Effect of NaOH & Na2Sio3 on GGBS based Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental studies on the performance of  comparison  made by making Geopolymer Concrete (GPC) based on Ground Granulated Blast furnace slag (GGBS),using sodium hydroxide (NaOH )and sodium silicate (Na₂Sio₃) as alkaline activator. This study has proved that the by-product from iron industries, has the potential to produce cement free concrete, commonly known as Geopolymer concrete (GPC), blast furnace slag is gaining attention to be used as a replacement for the cement in making concrete. The studies suggested that when cement is replaced with blast furnace slag, the concrete so produced provides various advantages like less environmental degradation caused by using cement and safe disposal of industrial by-product. The experiment is being performed on M25 grade of concrete. Design by using IS code 10262:2009.

             The research focuses on the effect of the concentration of the NaOH solution on the mechanical properties of GPC by varying the molarity of NaOH in GPC based on GGBS. A comparison was made between the NaOH and NaOH-Na₂Sio₃ solution. Which is used as an alkaline activator to produce GPC and its effect on compressive strength was observed. The NaOH molarity varies between 8M,10M and 12M. At different ratio of Na₂Sio₃/NaOH1&2  respectively.      

             The GPC mixtures are prepared for different molarity and are cured at room temperature. GPC samples are tested for compressive strength at the age of 7 days and 28 days.

Keywords:-GGBS, Alkaline activator(NaOH,Na₂Sio₃), low heat of hydration, high compressive strength, better durability and good workability.