Effect of fly ash and GGBS combination on mechanical and durability properties of GPC

Geopolymer is a sustainable concrete, replaces traditional cement concrete using alternative sustainable construction materials as binders and alkaline solution as alkaline activator. This paper presents the strength characteristics of geopolymer concrete (GPC) developed with fly ash and GGBS as binders, combined Sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution as alkaline activators. The parameters considered in this research work are proportions of fly ash and GGBS (70-30 and 50-50), curing conditions (Outdoor curing and oven curing at 600oC for 24 hours), two grades of concrete (GPC20 and GPC50).The mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength along with durability characteristics were determined. For studying the durability characteristics of geopolymer concrete 5% H2SO4 solutions was used and the specimens were immersed up to an exposure period of 56 days. The main parameters considered in this study were Acid Mass Loss Factor (AMLF), Acid Strength Loss Factor (ASLF) and products of degradation. The results conclude that GPC with sufficient strength can be developed even under Outdoor curing using fly ash and GGBS combination i.e., without the need for any heat curing.