Advantages of Geopolymer Concrete in Infrastructure Applications

The construction industry represents approximately 10% of the United States gross domestic product with a total of $2.0 T expenditure. As a result, cement production and consumption has been exponentially increasing over the past few decades. The increase in cement manufacturing is responsible for the environmental degradation across the United States and on a global scale. This research paper presents the GPC mix design, production, and advantages. In addition, it highlights the possible use of geopolymer concrete (GPC) in lieu of ordinary portland cement concrete (OPC) and lists the major impediments to the widespread of GPC in construction industry. GPC depends on the activation of high silica content in natural or industrial byproduct materials, as fly ash using alkaline solution to produce three-dimensional polymers that bind the aggregate instead of hydrated portland cement. Thus, cement consumption could be reduced or possibly eliminated. In addition to its environmental advantages, geopolymer water-free activation results in concrete mixes that is more resistant to alkali-aggregate reactivity, more resistant to chloride attacks, and less susceptible to shrinkage and early age cracking. The widespread of GPC in construction industry, especially in infrastructure projects, with massive exposure to chloride attacks, will result in a reduced need to project maintenance and repairs, and improve the overall condition of infrastructure projects.