Enhanced Early Strength and Performances of GGBFS-Based Alkali-Activated Self-Compacting Low Carbon Concrete
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Due to the construction industry's dependency on Portland cement, approximately 5-8% of global CO₂ emissions are attributed to its production, which requires an alternative sustainable solution. Recently, alkali-activated materials (AAMs), particularly originating from ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), have emerged and presented sustainable alternatives due to their lower carbon footprint and better mechanical properties. The study focuses on its application to hybrid GGBFS activation utilizing NaOH, Na₂SiO₃, and alkali sulfates in a quest to develop high early strength self-compacting concrete (SCC). This study investigates the potential of SCC incorporating alkali-activated slag (AAS) around 80% Silica Fume (SF) 20% as a complete replacement for Portland cement. Before the test date, samples were prepared under standardized conditions and cured in a tank with limewater saturated at 23±1C°. Compressive strength tests were conducted on 150 × 300 mm cylindrical samples at 1, 7, and 28 days. The findings indicate that SCC using AAS could arrive at an early-age compressive strength of around 22 MPa at 1-day age of curing. The hybrid activation system, powered by NaOH, Na₂SiO₃, and alkali sulfates, shows improvements in early-age strength and durability. This system offers a sustainable alternative to conventional cement, reducing CO₂ emissions while maintaining excellent mechanical properties.
Institution: Urmia University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6949526700
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