1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1GENERAL

Geopolymers are inorganic materials that polycondense similar to organic

polymers. The reaction of Al2SiO5with alkali polysilicates produces an amorphous to
semi-crystalline three-dimensional structureof polymeric sialate (Si-O-Al-O)bonds The
tetrahedral configuration of sialate, an abbreviation for alkali silicon-oxo-aluminate, is
illustrated potassium, sodium, calcium or lithium being the alkali Through the action of
hydroxide (OH–) ions, the Al2 SiO5dissolves from the source material. Precursor ions
then organize into monomers and polycondense to form polymeric structures. In contrast
to geopolymer, the production of PC results from the calcination(thermal decomposition)
of CaCO3 and silico-aluminous materials , such as clay, shale or silica sand. Hydration of
the resulting calcium silicate and calcium aluminate forms calcium silicate hydrate(C-
SH), calcium aluminate hydrate (C-A-H) and Ca(OH)2.Formation of these compounds
generates heat, causing thermal expansion and strength development . Geopolymers are
new materials for fire- and heat-resistant coatings and adhesives, medicinal applications,
high-temperature ceramics, new binders for fire-resistant fiber composites, toxic and
radioactive waste encapsulation and new cements for concrete. The properties and uses of
geopolymers are being explored in many scientific and industrial disciplines: modern
inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, colloid chemistry, mineralogy, geology, and in
other types of engineering process technologies. Geopolymers are part of polymer
science, chemistry and technology that forms one of the major areas of materials science.
Polymers are either organic material, i.e. carbon-based, or inorganic polymer, for
example silicon-based. The organic polymers comprise the classes of natural polymers
(rubber, cellulose), synthetic organic polymers (textile fibers, plastics, films, elastomers,
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etc.) and natural biopolymers (biology, medicine, pharmacy). Raw materials used in the
synthesis of silicon-based polymers are mainly rock-forming minerals of geological
origin, hence the name: geopolymer.

1.1.1 PROPERTIES OF GEOPOLYMER

Following are the properties of geopolymer concrete which are discussed:

 Compressive strength

 Drying shrinkage

 Creep

 Sulfate resistance

 Sulfuric acid resistance

1.1.2 ADVANTAGES

 Eco- friendly

 Low permeability

 Fire proof

 Better compressive strength

1.2 ALKALINE LIQUIDS

1.2.1 SODIUM HYDROXIDE

Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic

compound with formula NaOH. It is a white solid ionic compound consisting
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of sodium cations Na+and hydroxide anions OH−.Sodium hydroxide is a

highly caustic base and alkali, that decomposes proteins at ordinary
ambient temperatures and may cause severe chemical burns. It is highly soluble
in water and readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air. It forms a series
of hydrates NaOH·nH2O. The monohydrate NaOH·H2O cystallizes from water solutions
between 12.3 and 61.8 °C. The commercially available "sodium hydroxide" is often this
monohydrate, and published data may refer to it instead of the anhydrous compound.

Sodium hydroxide is used in many industries in the manufacture

of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps and detergents and as a drain cleaner.
Worldwide production in 2004 was approximately 60 million tonnes, while demand was
51 million tonnes.

1.2.1.1 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Pure sodium hydroxide is a colorless crystalline solid that melts at 318 °C
without decomposition. It is highly soluble in water, with a lower solubility
in ethanol and methanol, but is insoluble in ether and other non-polar solvents.

Similar to the hydration of sulfuric acid, dissolution of solid sodium hydroxide

in water is a highly exothermic reaction in which a large amount of heat is liberated,
posing a threat to safety through the possibility of splashing. The resulting solution is
usually colourless and odorless. As with other alkaline solutions, it feels slippery when it
comes in contact with skin.

1.2.2 SODIUM SILICATE

Sodium silicate is the common name for compounds with the formula
(Na2SiO2)nO. A well-known member of this series is sodium metasilicate, Na 2SiO3. Also
known as waterglass or liquid glass, these materials are available in aqueous solution and
in solid form. The pure compositions are colourless or white, but commercial samples are
often greenish or blue owing to the presence of iron-containing impurities.
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They are used in cements, passive fire protection, textile and lumber
processing, refractories, and automobiles. Sodium carbonate and silicon dioxide react
when molten to form sodium silicate and carbon dioxide:

Na2CO3 + SiO2 → Na2SiO3 + CO2

An hydrous sodium silicate contains a chain polymeric anion composed of

corner-shared {SiO4} tetrahedral, and not a discrete SiO 32− ion. In addition to the
anhydrous form, there are hydrates with the formula Na2SiO3·nH2O (where n = 5, 6,
8, 9), which contain the discrete, approximately tetrahedral anion SiO 2(OH)22− with
water of hydration. For example, the commercially available sodium silicate
pentahydrate Na2SiO3·5H2O is formulated as Na2SiO2(OH)2·4H2O, and the
nonahydrate Na2SiO3·9H2O is formulated as Na2SiO2(OH)2·8H2O.

In industry, the various grades of sodium silicate are characterized by their

SiO2:Na2O weight ratio (weight ratios can be converted to molar ratios by
multiplication with 1.032), which can vary between 2:1 and 3.75:1. Grades with this
ratio below 2.85:1 are termed alkaline. Those with a higher SiO 2:Na2O ratio are
described as neutral.

1.2.2.1 PROPERTIES
Sodium silicate is a white powder that is readily soluble in water, producing
an alkaline solution. It is one of a number of related compounds which include
sodium orthosilicate (Na4SiO4), sodium pyrosilicate (Na6Si2O7), and others. All
are glassy, colourless, and soluble in water.

Sodium silicate is stable in neutral and alkaline solutions. In acidic solutions,

the silicate ion reacts with hydrogen ions to form silicic acid, which when heated and
roasted forms silica gel, a hard, glassy substance.

1.3 MATERIALS USED

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i)Fly ash

ii)Geopolymers(NaoH+Sodium silicate)

iii)Fine aggregate

iv) Meshes

1.3.1 FLY ASH

Fly ash is the waste obtained as a residue from burning of coal in furnaces and
locomotives.It is obtained in the form of powder.It is a good pozzalona and can be used
for partial replacement of cement.In the recent time, the importance and use of fly ash in
concrete has grown so much that it has almost become a common ingredient in
concrete,particularly for making high strength and high performance concrete.High
volume fly ash concrete is a subject of current interest all over the world.

1.3.2 GEOPOLYMER

The remarkable achievements made through geosynthesis and

geopolymerisation include mineral polymers(geopolymers),flexible ceramics which
transform like plastics at low temperatures ,ceramic composite made at room temperature
or thermoset in a simple autoclave ,concrete which after 4 hours has higher strength and
durability than the best currently used mortar.

In geopolymerizations alkaline solution play an important role.The most

common alkaline solution used in geopolymerization is a combination of sodium
hydroxide and sodium silicate.In this project a combination of sodium silicate and
sodium hydroxide is to be chosen as the alkaline liquid.Sodium silicate solution and
sodium hydroxide solution of 10 M concentration (400 gm in 1L of solution) are to be
prepared.(1M=40gm)
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1.3.3 FINE AGGREGATE

Fine aggregates are the aggregates whose size is less than 4.75mm.In this
project,clean and dry river sand locally will be used.Sand is generally considered to have
a lower size limit of about 0.007.

