Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

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Materials Today: Proceedings

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An improved mechanical behaviour of fly ash and GGBS based

geopolymer concrete
Pathi Janardhan ⇑, Venkata Krishnaiah
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, BIHER, Chennai, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Concrete is high in carbon dioxide emission which produce more heat of hydration. To reduce the heat of
Available online xxxx hydration as a new generation and also the advanced concrete, we are making the geo polymer concrete
which doesn’t have the cement it means of no heat of hydration. In this research we are adding geopoly-
Keywords: mer concrete is made with fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag, with the ground granulated
Geo polymer concrete blast furnace slag serving as a partial replacement for the fly ash. The concrete mix is prepared for both
Fly ash normal concrete and geo polymer concrete at M25 grade to each and compared them for suitable con-
GGBS
struction purpose. The geo polymer concrete is casted in mix ratios of Mix-A (FA50 -GGBS 50), Mix –B
Sodium silicate
Sodium hydroxide
(FA25-GGBS75), Mix-C (FA0-GGBS100). The concrete samples were prepared by cube moulds of
Workability 150 mm*150 mm*150 mm and tested for compression testing. For the homogeneous normal concrete
Compression test and geo polymer concrete workability tests were conducted. The test results of compression test have
shown a gradual increment of characteristic compressive strength compared to the normal concrete
and geo polymer concrete. In all curing periods, it is observed that geo polymer concrete values have
higher compressive strength test results. Geopolymers’ improved strength can be concluded to be
enhanced by an increase in GGBS replacement level.
Copyright Ó 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the International Conference on Advancements in Man-
ufacturing Engineering – 2022.

1. Introduction
In the production of concrete, a promising new invention that
utilizes fly debris, ground granulated impact heater slag (GGBS),
and repurposed totals produced from development and destruc-
tion (C&D) wastes is now being implemented. The results show
that GRAC’s compressive strength, flexible modulus, and toughness
were all best when the material was relieved at 80 degreesC for 12
to 24 h, resulting in a denser and more ettringite-shaped
microstructure [1]. This paper looks at the potential geopolymer
glues derived from low calcium and how the addition of salt acti-
vator affects the standard consistency and setting seasons (GGBS).
As soluble activators (AAS), sodium hydroxide (SH) and sodium sil-
icate (SS) were used with various amounts of FA and GGBS to cre-
ate geopolymer glue. It has been discovered that GPC’s mechanical
behavior is similar to that of regular Portland concrete (OPC).
Accordingly, it appears that the flexural strength and flexibility
modulus of GPC might be measured under conditions analogous
to those specified in ACI 318–08.
⇑ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: janardhancivilengg@gmail.com (P. Janardhan).
The study uses geopolymer concrete that has been mixed with
steel fiber (0.5 percent) and antacid activators of 8 and 10 M. These
activators for antacids are given out at a 1:2.5 ratio. Those findings
proved that fiber has the potential to drastically enhance mechan-
ical characteristics. With a growing fiber volume division, the
improvement also increases. Materials like marble and rock totals
need reinforcement since they result from stone companies that
have caused extensive damage to their waste total, reuse total,
and total. This experiment employed geo-polymer concrete with
different amounts of dark marble waste total (BMWA) as a coarse
aggregate (GPC). The compressive character of GPC was not fully
established after 28 days of relieving; instead, it was compared
to GPC constructed with ordinary coarse aggregate [2]. Barrels
(50 mm  100 mm) were tested for compressive strength at 7,
14, and 28 days of age. Compressive strength was shown to rise
alongside GGBS concentration in the stirs (up to 100 MPa).
Microstructure, stage piece, and warm stable state of the geopoly-
mer specimens were also independently analyzed by scanning
electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermo-
gravimetric analysis (TG-DTA). Studies have shown that the pre-
pared mix business may save money by switching using regular

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.12.142
2214-7853/Copyright Ó 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the International Conference on Advancements in Manufacturing Engineering – 2022.

