Geopolymer concrete is an innovative, eco-friendly construction material. It is used as replacement of cement concrete. In geopolymer concrete cement is not used as a binding material. Fly ash, silica-fume, or GGBS, along with alkali solution are used as binders.
Why Geopolymer Used in Concrete?
- Reduces the demand of OPC which leads CO2 emission.
- Utilise waste materials from industries such as fly ash, silica-fume, GGBS.
- Protect water bodies from contamination due to fly ash disposal.
- Conserve acres of land that would have been used for coal combustion products disposal.
- Produce a more durable infrastructure.
Advantages
- High compressive strength.
- High tensile strength.
- Low creep.
- Low drying shrinkage.
- Resistant to heat and cold.
- Chemically resistant.
- Highly durable.
- Fire proof.
Disadvantages
- Difficult to create.
- Requires special handling.
- Chemicals like sodium hydroxide are harmful to humans.
- High cost of alkaline solution.
- Pre-mix only.
- Sold only as pre-mix or pre-caste material.
- Geopolymerisation process is sensitive.
- Lacks uniformity.
