Strength characterization of geopolymer paving blocks containing copper slag and coal ash

The concept of Geoplymer concrete is still under investigated when talked in terms of its practical implementation. The larger scale manufacturing feasibility of geoploymer and its regular application could only be possible it fulfills the primary need of satisfactory strength characters. The experimental outcomes of current investigation are aimed towards the development of novel form(s) of Geopolymer Based Paver Blocks (GPPBs) using Alkali Activated Binders (AABs). Copper Slag (CS), Coal Bottom Ash (CBA) and Fly Ash (FA) were used as alkali-activated binders replacing Portland cement in various proportions. An attempt has been made to replace conventional fine aggregates (NFA) with Copper Slag Aggregates (CSA) and Coal Bottom Ash Aggregates (CBAA) in set proportions. The tests related to physical characters, flow ability and mechanical strength were conducted for a suitable period of curing. Further, the production cost of GPPBs was estimated and compared with the conventional Portland Cement Paver Blocks (FPC). An increase in compressive strength was noted up to 110% and 19% in Group-I mixes while the increments were limited to 81% and 29% in mixes of Group-II mixes of the developed GPPB based on CBA and CS compared to conventional paver blocks (PBs’). In overall, the results of various strength characters conclude that GPPBs are superior to conventional PBs’ greater than expected. However, GPPBs are marginally expensive to FAPBs, but the same can be recommended because of the efficacious practice of industrial by products that resulted in significant improvement of mechanical performance.