Please cite this article as: P. Janardhan and V. Krishnaiah, An improved mechanical behaviour of fly ash and GGBS based geopolymer concrete, Materials
Today: Proceedings, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.12.142
P. Janardhan and V. Krishnaiah
strength Portland concrete cement (PC) instead of AAC. High-
strength cements, on the other hand, may have their soluble base
enacted cement accurately determined. A step-by-step procedure
for determining preliminary blend extents for cements is
described. This procedure takes into account the cement’s consis-
tency value, setting time, and solid form compressive strength.
Potential effects of using GGBS to replace up to 50 % of fly detritus
The maximum allowable strengths for a 12 M sodium silicate and
sodium hydroxide focus arrangement were investigated.
The samples were similarly cooked at 60 degrees Celsius for
24 h. For 3, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 90 year projections, compressive
and divided elastic properties were estimated. Immersion in NaCl
and H2SO4 for 28 and 90 days reduced the 3D squares’ hardness.
30 % replacement of fly debris with GGBS produced the best
results. This research aimed to determine how different propor-
tions of fly Ash (FA) and ground granulated impact heater slag
(GGBS) affected the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete
(GPC) when substituted for concrete with different soluble activa-
tors, such as sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide
(NaOH). Geo-polymer concrete samples were cast and cured at
room temperature for 7, 14, 28, 56, and 112 days to examine their
mechanical properties. Compressive, split, and flexural strengths
all improved with more GGBS [3–10]. Concrete powder and high
filler use arise from a blend of natural components predicted to
heat to above 1400C in Portland concrete. We store everyday items
there. I utilized fly detritus and ggbs to measure compressive
strength, split stiffness, and corrosion resistance. Class F fly debris
is used. This study compares class F fly debris (FA) and ground
granulated impact heter slag (GGBS) at different replacement
amounts using sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide as an antacid
activator (FA50-GGBS50, FA25-GGBS75, FA0-GGBS100).
A higher GGBS level increased GPC compressive strength and
ultrasonic heart rate during all restoration periods. GGBS reduces
BMI, compressive strength, and resting heart rate less than other
methods. To improve cement quality, fly ash is partly, partially,
or totally substituted with GGBS. This project will use 11 M and
13 M sodium hydroxide. Here, the antacid activator ratio is 2.5
and the soluble fluid to fly debris ratio is 0.40. The recovered sam-
ples then underwent stiffness, flexure, and compression testing. All
experiment results are discussed. Based on our first studies, a com-
bination of FA, GP, and GGBS having a constant percentage of CA
and FA provides M32 geopolymer cement. Geo-polymer concrete
costs 14 % less than OPC cement of equal strength. Geopolymer
concrete assessed the present Mix Design’s applicability. We
examined two structure types that substituted M-sand for conven-
tional sand and typical concrete for ASTM class F fly debris. Data
analysis showed that the Indian standard mix plan may be used
with geopolymer concrete. The current study investigates the
mechanical characteristics of self-compacting concrete (SCC) and
self-compacting geo-polymer concrete (SCGPC), concretes manu-
factured with GGBS and fly debris, respectively, to increase blend
extents to fulfill EFNARC’s self-similarity standards in March
2006 [11–12].
2. Materials used
2.1. Cement
The concrete utilized was DECCAN OPC 53 grade concrete. The
accompanying Table 1 is the different tests directed according to
Indian Standards to decide the properties of this concrete. For
starting and last setting time IS: 8112–1989 is utilized and for
standard consistency of concrete IS: 4031(part-4) 1988. For explicit
gravity of concrete (IS: 2720-section 3) is utilized. The Table 1 gives
the test results of cement.
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Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx
Table 1
Proposed test results and properties of cement.
S.NO Properties Proposed results
1 Specific Gravity 2.6
2 Fineness Modulus 3.63
3 Water absorption 2.54
2.2. Fine aggregate
Fine total utilized was Zone-II. Different tests were directed to
decide the properties of sand which are displayed in the Table-4.
Reviewing is the molecule size appropriation of a not set in stone
by a strainer examination. The tests were finished by IS: 2386
(Part-1) 1963. Table 2 gives the test results of fine aggregate.
2.3. Coarse aggregates
Coarse aggregate used was locally collected sample from the
granite quarry and was tested for impact and crushing strength
for its toughness properties. Table 3 detailed about the coarse
aggregate.
2.4. Fly ash
Fly debris is a reusing material which goes under supportable
turn of events. Fly debris is a coal combusted buildup and further-
more a crushed fuel debris. It tends to be acquired from the coal
ventures from the boilers with fuel gases. Additionally Fly debris
can be acquired from the coal related power plant ventures. Miner-
als like silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al 2O3), ferric
oxide (Fe2 O3), and calcium oxide (Ca O) are found in fly debris.
The term ‘‘hydraulic cement” refers to the use of fly debris as a par-
tial substitute for Portland cement. The American Society for Test-
ing and Materials (ASTM) classifies C618 fly debris into two
categories. Class C and Class F fly debris make up the other. The
amount of minerals in each class sets it apart from the other. Class
F fly debris is made by burning older bituminous coal that has less
than 7 % lime in it. Debris from Class C flies can be framed as
geopolymer. Subbituminous is consumed to produce Class C fly
debris. There are self-cementing materials in it. The lime content
of Class C fly debris is greater than 20 %. The structure of class C
fly ash is given Fig. 1 and the Table 4 the properties of fly ash.
2.5. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS)
Slag is a byproduct of the separation of iron from iron metal that
occurs in steel plants and is produced by shoot heaters. The
arrangement of granular particles is made possible by the interac-
tion, which includes cooling the slag with high-pressure water jets.
Additionally, the granulated slag is dried and then crushed into an
extremely fine powder known as GGBS in an upward roller factory,
turning ball plant, or roller press. GGBS is a waste product made
from iron mineral businesses that can be replaced with concrete
in concrete for expanding functionality and improving cement’s
strength and rigidity. Impact heater slag is the product that results
from the combination of iron metal, lime, and coke at temperatures
Table 2
Test results and properties of fine aggregate.
S.NO Properties Obtained values
1 Specific Gravity 2.36
2 Fineness Modulus 2.80
3 Zone II
P. Janardhan and V. Krishnaiah Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

