Synthesis of Geopolymer Concrete Using Flyash

Abstract

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) reduces the environmental impacts of conventional Portland cement concrete, therefore, this research aims to investigate the compressive characteristics of GPC by utilizing the readily available industrial waste i.e., coal based Flyash in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. For the preparation of GPC, Na2SiO3 was used as an activator. After the preparation of GPC specimens, their compressive characteristics were investigated at different ages of specimens, Flyash content, curing time, and curing conditions. Moreover, the relationship between compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of GPC was also evaluated. From the testing of GPC specimens in a compression testing machine (CTM), their compressive strength was found to be similar to that of conventional Portland cement concrete i.e., in the range of 20-40 MPa tested at the age of 7 and 28 days respectively. Furthermore, elevated temperature curing was found to increase the compressive strength of GPC significantly as compared to that of ambient curing. From the cost analysis, Flyash-based GPC was found to be cost effective as compared to conventional Portland cement concrete