Ordinary Portland Cement Concrete Research Articles

EFFECT OF DOSE AND TYPES OF THE WATER REDUCING ADMIXTURES AND SUPERPLASTICIZERS ON CONCRETE STRENGTH AND DURABILITY BEHAVIOUR: A REVIEW

As one of the concrete admixtures, water reducing admixtures and superplasticizers are usually used to reduce the mixing water volume and improve the performance of the harden concrete while maintaining better workability of the fresh concrete. However, the concrete strength and durability properties are affected differently by different types and dosages of the water reducing admixtures and superplasticizers. Based on the published literatures, this paper comprehensively reviews and analyzes this problem. Different types of the concretes, including ordinary Portland cement concrete, ordinary Portland cement concrete containing pozzolan, fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag, calcium sulfoaluminate cement concrete, ferrite aluminate cement concrete, recycled aggregates concrete, lightweight aggregate concrete, self-compacting concrete and ultra-high performance concrete, are considered to discuss the influence of types and dosages of the water reducing admixtures and superplasticizers on their strengths. Water absorption, frost resistance and permeability resistance of the concrete are mainly reviewed to discuss this influence on the durability properties of the concrete. Then, some suggestions on the application of the water reducing admixtures and superplasticizers in reinforced concrete structures and projects are proposed.

Influence of Bentonite and Polypropylene Fibers on Geopolymer Concrete

Bentonite is one of the SiO2-rich pozzolanic clay types that has been enormously employed as a cost-effective and eco-friendly supplementary cementitious material in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete. However, the use of bentonite in geopolymer concrete (GPC) has not been explored very widely. Further, the research available on the effect of utilizing treated bentonite in GPC is limited. The practical application of GPC is also very limited due to its significant shrinkage and high brittleness compared to OPC concrete. There are several studies available that have highlighted the use of polypropylene fibers (PPF) in improving the mechanical properties of GPC by reducing drying shrinkage and enhancing ductility. However, the effect of PPF on the durability properties of GPC needs to be addressed. Further, the effect of the combined integration of bentonite and PPF on the mechanical and durability properties of GPC has not been reported yet. The aim of this study is, therefore, to investigate the individual and combined effect of bentonite and PPF on the workability, mechanical properties, and durability of fly ash (FA)-based GPC. Bentonite replaced 10% of FA, and PPF was added at varying proportions (0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%) for raw and treated bentonite. Slump test was used to assess workability, while compressive, tensile, and flexural tests were utilized to evaluate the mechanical properties. Water absorption, acid attack, and abrasion resistance tests were used to evaluate durability. The results showed that bentonite and PPF significantly enhance mechanical properties, especially when combined with treated bentonite, with the highest improvement observed for mixtures with 1% PPF. The compressive strength was improved by an extent of 10% and 18% for raw bentonite-GPC and treated bentonite-GPC, respectively, compared to the control mix without bentonite. The durability test results revealed that water absorption of raw and treated bentonite-GPC mixtures at the age of 90 days was decreased by 16% and 21%, respectively, compared to the control mix (without bentonite). The mass loss of raw and treated bentonite-GPC mixtures in sulphuric acid solution was 5% and 10% lower, respectively, than the control mix (without bentonite). The mass loss of raw and treated bentonite-GPC mixtures in abrasion resistance tests was 6% and 12% lower, respectively, than the control mix (without bentonite). For durability performance, mixtures with 0.5% PPF perform the best, while higher PPF contents negatively impact the GPC durability.

Experimental and Analytical Investigations on Shear Performance of Ambient-Cured Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete Beams

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has emerged as a sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC) as GPC significantly reduces embodied carbon dioxide emissions. This study compared the shear behavior of reinforced OPCC beams and GPC beams of the same cross-section and compressive strength. The study tested nine beams under three-point bending to evaluate the effects of concrete type and shear span on the shear strength. The results showed that OPCC and GPC beams exhibited relatively similar reduction rates in the shear strength with increasing a/d ratios, while the failure mode shifted from shear in OPCC beams to shear-flexure in GPC beams. The maximum deflection of GPC beams significantly increased with increasing a/d ratios. Moreover, empirical shear strength equations, intended for OPCC beams in various design codes, underestimated the shear strength of GPC beams by about 11.0-26.9% at the a/d ratio of 4.3 but significantly underestimated the shear strengths of GPC beams by 77% at lower a/d ratios of 1.6 and 2.9. Therefore, modifications are proposed to the existing design OPCC shear strength equations to significantly improve the prediction accuracy for the shear strength of GPC beams.

