Assessment of Influence of Different Activator Precursors on Strength and Workability of One Part Geopolymer Concrete Mixes Exposed to Marine Environments

Concrete structures in coastal areas deteriorate rapidly due to harsh environmental conditions. One-Part Geopolymer Concrete (OGPC) offers an environmentally sustainable substitute for traditional concrete, providing superior strength and promising fresh-state properties. Unlike traditional concrete, OGPC consists of dry binders and activators, eliminating the need for Portland cement. The activator precursor is a critical factor in OGPC performance, which influences polymerization and strength development. Therefore, selecting an appropriate activator requires attention. In the present study, the OGPC mixes were prepared using different precursors as activators to determine their influence on fresh and strong properties. The study's key parameters were the chemical composition ratios, types of activators, workability, compressive and splitting tensile strength. The OGPC mixes were evaluated by performing the slump tests, compacting factor test, flow table test to assess the workability in the fresh state, axial compression test, and splitting tensile strength for strength performance in the hardened state. The results showed that using sodium meta silicate and sodium carbonate provides excellent performance for OGPC in all the test conditions. The optimum dosage and chemical proportions of the precursors have also been proposed from the experimental result analysis. The strength properties were compared to the traditional concrete option to ascertain the high-strength performance of the OGPC specimens. The study showed the potential of the utilize of OGPC as a substitute concrete for traditional concrete, with a promising performance in strength and workability being the essential requirements of the structures exposed to the severe exposure conditions in Marine environments.