Andreasen Particle Packing Method on the Development of Geopolymer Concrete for Civil Engineering
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 26, Issue 4
Abstract
Alkali-activated binders (AAB) or geopolymers are new ceramic materials with the potential to replace portland cement in a wide range of applications, from immobilization of heavy metals to concretes for civil engineering. They rely on the alkaline activation of aluminosilicates, such as blast furnace slag (BFS), pulverized fly ash (PFA), and metakaolin (MK). Despite their high mechanical strength and chemical durability, geopolymer concretes are in many cases marked with high porosity and permeability, which could negatively affect the performance or long-term durability of concretes. This paper employs the Andreasen particle packing method, commonly used for ceramic materials, to improve the geopolymer formulations studied on the development of micro-concretes. Three parameters were investigated: (1) the Andreasen packing factor q, 0.21, 0.235, and 0.26, which alter particle size distribution of aggregates; (2) the solution to solids rate, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5; and (3) the type of aggregates, either glass or quartz. The influence of these parameters on mechanical strength, in addition to porosity and apparent density, were determined. Results have shown that the Andreasen method may be used to change the rheology and, therefore, develop different geopolymer mixes. In the particular case of the development of geopolymer floor tiles, the best formulation is the one with a solution to solid rate of 1.4, Andreasen packing factor of 0.235, and quartz aggregate.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the Brazilian agencies FAPEMIG (grant APQ 02714-10) and CNPq (grant 478718/2010-1) for funding this research.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 26 • Issue 4 • April 2014
Pages: 692 - 697
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 17, 2012
Accepted: Apr 11, 2013
Published online: Apr 13, 2013
Discussion open until: Sep 13, 2013
Published in print: Apr 1, 2014
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