Comparative study on mechanical properties of conventional and geo-polymer concrete with recycled coarse aggregate

One of the most consumed materials on planet Earth is concrete. With the surge in environmental concerns, researchers are searching for new alternate material. Utilization of polymer-based binder material would be an eventual option in civil infrastructural works since traditional cement production is extremely energy-intensive. Replacement of coarse aggregates in the geopolymer concrete with recycled coarse aggregate from demolition sites has the potential to reap financial as well as environmental benefits over conventional concrete with natural coarse aggregates. This study aims to ascertain the impact of recycled aggregates on mechanical properties of fly ash-based geopolymer concrete and to see whether it can be utilized in place of conventional concrete. The result of the experimental investigation depicts the acceptable performance of the geopolymer concrete over conventional concrete. Although the compressive strength and splitting strength of geopolymer concrete remains less than the conventional concrete, they are well within the permissible range. Based on test results in this study geopolymer concrete can be a suitable alternative of conventional concrete.