1.3.4 MESHES

The wire woven chicken meshes with a hexagonal openings of size 12mm a wire
thickness of 0.72mm are used.The machine welded weld mesh having a rectangular grid
opening of size 76.2mmx38.1mm,with a thickness of 2.45 mm in the transverse direction
and 3.45mm in the longitudinal direction are used.Ultimate strength of weld mesh and
chicken mesh is 440 N/mm2 and 270 N/mm2.
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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

1) A.Boshehrian and P.Hossein, “Effect of nano-SiO2 particles on properties of

cement mortar applicable for ferrocement elements” Vol. 2 (1) –March (2011)

In this study the mechanical properties (by compressive and flexural strength
tests), durability (by water absorption test), and microstructural properties of interfacial
transition zone (ITZ) (by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy
tests) of mortars applicable for the casting of ferrocement elements reinforced with nano-
SiO2particles are investigated. The parameters of this study include the low replacement
ratio of nano-SiO2 particles respect to cementin Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) mortar
mixture (including 1%, 2% and 3%), water to binder ratio (including 0.35, 0.4 and 0.5),
and also sand to binder ratio (including 2 and 2.5).

The results have shown that the cement mortars containing nano-particles have
reasonably higher strength, low water absorption and denser ITZ compared to those of
the OPC ferrocement mortars. Furthermore, along with increasing the W/CM, the
performance of silica nano-particles has been reduced. However, distinctive
strengthening trend was not observed in mixtures with different S/CM Application of
silica nano-particles (in low amount of replacement up to 3%) can lead to microstructural
development due to their multi functional behavior in the matrix of cement-based
materials. Various performances of silica nano-particles helping resistance, durability and
 8

viscosity of cement mortars to be improved, indicate their high potential of usage in the
production of special mortars such as ferrocement and retrofitting mortars.

2) Galyna Kotsay,“ Effect of synthetic nanodispersed silica on the properties of

portland cement based mortars” Vol. 7, No. 3, (2013)
The work deals with the modification of mortars by small quantities of
nanodispersed material. The effect of amorphous nanosilica on Portland cement
hydration and hardening has been investigated. The amorphous nanosilica is compared
with the known mineral additive – microsilica. The effect of microsilica at different
stages of hydration is thoroughly investigated. Pozzolane activity of ultradispersed silica
depends on obtaining method of amorphous silica and particles size. The double increase
of nanosilica activity compared with that of microsilica is connected with 4-fold decrease
of particles size. The optimum content of synthetic nanosilica in mortars was confirmed
by the experiments. 0.1 % of nanosilica ensures the increase of strength by 29 % for 2
days and by 16 % – for 28 days. We may assert that nanodispersed silica additive in
small amounts is the most effective one at the initial stage of mortar hardening.

3) ABDEL-BAKY,Sameh YEHIA ,Ibrahim S. KHALIL “ Influence of nano-silica

addition on properties of fresh and hardened cement mortar”vol 16- (18.10.2013)
The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of adding nano-silica particles,
on the properties of fresh and hardened cement mortar through measurements of
workability, compressive and flexure strengths in addition to measuring by SEM
analysis. Nano-silica particles with size of 19 nm have been used as a cement addition by
1, 3, 5, 7 and 10% by weight of cement content.
Workability of cement mortar which decreased by increasing the amount of
interactive nano-silica as long as the inserted nano-silica can be interactive with calcium
 9

hydroxide resulting from hydration process of cement with water.Compressive and

flexural strength of the cement mortar increases proportionally with increasing the
amount of nano-silica, especially at early ages. Until achieving the optimum percentage,
NS at 7%, then decreases due to the decreasing of calcium hydroxide that exhausted in
the activation process by 7% nano-silica. As any amount more than that have no
activation and take place of cement by inert powder, so it's naturally to decrease the
strengths.Cement mortar containing nano-silica have more homogeneity binder, less
pores, more adhesion at interfacial zone which is clarified in SEM analysis.
4) Andi Arham Adam, Horianto “The effect of temperature and duration of curing on
the strength of flyash based geopolymer mortar” ( 2014 ) 410 – 414

The optimum temperature and duration of curing is essential in geopolymerization

reaction to achieve higher strength. As such, flyash based geopolymer mortars were
prepared by varying the curing temperature of 80, 100 and 120°C, for the duration of 4, 6
and 20 hours. The fly ash was activated by sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide
solution. The dosage of activator was 55% and the ratio between sodium silicate and
alkaline activator was 1: 2. The results show that the highest compressive strength was
obtained at the temperature and duration of curing of 120°C and 20 hours.
One of the promising alternatives is to use fly ash as part or total replacement of
cement in concrete. The total replacement of cement has been possibly made since the
introduction of geopolymer.At room temperature the geopolymeric reaction will take
place very slowly as such oven curing is favourable . During curing process, the
geopolymer mortar and concrete will undergo polymerization reaction.The effect of heat
curing on the strength of geopolymer have been reported elsewhere however the optimum
temperature and duration The variations of curing temperature are manly influenced by
physical and chemical characteristic of fly ash as well as the chemical composition of the
activators. Class F fly ash taken from local power plant station was used as row
materials.The activator consists of sodium silicate solution (Na2O = 15.4% andSiO2=
 10

32.33%) and 10M sodium hydroxide solution. The activator dosage (activator / fly ash)
was 55% and the ratio of sodium silicate to activator was 1: 2. Local sand was used as
fine aggregate. The specific gravity and fineness modulus of sand were 2.6 and 2.75
respectively.The geopolymer mortar was prepared using water to solid ratio (w/s) 0.35.
The water content is the total water in activator and additional water whilst the solid is
the fly ash and solid part of the activator. The temperature and duration of heat curing
plays a major role for the strength development of fly ash based geopolymer mortar. The
optimum heat curing regime in this study was at 120° for 20 hours.
5) G.Reddy Babu “ Effect of nano-silica on properties of blended cement” Vol, 03

The properties of blended cement with nano-SiO2 (NS) were experimentally

studied. The silica, which is the major component of a pozzolan reacts with calcium
hydroxide formed from calcium silicates hydration. The rate of pozzolanic reaction is
proportional to the amount of surface area available for reaction. Results indicated that
setting times were increased with increase in percentage of nano-SiO2 in cement blended
with silica fume. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of nano-SiO 2 on
properties of blended cement mortar. Cement: 53 grade ordinary Portland cement
conforming to IS: 12269-1987 was used. Ennore sand was used. Commercial
superplasticiser was used. Silica fume was used in the present investigation. 9% of the
cement was replaced by silica fume, where maximum compressive strength was
achieved.

Setting times were increased in test samples compared with reference sample.
Setting process was increased due increase in percentage of nano-silica. Reason is that,
surface area of nano silica is several times high than the silica fume. Influence of nano-
silica on compressive strength is found that increase in compressive strength was
observed with increase in percentage of nano-silica replacing silica fume and age.
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6) Tanakorn Phoo-ngernkham, Vanchai Sata, Sakonwan Hanjitsuwan, Charoenchai

Ridtirud, Shigemitsu Hatanaka , Prinya Chindaprasirt “High calcium fly ash
geopolymer mortar containing Portland cement for use as repair material” 482–488
(2015)

This article investigated the utilization of high calcium fly ash geopolymer mortars
(GPM) containing ordinary Portland cement (PC) for use as Portland cement concrete
(PCC) repair material. The shear bond strength of PCC substrate and repair binder and
bending strength of notched concrete beam filled with repair binder were used to evaluate
the performances of GPM and commercial repair binders (RM). Test results indicated that
the use of GPM gave sufficiently high shear bond and bending strengths compared with
the use of RM suggesting that it could be used as an alternative product for concrete
repairworks. In addition, the results from scanning electron microscopy of fracture
surfaces indicated that the interface zone of concrete and GPM was more homogeneous
and denser than that of concrete and RM. The GPM with 14 M NaOH solution and 10%
PC was the optimum mixture for improving the shear bond and bending strengths. The
GPM with high NaOH concentration containing PC as addi-tive material gave good
performances in the shear bond strength prism test and bending stress of PCC notched
beam test. The high-est shear bond strength of 24.2 MPa was obtained with 14 M NaOH
geopolymer with 10% Portland cement (14M10PC mix). The bend-ing stresses of PCC
notched beams with filled GPM were enhanced as expected.

