Development of flyash-based geopolymer mix using parametric analysis

Abstract

In the present scenario, geopolymer concrete creates an attention in the construction industry due to its ecofriendly nature. The enhanced property of geopolymer makes it as a promising alternative material for the development of infrastructure. Even though geopolymer has improved properties when compared to normal cement concrete, its mix design is not yet been a standardized procedure to be followed for precast works. Several factors such as liquid to fly ash ratio, silicate to hydroxide ratio, concentration of NaOH (Molarity), dosage of super plasticizer, curing temperature, rest period prior to curing and curing time affects the strength while designing the mix. This paper details a parametric analysis to develop geopolymer mix by considering the above seven factors. Test results proved that geopolymer mix prepared with liquid to fly ash ratio of 0.4, silicate to hydroxide ratio of 2.5 and 10 M of NaOH cured in hot air oven at 80 ºC for 6 hours with 1% super plasticizer showed enhanced compressive strength of 27.20 MPa.