Utilizing fly ash, micro-silica fume, and electric arc slag in geopolymer concrete: a mechanical and cost perspective

Cement manufacturing is one of the prominent sources of carbon emissions. This is owing to the calcination required in the manufacture of cement, which releases carbon dioxide. Additionally, fossil fuel usage in the form of fuel oil or natural gas is required in huge amounts to heat the kilns at high temperatures. This has created severe environmental worries regarding the environmental impact associated with the manufacture of cement. Studies have explored that the strength characteristics of geopolymer concrete (GPC) utilizing Class C fly ash (FA) and cured at ambient temperature have been conducted. The practical implications are extensive, and the generalizability of the study results is significant. The synthesis of GPC using FA and MSF has received limited attention. Moreover, no studies have investigated the use of GPC in cast-in-situ applications, including the replacement of coarse and fine particles. The present study establishes FA, MSF, and electric arc slag (EAS)-based GPC as an alternative of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete. The findings demonstrate 3-4% improvement in mechanical strength criteria, while the cost analysis showed a 14-18% reduction in the expense of GPC mixes as compared to the OPC mix. This study develops a scientific and technological framework to facilitate future research on the use of waste-derived materials in sustainable construction material design.