International Journal of ChemTech Research

CODEN (USA): IJCRGG ISSN: 0974-4290

Vol.9, No.03 pp 350-356, 2016

Strength properties of Fly ash and GGBS based Geo-polymer

Concrete

P Abhilash1*, C.Sashidhar2, I.V.Ramana Reddy3

1
Annamacharya Institute of Technology, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
2
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, JNTUA, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh,
India
3
Sri Venkateshwara University College of Engineering, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract: The second most consumed product in the world is Cement. It contributes nearly 7%
of the global carbon dioxide emission. Geo-polymer concrete (GPC) is a special type of
concrete that is manufactured using industrial waste like fly ash, GGBS which are considered
as a more eco-friendly alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) based concrete. By using
this type of industrial by-products in concrete industry as a replacement for cement we can
reduce the usage of cement which results in minimizing the emission of green houses gases into
the atmosphere and also savings in cost. This project mainly aims at the study of effect of fly
ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) on the mechanical properties of geo
polymer concrete (GPC) when they were replaced for cement at different replacement levels
(FA50-GGBS50,FA75-GGBS25, FA100-GGBS0) using Sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) solutions as alkaline activators. Specimens were casted and cured for
different curing periods like 7, 14, 28, 56 and 112 days at ambient room temperature to
determine the mechanical properties of geo-polymer concrete. Test results shows that as the
percentage of GGBS in the mix is increasing, mechanical properties such as compressive
strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength were increasing.
Key words: Geopolymer concrete, GGBS, Fly ash, Sodium silicate, Sodium hydroxide,
Compressive strength, Split tensile strength, Flexure strength.

Introduction
Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world and Ordinary Portland Cement
(OPC) is the major ingredient used in concrete. The production of cement releases large amount of carbon
dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere that significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that
one ton of CO2 is released into the atmosphere for every ton of OPC produced1. In view of this, there is a need
to develop sustainable alternatives to conventional cement utilizing the cementitious properties of industrial by-
products such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag 2-4. On the other side, the abundance and
availability of fly ash and GGBS worldwide create opportunity to utilize these by-products, as partial
replacement or as performance enhancer for OPC. In 1978, Davidovits developed a binder called geo-polymer
to describe an alternative cementitious material which has ceramic-like properties. Geo-polymer technology is
one of the new technologies attempted to reduce the use of Portland cement in concrete. Geopolymer are
environmental friendly materials that do not emit green house gases during polymerization process.
Geopolymer can be produced by combining a pozzolanic compound or aluminosilicate source material with
highly alkaline solutions5. Geopolymers are made from source materials with silicon (Si) and Aluminium (Al)
P Abhilash et al /International Journal of ChemTech Research, 2016,9(3),pp 350-356. 351

content and thus cement can be completely replaced by marginal materials such as fly ash and ground
granulated blast furnace slag which is rich in silica and alumina 6-7. Fly ash and GGBS reacts with alkaline
solutions to form a cementitious material which does not emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and enhances
the mechanical properties of the geo-polymer concrete. Davidovits (1978) proposed that binders could also be
produced by polymeric reaction of alkaline liquids with the silicon and the aluminium in source materials or by-
product materials such as fly ash and rice husk ash. Portland cement is still the main binder in concrete
construction prompting a search for more eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, it has been reported that the
durability of ordinary Portland cement concrete is under examination, as many concrete structures especially
those built in corrosive environments start to deteriorate after 20 to 30 years, even though they have been
designed for more than 50 years of service life.

Experimental Study
Experimental program:

Our objective was to determine the effect of GGBS and Fly-ash on the mechanical properties of geo
polymer concrete. In this respect, GGBS and Fly-ash were used as binders, Sodium hydroxide and Sodium
silicate were used as alkaline activators, Crushed granite stones of size 20 mm and 10 mm of coarse aggregate
are used, river sand is used as fine aggregate.

Material properties:

Binders:

Fly ash and GGBS were used as binders in geo polymer concrete and their physical and chemical
properties of the Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag were tabulated below

Table 1. Chemical and Physical Properties of Class F Fly Ash and GGBS

Class
Particulars GGBS
“F” fly ash
Chemical composition
% Silica(SiO2) 65.6 30.61
% Alumina(Al2O3) 28.0 16.24
% Iron Oxide(Fe2O3) 3.0 0.584
% Lime(CaO) 1.0 34.48
% Magnesia(MgO) 1.0 6.79
% Titanium Oxide (TiO2) 0.5 -
% Sulphur Trioxide (SO3) 0.2 1.85
Loss on Ignition 0.29 2.1
Physical properties
Specific gravity 2.24 2.86
2
Fineness (m /Kg) 360 400

Alkaline liquids:

The alkaline liquid used was a combination of sodium silicate solution and sodium hydroxide
solution. The sodium silicate solution (Na2O= 13.7%, SiO2=29.4%, and water=55.9% by mass) was purchased
from a local supplier. The sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in flakes or pellets from with 97%-98% purity was also
purchased from a local supplier. The sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution was prepared by dissolving either the
flakes or the pellets in required quantity of water. The mass of NaOH solids in a solution varied depending on
the concentration of the solution expressed in terms of molarity, M. For instance, NaOH solution with a
P Abhilash et al /International Journal of ChemTech Research, 2016,9(3),pp 350-356. 352

concentration of 10M consisted of 10x40 = 400 grams of NaOH solids (in flake or pellet form) per litre of the
solution, where, 40 is the molecular weight of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) pellets or flakes.

