Fire resistance and thermal stability of geopolymer concrete

This comprehensive review examines the fire resistance of Geopolymer Concrete (GPC), focusing on its composition, manufacturing processes, and structural applications. Compared to conventional Portland cement concrete, GPC demonstrates significantly superior performance at elevated temperatures. Experimental studies indicate that GPC can retain approximately 60–80% of its compressive strength at 800 °C, whereas conventional concrete retains only 30–40%. Additionally, GPC maintains structural integrity at temperatures up to 1000 °C, with reduced mass loss (~ 5–10%) compared to conventional concrete (~ 10–15%). Its lower thermal conductivity (0.3–1.0 W/m K) and reduced spalling susceptibility further enhance fire resistance. The review critically evaluates the influence of material composition, curing conditions, aggregates, activators, and moisture content on thermal performance. Modelling approaches, including numerical simulations and machine learning techniques, are discussed for predicting fire behaviour. Strategies such as fibre reinforcement, nano-additives, and surface coatings are shown to further improve high-temperature performance. The study concludes by highlighting current challenges and identifying future research directions for optimizing GPC in fire-resistant structural applications.