Geopolymer concrete in construction projects: a review
Mohammad Ali Khasawneh
Abstract
Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has emerged as a sustainable and high-performance alternative to traditional Portland cement concrete (PCC) also known as ordinary Portland cement (OPC), offering significant environmental and engineering advantages. This review synthesizes current research on the properties, benefits, challenges, and innovations of GPC in construction applications. Key findings indicate that GPC achieves compressive strengths exceeding 80 MPa, demonstrates excellent resistance to acid and sulfate attack, and retains over 90% of its strength at temperatures up to 800 °C. Environmental analyses reveal a 40–80% reduction in CO₂ emissions and lower energy consumption compared to PCC, primarily due to the utilization of industrial by-products like fly ash and slag. Lifecycle assessments show that GPC is not only cost-effective over the long term but also enables material reuse rates up to 70%, supporting circular economy principles. Despite these advantages, challenges such as material variability, limited standardization, and curing sensitivity remain. Recent innovations—including nanomaterial integration, hybrid binder systems, self-healing mechanisms, and 3D printing—are enhancing GPC’s performance and expanding its applications. This review concludes that with continued research and regulatory support, GPC holds significant promise for transforming sustainable construction practices.