Coarse aggregate:

Crushed granite stones of size 20 mm and 10 mm of coarse aggregate are used. The bulk specific
gravity in oven dry condition and water absorption of the coarse aggregate 20 mm and 10mm as per IS code
were 2.58 and 0.3% respectively. The gradation of the coarse aggregate was determined by sieve analysis as per
IS code and presented in the Tables 2 and 3.

Table 2. Sieve analysis of 20 mm Coarse aggregate

Cumulative Cumulative percent passing

Sieve Weight Percentage
percentage
S.No size retained weight IS 383
weight 10 mm
(mm) (gm) retained (1970) limits
retained
1 10 16 0.32 0.32 99.68 85-100
2 4.75 4546 90.92 91.24 8.76 0-20
3 2.36 318 6.36 97.6 2.4 0-5

Table 3. Sieve analysis of 10 mm Coarse aggregate

Cumulative Cumulative percent passing

Weight Percentage
Sieve size percentage
S.No retained weight IS 383
(mm) weight 10 mm
(gm) retained (1970) limits
retained
1 10 16 0.32 0.32 99.68 85-100
2 4.75 4546 90.92 91.24 8.76 0-20
3 2.36 318 6.36 97.6 2.4 0-5

Fine aggregate:

The sand used throughout the experimental work was obtained from the river Swarnamukhi near
chandragiri in chittoor district. The bulk specific gravity in oven dry condition and water absorption of the sand
as per IS code were 2.62 and 1% respectively8. The gradation of the sand was determined by sieve analysis as
per IS code and presented in the Table 49.

Table 4. Sieve analysis of Fine Aggregate (Sand)

Cumulative Cumulative percent passing

Weight Percentage
Sieve No/ size percentage IS 383 (1970) –
S.No retained weight Fine
weight Zone II
(gm) retained aggregate
retained requirement
1 3/8” (10mm) 0 0 0 100 100
2 No.4 (4.75mm) 12 1.2 1.2 98.8 90-100
3 No.8 (2.36mm) 35 3.5 4.7 95.3 75-100
4 No.16 (1.18mm) 135 13.5 18.2 81.8 55-90
5 No.30 (600μm) 366 36.6 54.8 45.2 35-59
6 No.50 (300μm) 290 29.0 83.8 16.2 8-30
7 No.100 (150μm) 132 13.2 97.0 3.0 0-10
P Abhilash et al /International Journal of ChemTech Research, 2016,9(3),pp 350-356. 353

Mixture Proportions:

Based on the limited past research on GPC (Hardjito & Rangan, 2005) 10, the following proportions
were selected for the constituents of the mixtures.The following scenario describes the GPC mix design of the
present study: Assume that normal-density aggregates in SSD (Saturated surface Dry) condition are to be used
and the unit-weight of concrete is 2400 kg/m3. In this study, take the mass of combined aggregates as 77% of
the total mass of concrete, i.e. 0.77x2400=1848 kg/m3. The coarse and fine (combined) aggregates may be
selected to match the standard grading curves used in the design of Portland cement concrete mixtures. For
instance, the coarse aggregates (70%) may comprise 776 kg/m3 (60%) of 20 mm aggregates, 518 kg/m3 (40%)
of 10 mm aggregates, and 554 kg/m3 (30%) of fine aggregate to meet the requirements of standard grading
curves. The adjusted values of coarse and fine aggregates are 774 kg/m3 of 20 mm aggregates, 516 kg/m3 of 10
mm aggregates and 549 kg/m3 (30%) of fine aggregate, after considering the water absorption values of coarse
and fine aggregates.The mass of geo polymer binders (fly ash and GGBS) and the alkaline liquid = 2400 – 1848
= 552 kg/m3. Take the alkaline liquid-to-fly ash + GGBS ratio by mass as 0.35; the mass of fly ash + GGBS =
552/ (1+0.35) = 409 kg/m3 and the mass of alkaline liquid = 552 – 409 = 143 kg/m3. Take the ratio of sodium
silicate (Na2Sio3) solution-to-sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution by mass as 2.5; the mass of sodium hydroxide
(NaOH) solution = 144/ (1+2.5) = 41 kg/m3; the mass of sodium silicate solution = 143 – 41 =102 kg/m3. The
sodium hydroxide solid (NaOH) is mixed with water to make a solution with a concentration of 8 Molar. This
solution comprises 40% of NaOH solids and 60% water, by mass. For the trial mixture, water-to-geopolymer
solids ratio by mass is calculated as follows: In sodium silicate solution, water = 0.559x102 = 57 kg, and solids
= 102 – 57 = 45 kg. In sodium hydroxide solution, solids = 0.40x41 = 16 kg, and water = 41 – 16 = 25 kg.
Therefore, total mass of water = 57+25 = 82 kg, and the mass of geopolymer solids = 409 (i.e. mass of fly ash
and GGBS) + 45 + 16 = 470 kg. Hence, the water-to-geopolymer solids ratio by mass = 82/470 = 0.17. Extra
water of 55 litres is calculated on trial for adequate workability.

