Mix design, mechanical properties and durability of the rubberized geopolymer concrete: A review

Rubberized geopolymer concrete (RGPC) is an innovative, user and environmentally friendly invention in building materials that require less energy to manufacture and have a lower carbon footprint than cement-based systems, alleviating global warming concerns. It has the potential of reducing the dilemma of disposal of the huge rubber tire wastes by including them in production as a partial substitute for natural fine aggregate. This hereby avoids the depletion of natural mineral aggregates and protects against air, water and soil pollution. The current review shows the feasibility of incorporating waste rubber fibers in geopolymer concrete (GPC), which emits 90% less carbon dioxide when compared with ordinary Portland cement (OPC), to address the issues mentioned above. To the author's knowledge, no comprehensive studies have reviewed the properties, durability, mechanical, mix design and carbon footprint, of RGPC. For strength characterization, this review work analyzed the flexural, split tensile, and compressive strengths of RGPC. To review the durability characterization of RGPC, water absorption, acid resistance, chloride diffusion, sulfate resistance, and water permeability were evaluated. Finally, the outcome of this review concludes that RGPC has distinct, tangible benefits compared with OPC concrete regarding environment protection, durability, and strength properties. Furthermore, RGPC is recommended for producing lightweight concrete and civil engineering structures when compressive strength is not the main property.