Application of Geopolymer Concrete

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056
Volume: 02 Issue: 09 | Dec-2015 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
© 2015, IRJET ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal Page 96
APPLICATION OF GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE
S Ganesh Kumar1, Dr M I Abdul Aleem2, S Dinesh3
1 M.E (2015 – 2016), Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
2 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - The demand of concrete is increasing day by
day and cement is used for satisfying the need of
development of infrastructure facilities, 1 tone cement
production generates 1 tone CO2, which adversely affect the
environment. In order to reduce the use of OPC and CO2
generation, the new generation concrete has been developed
such as Geopolymer concrete. It uses fly ash and alkaline
solution as their Binding Materials. Geopolymer requires
oven curing in the varying range of 60C to 100C for a
period of 24 to 96 hours. In this paper concluded that all
researchers have put their efforts to show the effect of
GGBS on Geopolymer Concrete. However it should be noted
that with the variation in the parameters such as Na2SiO3/
NaOH Ratio, Molarity of NaOH, Curing temperature,
Curing time makes the Variation in the Strength.
Replacement of Fly ash by GGBS increases the Strength
gradually without Oven curing provision. A lack of
information on some aspects of geopolymerisation has
become apparent and the research community should focus
on these gaps.
Key Words: Geopolymer Concrete, Sodium, Silicate,
Sodium Hydroxide, Fly ash, Ground granular blast
furnace slag, Compressive strength, Split Tensile
strength, Flexural strength, and Temperature effect.
1. INTRODUCTION
The search for environmentally friendly construction
materials is imperative, as the world is facing serious
problems due to environmental degradation. There is a
significant expectation on the industry to reduce carbon
dioxide (CO2) emissions to the atmosphere.
In view of this, one of the efforts to produce
environmentally friendly concrete is to reduce the usage
of Portland cement by using by-product materials, such as
fly ash. It is known that production of one ton of Portland
cement accounts for about one ton of carbon dioxide
released to the atmosphere, as the result of de-
carbonation of limestone in the kiln during manufacturing
of cement.
A significant advance in the usage of fly ash in concrete is
the development of high volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete,
which partially replaces the use of Portland cement in
concrete(up to 60%), while maintaining excellent
mechanical properties with enhanced durability
performance. Another development is geopolymer, i.e.
inorganic Alumino-silicates polymer synthesized from
minerals of geological origin or by- products materials,
such as fly ash, rice husk ash etc., that are rich in silicon
(Si) and aluminum (Al). Fly ash is abundantly available
worldwide, and efforts to utilize it in concrete production
are of significant interest to the concrete technologists and
industry. GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast Slag) is a waste
material generated in iron or slag industries have
significant impact on Strength and Durability of
Geopolymer Concrete. This paper gives a brief review of
the development of geopolymer concrete. The factors that
affect the production of geopolymer concrete such as
source minerals, workability, curing time, and curing
temperature are discussed in the paper. The potential use
of geopolymer concrete and the future challenges are also
mentioned.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Several authors have reported the use of GGBS in
Geopolymer Concrete for various civil engineering
applications
Abdul Aleem M.I and Arumairaj (2012) made an attempt
to find out an optimum mix for the Geo-polymer concrete
and they have casted concrete cubes of size 150 x 150 x
150 mm and cured under Steam curing for 24 hours based
on the compressive strength. The optimum mix is Fly ash:
Fine aggregate: Coarse aggregate (1:1.5:3.3) with a
solution (NaOH & Na2SiO3 combined together) to fly ash
ratio of 0.35. High and early strength was obtained in the
Geo-polymer concrete mix.
Abdul Aleem M.I and Arumairaj P.D (2012) conducted a
review surveying on Geopolymer concrete. It was
presented that due to the high early strength Geopolymer
Concrete shall be effectively used in the precast industries,
so that huge production is possible in short duration and
the breakage during transportation shall also be
minimized. They revealed the characteristics of
geopolymer concrete and informed that Geopolymer
Concrete can be used in place of ordinary Portland cement
concrete.

