A study on investigating the properties of alkali-activated roller compacted concretes

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to contribute to a more environmentally friendly concrete production by using alternative binders, which are waste or by-products that can be used instead of cement. For this purpose, alkali-activated materials were used, a cleaner production process was supported by reducing the amount of activator, a different production method was preferred to prevent the workability problem caused by dry consistency, and roller compacted concrete was produced. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and fly ash were used as precursors, and an activator solution prepared by mixing 10 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), which has a Na2SiO3/NaOH ratio of 2.5, was used in production of alkali-activated roller compacted concretes. Also, Portland cement roller compacted concrete was produced with the same dosage for comparison purposes. Unit weight, total water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), modulus of elasticity, abrasion resistance, 7 and 28-d compressive strength values of the alkali-activated RCCs were determined. While the roller compacted concretes produced with fly ash were weaker than Portland cement RCCs in terms of compressive strength, the specimens produced using blast furnace slag have been found to be superior.