rate of absorption. In overall, the findings indicate the recommendation of geopolymer paving blocks containing 70% of CS and 30% of CBA with different concentrations of alkali activators. Also, the aforesaid geopolymer paver blocks, were found to be efficient compared to conventional (FA and PC) based paver blocks as the same were resulted in reduced water absorption (up to 15%). Similarly GPC mixes, resulted in better resistance (as the same were yielded up to 15% and 70%) against abrasion and chemical attack compared to conventional paver blocks respectively. Based on experimental findings, irrespective of the cost, the designed GPC mixes demonstrated excellent resistance towards aforementioned durability aspects compared to the conventional mix based paver blocks.