Fresh mechanical and durability properties of alkali-activated fly ash-slag concrete: a review

This paper describes a review of the state-of-the-art research carried on the fresh and hardened properties of Alkali Activated Binders and Concretes. Though, many research have been carried out in the recent times on alkali activated binders, few key parameters still remain unattended, that restricts the commercial application of AAMs to the general construction activities. Fresh properties, mechanical strength and durability performance of Alkali activated concrete with various Alumino silicates as base materials is mentioned. An essential parameter of Alkali activated concrete is the concentration of alkaline solution on which various properties like mechanical strength, setting time and durability depends. Influence of wide range of concentrations from 6 to 16 M on these properties are studied and reported in this paper. This paper mainly concentrates on properties of readily available base materials such as Fly ash and Slag and the means to improve their performance through the use of various industrial and agro-based byproducts as additives. Problems pertaining to practical applicability of AAMs to general construction activities are also highlighted.