AUT Journal of Civil Engineering

AUT Journal of Civil Engineering

Effect of different curing regimes on the mechanical and durability properties of alkali-activated products containing slag, silica fume, and limestone powder

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
Abstract
Portland cement production is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and while the integration of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and alkali‑activated materials (AAMs) offers a sustainable pathway to reduce environmental impacts and enhance durability, the effectiveness of these systems is critically governed by curing regimes that determine strength development and long‑term performance. In this study investigates the influence of curing regimes on the performance of alkali-activated concretes incorporating ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) with silica fume (SF) and limestone powder (LP). Concretes were activated using sodium hydroxide (8M) and sodium silicate (water glass) with a silicate modulus of 2.07, and subjected to five curing conditions. Mechanical and durability properties were assessed through volumetric water absorption, rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT), and rapid chloride migration test (RCMT) at 90 days, and compressive strength at 28 and 90 days. Results showed that the specimen containing 85% GGBS and 15% LP exhibited favorable strength and durability under water curing, indicating its suitability for practical applications. In contrast, steam curing caused a sustained reduction in compressive strength, while permeability performance showed no significant improvement. These findings highlight the importance of curing conditions in developing durable, environmentally sustainable geopolymer concretes for broader construction use.
Keywords
Subjects

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