Experimental Investigation on Mechanical and Durability Properties of Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract

Abstract: Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is a new type of concrete that is made with alkaline activators and aluminosilicate materials, such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). GPC has several advantages over traditional Portland cement concrete (OPC), including higher early strength, better durability, and lower environmental impact. This paper presents an experimental analysis of the mechanical and durability properties of GPC. The mechanical properties investigated include compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity. The results show that GPC has comparable or better mechanical properties than OPC at all ages. GPC also has superior durability properties to OPC, with lower water absorption, higher acid resistance, and lower chloride permeability. The overall findings of this study indicate that GPC is a promising alternative to OPC for a wide range of applications. Since Geopolymer concrete doesn’t use any cement, the production of cement shall be reduced and hence the pollution of atmosphere by the emission of carbon dioxide shall also be minimized. Cement, being a key material of concrete, experiencing a rise in global demand. It has a massive carbon footprint having a contribution of about 8% to the global Carbon dioxide emissions. Geopolymer concrete has a huge potential to replace ordinary Portland concrete. For sustainable construction, GPC reduces the use of cement and finds the alternative of cement for the material's binding property. So, the geopolymer concrete is an alternative to Portland cement concrete and it is a potential material having large commercial value and for sustainable development in Indian construction industries.