The durability of geopolymer concrete

Abstract

Geopolymer concrete is a promising alternative to traditional cement-based concrete due to its lower carbon footprint and higher durability. However, its performance under aggressive sulfate attacks remains a concern. To address this issue, this study aims to investigate the behavior of geopolymer concrete exposed to sodium sulfate, which is commonly present in soil and groundwater. In this research, several geopolymer concrete samples were cast and exposed to sulfate solution for a period of time. The degree of Damage was then assessed using SEM and XRD analysis. SEM was used to observe the microstructure of the concrete and detect any deterioration or cracking, while XRD was used to identify any changes in the mineralogy of the concrete. Numerical simulation was also carried out to predict and quantify the Damage due to sulfate exposure. This simulation was based on a finite element model that takes into account the chemical and physical reactions that occur during a sulfate attack. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the long-term durability of geopolymer concrete in sulfate-rich environments. It is expected that the findings of this research will be of interest to the civil engineering community and will help to promote the use of sustainable and durable materials in construction.