Performance evaluation on engineering properties and sustainability analysis of high strength geopolymer concrete

• Main Authors: Kanagaraj, Balamurali, Anand, N., Alengaram, Ubagaram Johnson, Raj, R. Samuvel, Praveen, Bushra, Tattukolla, Kiran
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier 2022
• Subjects: TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General); TH Building construction
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/40895/

This research presents an investigation that aims to optimize the mix proportion of the High Strength Alkali Activated Concrete (HSAAC) developed using the Taguchi Method (TM). Since Alkali Activated Concrete (AAC) contains a wide range of mix ingredients than conventional cement-based concrete, several trials are required to optimize the strength requirement of HSAAC. In this paper, the influence of binder (slag content), the concentration of sodium hydroxide, alkaline activator (AA) ratio, and curing condition on the strength of HSAAC is discussed. Eighteen trial mixes were designed based on the Taguchi analysis and evaluated experimentally. Based on the analysis of the results from TM, the mix design of HSAAC is evaluated. The experimental investigation on mechanical properties such as compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths of HSAAC is carried out. In addition to the mechanical properties, the workability of HSAAC is evaluated. The study reports that with the binder content of 500 kg/m(3), AA ratio of 2, Activator to Binder (A/B) ratio of 0.5, and 12 M concentration of sodium hydroxide under ambient curing conditions attains the maximum compressive strength of 63.37 MPa. In addition, the sustainability performance of HSAAC in terms of cost-efficiency, carbon efficiency, and energy efficiency was evaluated and compared with the existing conventional cement-based concrete.