Unveiling the Influence of Varied Alumina Sources on Fresh Properties of Ordinary Portland Cement Mortar and Concrete: A Comprehensive Review

Unveiling the Influence of Varied Alumina Sources on Fresh Properties of Ordinary Portland Cement Mortar and Concrete: A Comprehensive Review

Experimental study on carbonation depths of OPC and PPC concrete by conventional and advanced methods

Experimental study on carbonation depths of OPC and PPC concrete by conventional and advanced methods

Bond behavior between metallic and non-metallic bars and sustainable concrete: preliminary study

The study presented in the paper deals with the development and the characterization of an innovative shrinkage-compensating high-workability alkali activated slag-based eco-concrete for the repair and strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) members. Furthermore, after the characterization of developed mixture at both fresh and hardened state, the paper focuses on the bond behavior between the new concrete and metallic and non-metallic (fiber reinforced polymer – FRP) rebars with the aim to: a) identify the main parameters influencing the stress transfer mechanisms at the interface and, b) to evaluate the bond-slip constitutive relationship by varying the steel bar diameter, the bonded length and, in the case of FRP bars, the surface treatment. To this purpose, a wide experimental program was organized which includes more than 100 pull-out tests performed on several types of rebars bonded to the new concrete and the preliminary results are presented here. The bond performance is also examined through a comparison with the results from similar tests performed by employing ordinary Portland cement concrete blocks characterized by equivalent compressive strength and workability class of the innovative green concrete.

Interfacial bond behavior between normal OPC concrete and self-compacting geopolymer concrete enhanced by nano-SiO2

This study investigated the interfacial bond performances between ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC) and self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC). The studied factors include nano-SiO2, repair material type, curing time, casting direction, and interface pretreatment method. The interfacial bond performances were assessed by Bi-surface shear and drying shrinkage tests. The evolutions in elemental compositions, hydration products, and microstructure in the matrix and interface were verified by BSE/EDS, XRD, and FTIR tests, respectively. ANOVA analysis was conducted to quantitatively analyze the influences of each factor from a statistical approach. The results demonstrated that the bond strength of SCGC increased by 24.5% to 31.7% compared to conventional OPCC. Meanwhile, geopolymers exhibited more compact microstructures but higher drying shrinkage (εsh,u=891 µε). While nanofillers significantly amplified the cracking potential of geopolymers, which was attributed to the higher early-stage autogenous shrinkage instead of drying shrinkage. The SCGC showed a high enrichment degree of calcium at the interface, indicating that more calcium-rich products were formed. In contrast, the use of nano-SiO2 in SCGC caused the enrichment of Na, Al, and Si at the interfacial regions, which provided extra nucleation sites for the polymerization of (C, N)-A-S-H gels. The nano-SiO2 enhanced the intensity of the hydroxide ion and Si-O-T band and promoted the formation of (C, N)-A-S-H gels. The ANOVA analysis proved that the repair material, nano-SiO2, and interface treatment were significant factors to affect the interfacial bond strength. In addition, geopolymer-based repair materials were less sensitive to the casting direction, which differed from the conventional self-compacting OPCC.

