Development of sustainable high performance geopolymer concrete and mortar using agricultural biomass—A strength performance and sustainability analysis

Abstract

Geopolymer concrete is a sustainable substitute for traditional Portland cement concrete. In addition, rising carbon taxes on carbon emissions and energy-intensive materials like cement and lime, impacts the cost of industrial by-products due to their pozzolanic nature. This research evaluates the compressive strength and flexural strength of geopolymer concrete, and the compressive strength of geopolymer mortar. Geopolymer mortar data were used for the strength assessment employing an analytical approach, and geopolymer concrete data were utilized for the strength and sustainability performances. Using artificial neural networks (ANNs), multi-linear regression (MPR) analysis, and swarm-assisted linear regression, compressive strength models were created based on experimental datasets of geopolymer mortar mixes with variable precursors, alkali-activator percentages, Si/Al, and Na/Al ratios. The strength and sustainability performances of geopolymer concrete blends with various precursors were assessed by considering cost-efficiency, energy efficiency, and eco-efficiency. The work’s originality comes from enhancing sustainable high-performance concrete without overestimating or underestimating precursors. Extensive experimental work was done in the current study to determine the best mix of geopolymer concrete by varying silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and rice husk ash (RHA). A scanning electron microscopic study was conducted to understand the geopolymer matrix’s microstructure further. A comprehensive discussion section is presented to explain the potential role of RHA. The replacement of conventional concrete in all its current uses may be made possible by this sustainable high-performance concrete utilizing RHA.

Transforming waste into sustainable building materials: Properties and environmental impacts of Geopolymer concrete with recycled concrete aggregates

“…In turn, this results in reduced carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. Sand and gravel are essential for ecosystems and many different businesses and recycling concrete waste helps to protect these resources (Nagaraju et al 2023).…”

Study on the Molarity Effect of Sodium Hydroxide on Geopolymer Concrete incorporating Nanosilica

“…The study intends to improve sustainable high-performance concrete by optimizing precursor ratios, with a focus on silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and rice husk ash (RHA). The possible alternative of conventional concrete towards many applications is proposed, emphasizing the significance of RHA in reaching objectives for sustainability [17]. The study aims to assess the strength at compression, flexural behaviour, and microstructure of Nano-silicon dioxide concrete specimens.…”

Bonding Properties between Fly Ash/Slag-Based Engineering Geopolymer Composites and Concrete

“…In recent years, using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) to replace part of fly ash has become an effective method to improve the performance of fly-ash-based geopolymers and eliminate the necessity of high-temperature curing [ 18 ]. The main hydration products produced by GGBS participating in the activated process of fly ash are calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) and aluminosilicate-hydrate (N-A-S-H) gels [ 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”