Alkali-activated materials

Geopolymer concrete: A review of some recent developments

A review of the multi-component utilisation of coal fly ash

Advances in understanding alkali-activated materials

The development of new, sustainable, low-CO2 construction materials is essential if the global construction industry is to reduce the environmental footprint of its activities, which is incurred particularly through the production of Portland cement. One type of non-Portland cement that is attracting particular attention is based on alkali-aluminosilicate chemistry, including the class of binders that have become known as geopolymers. These materials offer technical properties comparable to those of Portland cement, but with a much lower CO2 footprint and with the potential for performance advantages over traditional cements in certain niche applications. This review discusses the synthesis of alkali-activated binders from blast furnace slag, calcined clay (metakaolin), and fly ash, including analysis of the chemical reaction mechanisms and binder phase assemblages that control the early-age and hardened properties of these materials, in particular initial setting and long-term durability. Perspectives fo...

Geopolymers and Related Alkali-Activated Materials

Factors affecting the suitability of fly ash as source material for geopolymers

The mechanical properties of fly-ash-based geopolymer concrete (GPC) were studied. Experimentally measured values of the static elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, compressive strength, and flexural strength of GPC specimens made from 25 fly ash (FA) stockpiles from different sources were recorded and analyzed. The results were studied using regression analysis to identify tendencies and correlations within the mechanical properties of GPC. It was found that the mechanical behavior of GPC is similar to that of ordinary portland cement (OPC) concrete, suggesting that equations, akin to those given by ACI 318-08, could be applied for GPC to determine its flexural strength and static elastic modulus. The validity of an equation to determine the density of GPC as a function of FA fineness was also put forward.

Mechanical Properties of Fly-Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete

Corrosion of steel bars induced by accelerated carbonation in low and high calcium fly ash geopolymer concretes

This study reports the findings of an experimental investigation for alkali silica reaction (ASR) between reactive aggregates and the geopolymer matrix. Specimens were prepared using one Class C and two Class F fly ash stockpiles. Mechanical testing included potential reactivity of the aggregates via length change and compression test measurements, as per ASTM standards. Results suggest that the extent of ASR reaction due to the presence of reactive aggregates in fly ash-based geopolymer concretes is substantially lower than in the case of ordinary portland cement-based concrete, and well below the ASTM specified threshold. Furthermore, geopolymer concrete specimens appeared to undergo a densification process in the presence of alkali solutions, resulting in reduced permeability and increased mechanical strength. Utilizing ASR-vulnerable aggregates in the production of geopolymer concrete products could contribute to the economic appeal and sustainability of geopolymer binders in regions that suffer from insufficient local supply of high quality aggregates.

Erez N. Allouche

Papers

Factors affecting the suitability of fly ash as source material for geopolymers

Mechanical Properties of Fly-Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete

Corrosion of steel bars induced by accelerated carbonation in low and high calcium fly ash geopolymer concretes

Impact of Alkali Silica Reaction on Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete

Quantification of social costs associated with construction projects: state-of-the-art review