Effect of Spontaneous Drying on Mechanical Parameters of Alkali-Activated Slag Mortar

Abstract

Alkali-activated slag is a material which has great potential for use in industrial applications. The main drawback of this material is the high level of autogenous and especially drying shrinkage that affects it, causing the deterioration of its mechanical properties. Mechanical and mechanical fracture parameter values show that an alkali-activated slag composite which is saturated with water is more brittle and exhibits lower strength in comparison with the same material after being surface-dried. These results are essential for the adjustment of testing conditions in order to obtain accurate and reproducible results.