Strength Properties of Geopolymer Mortar Containing Binary and Ternary Blends of Metakaolin and Manufacturing By-Products

Abstract

Geopolymer technology is a new sustainable approach for producing mortar without any cement because of the adverse environmental impact of cement production. In addition to the vast amount of energy and hence non-renewable resource consumption in cement production, using waste materials in geopolymer concrete production approach is highly beneficial due the high costs of waste disposal and the effects of landfill on the environment. The waste materials (red mud, rice husk ash, and waste glass powders) which are the byproducts of the manufacturing and agriculture were used as the pozzolanic materials which are the sources of geopolymer production. In addition to these waste materials, metakaolin was also used because it is the most effective pozzolanic material for use in concrete. Due to the vast amount of waste by-products generated in Turkey, it is critical that the use of these waste by-products is investigated in the construction industry, as they have detrimental effects on agriculture and groundwater. In this study, the mechanical and physical properties (including compressive and flexural strength) of the geopolymer concrete produced, composites of metakaolin and three different waste products were investigated.