Strength and Microstructure of Clay Geopolymer Non-Load-Bearing Masonry Units Using Fine-Clay Brick Waste and Palm Oil Fuel Ash
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33, Issue 8
Abstract
This research studies the applicability of alkali-activated cement with a mixture of fine-clay brick waste (FCBW) and palm oil fuel ash (POFA) to manufacture environmentally friendly masonry units. FCBW and POFA were used as a precursor, while a dredged soft clay (SC) was used as aggregate. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate () solutions were used as the liquid alkaline activator. Effects of NaOH concentration, initial mole ratio, ratio, and curing conditions on the strength and microstructure of the FCBW-POFA-SC geopolymers were evaluated. The FCBW-POFA-SC geopolymers had a lower total unit weight than compacted SC because NaOH in the geopolymer binder caused a flocculated soil structure. It was found that , NaOH, and were the best ingredients providing the rigid network of the geopolymer structures. The suitable heat duration of at 80°C accelerated the dissolution rate of the Si and Al and polycondensation in the geopolymer structure, resulting in denser geopolymer gels and early strength gain. With this optimum ingredient and suitable heat condition, 7-day unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the FCBW-POFA-SC geopolymers achieved the requirement of the Thailand industrial standard for non-load-bearing masonry units (). The geopolymer products were found to be sodium aluminum silicate hydrate (N─ A─ S─ H) and calcium aluminum silicate hydrate (C─ A─ S─ H). The research outcome will promote the usage of waste materials for manufacturing environmentally friendly infrastructure in Thailand and other countries.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the finding of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. All data shown in figures and tables can be provided on request.
Acknowledgments
This work is financially supported by the Center of Excellence in Sustainable Disaster Management, Walailak University. The first, second, third, and last authors acknowledge support from the National Science and Technology Development Agency under the Chair Professor program (Grant No. P-19-52303).
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Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33 • Issue 8 • August 2021
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Aug 2, 2020
Accepted: Oct 29, 2020
Published online: May 25, 2021
Published in print: Aug 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Oct 25, 2021
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