Table 3
Test results of Coarse aggregates.

S.no Properties Values obtained

1 Specific Gravity 02.96
2 Fineness modulus 06.00
3 Impact Test 18 %
4 Crushing Test 17.4

Fig. 2. The Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag is displayed here.

Fig. 1. The structure of Class C Fly ash.

Table 4
Fly ash properties.

S. No Properties Values obtained

1 Specific Gravity 02.86
2 Fineness modulus 01.575
3 Specific surface area 305 m2/kg
4 Density 01.4 kg/m3

Fig. 3. Shows the dissolved sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate.

of 15,000 degrees Celsius. In large production at clumping plants. It
is extremely cementitious and contains a lot of calcium silicate
hydrates (CSH), a compound that improves strength by working
on the strength, solidity, and presence of the substantial. The com-
pound piece of a slag fluctuates significantly relying upon the
structure of the unrefined components in the iron creation process.
Different constituents of GGBS are referenced in the accompanying
Table 5 and Fig. 2 below. The further chemical compositions of fly
ash and GGBS are given in Figs. 3–6.

Table 5
GGBS properties.

S. No Characteristics Test Result

1 Fineness (%) 3.83
2 Specific Gravity 2.90 Fig. 4. Shows the Sodium Hydroxide pellets.
3 Residue left on 45l (%) 4.82
4 Initial Setting Time (Min) 190
5 Insoluble Residue (%) 0.3 3. Objectives & test methodology
6 Magnesia Content (%) 7.79
7 Sulphide Sulphure (%) 0.49
3.1. Objectives
8 Sulphate Content (%) as SO3 0.45
9 Loss on Ignition (%) 0.42
10 Manganese Content (%) 0.27 Finding out how GGBS and fly debris might influence the
11 Chloride Content (%) 0.001 mechanical characteristics of geopolymer concrete was the major
12 Moisture Content (%) 0.01 focus of this study. The entire amount of coarse sand utilized of

