On the Development of 8,000 psi Geopolymer Mortar for Practical Use in Field Applications

<p>Although there are several perceived benefits from the use of geopolymer binder as an alternative to ordinary portland cement in concrete materials, it is not widely used in field applications. Geopolymer materials have no set guidelines for mixture design and often require heat curing to facilitate strength gain. Additionally, many geopolymers are created using carefully controlled and high quality materials and activator chemicals. These factors greatly affect the practicality of the material. The goal of this research was to create a geopolymer material capable of achieving high compressive strengths at 28 days without heat curing, and using only readily available and cost effective materials. The material developed in this study is expected to see practical use in field applications. As a result of this study, a non-heat cured geopolymer mortar achieving a compressive strength of over 8,000 psi at 28 days was developed using local sand, Class C fly ash, and readily available commercial grade chemicals. Modulus of elasticity was also examined during the course of research. Through the process of refining a mixture design, several design factors affecting compressive strength were considered. The results of the several batches made in the refinement process could be used in the development of future materials with a target compressive strength and stiffness. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2018

Author dc:creator

• Reed, Remington Gabriel

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hale, W. Micah

Contributors dc:contributor

• Prinz, Gary S.
• Murray, Cameron D.

• Alternative Binder
• Concrete
• Geopolymer
• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/2972

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.uark.edu:etd-4528