Investigation on Strength and Durability Properties of Coconut Shell Ash & Fly-Ash Based Geopolymer Concrete

DOI

https://www.doi.org/10.59256/ijrtmr.20250503009

Published In

Volume 5, Issue 3 (2025)

Published Online

May-June 2025

Pages

80-85

Article Type

Original Article

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This study investigates the strength and durability properties of geopolymer concrete composites by incorporating Coconut Shell Ash (CSA), Fly Ash, and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) as alternative binders to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The mix design includes CSA, Fly Ash, GGBS, fine aggregates, and an alkaline activator solution composed of sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide. CSA and GGBS were used as partial replacements and optimized to enhance mechanical and durability performance. Various tests were conducted to assess the fresh and hardened properties of the mix, including workability, setting time, and density. Strength assessment involved compressive and flexural strength testing, while durability was evaluated through sulfate and chloride penetration resistance, mass loss test, water absorption, and performance under aggressive conditions. The results indicate that optimal compressive strength was achieved at a CSA replacement level of 10–12.5%. The developed composites demonstrated superior durability and structural integrity compared to conventional cementitious concrete, owing to enhanced geopolymerization facilitated by the alkaline activator. The study concludes that geopolymer concrete utilizing CSA, Fly Ash, and GGBS offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to OPC-based materials, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and promoting circular economy practices in the construction sector.