Effect of mix design parameters on mechanical and durability properties of alkali activated slag concrete

This paper evaluates the mechanical and durability performance of Alkali Activated Slag Concrete (MSC) prepared using ground granulated blast furnace slag as the sole binder material. The influence of sodium hydroxide concentration (1 M and 8 M), binder content (300 kg/m(3) and 450 kg/m(3)) and alkaline solution/binder ratio (0.4 and 0.55) on the mechanical and durability properties of alkali activated slag concrete (AASC) were reported. Various tests were carried out to evaluate the durability performance of AASC, which includes sorptivity, acid attack (up to 56 days) due to sulfates, chlorides and nitrates. The concentration of acids was maintained at 5%. The obtained results indicated that the activator concentration has a larger influence on the mechanical strength of AASC followed by alkaline solution/binder ratio. Sorptivity of AASC is significantly affected by activator concentration. Results from acid attack test and XRD indicated a good durability of AASC. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.