<p>This study presents a thoroughly experimental investigation on the optimization and performance of Nano-silica–incorporated geopolymer concrete (GPC) using fly ash (FA) as the primary binder. While GPC is a promising sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), limited research has addressed the multi-parameter optimization of two-part GPC under ambient curing conditions. The objective of this work is to enhance both the mechanical and durability properties of GPC through nano-silica (NS) incorporation and to identify the optimal mix design using Taguchi design of experiments combined with grey relational analysis (GRA). Sixteen concrete mixes (M1–M16) were prepared by varying flyash content, Na₂SiO₃-to-NaOH ratio, NS dosage, and water-to-geopolymer solids ratio, in accordance with IS 10262.Performance indicator included flowability, compressive and flexural strength, drying shrinkage, water permeability, water absorption, acid resistance, and rapid chloride permeability (RCPT). Among the mixes, M7 (400&#xa0;kg/m<sup>3</sup> FA and 2.5% NS) exhibited the highest compressive strength (45&#xa0;MPa at 28&#xa0;days), excellent workability (130&#xa0;mm slump), and superior durability. However, GRA identified Mix M11 as the most balanced formulation across all performance parameters. All mixes achieved 70–80% of their 28-day strength within the first 7&#xa0;days under ambient conditions, indicating accelerated geopolymerization. SEM and XRD analysis confirmed the formation of C–S–H, N–A–S–H, and C–A–S–H gels, and revealed reduced porosity and microcracking with Nano silica addition. Regression modeling showed prediction errors within ± 2%, validating the optimization strategy. These findings demonstrate that NS–enhanced GPC offers a durable, high-performance, and eco-friendly alternative to conventional cement concrete.</p>

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Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Nano Silica–Modified Geopolymer Concrete Using the Taguchi- Grey Relational Analysis Method

  • Geetha Kallumari,
  • S. Vijaya

摘要

This study presents a thoroughly experimental investigation on the optimization and performance of Nano-silica–incorporated geopolymer concrete (GPC) using fly ash (FA) as the primary binder. While GPC is a promising sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), limited research has addressed the multi-parameter optimization of two-part GPC under ambient curing conditions. The objective of this work is to enhance both the mechanical and durability properties of GPC through nano-silica (NS) incorporation and to identify the optimal mix design using Taguchi design of experiments combined with grey relational analysis (GRA). Sixteen concrete mixes (M1–M16) were prepared by varying flyash content, Na₂SiO₃-to-NaOH ratio, NS dosage, and water-to-geopolymer solids ratio, in accordance with IS 10262.Performance indicator included flowability, compressive and flexural strength, drying shrinkage, water permeability, water absorption, acid resistance, and rapid chloride permeability (RCPT). Among the mixes, M7 (400 kg/m3 FA and 2.5% NS) exhibited the highest compressive strength (45 MPa at 28 days), excellent workability (130 mm slump), and superior durability. However, GRA identified Mix M11 as the most balanced formulation across all performance parameters. All mixes achieved 70–80% of their 28-day strength within the first 7 days under ambient conditions, indicating accelerated geopolymerization. SEM and XRD analysis confirmed the formation of C–S–H, N–A–S–H, and C–A–S–H gels, and revealed reduced porosity and microcracking with Nano silica addition. Regression modeling showed prediction errors within ± 2%, validating the optimization strategy. These findings demonstrate that NS–enhanced GPC offers a durable, high-performance, and eco-friendly alternative to conventional cement concrete.