The document discusses geo-polymer concrete as an alternative to ordinary Portland cement concrete. Geo-polymer concrete utilizes industrial by-products such as fly ash, red mud, and GGBS, which reduces pollution. The study aims to determine the optimal ratio of red mud and GGBS as binders in geo-polymer concrete. Various tests were conducted to evaluate the compressive strength, flexural strength, and durability of geo-polymer concrete specimens containing different ratios of red mud and GGBS. The results showed that mixes with higher GGBS content and the addition of fibers exhibited greater mechanical strengths and durability compared to ordinary concrete. Therefore, geo-polymer concrete is a more sustainable alternative that utilizes waste materials.

1. 1

2. 2
AN OVERVIEW
Global Warming – A major problem that world faces today.
Production of Portland cement – main concern in emission
of pollutants (mainly CO2) in the construction industry since 1
ton equals 1 ton of CO2 emission.
Increasing the usage of industrial by-products reduce the
pollution effect on environment.
Geo-polymer concrete – a best alternative since it uses up fly
ash, Red mud, silica fume, rice-husk ash or GGBS for OPC.
It helps to put off Global Warming but utilizes the waste
materials efficiently thereby reducing the risk of waste
disposal and at same hand, safeguards dwindling natural
resources.

3. 3
OBJECTIVE
To check out the viable combination ratio of Red Mud and
GGBS as binder in Geopolymer Concrete (GPC).
To locate the performance of hybrid combination of fibres
(metallic + non-metallic + natural) in GPC for high-
performance.
To investigate the compressive strength and flexural
strength of GPC specimens by casting cube & prism
specimens.
To examine the durability aspects with the help of Saturated
water absorption Test, Acid attack Test, Sulphate attack Test,
Alkalinity Test and Carbonation depth Test .

4. GEO-POLYMER CONCRETE
Geopolymer – coined by a French Professor Davidovits in
1978 to represent a broad range of materials characterized by
networks of inorganic molecules.
Geopolymers - chains or networks of mineral molecules
linked with co-valent bonds produced by a polymeric reaction
of alkaline liquids (sodium silicate & sodium hydroxide or
Potassium silicate or potassium hydroxide) with source
material of geological origin or by-product material.
The chemical reaction may comprise the following steps
Dissolution of Si and Al atoms through the hydroxide action.
 Transportation of precursor ions into monomers.
Setting or polymerization of monomers into polymeric
structures. 4

5. LITERATURE SURVEY
5
Sl No Author &
Year
Journal Description
1 V. Supraja et
al; 2010
International
Journal of
Electronics,
Communication &
Soft Computing
Science and
Engineering
Portland cement is fully replaced with
GGBS.
It is observed that compressive
strength increased with the increase in
the molarity of sodium hydroxide(9M).
Compared to hot air oven curing and
curing by direct sun light, oven cured
specimens gives higher compressive
strength.
2 Abishek H N
et al;
September
2012
International
Journal of
Emerging Trends
in Engineering
and Development
Geopolymerisation is carried out in
the mixture of Red mud, Fly Ash, Micro
silica & water.
Best results are expected in the ratio
10:80:10 adding 120 lts of water.
Ultimate load carrying capacity &
stiffness of beam reduces when 30% of
red mud is added in the mix.
From above results it is concluded that
red mud can be added upto 30%.

6. LITERATURE SURVEY (Contd…..)
6
Sl No Author &
Year
Journal Description
3 Boskovic
Ivana et al;
January 2013
Research Journal
of Chemistry and
Environment
Results indicate the possibility of use
of red mud as a good initial material for
geopolymer preparation.
The compressive strength results are
within the range of 10.2 MPa to 17.2 MPa
under the specified conditions of raw
mixture preparation.
SEM analysis confirms the
homogeneity of samples. The detection
of amorphous phase is quite hard.
4 Jian He et al;
December
2012
Elsevier 11 A new type of geopolymer composite
was synthesized from two industrial
wastes, red mud (RM) and rice husk ash
The studied geopolymers have
compressive strengths of up to 20.5MPa,
which is comparable to most Portland
cements.
A few barriers, such as long curing
duration makes it practically difficult.

7. SUMMARY OF THE SURVEY
Al-Si minerals are more soluble in sodium based activators
compared to Potassium based activators.
Silica in Na2SiO3 plays important role in GPC since it is the
initiator of Geopolymerisation.
Blending of Alkaline activators 24 hours prior to concreting
enhance polymerization process and prevents bleeding and
segregation.
Heat released during curing of Fly Ash based GPC is much
less(40oC) when compared to typical concrete(65 to 70oC).This
makes it an advantage over OPCC for large structures like
Dams, weirs and tanks.
Micro silica can be added at a rate of 5-15% by weight of
cement while Red Mud can be used upto 30%. Fly Ash and
GGBS can be used upto 100% in GPC.
Metakaolin based GPC shows high compressive strength due
to high fraction of pure geopolymer binder and less micro
pores and micro cracks.

