Durability Degradation Mechanisms and Coupled Deterioration Behaviors of Geopolymer Concrete Under Multi-Hazard Service Environments: A Critical Review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Geopolymer concrete (GPC), here defined primarily as concrete based on low-calcium alkali-activated aluminosilicate binders, exhibits durability responses that depend strongly on precursor chemistry, gel assemblage, pore structure and exposure conditions; high-calcium or slag-rich systems are therefore discussed separately as related alkali-activated material (AAM) systems. This critical review synthesizes representative peer-reviewed evidence on freeze-thaw cycling, drying and autogenous shrinkage, elevated-temperature/fire exposure, chloride, sulfate and acid attack, carbonation, reinforcement corrosion and coupled multi-hazard deterioration. The evidence indicates that freeze-thaw damage is governed by pore-water phase change, cracking and transport-pathway formation, while chemical attack involves ion ingress, dealkalization, dealumination/decalcification and elemental leaching. Direct coupled evidence is strongest for freeze-thaw combined with chloride/salt or sulfate exposure; shrinkage-transport interactions are mainly correlation-supported, whereas carbonation-chloride-freeze-thaw-related corrosion remains largely a mechanism-based inference. Future work should prioritize standardized sequential multi-hazard protocols, chemistry-specific parameter databases and field-calibrated transport/corrosion models to support reliable service-life prediction and engineering design.
Source: Materials
DOI: 10.3390/ma19194050
Authors: Jiale Li, Fei Yang, Ran Hai, Wenhao Mi, Cun Hui
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Awards: G2399120203, G3946878332
OpenAlex ID: W7214016409