Balaguru. P (1997) conducted a study on the usage of
Geopolymer concrete for Repair and rehabilitation of
reinforced concrete Beams. The primary objective of the
investigation was to determine whether Geopolymer can
be used that not for repair of concrete. They concluded
that Geopolymer concrete can be successfully used to
bond carbon fabrics to reinforced concrete beams.
Bhikshma et al. (2010), investigated the flexural behavior
of high strength manufactured sand concrete. The
researchers observed that Workability of the M50 grade
manufactured sand concrete observed to be 30% less
compared to the conventional concrete, the compressive
strength of M50 grade concrete with varying percentages
of (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%,and 100%) manufactured
concrete improved the strengths by 6.89%, 10.76%,
17.24%, 20.68%,respectively and the load carrying
capacity and Moment carrying capacity of the RC beams of
manufactured sand concrete obtained 3 to 12% higher
when compared to conventional concrete.
GANAPATHI NAIDU.P et al (2012) presented out a Study
on strength properties of Geopolymer concrete with
addition of GGBS. In this paper an attempt was made to
study the strength properties of Geopolymer concrete
using Low calcium fly ash replacing with slag in 5 different
percentages. They obtained Compressive strength of
geopolymer concrete increases with increase in
percentage of replacement of fly ash with GGBS was up to
28.57% of replacement of fly ash by GGBS, the setting was
normal and fast setting was observed. They concluded
maximum of 25% loss in compressive strength was
observed when geopolymer exposed to a temperature of
500C for two hours.
Joseph Davidovits (1994) carried out a Properties of
Geopolymer cements. This paper focused on Geopolymer
concrete has excellent properties and is well-suited to
manufacture precast concrete products that are needed in
rehabilitation and retrofitting of structures after a
disaster. The concluded by introduced low – CO2
geopolymeric cements, not only for environmental uses,
but also in construction, civil engineering would reduce CO2
emission caused by the cement and concrete industries by
80%.
Leopoldo franco et al (2000) carried out a research on
concrete strength and durability of prototype tetrapod and
compared the results of field and laboratory tests. This
paper presented in order to investigate the material
properties after a long-term exposure at sea. There was
little or no degradation had taken place after 16 to 24
years period at sea.
LIoyd N.A and B.V Rangan (2010) conducted experiments
on geopolymer concrete with fly ash. They conclude that
Geopolymer concrete has excellent properties and is well-
suited to manufacture precast concrete products that are
needed in rehabilitation and retrofitting of structures after
a disaster. Current research is focusing on the durability of
Geopolymer in aggressive soil conditions and marine
environments.
Lyon E et al (1996) studies the Fire Response of
Geopolymer structural composites. They study the use of
Geopolymer composites in infrastructure and
transportation applications. They revealed that
Geopolymer composites are non – combustible structural
materials which are suitable for infrastructure
applications where a high degree of fire resistance is
needed at low to moderate cost. Also it was interred that
load bearing capability during fire exposure, where
temperatures reach several hundred degrees centigrade,
will be significantly higher than organic resin composites.
Madheswaran C.K et.al (2013) studied the variation of
strength for different grades of geo polymer concrete by
varying the molarities of sodium hydroxide. Different
molarities of NaOH (3M, 5M, and 7M) were taken to
prepare different mixes and cured in the ambient
temperature. GPC mix formulations with compressive
strength ranging from 15 to 52 MPa had been developed.
The specimens were tested for their compressive strength
at the age of 7 and 28 days. The compressive strength of
GPC increased with increasing concentration of NaOH.
Mahesh Patel et al. (2013), studied the Strength of High
Performance Concrete with GGBS and Crusher Sand by
replacing the fine aggregates by crusher sand and cement
by CGBS. It was concluded that the 20% replacement of
find aggregates by crusher sand was optimum, based on
the Compressive strength and Split Tensile strength.
Mohemed aquib javeed et al (2015) a carried out Studies
to find out the optimum level of sustainable Geopolymer
concrete with combination of manufactured sand and
pond ash as a fine aggregate material replacing
conventional natural river sand and using ambient curing
for its strength development. It was confirmed that 60% of
m-sand and 40% of pond ash as a replacement to natural
sand was optimum amount in order to get a favorable
strength.
Muhd Fadhil Nuruddin et al (2011) carried out
Compressive Strength and Interfacial Transition Zone
Characteristics of Geopolymer Concrete with different cast
in – situ curing conditions. They concluded that
compressive strength of geopolymer concrete was much
affected by the curing conditions. Therefore proper curing
method was important to obtain acceptable strength of
geopolymer concrete structures.
Pithadiya.S et al (2015) carried out an experimental study
on Geopolymer concrete by using GGBS. They conducted

