Experimental Study of Mechanical Properties Geopolymer Concrete.

Abstract

This experimental study aimed to define the parameters for optimum mix design of geopolymer concrete made by partial replacement of cement. The geopolymer concrete is nothing but the formation of fly ash and alkali activators. Fly ash is the waste product from the thermal power station and may use as the pozzolanic material. But, only fly ash is may not the only replacement for the cement, for the more binding of concrete, it is essential to use alkali activators for harden the concrete. The alkali activators are formed by the mixing of sodium hydroxide [NaOH] and sodium silicates[ ] .by mixing these chemicals these may use as the binder material. But by using these chemicals the curing method for the Geopolymer Concrete (GPC) has changed, after using these chemicals and fly ash the concrete specimens are heated up to the 60°-80°C for the air curing for the 24 hours. After that the specimens are kept in the ambient temperature. the concrete is tested for the 7 days and 28 days curing. For the experimental investigation various mixes of M25 grade concrete were casted. The replacement of geopolymer concrete is for 40%,60%,80%,100%.For compressive strength and split tensile strength of the concrete the Cubes of size 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm for compressive strength and cylinders of size 300 mm height and 150 mm respectively. Six specimens were casted for each concrete mix for compressive test and split tensile strength. these tests are conducted for the 7 days and 28 days curing. The result indicate that the geopolymer concrete is can be used as the structural grade concrete.