Influence of granite waste on mechanical and durability properties of fly ash-based geopolymer concrete

Abstract

Momentous issues like interminable manufacturing of cement, liberating colossal quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere, and enormous discarding of granite waste by various industries disturbing the ecological system are provoking to be an issue of global warming worldwide. This research has focused on efficacious reutilization of granite waste in the preparation of fly ash-based geopolymer concrete. Granite waste was reutilized as fractional replacement of natural fine aggregates (sand) in varied proportions from 0 to 20% by weight in 5% incremental order. The performance evaluation of geopolymer concrete incorporated with granite waste was carried out through strength and durability studies such as dry density, compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, modulus of elasticity, water permeability, chloride penetration depth, acid attack, and carbonation. Geopolymer concrete’s mass change was determined using thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermogravimetry. Reutilization of granite waste in the preparation of fly ash-based geopolymer concrete provides solution for issues related to waste management and improved several geopolymer concrete’s properties. All the strength and durability test results divulged that geopolymer concrete prepared with granite waste up to 15% substitution of natural fine aggregates possessed superiority regarding mechanical properties and durability characteristics in contrast with control geopolymer concrete.