Characterization of Self-Compacting Geopolymer Concrete

The current study presents an investigation into the optimal content determination of the mix parameters in their acceptable ranges through various fresh, mechanical, and durability characteristics along with microstructural analysis of the ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)-based SCGC cured under ambient temperature. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)-based self-compacting concrete (SCC) was prepared too as a control concrete. Both the M25 SCGC and SCC were characterized through fresh property tests satisfying the flowability, passing ability, and segregation resistance. The mechanical properties and durability characteristics were evaluated. 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 optimal values of the mix parameter were found to be a 12M concentration of NaOH, Na2SiO3 to NaOH ratio of 2.5, SP dose of 7%, and EW percentage of 21%.