Efficient mix design of alkali activated slag concretes based on packing fraction of ingredients and paste thickness. (1st May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bondar, Dali; Nanukuttan, Sreejith; Provis, John L.; Soutsos, Marios
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 218(2019)
• Page Start: 438
• Page End: 449
• Publication Date: 2019-05-01
• Subjects: Alkali activated slag concrete -- Efficient mix design -- Packing fraction; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.01.332
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Many studies have been dedicated to the properties of alkali-activated slag concretes as a form of low-carbon high performance concrete, but less work has been focused on the application of mix design procedures to have a dense, durable and cost-efficient alkali-activated concrete. This study proposes a method for selecting the mix proportions of alkali-activated concretes based on the packing fraction of materials. The design method is based on the selection of the volumetric proportions of sand and coarse aggregate according to an ideal particle gradation curve. To validate this method, trial castings were carried out for concrete mixes containing alkali activated slag (AAS) with different paste contents to suggest the most cost-efficient concrete for different classes of workability and applications. Compaction and pore structure of these mixes studied by optical microscopy have shown that the design of AAS concretes based on the proposed method resulted in a dense and workable mix. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Rational mix design for AAM concretes can be achieved based on optimising packing fraction of the ingredients. AASC designed based on optimising packing fraction of the ingredients has higher slump for a given water content. AASC with least dosage of activators can be designed for different workability and concrete grades up to C32/40. The binder contents selected in AASC designed based on WPF result in denser mixes as a good indicator of durability.