Durability Performance of Precast Fly Ash–Based Geopolymer Concrete under Atmospheric Exposure Conditions
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 30, Issue 3
Abstract
This study investigates the durability of precast fly ash–based geopolymer concrete (GPC) exposed to an outdoor atmospheric environment for 8 years. Core specimens from GPC culverts are tested to determine the effect of carbonation, permeation properties, and pore-size distribution, and the durability is compared with that of ordinary portland cement (OPC) concrete from the same exposure environment. It is found that the GPC has lower carbonation resistance than OPC concrete. According to mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) test results, the porosity of the GPC surface increased with carbonation under field-exposed conditions, whereas no significant changes occurred between laboratory-prepared carbonated and uncarbonated GPC specimens. The GPC produced sodium-based carbonation products that are soluble in water. The surface porosity of the GPC therefore increased, and this process accelerates the carbonation in field conditions. In addition, sorptivity test results correlate well with the MIP analysis and carbonation resistance. Therefore this study reveals that the fly ash–based geopolymer concrete is more susceptible to carbonation in an atmospheric environment.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge CRC-Low Carbon Living for supporting Project RP1020 through a scholarship awarded to Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. The authors also thank Savithri Galappathie from Swinburne University of Technology for access to FT-IR equipment. The authors also acknowledge the Smart Structures Laboratory staff from Swinburne University of Technology for laboratory assistance and Main Roads Western Australia and Rocla’s precast concrete plant yard for field study assistance.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 30 • Issue 3 • March 2018
Copyright
©2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 24, 2017
Accepted: Aug 16, 2017
Published online: Jan 5, 2018
Published in print: Mar 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Jun 5, 2018
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