GGBFS-Based Self-Compacting Geopolymer Concrete with Optimized Mix Parameters Established on Fresh, Mechanical, and Durability Characteristics
Jharana Pradhan, Soumyaranjan Panda, Suraj Kumar Parhi, Priyanka Pradhan, Saubhagya Kumar Panigrahi
Abstract
The current study presents an investigation into the optimal content determination of the mix parameters in their acceptable ranges through fresh, mechanical, and durability characteristics in ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) based self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) cured under ambient temperature. Ordinary portland cement (OPC) based self-compacting concrete (SCC) was prepared as a control concrete. Both the M25 SCGC and SCC were characterized through fresh property tests satisfying the flowability, passing ability, and segregation resistance; mechanical tests by both nondestructive and destructive tests; and durability tests through water absorption, sorptivity, acid attack, sulfate attack; and rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT). The prime mix parameters considered in SCGC with their variation ranges were molar concentration of sodium hydroxide (10M, 12M, 14M, 16M), sodium silicate to hydroxide ratio (1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0), superplasticizer (SP) dosage (5%, 6%, 7%, 8%), and percentage of extra water (EW) (15%, 18%, 21%, 24%). The results of SCGC were compared with the control SCC and discussed. The mix parameter optimal values derived from all the fresh and hardened concrete properties were a 12M concentration of sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate to hydroxide ratio of 2.5, SP dose of 7%, and EW percentage of 21%. SCGC thus prepared is stable, workable, and exhibits superior properties to OPC-based concrete to promote sustainable development.