Durability assessment of fly ash, GGBS, and silica fume based geopolymer concrete with recycled aggregates against acid and sulfate attack

There is a constant drive to develop high-performance concrete with enhanced mechanical and durability characteristics while incorporating environment-friendly materials. The study investigates the synergistic effects of fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and silica fume (SF) on the durability characteristics of 100 % recycled aggregate (RA) based geopolymer concrete (GPC) against acid and sulfate attacks. Moreover, its relative performance compared to control samples of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete with natural and recycled aggregates was also assessed. The acid and sulfate resistance were determined by submerging the concrete specimens in the 5 % sulphuric acid (H2SO4), 5 % sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), and 5 % magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) for up to 180 days of exposure duration. The specimens' resistance to chemical attack was assessed by visual observation, changes in weight, and the percentage of compressive strength loss at different time intervals. In addition, the changes in the mineralogical and microstructures of the GPC matrix were also examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) tests. Results indicated that an increased proportion of GGBS and SF positively influenced the durability of GPC, as revealed by reduced mass loss and compressive strength degradation. In addition, the microstructural, mineralogical, and morphological properties depicted enhanced densification and compactness of the GPC matrix due to the formation of CSH, CASH, and NASH gels. GPC-MG15 (FA:GGBS:SF – 35:50:15) yielded the highest strength and durability performance, compensating for the trade-offs of using 100 % RAs in conventional OPC concrete. So, optimized use of these sustainable materials has depicted promising results in aggressive environments while reducing the need for conventional OPC and natural aggregates.

Effect of Granular Waste Compact Disc on Bond Strength between Steel Bars and Surrounding Concrete

In recent decades, researchers have tried to use waste materials as a partial or complete replacement of the gravel ingredients of concrete to reduce environmental impact. One of these materials is electronic waste. The problem of this disposal material, particularly outdated CDs and DVDs, has turned out to be serious. In this study, 36 pull-out cylindrical shape test specimens were used to conduct an ASTM C234-91A-compliant pull-out test to measure the bonding behavior and strength between three sizes of steel bars and concrete with different embedded lengths, including waste disc shreds (CD and DVD) as a partial substitute for fine aggregate. Four groups of modified concrete specimens with different percentages of disc shreds as partial replacements for sand were prepared. The ratio of cement:sand+disc:coarse aggregate:water was 1:2:2.5:0.4. The disc shreds were utilized to substitute partially for fine aggregate in four different weight percentages: 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%; nevertheless, the cement-to-sand ratio was consistently 2. Results demonstrated that the bond strength is considerably influenced by the bar diameter and the disc shreds (CDs and DVDs) used as a partial replacement for fine aggregate. The bond strength behavior of the modified concrete with disc fibers is comparable with that of traditional concrete. The ACI-318 Code for the bond strength of ordinary Portland cement concrete was modified to calculate the bond strength of this new kind of disc concrete.

Lateral impact performances of geopolymer concrete columns reinforced with steel-BFRP composite bars

There is a growing public interest in exploring materials that can enhance the sustainability and durability of conventional steel reinforced concrete (RC) structures, such as geopolymer concrete (GPC) and steel-fibre reinforced polymer composite bars (SFCBs). GPC is produced with industrial waste such as fly ash and slag to replace ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPC), and SFCB is a new reinforcement bar with a layer of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) enclosing a steel inner core to protect it from corrosion. No studies have ever been reported on the impact-resistant performances of GPC or fibre-reinforced GPC (FRGPC) columns reinforced with SFCBs subjected to vehicle or ship impacts. In this study, GPC/FRGPC columns reinforced with steel-basalt FRP composite bars (SBCBs) were prepared and tested by a pendulum impact testing system. Their impact-resistant performances were compared. It was found that the columns experienced similar damage modes regardless of reinforcement type and fibre content. The addition of hybrid carbon fibres (CFs) and basalt macro fibres (BMFs) could effectively reduce cracking damage and mid height deflections of columns. As compared to steel bar reinforcements, SBCB reinforcements led to similar impact force and maximum mid height deflections, but could reduce the residual mid height deflections of the columns by 7–42% under the impact velocity of 2.64–3.49 m/s, indicating SBCBs have great potential to replace steel bars in constructing more sustainable and durable concrete structures.

Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3): A sustainable solution for mitigating environmental impact in the construction sector

The impact of global warming on the construction sector is a serious issue in today's world; this might be attributed to the emission of greenhouse gas (GHG) during the production process of Portland cement. Due to its advantages, cement plays a major role in the construction of civil infrastructures. Cement production is not only responsible for global warming and also creates a risk of raw material deficiency. To reduce the over exploitation of virgin materials, Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), with a proportion of Clinker 50 %, Limestone 30 %, Calcined Clay 15 % and gypsum 5 %, is found to be a suitable and sustainable alternative to preserve the ecosystem. As a result, attempts were undertaken in this work to create a mixture design approach for LC3 with the primary objective of developing higher compressive strength (CS) in a cost-effective manner. The relationship between the water to binder ratios and 28-d CS has been examined to suggest a conceptual mixture design strategy for LC3 rationally. The 28-day CS of 46.2 MPa has been observed. The suggested design technique has been presented step by step and validated using an example based on the guidelines illustrated by IS 10,262. The design technique aims to produce a concrete mix that meets specific strength, workability, and durability requirements while considering the environmental conditions and properties of materials available. The study emphasizes a systematic approach to concrete mix design, considering various factors like water-cement ratio, aggregate proportions, and workability requirements to ensure the resulting concrete meets the desired performance standards. Compliance with IS 10,262:2019 ensures that concrete used in construction is designed systematically and according to established guidelines, leading to higher quality and more predictable performance in structural applications. Further, to access the sustainability of the developed LC3 mix Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) of LC3 was reported starting from raw material procurement to the production of concrete as the final product. In this LCA analysis, the monetary cost involved in the production of concrete, energy demand and GHG emission of the LC3 was compared with the conventional concrete. The result from the analysis revealed that LC3 possess superior performance in terms of energy requirement and GHG emission than the OPC concrete.

Alkali-Activated Slag Coatings for Fire Protection of OPC Concrete

During a fire, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) systems lose their mechanical properties. For this reason, it is important to find a way to protect it. This study suggested alternative uses of slag and phosphogypsum to produce coatings for fire-resistant applications. Five compositions of 10 mm thick alkali-activated slag coatings were investigated. In these compositions, different amounts of phosphogypsum (1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10%) were used. In the first stage of this study, the residual compressive strength of samples with the coatings based on alkali-activated slag was compared to the results of OPC concrete samples without coatings. The experimental results showed that a higher residual compressive strength of 33.2–47.3 MPa OPC concrete was achieved for the samples with coatings. Meanwhile, the residual compressive strength of the uncoated samples was 32.37 MPa. In the second stage, OPC concrete samples were reinforced with fiberglass polymer (FRP) rods, and they had a similar positive effect on alkali-activated coatings. After exposure to higher temperatures, the pullout tests of the glass FRP bars showed that the adhesion strength was (9.44 MPa) 43.9% higher for the samples with coatings compared to the samples without coatings (6.56 MPa). Therefore, a higher bond strength can be maintained between concrete and FRP bars. Alkali-activated slag with 3% phosphogypsum can be used for the production of fire-resistant coating. These coatings could protect OPC concrete and reinforced concrete with glass FRP bars from fire.

Study on the Effect of OPC and PCC on the Properties of Concrete

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of OPC and PCC on the compressive and tensile strength of concrete with age. Accordingly, cylindrical specimen was prepared by using cement OPC and PCC. Incasting the specimen only crushed bricks are used as coarse aggregate and Sylhet sand (FM=2.65) has been used as fine aggregate. Two different water cement ratios is 0.45, 0.60 and mix ratio 1:1.5:3 and 1:2:4 (by volume) has been adopted. Concrete cylinder made with OPC show higher compressive and tensile strength at 28 days then the those made with PCC. However, it has been from that Concrete made with OPC gains compressive strength at (45 days) a faster rate up to a certain age of concrete. While concrete with PCC attains larger strength at later age. In this study, it has been found that up to 45 days, the attained compressive strength of OPC concrete is larger than PCC concrete. However, the observed compressive strength beyond 60days is larger than OPC concrete. Similar trend has been observed in the case of tensile strength.

