Performance of Self-Compacting Geopolymer Concrete Containing Nano Silica and Ground Waste Ceramic Tiles as a Fine Aggregate

Abstract

The waste produced from the remnants of construction projects, such as construction of houses, roads, bridges, and multi-story buildings, clearly constitutes a major environmental danger and has become a concern in many countries. In Iraq, the great economic growth taking place and the development of modern means of construction has led to the spread of large quantities of waste that must be disposed of. Numerous studies have focused on the disposal of these wastes, with the most important process being recycling. The possibility of using pulverized waste ceramic tiles (PWCT) as a sand replacement to produce high-strength, self-compacting geopolymer concrete (HSSCGPC) was investigated in the present study. HSSCGPC specimens were prepared using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and nano silica (NS) as an alternative to cement. The performance of the produced HSSCGPC was evaluated by subjecting it to several laboratory tests, including workability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexure, and durability tests, to determine its conformance to the EFNARC standard. The results demonstrated the possibility of using both NS and GGBFS together as a full substitute for cement, with PWCT as a full substitute fornatural sand, although the use of PWCT decreased the workability and strength of the final product. PWCT was established as a prospective candidate for replacement of up to 50% of the sand in cement in terms of environmental friendliness, cost effectiveness, and conservation of natural resources. HSSCGPC had high durability when compared with normal types of concrete.