Published Paper Details:

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has emerged as a promising sustainable alternative to conventional Portland cement concrete (PCC), offering a potential reduction in the construction industry's substantial greenhouse gas emissions. PCC production is a major contributor to CO2, and GPC, utilizing industrial by-products like fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), presents a compelling solution. This review examines GPC, focusing on its strength, durability, and workability. GPC uses geopolymers as the binding agent--inorganic aluminosilicate materials synthesized through alkali activation of source materials. This geopolymerization process involves dissolving aluminosilicate precursors in a highly alkaline solution, forming a three-dimensional polymeric network. The use of industrial by-products like fly ash and GGBFS aligns with sustainable practices. GPC has demonstrated the potential for comparable or superior mechanical properties, particularly compressive strength, compared to PCC, especially with optimized mix designs and curing conditions. Research on the microstructure development of alkali-activated fly ash provides insights into strength development. GPC also offers potential durability improvements, notably in aggressive chemical environments like sulfate attack. However, challenges remain, including workability concerns. Optimizing mix design parameters, such as the SiO2/Na2O ratio of the alkali activator, is crucial for achieving desired workability without sacrificing other properties. Long-term durability in diverse environments requires further investigation, extending beyond sulfate resistance to include freeze-thaw cycles and chloride exposure. This review synthesizes research on GPC's strength (compressive, tensile, flexural), exploring the influence of source materials, alkali activators, curing conditions, and mix design. It also addresses durability aspects (chemical resistance, freeze-thaw, elevated temperature) and workability challenges. By synthesizing existing knowledge, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of GPC, contributing to the advancement and wider application of this sustainable construction material.