8. MATERIALS USED
Binding material - GGBS & Red mud
Fine Aggregate – 50% Copper Slag & 50% River Sand
Coarse Aggregate – 10mm & 20mm HBG metal
Fibres – Steel(1%), Polypropylene(0.5%), Banana(0.5%)
Alkaline solution – Sodium Hydroxide(NaOH) of molarity
10M & Sodium Silicate(Na2Sio3)
Superplasticizer – Conplast SP-430 (Sulphonated
naphthalene formaldehyde based)
Water – Potable water
8

9. 9
RED MUD GGBS
COPPER SLAG RIVER SAND
MATERIALS USED (Contd…)

10. 10
20 MM SIZE 10 MM SIZE
SODIUM SILICATE SODIUM HYDROXIDE
MATERIALS USED (Contd…)

11. 11
STEEL FIBRE POLYPROPYLENE FIBRE
BANANA FIBRE
MATERIALS USED (Contd…)

12. MATERIAL PROPERTIES
Red Mud:
For the study, Red Mud is obtained from MALCO, near
Mettur Dam in Salem, Tamil Nadu.
By Pycnometer investigation, the specific Gravity(G) is found
to be 1.67.
Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag(GGBS):
GGBS used for this study is obtained from Nandi Cements,
Bengaluru which is processed from slag obtained from JSW
Steel plant, Bellary and SAIL, Bhadravathi.
By Pycnometer investigation, the specific Gravity(G) is found
to be 2.19.
12

13. 13
MATERIAL PROPERTIES(Contd…)
Copper Slag:
Copper Slag used for this study is obtained from Sterlite
Industry, Thoothukudi .
The fineness modulus of the copper slag is 7.14. Uniformity
coefficient is 2.37. Coefficient of curvature is 1.053.
By Pycnometer analysis, G is found to be 4.01
River sand:
In this study, River sand is used as the fine aggregate. It is
obtained from a local quarry near Nagercoil.
The fineness modulus of the river sand is 6.34. Uniformity
coefficient is 2.37 and the Coefficient of curvature is1.053.
By Pycnometer analysis, G is found to be 2.54

14. 14
MATERIAL PROPERTIES(Contd…)
Coarse Aggregates:
In this study, coarse aggregates of size 20mm and 10mm are
to be used. It is obtained from a local quarry near Nagercoil.
Using Impact testing Machine, the impact value of coarse
aggregate of size 20mm is 13.20% and for 10mm the impact
value is 17.720%.
Alkaline Solution:
The solution comprised of Sodium hydroxide and Sodium
Silicate is used as alkaline solution.
Sodium silicate solution (SiO2-29.4%, Na2O-14.73% and H2O-
55.9% by mass) and sodium hydroxide solution of 10M
concentration (400 gm in 1 kg of water) is used.

15. MATERIAL PROPERTIES(Contd…)
Fibres:
Hybrid fibre usage (A mixture of metallic, non-metallic and
natural) is done in this investigation .
Metallic type - Steel fibre (Corrugated type, aspect ratio 50)
Non-metallic type - Polypropylene fibre (fibrillated type,
6 mm size)
Natural Type - Banana fibre of aspect ratio 50.
Superplasticizer:
The sulphonated naphthalene-formaldehyde (Conplast SP-
430) is used in this experiment to improve workability.
15

16. METHODOLOGY
Four different mixes are made in the following ratio Mix
A(70%GGBS & 30% RM), Mix B(73%GGBS & 27% RM), Mix
C(76%GGBS & 24% RM), Mix D(80%GGBS & 20% RM) along
with the control mix.
Sodium Hydroxide pellets (10M) & Sodium Silicate solution
are together used as alkaline solution.
39 cubes(150*150*150 mm size) & 24 prism(100*100*500 mm
size) specimens are casted.
Specimens are heat cured for 24 hours at a temperature of
40-50 0C.
Properties are tested after 7 days and 28 days. Durability
aspects are tested after 28 days. 16

17. 17
Durability tests are carried out as per some specifications for
specified tests.
Saturated water absorption ( SWA ) tests were carried out on
150 mm cube specimens at the age of 28 days curing as per
ASTM C 642.
 The acid attack testing procedure was conducted by
immersing concrete cube specimens of 150 mm size after the
specified initial curing in a tub containing 5% H2SO4 for 28
days.
The sulphate attack testing procedure was conducted by
immersing concrete cube specimens of 150 mm size after the
specified initial curing in a tub containing 5% Sodium
Sulphate for 28 days.
METHODOLOGY (Contd…)

