A study of alkali-activated concrete mixes with ground granulated blast furnace slag

The paper presents a laboratory study of concrete mixes based on the alkali-activation of an industrial by-product, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). A number of factors potentially affecting the resulting concrete quality in terms of workability and strengths were investigated (namely activator type, molarity, curing conditions and times). The statistical significance of the effect of these factors was supported by ANOVA. Higher workability and strengths (with lower activator concentrations) were obtained for KOH containing mixes. Curing at constant moisture and ambient temperature was successful for most alkaline activators and mixes, which showed good concrete strengths at all curing times; when Na2SiO3 was used in addition to NaOH or KOH activators of moderate to high molarity, strengths exceeded those of Ordinary Portland Cement (CEM-I) concrete of a similar water/cement ratio.