Performance of blended ash geopolymer concrete at elevated temperatures

Abstract

This study involved laboratory investigation of the performance of blended ash geopolymer concrete at elevated temperatures. Geopolymer concrete composite was prepared using blended ash, pulverized fuel ash, and palm oil fuel ash, obtained from agro-industrial waste along with alkaline activators. The samples were heated up to 800 °C to evaluate mass loss, strength, and microstructural changes due to thermal impact. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete was prepared as control concrete. The deterioration of concrete at elevated temperatures was examined by X-ray diffraction, fourier transformed infrared spectrometer, thermogravimetry analyser and field emission scanning electron microscope. A comparison between the performance of geopolymer and OPC concretes—the former exhibited better performance at elevated temperature.