Improvement of Durability Aspects of CAC-Based Alkali-Activated Concrete

In recent years, alkali-activated concrete (AAC) has evolved as a potential alternative to conventional concrete. AAC demonstrates better mechanical properties in most cases. In order to assess its resistance against different chemicals, the durability features of AAC created with ground-granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), fly ash (FA) and calcium aluminate cement (CAC) as binders are highlighted in this study. Sodium hydroxide (NH) and sodium silicate (NS) were utilized as alkaline activators of AAC. Proportions of GGBS and CAC were the variable factors investigated in this study. Concrete cube specimens were prepared with varying proportions of GGBS, FA, CAC and a ratio of alkali solution to binder of 0.5. A durability aspect of AAC was investigated by subjecting concrete specimens to different chemicals. When subjected to 5% sulphuric acid (H2SO4), 5% magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), and 5% sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions for 30, 60, and 90 days, the mass loss and strength loss were calculated. According to the findings, using extra cementitious material as a partial substitute for binders in AAC improves the mechanical and durability attributes. To further understand the surface morphology and mineralogy, microstructural analysis was performed.