Experimental investigation on paver blocks of fly ash-based geopolymer concrete containing silica fume

Abstract

Utilisation of geopolymer may reduce the global warming potential of concrete. This study examines geopolymer concrete as interlocking paver blocks. Three concretes are compared: conventional cement, fly ash-geopolymer and fly ash–silica fume geopolymer. Sodium hydroxide solution is used in both geopolymer concretes, and sodium silicate solution is used in fly ash-based geopolymer concrete only. Rectangle and uni shape blocks are tested for compressive strength, flexural strength, abrasion resistance and freeze–thaw resistance. Dynamic drop loading test is conducted on block pavement with herringbone laying pattern . Results revealed that resistance to abrasion and water absorption of geopolymeris improved by adding silica fume . Freeze–thaw resistance is the lowest for cement concrete paver blocks. Lowest deflection occurred in block pavement of uni shape. Geopolymer concrete provides uniform load distribution than cement concrete. Cement concrete is slightly costlier than geopolymer concrete. This study concluded the geopolymer as suitable option for paver block applications