Optimization of Alkaline Activator on the Strength Properties of Geopolymer Concrete

This study investigates the effects of red mud on the performance of geopolymer concrete in regard to fresh and mechanical properties. Red mud was used as a binder, and GGBS replaced the binder. Different proportions of red mud ranging from 0 to 30% with an interval of 2% and activator agents such as KOH and K₂SiO₃ for various alkaline-to-binder ratios such as 0.30, 0.40, and 0.50 were used; their effect on the fresh and mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete were the focusing parameter on the current study. Fresh properties such as setting time, slump, compaction factor, and vee-bee consistometer test, and mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and impact energy were studied. ANOVA and radar plot analysis were studied for various alkaline to binder (A/B) compressive strength results tested for 7 to 90 days. The increase of red mud quantity caused the decline of workability, but there was continuous enhancement of mechanical properties of GPC up to a specific limit. An alkaline-to-binder ratio of 0.4 shows excellent results compared with other ratios at ambient conditions for strength properties. ANOVA and radar plot reveal that A/B of 0.40 for 90 days shows excellent results compared with other ratios, and CS values vary in a linear manner.