Optimization of Fly Ash Geopolymer Concrete Mixtures in a Seawater Environment

Abstract

Fly ash geopolymer concrete has many constituents and different mixture proportions based on the characteristics of local materials. The optimization of mixture proportions, which is subject to some performance constraints, can be a time consuming task. The objective of this research is to optimize the parameters of fly ash geopolymer concrete using Taguchi orthogonal design to produce concrete that meets the durability requirements in an aggressive environment. In this research, the compressive strength, wetting-drying cycle and capillary pores measurement were investigated by measuring the effects of aggregate content, alkaline solutions/fly ash ratio, ratio of sodium silicate to NaOH and curing condition. For optimization, a three-level factorial experimental design for each parameter was employed. Based on the experimental results, the optimized conditions of a fly ash geopolymer concrete mixture for aggressive environments were proposed.