Performance Investigation on Strength Properties of Metakaolin Based Geopolymer Concrete

Among the most commonly used construction materials worldwide is concrete. Cement is the main component used in the manufacturing of concrete. However, because cement manufacture uses natural resources, there are environmental issues due to the significant energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This has increased the demand for using additional materials to make concrete instead of Portland cement. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the strength properties of metakaolin based geopolymer concrete (MKGPC). Grade 25 MKGPC was given a mix design. Alkaline solutions containing 12 and 16 molars were used to cast the MKGPC specimens. They were then cured at ambient temperature as well as in a hot oven set at 100°C for 24 hours. The compressive strength and split tensile strength were investigated at 3, 7 and 28 days curing periods. The results from the investigation reveal that 16 molars and at ambient temperature had better results in terms of compressive strength and split tensile strength at all the curing periods. Therefore, this study concludes that the optimal molarity and cure regime for producing MKGPC are determined to be 16 molars and ambient temperature. As a result, the study suggests producing MKGPC using 16 molars and cured at an ambient temperature.