The effects of GGBFS on strength properties of geopolymer concrete cured at ambient temperature

Abstract

Geopolymer concrete is an eco-friendly alternative to conventional Portland cement concrete for civil infrastructure applications. Lot of works is available by many researchers to understand the hardened properties of geopolymer concrete by heat curing method. However, in situ condition does not favour the heat curing. Thus, the present investigation is carried out to achieve desirable properties of geopolymer concrete at ambient curing. In the present work, the geopolymer concrete containing 60–100% fly ash (FA) and 0–40% GGBFS is investigated. The study also includes the role of GGBFS on the microstructure. The testing results obtained after 3, 7 and 28 days of ambient curing indicate that there is an increase in the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength significantly. The addition of GGBFS to geopolymer concrete enhances the setting time, rapid strength development is noticed and carbon footprint is significantly reduced.