DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY GEO-POLYMER CONCRETE WITH COAL FLY ASH AND SILICA FUME

Abstract

The ordinary Portland cement is associated with carbon dioxide productions, which makes environment unsafe. The concept of by-product as supportable material is important alternative. This research focuses on the geo-polymer concrete (GPC) with silica fume and coal fly ash with alkaline solutions of (NaOH) and (Na₂SiO₃). The basic objective of this research is to study alkaline molarity influence, activator solution along with solid-to-liquid ratios on compressive strength with compressive strength of Goe-polymer concrete. The 18 mix designs prepared by (NaOH) molarity with different levels as (10 M, 12 M, and 14 M) with activator ratio (1.5, 2.0 and 3.0) and solid-to liquid ratios respectively. During process of constant binder composition of 50% silica fume and 50% coal fly ash. Standard cube for specimens (100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm) casted, oven-cured at 60–70°C, and experimented compressive strength and compressive strength with open fire exposure for 7 days. The output revealed compressive strength of GPC in incremental pattern when NaOH molarity and activator ratio rapidly increased. The highest compressive strength of 4300 psi (≈29.65 MPa) was achieved for (GPC-14) with 14 M NaOH, activator ratio 2:1, and solid-to-liquid ratio of 1.5. However, mixes with higher silica fume content retained better strength due to enhanced polymerization and dense matrix formation. At open fire exposure the maximum compressive strength compressive strength recorded was 2500 psi (≈17.24 MPa). Finally, this study proposed the optimum mix design with significant potential for eco-friendly and sustainable construction, offering aviable substitute to Ordinary Portland Cement-based concrete while reducing emissions of CO₂ through waste utilization., providing a promising solution for sustainable and reliable power generation in remote and off-grid areas.