Table 5. GPC Mix Proportions

Mass (kg/m3 )
Materials
FA50-GGBS50 FA75-GGBS25 FA100-GGBS0
20 mm 774 774 774
Coarse aggregate
10 mm 516 516 516
Fine aggregate Sand 549 549 549
Fly ash (Class F) 204.5 306.75 409
GGBS 204.5 102.25 0
Sodium silicate solution 102 102 102
Sodium hydroxide solution 41 (10M) 41 (10M) 41 (10M)
Extra water 55 55 55
Alkaline solution/ (FA+GGBS)
0.35 0.35 0.35
(by weight)
Water/ geopolymer solids
0.29 0.29 0.29
(by weight)

Results and Discussions

Compressive Strength:

Table 6. Shows the compressive strength of GPC mixes with different proportions of fly ash and
GGBS (FA50-GGBS50; FA25-GGBS75; FA0-GGBS100) at different curing periods.
P Abhilash et al /International Journal of ChemTech Research, 2016,9(3),pp 350-356. 354

Table 6. Compressive strength of GPC

Age Mix type

Mechanical property
(days) FA50-GGBS50 FA75-GGBS25 FA100-GGBS0
7 40 21.3 10.1
14 46.5 30.5 18.2
Compressive strength, f’c
28 53.5 35.4 24.5
(MPa)
56 63 49 38
112 65 52 41

It was observed that there was a significant decrease in compressive strength with the increase in
percentage of Fly ash from 50% to 100% in all curing periods as shown in Fig. 1. It can be concluded that the
increase in Fly ash replacement level has significant decrease strength in geopolymers but still exhibits good
normal strength. The GPC with 100% Fly ash sample exhibited compressive strength values of 10.1 MPa, 18.2
MPa, 24.5 MPa, 38 MPa and 41 MPa after 7, 14, 28, 56 and 112 days of curing respectively at ambient room
temperature.

Fig. 1. Compressive strength versus Age

Split Tensile Strength:

Table 7. Shows the split tensile strength of GPC mixes with different proportions of fly ash and GGBS
(FA50-GGBS50; FA25-GGBS75; FA0-GGBS100) at different curing periods.

Table 7. Split tensile strength of GPC

Mix type
Mechanical property Age (days)
FA50-GGBS50 FA75-GGBS25 FA100-GGBS0
28 3.25 3.04 2.82
Split tensile strength, fct
(MPa) 56 3.38 3.16 2.98
112 3.52 3.33 3.12
P Abhilash et al /International Journal of ChemTech Research, 2016,9(3),pp 350-356. 355

Fig. 2. Split tensile strength of mixes

It was observed that there was a significant decrease in splitting tensile strength with the increase in
percentage of Fly ash from 50% to 100% in all curing periods as shown in Fig. 2. It can be concluded that the
increase in Fly ash replacement level weakens the microstructure of GPC thus leads to detriment of splitting
tensile strength of GPC but the decrement is less. The GPC with 100% Fly ash sample exhibited splitting tensile
strength values of 2.82 MPa, 2.98 MPa and 3.12 MPa after 28, 56 and 112 days of curing respectively at
ambient room temperature.

Flexural strength:

Table 8. Shows the flexural strength of GPC mixes with different proportions of fly ash and GGBS
(FA50-GGBS50; FA25-GGBS75; FA0-GGBS100) at different curing periods.

Table 8. Flexural strength of GPC

Mix type
Mechanical property Age (days)
FA50-GGBS50 FA25-GGBS75 FA0-GGBS100
28 5.35 5.06 4.98
Flexural strength, fcr
56 5.92 5.36 5.14
(MPa)
112 6.42 5.96 5.44

Fig. 3. Flexural strength of mixes

It was observed that there was a significant decrease in flexural strength with the increase in percentage
of Fly ash from 50% to 100% in all curing periods as shown in Fig. 3. It can be concluded that the decrease in
P Abhilash et al /International Journal of ChemTech Research, 2016,9(3),pp 350-356. 356

GGBS replacement level reduce the Silica content of GPC thus lessens the flexural strength of GPC but
maintains its strength. The GPC with 100% Fly ash sample exhibited Flexural strength values of 4.98 MPa,
5.14 MPa and 5.44 MPa after 28, 56 and 112 days of curing respectively at ambient room temperature.