The GPM mix with 14 M NaOH and 10% PC gave excel-lent bending stress of 3.1
MPa. However, with high NaOH concen-tration (14 M) and high PC (15%), slight
decreases in shear bond strength and bending stress were observed. The performance of
GPM was found to be comparable to those of the commercial repair materials. The
average shear bond strength of RM was 17.9 MPa, while that of GPM was slightly higher
 12

at 20.0 MPa. The average improvement of bending stresses of PCC notched beam with
filled GPM or RM were 44% and 36%, respectively.

7) Zhenshuang Wang, Haolin Su, Shanyu Zhao, Ning Zhao “Influence of phase change
material on mechanical and thermal properties of clay geopolymer mortar” (2016)
329–334

With the flourish development of energy-saving solutions for building, the

demands of phase change material (PCM) modified building materials are urgently
increasing. Herein, we report a novel route to prepare clay geopolymer mortar
incorporated PCM by absorption method, where PCM is pro-duced with paraffin as
heat-absorbing material and expanded perlite as supportive material by vacuum
adsorption method. The paraffin immobilized in three-dimensional network structure
during the process of phase change is evidenced by scanning electron microscope (SEM),
different scanning calorimetry (DSC), compressive strength, dry density and thermal
conductivity. The proportion of paraffin in the com-posite is 55.47% by mass, and the
phase change temperature and latent heat were 35.59°C and 96.77 J/g,respectively. The
compressive strength, dry apparent density, and thermal conductivity coefficient were 8.0
MPa, 1678 kg/m3, and 0.46 W m1K1, respectively.
The compressive strengths are changing when using different encapsulation
methods. The curing time of 28 days, compared with cold clay geopolymer mortar with
expanded perlite, the compressive strength of the clay geopolymer mortar with expanded
perlite impregnated paraffin increases from7.7 MPa to 7.8 MPa and the compres-sive
strength of clay geopolymer mortar with composite PCM encapsulated by calcium
silicate increases from 7.7 MPa to8.0 MPa . Although the changes among different
methods are not so big, the method with composite PCM encapsulated by calcium silicate
provides the highest compressive strength.
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8) Hammad R. Khalida, S.K. Ha, S.M. Parka, G.M. Kim, H.K. Lee “Interfacial
bond behavior of FRP fabrics bonded to fiber-reinforce geopolymer mortar”( 2015)
353–368

This paper presents the experimental investigation of composite-mortar three-point

bending beam test setup, used to characterize the bond behavior between concrete/mortar
and fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs). With this aim, a series of experimental studies
have been conducted by considering different FRP fabric types (carbon/glass and
carbon/aramid), epoxy adhesives , and notch depths. In addition, a fiber-reinforced
mortar, with different fiber contents (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt.%) was also used to investigate
the effects of short fibers on the interface behavior. From the load–displacement curves in
three-point bending beam tests, peak load , ultimate mid-span deflection, and interfacial
fracture energy of different bonded interfaces were evaluated. It is con-cluded from this
study that this test setup is useful for the comparison of different bonded interfaces as true
interfacial failure was observed, but the interfacial fracture energy (GF,int) obtained from
these tests showed sensitivity to the notch depth. The incorporation of short steel fibers
into mortar was not effec-tive to improve the interfacial bond strength as not much fiber
action was observed (near the bond line)during testing.

Results of epoxy coupon specimens highlight the importance of determining the

properties of each epoxy adhesive for more precise prediction of the interfacial bond
behavior. Test condi-tions should be similar to the field condition.Tests of FRP composite
specimens revealed that the FRP com- posites exhibit different stress–strain behavior
with different epoxy adhesives. Their tensile strength, elastic modulus and ultimate strain
capacities vary with the epoxy adhesive and thus the properties of each strengthening
system should be carefully determined before application.

9) Amr Ibrahim Ibrahim Helmy, “Intermittent curing of fly ash geopolymer

mortar”( 2016) 54–64
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The research work focuses on the production of type F fly ash based geopolymer
using intermittent cur-ing. Two different types of soluble sodium silicate and Na(OH)
solution with three different mole ratios were used with a fixed ratio. Two different fly
ash-to-alkaline liquid activator ratios were used with and without additional water
content. Two different resting periods were checked prior to starting the curing regime.
The curing temperature was set at 70°C applied intermittently on 4 steps for 6 h each per
day followed by 18 h rest at ambient temperature. Twenty-one different geopolymer
mixtures were cast using a mixture of fly ash and natural sand at a fixed ratio. The gain of
compressive strength was checked at age 24, 48, 72, and 96 h and 7 days. Intermittent
curing proved to increase the compressive strength of all geopolymer mortar at the end
of each curing step.
The intermittent curing scheme at 70°C for 4 steps for contin-uous 6 h of heat
curing in each step followed by 18 h of ambient temperature proved to improve the
geopolymer mortar com- pressive strength at the end of each curing step with no adverse
effect on the strength. Thirteen geopolymer mortar mixtures had resulted in 7-day
compressive strength that is higher than the Egyptian Code of Practice specified
minimum limit of 27 MPa. The use of high specific gravity soluble sodium silicate, an
alkaline liquid per- centage of 35% or 48.5% with Na(OH) solution concentration mole
of 8, 12 or 16 mol, with no added water and a resting per-iod of either 24 or 72 h may
guarantee a 7-day compressive strength above 27 MPa.
10) Mehmet Burhan Karakoç,Ibrahim Türkmen, Müslüm Murat Maras, Fatih
Kantarci,Ramazan Demirbog ,M.Ugur Toprak “Mechanical properties and setting time
of ferrochrome slag based geopolymer paste and mortar” (2014) 283–292

Many researches have been done to investigate using raw materials in the
production of geopolymer cements. This paper presents the effects of alkali dosage and
silica modulus when using sodium metasil-icate solution at different curing conditions on
the geopolymerization of ferrochrome slag (FS). As alkali activation for
 15

geopolymerization, NaOH and Na2 SiO3 solution were used.The setting time, hydration
heat and compressive strength of geopolymer paste samples and compressive strength of
geopolymer mortar samples were obtained.The setting time varied between 120 and 870
min, it showed variability depending on Na2O content.The highest 28 day compressive
strength of the geopolymer paste samples was obtained from one with Na2O
concentration of 7% and silica modulus of 0.70. Compressive strength of the material
decreased, when w/b (water/binder) ratio increased. The highest 28 day strength of the
geopolymer mortar was obtained at 0.30 w/b ratio and lab-oratory temperature curing
conditions. The hydration heat of geopolymer paste samples was found to be less than
normal Portland cements.
It is possible to activate and to ferrochrome slag produce geopolymer cement
using a proportioned mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate as an alkali-
activator. Initial and final settings of activated paste occur much ear-lier than that of PC
paste, except mix 1. The quality of FS based geopolymer cement depends on the
composition of alkali activator and content of Na2O.The hydration heat of the
geopolymer paste samples were found to be less than the normal Portland cements.The
setting time varies between 120 and 870 min: it shows variability depending on content
of Na2O percent.
11) Shiqin Yan, Kwesi Sagoe-Crentsil “Properties of wastepaper sludge in
geopolymer mortars for masonry applications” 2012 27-32

