Comparison of Mechanical Strengths and Resistance to Acidic Conditions, Permeability and Resistance to Elevated Temperatures of Geopolymer Concrete and Conventional Concrete

In recent years, geopolymers, as a new class of green cement binders, have gained significant attention as an environmental-friendly alternative to Portland Cement (PC) which can potentially reduce negative environmental impacts of PC production such as carbon dioxide (CO۲) emissions, energy consumption, natural resources exhaustion and etc. Although the use of geopolymer cement to make concrete has significant environmental benefits, but the technical characteristics of geopolymer concrete should be studied and compared with conventional concrete. Hence, in this experimental study, several technical characteristics of geopolymer concrete including: compressive strength, indirect tensile strength, flexural strength, resistance to acidic conditions, water absorption capacity and resistance to elevated temperatures were studied and compared with conventional concrete. Summarizing the obtained results of this study indicated that geopolymer concrete in addition to major environmental advantages, also has better technical properties in comparison with conventional concrete and can be considered as an acceptable green alternative to conventional concrete.

Keywords:

Geopolymer concrete , Conventional Concrete , Mechanical strengths , Resistance to acidic condition , Resistance to elevated temperatures , Permeability