Strength Properties of Clay Based Geopolymer Concrete Using Spent Filter Sand as Fine Aggregates

Abstract

The high cost of construction materials around the globe has encouraged researchers to make findings on the use of materials within their locality for infrastructure development. This will reduce both construction cost, and environmental pollution caused by manufacturing materials such as Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) which comes with CO2 emission. Hence, this study examined the strength properties of clay based geopolymer concrete made with spent filter sand as fine aggregates. The strength properties of the concrete were tested after curing for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The results showed that, the clay soil is under class C ash (sum of acidic oxide equals 55.83%). The highest compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength in 28 days are respectively; 30.33 N/mm2, 6.41 N/mm2, and 6.30 N/mm2. There was good strength development as the curing days increased generally. Hence, the use of SFS in clay based geopolymer concrete did not compromise the strength of the concrete but instead improved the tensile strength and flexural strength by more than 100%.