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the use of wastepaper
sludge in geopolymer mortar systems for manufacturing construction products. The
investigation was driven by the increasing demand for reuse options in paper-recycling
industry. Both fresh and hardened geopolymer mortar properties are evaluated for
samples incorporating dry wastepaper sludge, and the results indicate potential end-use
benefits in building product manufacture. Addition of wastepaper sludge to geo- polymer
mortar reduces flow properties, primarily due to dry sludge absorbing water from the
 16

binder mix. The average 91-day compressive strength of mortar samples incorporating
2.5 wt% and 10 wt% wastepaper sludge respectively retained 92% and 52% of the
reference mortar strength.
However, contrary to the normal trend of increasing drying shrinkage with
increasing paper sludge addition to Portland cement matrices, the corresponding
geopolymer drying shrinkage decreased by 34% and 64%.Equally important, the water
absorption of hardened geopolymer mortar decreased with increasing paper sludge
content at ambient temperatures, providing good prospects of overall potential for
wastepaper sludge incorporation in the production of building and masonry elements. The
results indicate that, despite its high moisture absorbance due to the organic matter and
residual cellulose fibre content, wastepaper sludge appears compatible with geopolymer
chemistry, and hence serves as a potential supplementary additive to geopolymer
cementitious masonry products.
12) Vanchai Sata, Apha Sathonsaowaphak, Prinya Chindaprasirt “Resistance of lignite
bottom ash geopolymer mortar to sulfate and sulfuric acid attack” 2012 700–708

This paper presents an investigation of the compressive strength and the durability
of lignite bottom ash geopolymer mortars in 3% sulfuric acid and 5% sodium sulfate
solutions. Three finenesses of ground bot-tom ash viz., fine, medium and coarse bottom
ash were used to make geopolymer mortars. Sodium sili-cate, sodium hydroxide and
curing temperature of 75°C for 48 h were used to activate the geopolymerization. The
results were compared to those of Portland cement and high volume fly ash mor-tars. It
was found that the fine bottom ash was more reactive and gave geopolymer mortars with
higher compressive strengths than those of the coarser fly ashes. All bottom ash
geopolymer mortars were less susceptible to the attack by sodium sulfate and sulfuric
acid solutions than the traditional Portland cement mortars.
 17

The compressive strengths of BA geopolymer mortars were improved with

increasing the fineness of BA.The BA geopolymer mortars were less susceptible to the
attack by 5% sodium sulfate solutions compared to the Port-land cement based system.
The deterioration of BA geopolymer mortars immersed in 3%sulfuric acid solution also
showed better performance than those of PC mortars and mortars containing 40% of FA
and FBA. All BA geopolymer mortars showed weight loss less than 3.6% at 120 days.
The better performance of the geopolymer mortars in thesulfate and sulfuric solutions
were due to the more stable cross-linked aluminosilicate polymer structure as compared
to the normal Portland cement hydration structure.

13) Gokhan Kurklu “The effect of high temperature on the design of blast furnace
slag and coarsefly ash-based geopolymer mortar” 2016 9 -18

In this study, geopolymer mortars were prepared by replacing blast furnace slag
(BFS) based mixtures with coarse fly ash (FA) in different proportions. The aim of this
study was to build a geopolymer mortardesign for high temperatures using constant
NaOH molarity (M) and constant curing temperature. In addition to 14 M NaOH solution
and BFS as the binder material at a 60C curing temperature, double binder mixture ratios
were prepared adding 25%, 50% and 75% FA. Geopolymer mortars with a liquid binder
(L/B) ratio of 1 were subjected to oven curing for 5, 24, 48, 168 h. After physical and
mechanical tests, the samples with the highest compressive strength were determined and
six different mixtures with an L/B ratio in the range from 1 to 0.5 were prepared in order
to increase the compressive strength of the samples in question. The physical and
mechanical tests were repeated for the new samples. After the tests, the mortar sample
with the highest compressive strength and its high temperature behavior was determined.
For this purpose, the mortar sample with the highest compressive strength was subjected
to temperatures of 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000C, and changes in the physical and
mechanical properties was analyzed.
 18

As a result of the experiments, the highest flexural strength value (3.6 MPa) was
obtained from the mortar samples with a 25% BFS content subjected to curing for 5 h.
The highest compressive strength values (27.3 MPa) were obtained from the mortar
samples with a 100% BFS content subjected to curing for 48 h. In terms of compressive
strength, the optimization of the L/B ratio resulted in a 28% increase (0.7) and this way,
35.1 MPa was achieved.
14) C.D. Atis,, E.B. Görür , O. Karahan, C. Bilim,S.Ilkentapar, E. Luga “Very high
strength (120 MPa) class F fly ash geopolymer mortar activated at different NaOH
amount, heat curing temperature and heat curing duration” (2015) 673–678

In this laboratory work, high compressive and flexural tensile strength of

alkali activated fly ash geopolymer mortars were presented. Class F fly ash was used
throughout the study. NaOH was used as alkali medium that provides high pH value.
Also, the factors influencing the compressive and flexural tensile strength were
investigated. A total of 216 fly ash geopolymer mortar samples were prepared. Heat
curing temperature, heat curing duration and alkali (Na) concentration were chosen as the
influencing parameters of strengths. Mortar mixture parameters were 3 and 1/3 for sand–
binder ratio, and water– binder ratio, respectively. Na concentrations of the mortar
mixtures were changed from 4% to 20% with2% increment step. Heat curing
temperatures were changed from 45 to115°C with 10°C increment step.Heat curing
durations were chosen as 24, 48 and 72 h. For each combination of influencing
parameter,three prismatic specimens with 40 mm x 40 mm x 160 mm dimensions were
prepared using a three-cell mortar cast. After heat curing period in a laboratory oven, the
samples were left to cool down to room temperature, then compressive and flexural
strengths were measured as described in its respective standard. Very high compressive
and flexural tensile strength obtained, which were as high as 120 and 15 MPa
respectively.
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15) Abhale Bhanudas ,Kalyani Sarode and Venumadhav Rao “Flexural and
compressive strength of ferrocement using colloidal nano silica” IJRIER 2017

Ferrocement with Nano silica quit very new research area in

construction which might be bring out the salient features of construction, material
properties and the special techniques of applying cement mortar on to the reinforcing
mesh and new applications in future. Ferrocement is a highly versatile construction
material with relatively recent origin with high potentials for application to a variety of
structures in the areas of boat building, agriculture, industry and housing. Ferrocement
construction technology is quite popular throughout the world. Ferrocement, a thin
element, is used as a building construction as well as a repair material. This material
exhibits a high degree of elasticity and resistance to cracking and can be made without
formwork.
On others hand, Nanotechnology is one of the most active research areas with both
novel science and useful applications that has gradually established itself in the past two
decades. Nanotechnology has changed our vision, expectations and abilities to control
the material world Expenditure on nanotechnology research is significant; however, the
research is continuously moving forward motivated by immediate profitable return
generated by high value commercial products. It has been demonstrated that
nanotechnology generated products have many unique characteristics, and can
significantly fix current construction problems, and may change the requirement and
organization of construction process. The regarded research is done for examining the
mechanical properties (flexural strength) of Ferrocement with nano-SiO2 with various
variables amount. This thesis brings out the importance of using ferrocement with nano
silica as nano material which may changed our vision, expectations and abilities to
control the material properties and might be the best structural alternatives for RCC in
the future.
 20

CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

Introduction

Literature study

Material collection

Initial test on material

Trial mix method

Strength evaluation of geopolymer cube

 21

Experimental investigation ANSYS analysis

Mix design using mat lab

CHAPTER 4
MATERIALS USED
The materials used in this project for mortar mix are

a)Geopolymer paste

 Flyash
 Alkaline liquid

b)Fine aggregate

c)Nanosilica

4.1 Geopolymer paste

Here geopolymer paste is used as binder.Geopolymer paste is the

combination of the following

1.Fly ash

2.NaOH

3.Na2SiO3

4.1.1 Flyash

Flyash is the waste obtained as a residue from burning of coal in

furnaces and locomotives.It is obtained in the form of powder.It is a good
 22

pozzalona and can be used for partial replacement.The colour of flyash is either
grey or blackish grey.Flyash particles are spherical,having small surface area.

The size of flyash generally varies between silt sand and silty clay.Ash is
chacterized by low specific gravity ,uniform gradation and lack of plasticity.The
specific gravity of ash particles depends on chemical composition and generally
varies from 2 to 2.6 with an average value of about 2.2 .The pH of flyash contacted
with water range from 8 to 12.

Coal burning power stations on global basis generate yearly millions of

waste including flyash,bottom ash ,boiler slag and flue gas desulphurization
sludge.At present only a small proportion of the coal ash produced is used
commercially the rest is disposed of in ponds and landfills with environmental
problem and added cost to the utility industry.

4.1.2 ALKALINE LIQUIDS

In geopolymerization alkaline solution play an important role.The most

common alkaline solution used in geopolymerization is a combination of sodium
hydroxide(NaOH) and sodium silicate(Na2SiO3)In this project a combination of
sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide is to be chosen as the alkaline liquid.
 23

Fig:4.1 Sodium hydroxide Fig:4.2 Sodium silicate

4.2 FINE AGGREGATE

Sand is the fine aggregate.Fine aggregates are the aggregates whose size is
less than 4.75mm.In this project ,clean and dry river sand available locally will be
used.

4.3 NANOSILICA

Silicon dioxide nanoparticles, also known as silica nanoparticles

or nanosilica, are the basis for a great deal of biomedical research due to their
stability, low toxicity and ability to be functionalized with a range of molecules
and polymersIn recent years, modification of cement composites by nanoparticles
has attracted intense attention among researchers. Concrete, as the most popular
cement composite in practical applications, was also subjected to modification by
replacing a portion of binder with various nanoparticles such as TiO 2 , Fe2O3 ,
Al2O3 and SiO2.
 24

Among those, nanosilica incorporation into concrete was of interest for

many researchers not only because of the similarity of its chemical composition to
constituents  of C-S-H, but also because of the capability of NS to potentially
improve cement composites properties through different mechanisms.

4.4 GGBS

Ground-granulated blast-furnace slag is obtained by quenching molten iron slag

from a blast furnace in water or steam, to produce a glassy, granular product that is
then dried and ground into a fine powder. To obtain a good slag reactivity or
hydraulicity, the slag melt needs to be rapidly cooled or quenched below 800 °C in
order to prevent the crystallization of merwinite and melilite

CHAPTER 5

LABORATORY TEST
5.1 PRELIMINARY TEST

Under preliminary test , the properties of various ingrediants used in

concrete are studied.

5.2 TESTS ON FINE AGGREGATE

The following various tests are conducted on fine aggregate.

1.Specific gravity test

2.Sieve analysis test

5.2.1 Specific gravity test

Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the weight of a given volume

of soil at a given temperature to the weight of an equal volume of distilled water at
 25

that temperature.The specific gravity test is done by using the pycnometer.With the
use of pycnometer,specific gravity of each constituent known.Specific gravity of
aggregate is required in mix design for different grades with the workability
measurements.Average specific gravity of the various soils materials varies from
2.6 and 2.8.

Pycnometer method is also quick method of determining the specific

gravity of soil sample.This method is suitable for fine grained soils only.

Fig :5.1 Pycnometer

The pycnometer is cleaned thoroughly and the mass of the pycnometer with brass
cap is weighed as W1gram.Take 100 gm of dried soil in the pycnometer,weighed as
W2gm.The pycnometer is filled with water up to the top mix it thoroughly with
glass rod and stir it.The pycnometer with soil and water is weighed and denoted as
W3.Finally empty the pycnometer and clean thoroughly weighed as W4 grams.

5.2.2 SIEVE ANALYSIS TEST

The size distribution for the construction materials to be determined for their
physical properties.A sieve analysis can be performed on any type of non-organic
or organic materials.To differentiate particle size ,sieve analysis is most probably
 26

adopted.The sieves used in the sieve analysis test are 4.75mm ,2mm ,1mm,
0.6mm , 0.3mm ,0.212mm ,0.150mm and an empty pan.

The sieves are placed one below the order in the order of their mesh
size.Largest aperture sieve being kept at the top and the smallest aperture sieve
kept at bottom desending order.An empty pan is kept at the bottom and a cover is
kept at the top of the whole assembly is fitted on a sieve shaking machine.

The sieve process gets started and allowed to shake for about 10
minutes.The amount of shaking depends upon the shape and the number of
particles.The residue of the soil sample retained on each sieve is weighed.The
percentage of soil retained on each sieve is calculated on the basis of the
cumulative weight retained on the sieve.

5.3 TEST FOR CEMENT

5.3.1 DETERMINATION OF SETTING TIME OF CEMENT

The object of this test is to check the initial and final setting times of the
cement.The initial setting time is determined as to give sufficient time for various
operations such as mixing,transporting,placing and compaction of the cement
mortar or concrete.The final setting time is determined to find that after laying the
mortar or concrete,the hardening should be rapid so that the structure may be used
as early as possible.

Initial setting time

The cement paste is prepared and is filled in the Vicat mould.A round or
square needle is attached to the moving rod.The needle is then quickly released and
 27

is allowed to penetrate the cement paste.It is taken out and dropped at a fresh
place.The procedure is repeated at a regular interval till the paste stiffness
sufficiently for the needle to penetrate only to point above 5mm from the bottom at
the stage the initial set is said to have taken place.

Initial set is expressed as the time elapsed since the mixing water was added
to the cement.This time should be about 30 minutes for ordinary cement.The initial
setting time for the OPC sample with fresh water is 30 minutes.

