Experimental Investigation of the Durability of Ambient-Cured Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Concrete in Different Sustainable Environmental Conditions

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has received much attention among researchers in recent decades due to its increased durability properties. It helps reduce massive pollution and high energy consumption during cement production. Various cementitious materials having high alumino-silicate, such as, fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), rice husk ash (RHA), and metakaolin (MK), are typically used for producing GPC. These materials are activated by an alkaline solution through a polymerization process. This study examined the durability properties of metakaolin-based GPC with fly ash and GGBS under ambient curing conditions (23 ± 2°C). The mechanical characteristics like compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and durability properties like the sorptivity volume of permeable voids exposed to chloride, sulphate, and acid environments were studied and reported. Also, an effort has been made to establish a relationship among the mechanical properties. The test results show that better performance of GPC can be achieved with 40% replacement of MK with 10% FA and 50% GGBS under ambient curing than controlled concrete. The MK-GPC with a higher proportion of metakaolin, showed good resistance to environmental factors. It is a potential alternative to conventional cement concrete.