Performance evaluation of self-cured bio-geopolymer concrete

Geopolymerisation of geopolymer concrete often relies on heat or steam curing to improve mechanical properties and durability. However, heat curing can be challenging for field applications. This study focuses on creating fly ash-based geopolymers without external heat, using high-calcium fly ash and ordinary Portland cement to accelerate curing at ambient temperatures Terminalia chebula (TC) and honey. The optimal percentage of bio-additives should be determined to achieve the desired mechanical properties, such as compressive and tensile strengths. Durability can be assessed through tests, such as sorptivity and acid attack. In this research, two bio-additives were added at varying weight percentages to aluminosilicate minerals, and the samples were cured under winter conditions of 12 ± 4°C and 60% relative humidity. Experimental results indicated that 0.75% of the TC and 0.75% enhanced compressive strength by 18.05% and splitting tensile strength by 5.68% compared with control specimens cured for 28 days. Durability analysis revealed a 40% lower sorptivity coefficient, a 26.69% reduction in compressive strength loss, and a 39.23% decrease in mass loss due to acid attack compared with the control specimens.