tests on Geopolymer concrete by replacing fly ash by GGBS
and the specimens were cured at room temperature as
well as oven curing of 60 to 100 degree centigrade. They
confirmed that replacement of fly ash by GGBS increased
the strength gradually without oven curing provision.
Hence, by using the GGBS oven curing problems can be
eliminated.
Shankar H Sanni & Khadiranaikar (2012) studied the
durability characteristics of Geopolymer concrete and
compared with PPCC specimens. The GPC and PPCC
specimens were soaked in 10% sulphuric acid solution
after 7 days of casting. The specimens were kept fully
immersed in this solution, having four times the volume of
specimens for the duration of 45 days. The effect of that
solution on the GPC and PPCC specimen were regularly
monitored through visual inspection, measurement of
weight change and strength were tested. It was concluded
that the compressive strength loss for the specimens
exposed in sulphuric acid was in the range of 10 to 40% in
PPCC, whereas it was about 7 to 23% in GPC.
Sumajouw D.M.J et al (2006) Studies the behavior of Fly
ash based Geopolymer concrete: Study of slender
reinforced columns. To present the results of experimental
study and analysis on the behavior and the strength of
reinforced Geopolymer concrete slender columns. The
heat-cured low-calcium fly ash-based geopolymer
concrete reinforced columns had excellent potential for
applications in the precast industry.
Vijai et al (2010) conducted tests on Geopolymer concrete
cubes, cylinders and prism specimens by using fly ash and
aggregates and also using the ordinary Portland cement
along with the fly ash and aggregates. It was inferred that
the density of GPC ranges from 2336 to 2413 kg/m3 and
density of GPCC ranges from 2356 to 2424 kg/m3. They
also reported that Geopolymer Concrete has two
limitations such as delay in setting time and necessity of
heat curing to gain strength.
Vijaya Rangan et al (2006) studied the behavior of fly ash-
based Geopolymer concrete and informed that the
geopolymer concrete had an excellent compressive
strength and is suitable for the structural applications. The
elastic properties of the hardened concrete, as well as the
behaviour and strength of the reinforced structural
members were similar to those of Portland cement
concrete. Therefore, the design provisions present in the
current standards and codes can be used to design the
reinforced fly ash-based geopolymer concrete structural
members.
Vijaya Rangan B (2004) carried out a study on the
durability of geopolymer concrete for environmental
protection. This paper describes the results of the tests
conducted on large – scale reinforced Geopolymer
concrete member and illustrates the application of
Geopolymer concrete in the construction industries. An
excellent resistance to sulphate attack and fire, good acid
resistance, undergoes low creep were noted on the
benefits of using Geopolymer concrete.
Yogendra O. Patil et al (2013) carried out an experimental
study using GGBS as partial replacement of OPC in cement
concrete Experiment were made to study the compressive
and flexural strength of concrete containing various % of
GGBS at the age of 7, 28 and 90 days. They concluded that
Increase in % of GGBS result in decrease in strength of
concrete. The Optimum replacement of OPC by GGBS was
20%.
3. DISCUSSION
Based on various researchers, it is observed that
Geopolymer Concrete made up of Fly ash and Alkaline
Solution Provides, a new era In the Construction Industry.
Sodium Silicate (Na2SiO3) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
when reacts with fly ash generates Geopolymerization
Process and which is responsible for the Strength
generation. Geopolymer Concrete Requires Oven Curing of
600C to 1000C for 24 to 96 Hours. GGBS makes significant
impact on the strength of Geopolymer concrete.
4. CONCLUSIONS
Based upon above literature review it could be concluded
that all researchers have put their efforts to show the
effect of GGBS on Geopolymer Concrete. However it should
be noted that with the variation in the parameters such as
Na2SiO3/ NaOH Ratio, Molarity of NaOH, Curing
temperature, Curing time makes the Variation in the
Strength. Replacement of Fly ash by GGBS increases the
Strength gradually without Oven curing provision. A lack
of information on some aspects of geopolymerisation has
become apparent and the research community should
focus on these gaps. Despite the current status and wide
acceptance of Portland cement, the desirable properties of
Geopolymers, their environmental benefits and the strong
academic and commercial R&D activity suggest that
Geopolymer technology is poised for significant progress
in the near future.
REFERENCES
[1] Abdul AleemM.I1 and ArumairaP.D2 “Optimum mix
for the geopolymer concrete”. Indian Journal of
Science and Technology, Vol. 5 No. 3 (Mar 2012),
ISSN: 0974- 6846.
[2] Abdul AleemM.I1, P. D. Arumairaj2. “Geopolymer
Concrete – A Review”. International Journal of
Engineering Sciences & Emerging Technologies, Feb
2012. ISSN: 2231 – 6604 doi:

