Influence of Fine Aggregate Properties on Unhardened Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract

It is possible that aggregates add on to geopolymer based fly ash to mix mortar and concrete like cement. This is necessary to evaluate mineral composition, particle shape, surface, size distribution, density and absorption ratio for fine aggregates due to few detailed research to examine influence of fine aggregates properties on unhardened geopolymer concrete. In this research, used two different fine aggregates, Jumunjin sand(having quartz, mica, feldspar, pyroxene in mineral composition, more than 96% of total size between -0.60 and +0.30mm, angular shape and rough surface) and ISO sand(having almost all quartz in mineral composition, more than 51% size between -1.40 and +0.60mm, simultaneously varied size distribution, spherical shape and smooth surface). After an experimental result of the varied ratio of Si/Al=1.0-4.1 geopolymer paste, mix proportion respectively applied Si/Al=1.5 having the highest compressive strength to mortar and Si/Al=3.5 having the highest consistency to concrete. Geopolymer mortar by mixing with Jumunjin and ISO sand in varied range of 20-50wt.% showed flow size increase between 69.5 and 112.0mm, between 70.5 and 126.0mm respectively. Geopolymer concrete at an addition of 77wt.% of total aggregates ratio showed that average compressive strength was 32MPa and the consistency was favorable to molding. Since ISO sand observing varied size distribution, spherical shape, smooth surface, low absorption ratio resulted in advantageous properties on consistency of geopolymer, geopolymer concrete can be suitable for using the fine aggregates similar to ISO sand.