From the results it is revealed that GGBS and FA blended GPC mixes attained enhanced mechanical
properties at ambient room temperature curing itself without the need of heat curing as in the case of only FA
based GPC mixes Siddique (2007).

Conclusions
Based on the test results, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. GGBS blended FA based GPC mixes attained enhanced mechanical properties at ambient room
temperature curing itself without the need of heat curing as in the case of only FA based GPC mixes.
2. Fly ash based GPC mixes have attained comparable values of mechanical properties at ambient room
temperature curing at all ages to normal Strength.
3. Keeping in view of savings in natural resources, sustainability, environment, production cost,
maintenance cost and all other GPC properties, it can be recommended as an innovative construction
material at low cost for the use of constructions.
4. Though 100% Fly ash exhibited decrease in strength, it maintains the strength. The cost is also low
compared to the 50% GGBS& 50% Fly ash

5. References
1. J. Davidovits,“Geopolymers: Man-Made Geosynthesis and the Resulting Development of Very Early
High Strength Cement”, J. Materials Education Vol. 16 (2&3), 1994, pp. 91-139.
2. P. Nath and P.K. Sarker, “ Effect of GGBS on setting, workability and early strength properties of fly
ash geopolymer concrete cured in ambient condition”, Construction Building Materials Vol. 66, 2014,
pp. 163 171
3. P.K. Sarker, S. Kelly and Z. Yao, “Effect of exposure on cracking, spalling and residual strength of fly
ash geopolymer concrete”, Materials and Design Vol. 63, 2014, pp. 584-592.
4. P.S. Deb, P. Nath and P.K. Sarker, “The effects of ground granulated blast-furnace slag blending with
fly ash and activator content on the workability and strength properties of geopolymer concrete cured at
ambient temperature”, Materials and Design Vol. 62, 2014, pp. 32-39.
5. J. Davidovits, “Geopolymers: Inorganic Polymeric New Materials”, Journal of Thermal Analysis Vol.
37, 1991, pp.1633-1656.
6. J. Davidovits, “Global Warming Impact on the Cement and Aggregate Industries”, World Resource
review, Vol. 6, no. 2,1994, pp. 263-278.
7. Palomo, A.; Grutzeck, M.W.; Blanco, M.T. (1999). Alkali-activated fly ashes – cement for the future.
Cement and Concrete Research, 29(8), 1323-1329.
8. IS 2386 (1963). Methods of test for aggregates for concrete. Part III - Specific gravity, Density, Voids,
Absorption and Bulking. Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
9. IS 383 (1970). Specification for coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources for concrete. Bureau of
Indian Standards, New Delhi.
10. Hardjito, D., & Rangan, B. V. (2005). Development and Properties of Low-Calcium Fly Ash-Based
Geopolymer Concrete. Research Report GC1, Perth, Australia: Faculty of Engineering, Curtin
University of Technology.
11. IS 10262 (2009). Concrete Mix Proportioning-Guidelines. Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
12. IS 456 (2000). Plain and reinforced concrete code for practice. Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.

*****
P Abhilash et al /International Journal of ChemTech Research, 2016,9(3),pp 350-356. 357

International Journal of ChemTech Research

[www.sphinxsai.com]

Publish your paper in Elsevier Ranked, SCOPUS Indexed

Journal.
[1] RANKING:

has been ranked NO. 1. Journal from India (subject: Chemical Engineering) from India at
International platform, by SCOPUS- scimagojr.

It has topped in total number of CITES AND CITABLE DOCUMENTS.

Find more by clicking on Elsevier- SCOPUS SITE....AS BELOW.....

http://www.scimagojr.com/journalrank.php?area=1500&category=1501&country=IN&year=201
1&order=cd&min=0&min_type=cd

Please log on to - www.sphinxsai.com

[2] Indexing and Abstracting.

International Journal of ChemTech Research is selected by -

CABI, CAS(USA), SCOPUS, MAPA (India), ISA(India),DOAJ(USA),Index Copernicus,

Embase database, EVISA, DATA BASE(Europe), Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham,
Alabama, RGATE Databases/organizations for Indexing and Abstracting.

It is also in process for inclusion in various other databases/libraries.

[3] Editorial across the world. [4] Authors across the world:

For paper search, use of References, Cites, use of contents etc in-

International Journal of ChemTech Research,

Please log on to - www.sphinxsai.com

*****