10.7323/ijeset/v1_i2_14 Volume 1, Issue 2, PP. 118-
122 ©IJESET.
[3] BalaguruP1, Stephen Kurtz 2, and Jon Rudolph 3.
“Geopolymer for Repair and Rehabilitation of
Reinforced Concrete Beams”. Geopolymer Institute
1997 02100 SAINT-QUENTIN – France.
[4] Bhikshma, V., Kishore, R and Raghu Pathi, C.V.
(2010), Investigations on flexural behavior of high
strength manufactured sand concrete, Challenges,
Opportunities and Solutions in Structural
Engineering and Construction Ghafoori (ed.)© 2010
Taylor & Francis Group, London, ISBN 978-0-415-
56809-8.
[5] GanapatiNaidu.P1, A.S.S.N.Prasad2, S.Adiseshu3,
P.V.V.Satayanarayana4. “A Study on Strength
Properties of Geopolymer Concrete with Addition of
G.G.B.S”. International Journal of Engineering
Research and Development Volume 2, Issue 4 (July
2012), PP. 19-28.
[6] Joseph Davidovits. “Properties of Geopolymer
cements”. Published in proceedings First
International Conferences on Alkaline Cements and
Concretes, Scientific Research Institute on Binders
and Materials, Kiev State Technical University, Kiev,
Ukraine, 1994, PP. 131-149.
[7] Leopoldo Franco1, Alberto Noli.b2,
Paolo.De.Girolamo.b3, Martina Ercolani.b4. “Concrete
strength and durability of prototype tetrapod’s and
dolosse: results of field and laboratory tests”. L.
Franco et al. Coastal Engineering 40 2000 207–219.
Received 10 September 1997; accepted 8 February
2000.
[8] Lloyd N.A1 and Rangan.B.V2. “Geopolymer Concrete
with Fly Ash”. Coventry University and the University
of Wisconsin Milwaukee Centre for By-products
Utilization, Second International Conference on
Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies.
June 2010 ISBN 978-1-4507-1490-7.
[9] Lyon R.E1, U.Sorathia2, P.N.Balaguru3 and A.Foden4,
J. Davidovits and M. Davidovics5. “Fire Response of
Geopolymer Structural composites”. Proceedings of
the First International Conference on Fibre
Composites in Infrastructure (ICCI’ 96) Tucson,
January 15-17, 1996, Dept. Civil Eng., University of
Arizona, pp. 972-981.
[10] Madheswaran.C1, Gnanasundar.G2, Gopala
krishnan.N3. “Effect of molarity in geopolymer
concrete”. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CIVIL AND
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING Volume 4, No 2, 2013.
[11] Mahesh Patel, Rao P. S. and Patel T. N., 2013,
Experimental Investigation on Strength of High
Performance Concrete with GGBS and Crusher Sand,
Indian Journal of Research, Vol.3, Issue4, PP. 114-
116.
[12] Mohamed Aquib Javeed1, Veerendra Kumar2,
Narendra.Dr.H3. “Studies on Mix Design of
Sustainable Geo-Polymer Concrete”. International
Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering &
Management (IJIREM) ISSN: 2350-0557, Volume-2,
Issue-4, July 2015.
[13] Muhd Fadhil Nuruddin1, Andri Kusbiantoro2, Sobia
Qazi3, Nasir Shafiq4. “Compressive Strength and
Interfacial Transition Zone Characteristic of
Geopolymer Concrete with Different Cast In-Situ
Curing Conditions”. World Academy of Science,
Engineering and Technology Vol:5 2011-01-24.
[14] Pithadiya.S1, AbhayV.Nakum2. “EXPERIMENTAL
STUDY ON GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE BY USING
GGBS”. IJRET: International Journal of Research in
Engineering and Technology eISSN: 2319-1163 |
pISSN: 2321-7308 Volume: 04 Issue: 02 | Feb-2015.
[15] Shankar H Sanni & Khadiranaikar, RB 2012,
‘Performance of geopolymer concrete under severe
environmental conditions’, International Journal of
Civil and Structural Engineering, vol. 3, no. 2.
[16] Sumajouw.D.M.J1, Æ D. Hardjito2, Æ S. E. Wallah3 Æ
B. V. Rangan4. “Fly ash-based geopolymer concrete:
study of slender reinforced columns”. J Mater Sci
(2007) 42:3124–3130.
[17] Vijai, K, Kumutha, R & Vishnuram, BG 2010, ‘Effect of
types of curing on strength of geopolymer concrete’,
International Journal of the Physical Sciences, vol.
5(9), pp. 1419-1423.
[18] Vijaya Rangan, B, Djwantoro Hardjito, Steenie Wallah,
E & Dody MJ Sumajouw 2006, ‘Properties and
applications of fly ash-based concrete’, Materials
forum, vol. 30.
[19] Vijaya Rangan.B1. “Geopolymer concrete for
environmental protection”. The Indian Concrete
Journal, April 2014, Vol. 88, Issue 4, pp. 41-48, 50-59.
[20] YogendraO.Patil1, Prof.P.N.Patil2, Arun Kumar
Dwivedi3. “GGBS as Partial Replacement of OPC in
Cement Concrete – An Experimental Study”. IJSR -
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC
RESEARCH Volume: 2 | Issue: 11 | November 2013 •
ISSN No 2277 – 817.

Application of Geopolymer Concrete

More Related Content

What's hot (20)

Similar to Application of Geopolymer Concrete (20)

More from IRJET Journal (20)

Recently uploaded (20)

Application of Geopolymer Concrete