Fig:5.2 Vicats apparatus

 28

CHAPTER 6
TRIAL MIX DESIGN
6.1 CALCULATION FOR TRAIL MIX

1:1(TRIAL- 1)

Unit weight of mortar = 2300Kg/m3

Mass of geopolymer paste = 50%

4.75 mm fine sand 50% = 0.50×2300

= 1150Kg/m3

Mass of low calcium fly ash & alkaline liquid = 2300-1150

= 1150Kg/m3

Take, liquid to fly ash ratio =1

Liquid + fly ash = 1150Kg/m3

Mass of fly ash = 1150/2 = 575Kg/m3

Mass of alkaline liquid = 1150-575

 29

= 575Kg/m3

Take sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio = 2.3

Sodium silicate + sodium hydroxide =575Kg/m3

Mass of sodium hydroxide solution =575/(1+2.3)

=174Kg/m3

Mass of sodium silicate solution =575-174

=401 Kg/m3

1:1 (TRIAL-2)

Unit weight of mortar = 2300

Mass of geopolymer paste = 50%

4.75 mm fine sand 50% =0.50×2300

=1150Kg/m3

Mass of low calcium fly ash & alkaline liquid =2300-1150

=1150Kg/m3

Take, liquid to fly ash ratio =1

Liquid + fly ash =1150Kg/m3

Mass of fly ash =1150/2 = 575Kg/m3

Mass of alkaline liquid =1150-575

=575Kg/m3
 30

Take sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio =2.5

Sodium silicate + sodium hydroxide =575 Kg/m3

Mass of sodium hydroxide solution =575/3.5

=164.28Kg/m3

Mass of sodium silicate solution =2.5×164.29

=410.7Kg/m3

1:1 (TRIAL -3)

Unit weight of mortar =2300Kg/m3

Mass of geopolymer paste =50%

4.75 mm fine sand 50% =0.50 ×2300

=1150kg/m3

Mass of low calcium fly ash & alkaline liquid = 2300-1150

=1150 kg/m3

Take, liquid to fly ash ratio =1

Liquid + fly ash =1150kg/m3

Mass of fly ash =1150/2=575kg/m3

Mass of alkaline liquid =1150-575

=575kg/m3

Take sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio =2.7

 31

Sodium silicate + sodium hydroxide =575kg/m3

Mass of sodium hydroxide solution =575/ (1+2.7)

=155.41kg/m3

Mass of sodium silicate solution =2.7×155.41

=419.61kg/m3

1:1.5 (TRIAL - 1)

Unit weight of mortar =2300kg/m3

Mass of geopolymer paste =40%

4.75 mm fine sand 60% = 0.60×2300

= 1380kg/m3

Mass of low calcium fly ash & alkaline liquid =2300-1380

= 920kg/m3

Take, liquid to fly ash ratio =1

Liquid + fly ash =920kg/m3

Mass of fly ash = 460kg/m3

Kg/m3

Mass of alkaline liquid = 460kg/m3

Take sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio =2.3

Sodium silicate + sodium hydroxide = 460kg/m3

 32

Mass of sodium hydroxide solution =460/ (1+2.3)

=139.39kg/m3

Mass of sodium silicate solution =460-139.39

=320.61kg/m3

1:1.5 (TRIAL - 2)

Unit weight of mortar =2300kg/m3

Mass of geopolymer paste =40%

4.75 mm fine sand 60% =0.60×2300

=1380kg/m3

Mass of low calcium fly ash & alkaline liquid =2300-1380

=920kg/m3

Take, liquid to fly ash ratio =2.5

Liquid + fly ash =920kg/m3

Mass of fly ash =460kg/m3

Mass of alkaline liquid =460kg/m3

Take sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio =2.5

Sodium silicate + sodium hydroxide ratio =460kg/m3

Mass of sodium hydroxide solution =460/ (1+2.5)

 33

=131.42kg/m3

Mass of sodium silicate solution =460-131.42

=328.55 kg/m3

1:1.5 (TRIAL - 3)

Unit weight of mortar =2300kg/m3

Mass of geopolymer paste =40%

4.75 mm fine sand 60% =0.60×2300

=1380kg/m3

Mass of low calcium fly ash & alkaline liquid =2300-1380

=920kg/m3

Take, liquid to fly ash ratio =1

Liquid + fly ash =920kg/m3

Mass of fly ash =920/(1+1)

Mass of alkaline liquid =920-460

=460kg/m3

Take sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide =2.7

Sodium silicate + sodium hydroxide ratio =460kg/m3

Mass of sodium hydroxide solution =460/(1+2.7)

=124.32kg/m3
 34

Mass of sodium silicate solution =460-124.32

=335.66 kg/m3

1:2 (TRIAL - 1)

Unit weight of mortar =2300kg/m3

Mass of geopolymer paste =33%

4.75 mm fine sand 67% =0.67×2300

=1541kg/m3

Mass of low calcium fly ash & alkaline liquid =2300-1541

=759kg/m3

Take, liquid to fly ash ratio =1

Liquid + fly ash =759kg/m3

Mass of fly ash =379.5kg/m3

Mass of alkaline liquid =759/2

=379.5kg/m3

Take sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio =2.3

Sodium silicate + sodium hydroxide =379.5 kg/m3

Mass of sodium hydroxide solution =379.5/3.3

=115kg/m3

Mass of sodium silicate solution =379.5-115

 35

=264.5kg/m3

1:2 (TRIAL - 2)

Unit weight of mortar =2300kg/m3

Mass of geopolymer paste =33%

4.75 mm fine sand 67% =0.67×2300

=1541kg/m3

Mass of low calcium fly ash & alkaline liquid =2300-1541

=759kg/m3

Take, liquid to fly ash ratio =1

Liquid + fly ash = 759kg/m3

Mass of fly ash =379.5kg/m3

Mass of alkaline liquid =759/2

=379.5kg/m3

Take sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio =2.5

Sodium silicate + sodium hydroxide =379.5kg/m3

Mass of sodium hydroxide solution =379.5/3.5

=108.43kg/m3

Mass of sodium silicate solution =379.5-108.43

=271.07kg/m3
 36

1:2(TRIAL 3)

Unit weight of mortar =2300kg/m3

Mass of geopolymer paste =33%

4.75 mm fine sand 67% =0.67×2300

=1541kg/m3

Mass of low calcium fly ash & alkaline liquid =2300-1541

=759kg/m3

Take, liquid to fly ash ratio =1

Liquid + fly ash = 759kg/m3

Mass of fly ash =379.5kg/m3

Mass of alkaline liquid =759/2

=379.5kg/m3

Take sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio =2.7

Sodium silicate + sodium hydroxide =379.5kg/m3

Mass of sodium hydroxide solution =379.5/3.7

=140.56kg/m3

Mass of sodium silicate solution =379.5-140.56

=238.94kg/m3
 37

6.2 TABULATION OF TRAIL MIX

SAMPL FLY NAOH Na2SiO3 SAND(Kg/m3) NANO

 38

E ASH(Kg/m3) GGBS (Kg/m3) (Kg/m3) SILICA(% by

(Kg/m3) weight)

S1 575 287.5 174 401 1150 0.25

S2 575 287.5 164.28 410.7 1150 0.25
S3 575 287.5 155.07 419.61 1150 0.25
S4 605.26 302.63 165.07 379.66 1150 0.25
S5 605.26 302.63 155.41 389.1 1150 0.25
S6 605.26 302.63 397.49 147.22 1150 0.25
S7 638.89 319.45 154.88 356.22 1150 0.25
S8 638.89 319.45 146.03 365.08 1150 0.25
S9 638.89 319.45 138.14 372.97 1150 0.25
S10 676.47 338.24 143.49 330.04 1150 0.25
S11 676.47 338.24 135.29 338.24 1150 0.25
S12 676.47 338.24 127.98 345.55 1150 0.25
S13 718.75 359.38 130.68 300.57 1150 0.25
S14 718.75 359.38 123.21 308.04 1150 0.25
S15 718.75 359.38 116.55 314.69 1150 0.25

