Cost Optimization of Geopolymer Concrete Pavement

Abstract

In this study, fly ash-based geopolymer concrete was prepared using different Cement content (from 0% to 10%) and GGBS content (from 5% to 20%) at the same molarity and also at varying molarity of alkaline solution i.e. 3M and 4M to evaluate the efficiency of geopolymer concrete. Geopolymer solution was prepared by mixing NaOH and Na2SiO3 in a fixed ratio with water according to the molarity of the solution.
Test results indicated an increase in compressive as well as flexural strength when the mature alkaline solution was used. Higher molarity solution imparted more compressive and flexural strength. However, increasing the molarity of alkaline solution leads to an increase in the overall cost of production of geopolymer concrete. It was also found that compressive and flexural strength decrease with an increase in the cement content. While increasing the GGBS content led to an increase in compressive and flexural strength. Graphs showing the above variations are also plotted under this research.
After the mix proportions were fixed cost optimization of geopolymer concrete was done. The cost per cubic meter of geopolymer concrete came out to be Rs4317 which was comparable to that of conventional concrete i.e. Rs4233. The density of geopolymer concrete falls in the range of 2200-2300 kg/m3 which is less than that of conventional concrete.