Abstract:
In today's building industry, sustainability is paramount, driving the search for alternative materials that reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance. Moreover, traditional sources of Alumino-Silicate materials, such as fly ash and slag, are limited, necessitating alternative options. Metakaolin, a naturally occurring alkaline binder, steps in as a viable solution. Adding metakaolin to geopolymer concrete (GPC) blocks not only enhances their strength but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, marking a significant step towards a greener future. The research focuses on optimizing the mix of binders, alkaline solutions, and aggregate content to improve GPC performance.
Experimental results show that GPC reaches a compressive strength of 9.7 MPa, higher than the 6.31 MPa of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). It also has better durability, with a water absorption rate of 5.9% compared to OPC's 6.8%. A Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) found that GPC cuts GHG emissions by 40% compared to OPC.
These findings highlight the benefits of using metakaolin-based GPC, providing insights for optimizing its mix design and encouraging its use in the construction industry as an eco-friendly, high-performance material.