Table 6.1 Trial mix for 1:1

SAMPLE FLY ASH GGBS NAOH Na2 SiO3 SAND NAN

(Kg/m3) (Kg/m3) (Kg/m3) (Kg/m3) SILIC
3
(Kg/m ) by we

S1 460 230 139.39 320.61 1380 0.2

S2 460 230 131.42 328.55 1380 0.2
S3 460 230 124.32 335.66 1380 0.2
S4 484.21 242.10 132.06 303.73 1380 0.2
 39

S5 484.21 242.10 124.51 311.28 1380 0.2

S6 484.21 242.10 117.78 318.01 1380 0.2
S7 511.1 255.55 123.91 284.98 1380 0.2
S8 511.1 255.55 116.83 292.06 1380 0.2
S9 511.1 255.55 110.51 298.38 1380 0.2
S10 541.18 270.59 114.79 264.03 1380 0.2
S11 541.18 270.59 108.24 270.59 1380 0.2
S12 541.18 270.59 102.39 276.44 1380 0.2
S13 575 287.5 104.55 240.45 1380 0.2
S14 575 287.5 98.57 246.43 1380 0.2
S15 575 287.5 93.24 251.76 1380 0.2

Table 6.2 Trial mix for 1:1.5

SAMPLE FLYASH GGB NAOH Na2SiO3 SAND NANOSILIC

(Kg/m3) S (Kg/m3) (Kg/m3) (Kg/m3) A
(% by weight)
S1 379.5 189.75 115 264.5 1541 0.25
S2 379.5 189.75 108.43 271.07 1541 0.25
S3 379.5 189.75 102.57 276.93 1541 0.25
S4 399.47 199.74 108.95 250.58 1541 0.25
S5 399.47 199.74 102.72 256.81 1541 0.25
S6 399.47 199.74 97.17 262.36 1541 0.25
S7 421.67 210.84 102.22 235.11 1541 0.25
S8 421.67 210.84 120.48 301.19 1541 0.25
S9 421.67 210.84 97.17 262.36 1541 0.25
S10 446.67 223.34 94.71 217.82 1541 0.25
S11 446.67 223.34 89.29 223.24 1541 0.25
S12 446.67 223.34 84.47 228.06 1541 0.25
 40

S13 474.38 237.19 86.25 198.37 1541 0.25

S14 474.38 237.19 81.32 203.33 1541 0.25
S15 474.38 237.19 76.92 207.70 1541 0.25

Table 6.3 Trial mix for 1:2

SAMPLE FLYASH GGB NAOH NA2SiO3 SAND NANOSILIC

(Kg/m3) S (Kg/m3) (Kg/m3) (Kg/m3) A
(% by weight)
S1 333.5 166.75 101.06 232.44 1633 0.25
S2 333.5 166.75 95.29 238.21 1633 0.25
S3 333.5 166.75 90.14 243.36 1633 0.25
S4 351.05 175.53 95.74 220.21 1633 0.25
S5 351.05 175.53 90.27 225.68 1633 0.25
S6 351.05 175.53 85.39 230.56 1633 0.25
S7 370.56 185.28 89.83 206.61 1633 0.25
S8 370.56 185.28 84.71 211.73 1633 0.25
S9 370.56 185.28 80.12 216.32 1633 0.25
S10 392.35 196.18 83.23 191.42 1633 0.25
S11 392.35 196.18 78.47 196.18 1633 0.25
S12 392.35 196.18 74.23 200.42 1633 0.25
S13 416.88 208.44 75.79 174.33 1633 0.25
S14 416.88 208.44 71.46 178.66 1633 0.25
S15 416.88 208.44 67.6 182.52 1633 0.25

Table 6.4 Trial mix for 1:2.5

 41

CHAPTER 7
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

7.1 GEOPOLYMER CUBE

A cement mortar made by using fine aggregate in the form of sand and
geopolymer as binder are used for the casting of cube.The proportions of
ingrediants where determined with the consideration that the mix had sufficient
workability.The proportion of sand to flyash is 1:1.5 and water to cement is 0.4.
7.2 MIXING
Necessary care had been exercise in proportioning the ingrediants.Although
weigh batching is the most desired methods , this should also allow for influence of
moisture content in the aggregate on the weight of aggregates to be used in mortar
making.The mortar ingrediants were mixed on a water tight,non absorbent
platform with a shovel using the following procedure.
The required materials are mixed dry until the mixture was thoroughly
blended to get uniform grey colour.WWater required for the mixed was poured in
to the dry mixture.Stage by stage the mass was mixed well to attain homogeneity.
 42

Fig:7.1 Mixing for materials

7.3 CASTING AND CURING

The casting bed was prepared to cast the sample.The moulds were lightly
oiled to prevent adhesion of mortar and also to avoid water escaping during the
filling of mortar mix was then immediately transfer to moulds place in 3 layers
and each layer was given compaction with compaction rod.Total 18 numbers of
geopolymer mortar cubes of dimension 7x7cm.After 24 hours the specimen were
remoulded and was cured in 28 days.After 28 days of curing the specimens were
removed from water and made ready for the testing.
 43

7.4 TEST PROCEDURE

All the cube specimens were tested in compressive testing machine.As the
loading progressed the cube surfaces were keenly observed for the formation and
development of cracks.All the 18 cube specimens were tested for compression and
the reading were tabulated.

Fig:7.2 Testing of geopolymer cube

 44

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST RESULT

Table 6.5: Compressive strength from mortar Cube Test

SAMPLE Load Compressive Strength

(kN) (N/mm2)

S1 100 20.41
S2 110 22.45
S3 100 20.41
S4 110 22.45
S5 100 20.41
S6 90 18.36
S7 90 18.36
S8 100 20.41
S9 110 22.45
S10 90 18.36
S11 100 20.41
S12 110 22.45
S13 90 18.36
S14 100 20.41
S15 90 18.36
 45

SAMPLE Load Compressive Strength

(kN) (N/mm2)

S16 110 22.45

S17 130 26.53
S18 100 20.41
S19 130 26.53
S20 140 28.57
S21 120 24.49
S22 160 32.65
S23 180 36.73
S24 170 34.69
S25 130 26.53
S26 150 30.61
S27 120 24.49
S28 120 24.49
S29 140 28.57
S30 130 26.53
 46

SAMPLE Load Compressive Strength

(kN) (N/mm2)

S31 100 20.41

S32 110 22.45
S33 120 24.49
S34 110 22.45
S35 120 24.49
S36 110 22.45
S37 130 26.53
S38 140 28.57
S39 120 24.49
S40 110 22.45
S41 100 20.41
S42 120 24.49
S43 110 22.45
S44 100 20.41
S45 110 22.45
 47

SAMPLE Load Compressive Strength

(kN) (N/mm2)

S46 100 20.41

S47 120 24.49
S48 110 22.45
S49 90 18.36
S50 100 20.41
S51 120 24.49
S52 130 26.53
S53 120 24.49
S54 100 20.41
S55 110 22.45
S56 120 24.49
S57 130 29.53
S58 110 22.45
S59 130 29.53
S60 120 24.49
 48

140

120

100

80
Compressive Strength (N/mm2)
60 Load (kN)

40

20

0
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S15

250

200

150

Compressive Strength (N/mm2)

Load (kN)
100

50

0
S16 S17 S18 S19 S20 S21 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 S27 S28 S29 S30
 49

180

160

140

120

100
Compressive Strength (N/mm2)
80 Load (kN)
60

40

20

0
S31 S32 S33 S34 S35 S36 S37 S38 S39 S40 S41 S42 S43 S44 S45

180

160

140

120

100
Compressive Strength (N/mm2)
80 Load (kN)

60

40

20

0
S46 S47 S48 S49 S50 S51 S52 S53 S54 S55 S56 S57 S58 S59 S60
 50

CHAPTER 8
MATLAB

8.1 INTRODUCTION TO MATLAB

MATLAB is a high performance language for technical computing.It

integrates computation,visualization and programming in any easy- to- use
environment where problems and solutions are expressed in familiar mathematical
notation.Typical uses includes

1.Math and computation

2.Algorithm developments

3.Data acquisition

4.Modelling,simulation and prototyping

5.Data analysis,exploration and visualization

6.Scientific and engineering graphics

7.Application development,including graphical user interface building.

