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Workability and mechanical properties for GGBFS–MK geopolymer synthesis: influencing factor analysis and a mix design method

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Abstract

In this study, the fluidity, setting time, and compressive strength for 40%/60% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)/metakaolin (MK) based geopolymer synthesis were experimentally investigated. By conducting 120 groups of tests, the effects of three design parameters of the alkaline activator, including the alkaline activator concentration, modulus, and liquid–solid ratio, were systematically analyzed. The test results show that the compressive strength of the GGBFS–MK geopolymer synthesis reaches a maximum value for a modulus of 1.2 or 1.4. Furthermore, according to the experimental results obtained, a series of contour plots for the relationship between the influencing parameters and the workability and mechanical properties for GGBFS–MK geopolymer synthesis are summarized. Then, a mix design method is proposed. Appropriate combinations of the concentration and modulus that can be used to generate a target compressive strength and fluidity are identified from the contour plots for different liquid–solid ratios. This method can be used to determine the mix proportion design for GGBFS–MK geopolymer synthesis that shows a specified compressive strength and working performance.

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Abbreviations

C :

Concentration of the alkaline activator

M :

Modulus of the alkaline activator

L/S :

Liquid–solid ratio

MK:

Metakaolin

GGBFS:

Ground granulated blast furnace slag

F d :

Target values of fluidity

F t :

Test values of fluidity

δ d :

Target values of compressive strength

δ t :

Test values of compressive strength

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Acknowledgements

The work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51878068), the Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Safety Control of Bridge Engineering, Ministry of Education (Changsha University of Science & Technology) (Grant No. 18KB02) and the Basic Ability Improvement Project of Young and Middle-aged Teachers in Colleges and Universities in Guangxi (Grant No. 2018KY0315).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, 545001, Guangxi, China

    Qingyu Zhong

  2. School of Civil Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, 960 Wanjiali South Road, Changsha, 410114, Hunan, China

    Miao Su, Xiang Tian & Hui Peng

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  1. Qingyu Zhong
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Zhong, Q., Su, M., Tian, X. et al. Workability and mechanical properties for GGBFS–MK geopolymer synthesis: influencing factor analysis and a mix design method. Mater Struct 56, 144 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-023-02232-7

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