EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE IN REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT BY SUGARCANE ASH

Abstract

Concrete is the most abundant manmade material in the world. One of the main ingredients in a normal
concrete mixture is Portland cement. However, the production of cement is responsible for approximately 7% of the
world’s carbon dioxide emissions. In order to create a more sustainable world, engineers and scientists must develop
and put into use a greener building material. This paper will discuss the use of geo polymer concrete as well as consider
its ethical issues. Additionally, this paper will explore the areas in which geo polymer concrete out performs ordinary
concrete. Geo polymer concrete uses fly ash, a byproduct created from the burning of coal. Currently, the majority of fly
ash is dumped into landfills, causing environmental problems.
The production of geo polymer concrete allows fly ash to be recycled and eliminated from landfills. Geo polymer
concrete is also more resistant to damage than standard concrete. For example, geo polymer concrete is stronger under
tension and compression than its cement based counterpart. It is also more resistant to salts, acids, sea water corrosion,
and fire. There are some disadvantages of geo polymer concrete that must be overcome before its incorporation into the
construction industry, many of which will be discussed. Presently, it is difficult to create geo polymer concrete outside of
a laboratory setting as it is still being researched by engineers and scientists. However, if this material can be readily
and safely produced at low costs it will revolutionize the construction industry.