Mix design process for sustainable self-compacting geopolymer concrete

Faster growth of infrastructure emphasizes the utilization of eco-friendly construction materials with a low carbon footprint. The objective of this experimental study is to propose a mix design methodology for self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) considering various influencing parameters recommended for self-compacting concrete (SCC) and geopolymer concrete (GPC). The experimental test results depict that SCGC had similar flow deformability with comparatively lesser flow speed compared to SCC. The increase in a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) molarity from 8 M to 16 M negatively affected the flow deformability as well as the flow speed of SCGC. The optimum compressive strength of 37 MPa was attained for SCGC having silica sand as fine aggregate, NaOH concentration of 16 M, fly ash to sand ratio (FA/S) of 0.75, and cured for 48 H at 80 °C. A mathematical equation is proposed to calculate Young's modulus of SCGC which is around 15 GPa. Young's modulus of SCGC was lesser than OPC concrete recommended by the ACI 318, however, Poisson's ratio of SCGC was found in the recommended range of OPC concrete. A flow chart is proposed for the mix design of SCGC with consideration of experimental test results in fresh and hardened stages.

The decisive role of the abrasion stress in concrete corrosion during acid attack – Comparison of resistance of different concrete types

Biogenic-produced sulfuric acid (BSA) attack, described as microbially induced concrete corrosion (MICC), reduces lifespan of concrete elements in sewage systems worldwide. Wastewater containing solids (e.g., sand) may cause abrasive stress to the concrete with increased flow intensity and thus accelerate the development of corrosion at the sewage/air interface in the tidal zone. The impact of drying and wetting cycles is also important; therefore, all these factors were included in the testing method. Overall, this paper evaluates the development and extent of corrosion after a pure chemical acid attack combined with a mechanical abrasion in the form of brushing. To simulate the wetting and drying cycles of corrosion, samples were partially immersed in an aggressive solution. The investigation comprised comparing the acid and abrasion resistance of three types of concretes – ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPC), sulfate-resistant concrete (SRC), and white ordinary Portland cement concrete (WOPC). The impact of abrasion on the individual parameters of corrosion, e.g., the amount of leached calcium, acid consumption, and damage depths, were also discussed. The results showed that mechanical abrasion in the form of brushing promotes acid penetration; however, there are differences depending on the type of concrete.

Sustainable alternate binding material for concrete using waste materials: A testing and computational study for the strength evaluation

This study targets to create a firsthand marble-based binding material (MC) for assessing its strength mixed with fly ash (FA) and Rice husk ash (RHA). MC was produced by scorching waste marble powder and clay. The MC was then mixed distinctly with fluctuating quantities of RHA and FA (20, 30, and 40% by mass of MC) to find the most appropriate blend for concretes in terms of strength achievement. Different machine learning (ML) methods, such as support vector machine (SVM) and AdaBoost regressor (AR), were utilized for compressive strength (CS) prediction after the CS test and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the performance of ML models was evaluated by comparing their R2 values, performing statistical checks and k-fold analysis, and calculating the deviation between the experimental and predicted CS. The CS of blended marble cement concretes (MCMs) was lower at the age of 28 days. However, at later ages (90–364 days), the CS of MCMs with 30% RHA (R30) was found slightly greater than the ordinary Portland cement concrete. The SVM model was reasonably accurate, but the AR model was more precise in estimating the CS of MCMs. Sustainable development is promoted through the mitigation of ecological distress caused by the discarding of marble debris, RHA, and FA through their incorporation into construction materials.

Investigating the environmental and economic impacts of using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) using the life cycle approach

Concrete production significantly contributes to the construction industry's carbon emissions and resource depletion. Replacing Portland cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) can improve the sustainability and performance of concrete. However, limited holistic research compares SCMs considering environmental, economic, durability, and strength criteria. This study comprehensively evaluates supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete production using life cycle assessment. The SCMs examined were rice husk ash (RHA), sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), metakaolin (MK), and trass. The study quantified CO2 emissions, cost, compressive strength, and service life of concrete mixes with these SCMs and compared them to ordinary Portland cement concrete. The findings reveal that the 15 % metakaolin replacement sample had the best overall performance. It reduced CO2 emissions of one m3 of concrete per year of service life by 83 % and costs of one m3 per year by 78 % compared to ordinary concrete. The metakaolin concrete also increased the compressive strength by 25 % and extended the service life from 8 to 43 years in a marine environment. Among the SCMs, RHA demonstrated a 90 % reduction in CO2 emissions per service life year and unit compressive strength compared to ordinary concrete. SCBA had the highest cost due to high production requirements. Trass offered a 44 % decrease in CO2 emissions per service life year and unit compressive strength. The results highlight metakaolin's optimal balance between sustainability and performance. The reduced CO2 emissions demonstrate SCMs' potential to lower the construction industry's carbon footprint. The study offers original data and insights to enable greener and lower carbon concrete production using supplementary cementitious materials.

