CRC-LCL Project 2014-2017:

Geopolymer Specification Project

Jay Sanjayan, Professor,
Swinburne University of Technology
 Geopolymer Research Papers
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Research Publications

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1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
Year
Do Australian standards permit the use
of alternative concretes?
AS1379 2007, page 15
 Concrete Standard
Concrete design is largely empirical, based on
200 years of experience, e.g.
Reinforcement detailing
Crack widths, <0.1 mm self-healing
Crack width design: 300 mm reo spacing
Long-term creep and relaxation
Cover
Empirical design is built on Ordinary Portland
Cement
Empiricism in Concrete Structural Design
Poissons ratio, =0.2

Thermal expansion = 10 /oC

 Necessary Steps for Field Use

Field Monitoring of Develop confidence

existing Identify issues that cannot
geopolymer be identified in the
concrete structures laboratory

Development of a handbook
Standards Australia for geopolymer use
Handbook Step towards alternative
concrete standard
 AS1478:
Admixtures
AS1085.14 AS2758:
AS 1597 Aggregates
AS 2876
AS/NZS 3725
AS 3850 AS3972:
AS/NZS 4058 AS1379: Supply Portland and
AS/NZS 4065 of Concrete Blended
AS 4139 Cements
AS 4198

AS3600
AS3610 AS5100.5
AS 2832 AS 3735

Performance ALL cements,

AS3610 AS1012 based including
AS 3799
standard/ geopolymers,
AS/NZS 745.2.12
criteria for OPC, blended etc.
AS1418.15
Concrete
 Handbook for low carbon concretes
FORMAT
Code Commentary style
Refer to major standards by Clauses and
comment on exceptions, applicability
Major standards that need addressing:
AS1379
AS3600
AS1012
Other 20 standards mostly specialised but may
need some comments
Handbook for low carbon concretes
Provides performance requirements
- Mechanical performance
- Creep/shrinkage
- Durability according to the environmental exposure
Provides testing methods

Provides guidance: What type of geopolymer concrete for

what type of application or environmental exposure
Statements have to be validated based on real structure
investigations - in-situ assessment reports
 Methodology
Identify testing methods used for OPC concrete in relation
to the environmental exposure

Assess suitability of existing testing methods and requirements for

Geopolymer concrete
Requires both Lab tests and validation on real structures
Requires to test several geopolymer mix design

Re-calibration (if necessary) of existing methods for

Geopolymer concrete or development new testing methods
 Environmental conditions

Carbonation
Chloride induced steel corrosion
Leaching loss of alkalinity
Alkali Aggregate reaction
Acid/Sulphate attacks: sewer application - aggressive soils

Long term field data available?

 AS1379 Supply of Concrete
Supply of concrete between 5 and 32C
Applicable to geopolymer?
Performance based?
Winter/Summer?
 AS3600 Structures
Flexure design
Governed by steel
Column Design
Confinement levels; Lateral expansion under axial
deformation
Creep effects (lateral and longitudinal)
Triaxial tests
 AS3600 (contd.)
Shear Design
Modified compression field theory
Aggregate interlock
Strut & Tie Modelling
Non-flexural members
 AS1012 Testing
AS1012.13 Shrinkage
Clause 7.3.3 Seven days moist curing?
AS10212.16 Creep
Clause 5.1 allows both 100 mm and 150 mm
cylinders
AS1012.18 Setting time?
AS1012.20 Chloride and sulfate levels
 Carbonation
Major issue for geopolymer (and also for high
slag and fly ash mixes)
Performance test is necessary.
Is accelerated carbonation test valid?
Accelerated Carbonation Tests in Old
Specimens
Belgium Structures

Les ateliers Delle in Ukkel built in 1957

 Handbook Outline
1. Introduction
2. Constituent Materials - Binders, admixtures, any special requirements
3. Properties and Applications of Geopolymer Concrete (Literature review)
4. Model Performance-Based Specification for Geopolymer Concrete
- Intended for owners or consultants to use to specify geopolymer concrete.
Will largely follow AS 1379 for supply and AS 3600 for durability except where
special requirements are necessary or where there is insufficient knowledge.

5. Commentary on AS 3600 for Design of Geopolymer Concrete Structures

- Will discuss departures to AS 3600 in relation to design
6. Recommended Performance Test Methods
- Test methods will largely follow AS 1012. Durability properties such as
carbonation coefficient, VPV, chloride diffusion coefficient, sorptivity, ASR
7. Case Histories and Long-Term Durability
- Literature review of published case histories, field testing results