3
P. Janardhan and V. Krishnaiah
Fig. 5. Shows the chemical composition of Fly Ash.
20 mm, while the total amount of fine sand used was stream sand.
The Fig. 7 detailed about the test methodology.
3.2. Test methodology
4. Mix design
The mix degrees for M25 grade concrete are 1:1:2, according to
IS-10262-2009, and the objective mean strength was 25 Mpa. The
ratio of water to concrete is maintained at 0.5. There is no addition
of super plasticizer to this blend plan. Both normal and fly debris,
as well as GGBS-based geopolymer concrete, will be suitable appli-
cations for the M25 grade of concrete. The blend plan’s rate propor-
tions and extents will be shown in the following even section. The
new geopolymer concrete made with fly debris and GGBS was
found to be thick, solid, and dull in arrangement. As demonstrated
by IS 5512-1983 and IS 1727-1967, straightforwardly following the
production of the homogeneous blend, the usefulness of new
geopolymer concrete was evaluated using a stream table appara-
tus. Cast in three layers are enormous solid conditions with a
150 mm side. Squeezing a post 16 mm apart compresses each layer
particularly well. For adequate cement compaction, all blocks were
placed on a table vibrator and vibrated for two minutes. Using a
scoop, the top surface was evened out after the concrete was com-
pacted. After restoring these solid shapes for 24 to 48 h, the 3D
squares were deformed, dried, and subjected to pressure testing
at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days.
4.1. Normal M25 grade cement concrete mix design
For the Normal M25 Grade Concrete substantial blend plan we
need to accomplish the trademark compressive strength of 25 MPa.
For this we need to think about 1 proportion of concrete, 1 propor-
Fig. 6. Shows the Chemical composition of GGBS.
4
Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx
Fig. 7. Detailed about the detailed test methodology.
tion of fine total and 2 proportions of coarse total. A very much
blended homogeneous cement is tried for all its functionality and
compressive strength tests for the obtain the precise outcomes.
The substantial is casted in 3D square shapes for testing the com-
pressive strength. The water concrete proportion is viewed as 0.55
for all the blend tests. Three models were casted for the calculation
of compressive strength at 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days and
28 days reestablishing. The samples ratios which are shown in
the Table 6 will give the clear percentages to be mixed in the
concrete.
4.2. Geo polymer concrete mix design M25 fly ash and GGBS
For the geo polymer concrete mix design, we are considering
mainly-one titrated chemical solution of alkaline and two materi-
als i.e., one is fly ash and second one is GGBS which are full replace-
ment materials to the cement. The proposed mix ratio of 1:1.3:
3.10 for geopolymer concrete is considered for this ratio in fly deb-
ris, ggbs, fine total and coarse total proportions. For the prelimi-
nary blend, the mass-to-water ratio of geopolymer solids is as
follows: Water weighs 0.559 times 102, or 57 kg, and solids weigh
102 times 57, or 45 kg, in a sodium silicate arrangement. As a
result, the mass ratio of geopolymer solids to water is 82/470, or
0.17. In order to achieve sufficient utility, an additional 55 L of
water are determined to be under investigation. The clear percent-
ages that need to be mixed in the concrete will be provided by the
ratios of the samples that are depicted in Table 7.
Table 6
Normal M25 Grade concrete mix proportions.
S.no Cement in kg/m3 Fine aggregate kg/m3 Coarse aggregate kg/m3
1 554.4 612.29 1348.14
P. Janardhan and V. Krishnaiah Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

Table 7
Mix proportions for geo polymer concrete using fly ash and GGBS.

S.no Materials Mix ratios in kg/m3

Mix-a(FA50-ggbs50) Mix-b(FA25-ggbs75) Mix-c(fa0-ggbs100)
1 Fine aggregate 554 554 554
2 Coarse aggregate 776 776 776
3 Fly ash (Class F) 204.5 102 0
4 GGBS 204.5 307 409
5 Sodium silicate solution 102 102 102
6 Sodium hydroxide solution 41 (10 M) 41 (10 M) 41 (10 M)
7 Extra water 55 55 55

Table 8
Shows the fly debris GGBS based geo polymer concrete mix ratios.

S. No Concrete Mix W/C ratio Slump value in mm Compaction Factor Value Vee-Bee in Sec
1 Normal 0.45 52 0.85 16

Table 9
Demonstrates the mix ratios for geo polymer concrete using fly ash and GGBS.

