Influence of geopolymer aggregates on micro-structural and durability characteristics of OPC concrete

This paper explores the physical, mechanical and durability characteristics of Fly ash—ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) based Geopolymer aggregates include Specific gravity, impact value, crushing value, loss angles abrasion value, attrition value and water absorption respectively. Besides, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was done to diagnose the microstructure of geopolymer aggregates. In addition to this mechanical, durability and microstructural behavior of the ordinary portland cement concrete made with the geopolymer aggregate includes compressive strength, split tensile strength, open porosity, water absorption, sorpitivity, Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) and SEM with EDS were investigated. With help of SEM interfacial transition zone (ITZ) was examined. In this paper, three types of geopolymer aggregates are prepared by replacing 0, 10, and 20% of fly ash with GGBS cured under oven (at 60° for 12 h) and ambient conditions. The study considers the two grades of concrete M20 and M40 as per IS 456-2000. However, concrete prepared geopolymer Aggregates (80% fly ash and 20% GGBS) Showed higher resistance among all the tests and giving similar results at ambient and oven curing.