Influence of preconditioning and curing methods on the durability performance of alkali-activated binder composites. (13th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jittin, V.; Madhuri, P.; Santhanam, Manu; Bahurudeen, A.
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 311(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12-13
• Subjects: Alkali-activated binder -- Curing -- Durability -- Fly ash -- Preconditioning -- Slag; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125346
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Effect of molarity and type of activator on alkali-activated mortar is evaluated. Durability of alkali-activated concrete with and without preconditioning is studied. Influence of three types of curing conditions on strength and durability is reported. Preconditioning adversely influences the durability of alkali-activated concrete. Abstract: This paper reports on the effect of preconditioning methods on oxygen permeability, sorptivity and water permeability of alkali-activated concrete. Effects of molarity and types of activators on the strength attainment of ground granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash based alkali-activated mortar are also presented. Moreover, a detailed investigation on the effect of three different curing methods, i.e. lime water curing, natural atmospheric curing, and controlled curing at 25 °C on strength and durability of alkali-activated concrete, is reported. From the test results, higher compressive strength was observed for ambient cured alkali-activated mortar specimens compared to that of heat cured specimens irrespective of types of activators, molarity and curing durations. The preconditioning methods were seen to have a significant influence on the durability performance of alkali-activated concrete. The compressive strength and oxygen permeability index were higher, and water sorptivity was lower for lime water cured alkali-activated concrete specimens as compared to specimens cured under other conditions.