S. No Concrete Mix Alkaline solution ratio Slump Value in mm Compaction Factor Value Vee-Bee in Sec
1 Mix-A 10 M 86 0.84 8.5
2 Mix-B 10 M 98 0.92 11
3 Mix-C 10 M 120 0.95 14

Table 10
5.4. Compressive strength of fly ash and GGBS based geo polymer
Fly ash GGBS based geo polymer concrete mix ratios.
concrete
S.NO Age (days) Compressive strength MPa
1 3 Days 9.8
2 7 Days 13.2
3 14 Days 19.6 6. Results and discussions
4 21 Days 21.5
5 28 Days 23.8
Compressive strength rose noticeably from 50 % to 100 % GGBS
in all relieving times (Table). Higher levels of GGBS substitution are
5. Experimental investigations likely responsible for the enhanced durability seen in geopolymers
with increasing GGBS substitution level (11). Compressive
5.1. Workability of normal M25 grade concrete strengths of 18.4 MPa, 24.2 MPa, 32.4 MPa, 36.2 MPa, and
38.6 MPa were measured in a GPC with 100 % GGBS test performed
5.2. Workability of GEO polymer concrete at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. When tested against the industry stan-
dard M25 grade of concrete, the compressive strengths at 3, 7, 14,
The range of molarities that may be calculated from given propor- 21, and 28 days are 9.8 MPa, 13.2 MPa, 19.6 MPa, and 23.8 MPa,
tions is from 10 M to 18 M. Different geopolymer concrete cube molds respectively. The greater compressive strength demonstrated by
took between 15 and 20 days to cure after being exposed to the sun for the test and the resulting elongation times are clear indicators of
3 days. The initial mismatching of Molarity levels in mixing geopoly- the geopolymers’ notable qualities. Additionally, this can be used
mer concrete is insufficient, and many attempts have been made to for tensile and flexural strength testing thanks to its unique
develop a suitable Solution for strong bonding between the solution strength properties. The Tables 10 and 11 gives the details of Fly
and components. The Table 8 and Table 9 demonstrate about the ash GGBS based geo polymer concrete mix ratios and Compressive
mix ratios for geo polymer concrete and fly debris. Strength of Fly ash GGBS based geo polymer concrete. The Fig. 8
gives performance measure values of the compressive strength of
5.3. Compressive strength of normal M25 grade concrete fly ash with GGBS based geo polymer.

Table 11
Compressive Strength of Fly ash GGBS based geo polymer concrete.

S.NO Age (days) Compressive strength MPa

MIX-A(FA50-GGBS50) MIX-B(FA25-GGBS75) MIX-C(FA0-GGBS100)
1 3 Days 12.1 16.5 18.4
2 7 Days 15.4 18.1 24.2
3 14 Days 26.5 28.4 32.4
4 21 Days 29.2 32.2 36.2
5 28 Days 33.5 35.5 38.6

5
P. Janardhan and V. Krishnaiah
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
0
3 days 7 days 14 days
Fig. 8. Shows the compressive strength of fly ash ggbs based geo polymer concrete.
7. Conclusion
The mechanical characteristics of FA-based GPC blends that were
combined with GGBS at room temperature were enhanced without
the requirement for a decrease in intensity, as is the case with FA-
based GPC blends on their own. Improved mechanical qualities at
room temperature were achieved via increasing GGBS content in
GPC blends, making them appropriate for usage by persons of all
ages. Taking into account the availability of reserve money for regu-
lar assets, maintainability, climate, creation cost, support cost, and
any remaining GPC properties, it may be proposed as an innovative
development material for usage in projects. Compressive strength
rose noticeably from 50 % to 100 % GGBS in all relieving times
(Table). 11. It stands to reason that raising the GGBS substitution
level in geopolymers will result in stronger materials. Compressive
strength tests reveal that geo polymers with greater quality have
better results throughout all time periods of restoration. In addition,
its renowned strength allows it to be used in Flexural and Tensile
Strength Testing. Based on my findings, cement concrete pavements
are a good candidate for this material since they see far less traffic
than highways do. Not only that, but kerbs, dividers, and concrete
convas can all benefit from its use.
CRediT authorship contribution statement
Pathi Janardhan: Conceptualization, Project administration,
Software, Writing – original draft. Venkata Krishnaiah: Data cura-
tion, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology.
Data availability
The authors are unable or have chosen not to specify which data has
been used.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-
cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
to influence the work reported in this paper.
Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx
mix A
mix B
mix C
21 days 28 days
Acknowledgement
Authors are thankful to the Dr. G Prashanth who guided the
project in each and every aspect and author also thankful to the
Mr. M Harish Kumar who helped to use the laboratories for the
research work. And finally, author thankful to the each and every
researcher who helped to collect the literature and complete the
research with scope.
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