MATLAB is an interactive system whose basic data element is an array that

does not require dimensioning.This allows you to solve many technical computer
problems,especially those with matrix with vector formulations,in a fraction of the
time it would take to write a program in a scalar non interactive language such as
Cor FORTRAN.

The name MATLAB stands for matrix laboratory .MATLAB was originally
written to provide easy access to matrix software developed by the LINPACK and
 51

EISPACK projects.Today MATLAB engines incorporate the LAPACK and BLAS

libraries embedding the state of the art in software for matrix computation.

MATLAB has evolved over a period of years with input from many
users.In university environments , it is the standard instructional tool for
introductory and advanced courses in mathematics , engineering and science.In
industry MATLAB is the tool of choice for high-productivity
research,development and analysis.

MATLAB features a family of add-on-application-specific solution called

toolboxes.Very important to most users of MATLAB ,toolboxes allow you to learn
and apply specialized technology.Toolboxes are comprehensive collections of
MATLAB functions that extend the MATLAB environment to solve particular
classes of problems.

8.2 THE MATLAB SYSTEM

The MATLAB system consists of five main parts:

8.2.1Desktop tools and development environment

This is the set of tools and facilities that help you use MATLAB functions
and files.Many of these tools are graphical user interfaces.It includes the MATLAB
desktop and command window ,a command history,an editor and debugger, a code
analyser and other reports, and browsers for viewing help ,the workplace , files and
the search path.
 52

8.2.2 The MATLAB Mathematical Function Library

This is the vast collection of computational algorithms ranging from

elementary functions like sum,sine,cosine and complex arithmetic ,to more
sophisticated functions like matrix inverse, matrix eigen values ,Bessel functions
and fourier transforms.

8.2.3 The MATLAB Language

This is a high-level matrix/array language with control flow

statements,functions,data structures,input/output and object –oriented
programming features.It allows both “Programming in the small” to rapidly create
quick and dirty throw-away programs and “Programming in the large” to create
large and complex application programs.

8.2.4 Graphics

MATLAB has extensive facilities for displaying vectors and matrices as

graphs.It includes high level function for two-dimensional and three-dimensional
data visualization,image processing ,animation and presentation graphics.It also
include low level functions that allow you to fully customize the appearance of
graphics . It also includes low-level functions that allow you to fully customize the
appearance of graphics as well as to build complete graphical user interfaces on
your MATLAB applications.

8.2.5 The MATLAB External Interfaces/API

This is a library that allows you to write C and FORTRAN programs that
interact with MATLAB.It includes facilities for calling routines from MATLAB,
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calling MATLAB as a computational engine and for reading and writing MAT
files.

8.3 MATLAB Documentation

MATLAB provides extensive documentation,in both printed and online format,to

help you learn about and use all of its features.If you are a new user,start with this Getting
Started book.It covers all the primary MATLAB features at a high level,including many
examples.The MATLAB online help provides task-oriented and reference information
about MATLAB features.MATLAB documentation is also available in printed form and
in PDF format.

8.4 MATLAB Online Help

To view the online documentations, select MATLAB Help from the Help menu in
MATLAB.The MATLAB documentation can be viewed at the Website.

: //www.mathworks.comm/support/

8.5 The Role of Simulation in Design

Electrical power systems are combinations of electrical circuits and electro

mechanical devices like motors and generators.Engineers working in this
discipline and constantly improving the performance of the system.Requirements
for drastically increased efficiency have forced power system designers to use
power electronic devices and sophisticated control system concepts that tax
traditional analysis tools and techniques.
 54

Fig:8.1 Mix design for 1:1

Fig:8.2 Mix design for 1:1.5

 55

Fig:8.2 Mix design for 1:2

 56

Fig:8.2 Mix design for 1:2.5

CHAPTER 9

ANSYS

ANSYS Civil gives designers the ability to assess the influence of this
range of variables in a virtual environment.Thus engineers can advance through
the design and materials selection process quickly and efficiently.Civil FEM for
ANSYS is an advanced comprehensive finite element analysis and design
 57

software package for civil engineering projects.The system combines the structural
analysis features of ansys with the high end civil engineering.Specific capabilities
of civil FEM to create an unique powerful tool for a wide range of
applications,including power plant,bridges,tunnels,singular building and off shore
structures.

CHAPTER 10
CONCLUSION
Thus various literatures regarding geopolymer cubes and geopolymer
mortars were studied and it is evident that there is no standard mix design. Trial
mixes were also designed for varying ratios of the ingredients of geopolymer
mortar.The results are validated and the mix design is introduced with the help of
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fuzzy controller in mat lab.The compressive strength of cubes found by

compressive testing machine after that this result was verified by using ANSYS
software.

APPENDICES

INITIAL TEST RESULT

5.1 FINE AGGREGATE

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The test to be carried out on the constituent materials of concrete

are listed and detailed study performed on each one of them.The test
results are presented in this chapter.

a)Specific gravity test

b)Sieve analysis test

c)Dry density test

a)Specific gravity test for fine aggregate

This test is done to determine the specific gravity of fine grained

sand by density bottle method.Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight
in the air of a given volume of distilled water at the same stated
temperature.

Description Sample
Wt of empty bottle(gm) 0.65kg
Wt of bottle+fine aggregate(gm) 0.85kg
Wt of bottle+water+fine aggregate(gm) 1.69kg
Wt of bottle+water(gm) 1.56kg
Table 5.1 Specific gravity test for fine aggregate

The specific gravity is determined by using the following formula,

G=[W2-W1]/[(W2-W1)-(W3-W4)]

=2.79
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Result

Specific gravity of fine aggregate is 2.79

b)Sieve analysis test for fine aggregate

Table 5.2 Sieve analysis test for fine aggregate

Result

The fineness modulus of fine aggregate is 3.41

CEMENT

a)Specific gravity of cement

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Description Sample
Wt of empty bottle(gm) 0.66kg
Wt of bottle+cement(gm) 0.86kg
Wt of bottle+kerosene+cement(gm) 1.69kg
Wt of bottle+kerosene(gm) 1.360kg

Table 5.3 Specific gravity test for cement

Result

Specific gravity of cement is 3.12

DRY DENSITY OF SAND

Weight of empty cylinder =1.44 kg

Weight of sand + cylinder =3.32 kg
Weight of sand =1.88 kg
Dia of cylinder , D = 10.3cm
r =5.15cm

Height of cylinder, H =14.5 cm

Volume of cylinder, V ¿ π r 2h
= π (5.15) 2×14.5

=1208.18 cm3

Density =1880/1208.18
=1.56g/cm3
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REFERENCES
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