Development of self-compacting geopolymer concrete as a sustainable construction material

Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of temperature curing and ambient curing on mechanical properties of Self Compacting Geopolymer Concrete (SCGC) blended using Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) and Rice Husk Ash (RHA). The research also studied the effect of percentage (0, 5, 15 and 25%) replacement of RHA on the properties of SCGC. The compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexure strength were tested at 3, 7 and 28 days. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging was performed to understand the microstructure of SCGC specimens. The optimum percentage replacement of RHA with GGBFS is 5% at ambient curing and 15% at 70 °C temperature curing. The higher strength is obtained at 70 °C temperature curing than at ambient curing. The SEM imaging reveals that 5% RHA at ambient temperature and 15% RHA at 70 °C temperature have a dense microstructure and hence higher strength.