A study on the potential of geopolymer artificial aggregate as substitute for granite and limestone aggregate

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine the potential of geopolymer artificial aggregate as substitute for granite and limestone aggregates. Several aggregate property test such as aggregate impact test, aggregate crushing test, specific gravity test, water absorption test and the Los Angeles Abrasion test are done on the aggregates. The fly ash-based geopolymer artificial aggregate is produced through geopolymerisation by mixing fly ash with alkaline solution. The results show that the fly ash-based geopolymer artificial aggregate is lighter than natural aggregate in term of its specific gravity. The impact value and crushing value for fly ash-based geopolymer artificial aggregate are slightly higher compared to natural aggregate while the water absorption value is much higher compared to natural aggregate. Furthermore, the fly ash-based geopolymer artificial aggregate has higher value in the Los Angeles Abrasion. Overall, the fly ash-based geopolymer artificial aggregate can be considered as one of the construction materials in the roadwork pavement and in concrete as an alternative for coarse aggregate besides natural aggregate with more lightweight properties.