Experimental studies on pavement quality geopolymer-based concrete (PQGPC) for high-volume roads: a sustainable infrastructure

ABSTRACT

Studies on Geopolymer concrete (GPC) have received a lot of focus over the last several years as a result of its potential as a carbon-neutral construction material. Because of their significant positive impact on the environment and economy, geopolymers are being investigated as a replacement for OPC in pavements. The use of GPC for structural elements has been studied in numerous research, but a few attempts have been made to use it as Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC). This experimental investigation aims to develop a mixed proportion of Fly Ash (FA) and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS)-based Pavement Quality Geopolymer Concrete (PQGPC) which can be utilised for high-volume roads. Investigations include varying the ratio of FA and GGBFS (40% and 50%) in combination with various molarities of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and alkaline solution to binder ratios (As/Bi). The binder content is fixed at 400 and 450 kg/m³. The mix with a 50:50 ratio of FA and GGBFS with 450 kg/m³ binder content having a 14M NaOH solution with SS/SH of 2.5 at an As/Bi ratio of 0.45 achieved the required workability and strength properties at ambient curing of 28 and 90 days based on the criteria of IRC:58-2015.

KEYWORDS:

• Pavement quality geopolymer concrete
• sustainable infrastructure
• workability
• mechanical properties
• high-volume roads

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

CRediT author statement

Ravi Kumar N S M: Experimental and Analytical work, Methodology, Visualisation, Result analysis, Writing – Original Draft. S Venkateswara Rao: Conceptualisation, Supervision, Review & Editing.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to thank the DST-SERB [grant number SERB/F/5299]-Government of India for the financial support to carry out the research at the National Institute of Technology-Warangal, India.