18. 18
For Alkalinity test, the broken pieces of tested specimen
were again broken into small pieces using hammer and ball
mill and then powdered. The powdered samples (say 20gm)
was put into100ml distilled water. The aqueous solution was
allowed to stand for 72 hours and the pH is measured by pH
meter.
The carbonation depth test was carried out according to
RILEM CPC – 18 recommendations. 1% phenolphthalein
solution is mixed in 70% ethyl alcohol and the same is sprayed
onto the concrete surface which has been cleaned for dust and
loose particles. Phenolphthalein is a colourless acid indicator
which turns red or pink when the pH is above a value of 9.5.
METHODOLOGY (Contd…)

19. 19
METHODOLOGY (Contd…)
Pretreatment of Banana fibres
Pretreatment of Banana fibres are done by immersing it in
6 % NaOH for 2 hours to overcome the bio-degradability of
natural fibres.
They are then washed thoroughly by running water.
It is then filtered and dried at 80oC for 24 hours.

20. 20
STAGES OF MIXING & CASTING

21. 21
STAGES OF MIXING & CASTING (Contd…)

22. 22
HEAT CURING PROCESS

23. 23
TESTING PROCESS

24. 24
DURABILITY TESTS
WATER ABSORPTION
SULPHATE ATTACKACID ATTACK

25. 25
DURABILITY TESTS (Contd…)
CARBONATION DEPTH

26. 26
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Property Compressive strength Flexural Strength
Period 7 days 28 days 7 days 28 days
MIX Pu fu Pu fu Pu fu Pu fu
R 436.35 19.40 692.84 30.81 5.68 2.84 9.70 4.85
A 412.50 18.34 660.00 29.34 5.50 2.75 13.78 6.89
B 393.75 17.50 630.00 28.00 5.25 2.63 13.24 6.62
C 380.75 16.92 635.00 28.19 4.60 2.30 12.66 6.33
D 442.50 19.66 737.50 32.80 5.85 2.93 14.24 7.12
Pu - Average Ultimate load in KN,
fu - Average ultimate strength in N/mm2

27. 27
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
R A B C D
M
E
C
H
A
N
I
C
A
L
P
R
O
P
E
R
T
Y
MIX DESIGNATION
Compressive
strength(N/mm2) 7
days
Compressive
strength(N/mm2) 28
days
Flexural
strength(N/mm2) 7
days
Flexural
strength(N/mm2) 28
days
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS (a comparison)

28. 28
Mix
Designation
Average Weight Loss
Average Compressive
Strength (loss/gain)
Kg % N/mm2 %
R No significant 25.46 14 (loss)
D changes were seen 40.34 23 (gain)
1. Saturated Water Absorption
After Specified Period of 28 days, there were no specific changes in weight
or compressive strength both in Control mix and Mix D which shows GPC is
dense in nature and thus can prevent ingression of environmental
effluents through its pores.
2. Acid Attack Test
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS (Contd…)

29. 29
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS (Contd…)
Mix
Designation
Average Weight Loss
Average Compressive
Strength (loss/gain)
Kg % N/mm2 %
R No significant 26.40 12 (loss)
D changes were seen 38.38 17 (gain)
3. Sulphate Attack Test
4. Alkalinity
For Mix R, Alkalinity measure = 12.20 while for Mix D, Alkalinity = 13.10.
5. Carbonation Depth
For Mix R, the maximum penetration of pink colour (carbonation depth) is
about 8.60 mm while For Mix D, maximum penetration is about 10.40 mm.

30. 30
CONCLUSION
Based on the investigation carried out on the GGBS and Red
Mud based Geopolymer Concrete, the following conclusions
were drawn
1. Geopolymer concrete is more ecological and has the
prospective to swap ordinary Portland cement concrete from
top to bottom in many applications such as precast elements.
2. It helps to prevent global warming and it utilizes the waste
materials effectively thereby reducing the risk of waste
disposal and safeguards the dwindling natural resources.
3. Mix A performs better than Mix B and Mix C on account
of the increased binder content.
4. Among all the mixes, Mix D shows best mechanical

31. 31
(steel fibre + Polypropylene fibre + Banana fibre) and
reduction of Red Mud.
5. It can be seen that, there is about 30% increase in flexural
strength of fibre incorporated GPC when compared to OPCC.
6. Specimens attained their properties at a curing temperature
of 40-50oC. Hence sunlight curing is sufficient for the cited mix
proportions which further overcomes a disadvantage of GPC
and makes it adaptable for on-site constructions.
7. GPC exhibited strength gain of 23% when contacted with 5%
Sulphuric Acid and 17% with 5% Sodium Sulphate while OPCC
suffered losses in both cases.
8. Usage of copper slag reduces the risk of damages caused by
alkali–silica reaction and provides higher resistance to
CONCLUSION (Contd…)

32. SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORK
Concert of M-Sand in lieu of River sand can also be
evaluated. If it works out, then the cited work will be of great
success since binder and fine aggregate are completely eco-
friendly.
The performance of hybrid combination of fibres can be
tested for all the four mixes.
The same mix combinations can be tested for different
molarity levels of NaOH.
Durability tests can also be performed for all the mixes and
as an outcome, the most effective combination of fibres can be
finalized.
32

33. 33
Durability test for a longer duration could be conducted for
enhanced understanding.
It was found in this research that due to the difference in
chemical properties, some standards test on durability such as
RCPT and phenolphthalein indicator did not work well for
alkali activated binder.
A review of the current standard tests which were
initially developed for normal concrete and its possible
modification to be used for alkali activated binder is needed.
SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORK (Contd…)

34. REFERENCES
1. Abishek H N and M U Aswanth “Strength studies of Red Mud
based Geopolymer concrete” International Journal of
Emerging Trends in Engineering and Development; Issue 2
vol-6, Sep 2012; pp 10-32, 2012.
2. Ambily P.S, Madheswaran C.K, Lakhsmanan.N, Dattatreya
J.K, Jaffer Sathik S.A “Experimental studies on Shear behaviour
of reinforced Geopolymer concrete thin webbed T-beams with
and without fibres” International Journal Of Civil And
Structural Engineering; Volume 3, No 1, 2012, pp 128-140.
3. Antonio M. Arino and Barzin Mobasher “Effect of Ground
Copper Slag on Strength and Toughness of Cementitious
Mixes” ACI Materials Journal/January-February 1999, pp 68-74.
34

35. REFERENCES (Contd…..)
4. Boskovic Ivana, Vukcevic Mira, Krgovic Milun, Ivanovic
Mileta and Zejak Radomir “The Influence of Raw Mixture and
Activators Characteristics on Red-Mud based Geopolymers”
Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment Vol.17 (1)
January (2013) vol-17, pp 34-40,2013.
5. Brock William Tomkins “Chemical Resistance of
Geopolymer Concrete against H2SO4 & NaOH” A dissertation
submitted to Faculty of Engineering and Surveying, University
of Southern Queensland; October 2011.
6. Dattatreya J K, Rajamane NP, Sabitha D, Ambily P S and
Nataraja MC “Flexural behaviour of reinforced Geopolymer
concrete beams” International Journal Of Civil And Structural
Engineering Volume 2, No 1, 2011, pp 138-159.
35

36. REFERENCES (Contd…..)
7. Ganapati Naidu, A.S.S.N.Prasad, S.Adiseshu and
P.V.V.Satayanarayana “A Study on Strength Properties of
Geopolymer Concrete with Addition of G.G.B.S”, International
Journal of Engineering Research and Development Volume 2,
Issue 4 (July 2012), pp 19-28.
8. Gokulram H, Anuradha R. Strength Studies on
Polypropylene Fibre Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete using
M-Sand” International Journal of Emerging Trends in
Engineering and Development, (March 2013) vol-2, pp 242-250.
9. Jian He “Synthesis and Characterization of Geopolymers for
infrastructural Applications” A Dissertion Submitted to the
Graduate Faculty of the Louisiana State University and
Agricultural and Mechanical College; August 2012.
36

37. REFERENCES (Contd…..)
10. Lloyd N and Rangan B “Geopolymer Concrete with Fly Ash”
Second International Conference on Sustainable Construction
Materials and Technologies; Volume 3, pp 1493-1504.
11. Mira Vuk evi, Danka Turovi, Milun Krgovi, Ivana Bo kovi,
Mileta Ivanovi and Radomir Zejak “Utilization of
Geopolymerization For obtaining Construction Materials
Based on Red Mud” Professional article; ISSN 1580-2949;
pp 99-104, 2013.
12. Ng T.S, Htut T.N.S and Foster S.J. “Mode I and II fracture
behaviour of steel fibre reinforced high strength geopolymer
concrete: an experimental investigation” 2010 Korea Concrete
Institute, pp 1501-1511.
37

38. REFERENCES (Contd…..)
13. Savstano Jr H, Santos S.F, and Agopyan V. “Sustainability of
vegetable fibres in construction” Universidade de São Paulo,
Brazil, pp 55-81.
14. Supraja V, Kanta Rao M. “Experimental study on Geo-
Polymer concrete incorporating GGBS” International Journal
of Electronics, Communication & Soft Computing Science and
Engineering; ISSN: 2277-9477, Volume 2, Issue 2vol-2, pp 11-15.
15. Susan, Bernal, Ruby, De Gutierrez, Silvio, Delvastro, Erich
and Rodriguez “Performance of Geopolumer Concrete
Reinforced With Steel Fibres” IIBCC 10th international
Inorganic bonded Fiber composites conference; São Paulo–
Brazil; November 2006, pp 156-167.
38

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