Study on the physical and mechanical properties of Alkali-Activated concrete bricks

Alkali-activated concrete (AAC) has shown high potential as a replacement for ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC). It has been found that fresh AAC is usually dry and difficult to control during the casting process, as well as having flash setting issues. In light of the lack of a final form for the use of AAC in construction, there is a need to discover applications that benefit from the advantages of AAC while also being able to deal with its drawbacks. This paper will focus on taking advantage of AAC's defects by using it in a nonstructural application that does not require high-workability concrete, such as producing bricks. Waste from the iron industry was used as the main component for producing the AAC bricks in order to reduce the environmental impact, reduce the cost, and save large quantities of cement and natural aggregates consumed by the brick industry. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and electric arc furnace slag (EAFS) were substituted for cement and aggregates, mixed along with an alkaline solution and superplasticizer. AAC bricks were produced in the same way as normal concrete bricks. The physical and mechanical properties studied were compressive strength, water absorption, bulk density, efflorescence, and drying shrinkage. Six parameters were considered throughout this investigation. The effects of binder content, cement replacement ratio, alkaline-to-binder ratio, sodium silicate/sodium hydroxide mass ratio, sodium hydroxide molarity, and compaction pressure. The results showed that compared to ordinary bricks, AAC bricks provided high compressive strength up to 92 MPa, up to 54% less water absorption, a density of more than 2.8 t/m3, and a higher drying shrinkage up to 0.002 mm. Furthermore, no signs of efflorescence or salts appeared on the bricks.

Effect of Micro Lime on The Ambient Cured Sugarcane Bagasse Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete

Geopolymer concrete has been the ideal replacement for Ordinary Portland cement concrete in producing green concrete. The binder in geopolymer concrete is a cementitious paste made from amorphous Aluminosilicate and activated by an Alkaline solution. The geopolymerization process is initiated at elevated temperatures. Thus, the curing requires elevated temperatures. This curing method limits the application of geopolymer concrete in the construction industry. In a geopolymer mix, the presence of Calcium ions allows the formation of Calcium Aluminate Silicate and Calcium Silicate Hydrate gels, allowing ambient temperature curing. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of micro lime on the Sugarcane Bagasse Ash-based geopolymer concrete. The micro lime was added to the geopolymer concrete in 1, 3, 5 and 7% by the Sugarcane Bagasse Ash weight. A mix design was based on a Densified Mix Design Algorithm. The tests carried out included compressive strength and water absorption. Ambient curing of the SCBA-based geopolymer concrete was achieved with 1% of the micro lime. The compressive strength increased with the increase of the micro lime, 10N/mm2 at 1%, to 18.25N/mm2 at 7% micro lime. The ambient temperature-cured geopolymer concrete at 3% micro lime had the lowest water absorption rate.

Influence of sugarcane bagasse ash on mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete

Portland cement is a crucial component of building and construction projects; however, its production emits harmful pollutants and contributes to climate change. The indiscriminate disposal of waste materials can also negatively impact the environment. This study aims to utilize agricultural and industrial waste materials for the production of Geo Polymer Concrete (GPC). Sugarcane bagasse was burned at controlled conditions, obtaining Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA). Fly Ash (FA) was partially replaced with SCBA, ranging from 5% to 40%. These binary mixtures were mixed with 50% weight of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS). A 10 M of Sodium hydroxide solution and sodium silicate gel was prepared as an activating solution. Mechanical properties were tested on cube, cylinder, and prism specimens at 3,7,14 and 28 days curing. The strength results were modelled and compared with Ordinary Portland Cement Concrete (OPCC). The prediction of mechanical properties using various models from international standards and literatures was compared with experimental results. The results demonstrated that cube compressive and flexural strengths, as well as cylinder compressive and split tensile strengths, are closely related.