1. INTRODUCTION
⌅Nowadays,
sustainable developments for environmental protection have drawn
attention to the construction industry, particularly with regard to the
energy consumption and carbon footprint of cement production. Hence,
finding an alternative material for cement-based composites to meet
high-performance characteristics and environmental protection measures
is a challenge of current research (11.
Humur G, Çevik A. (2022). Effects of hybrid fibers and nanosilica on
mechanical and durability properties of lightweight engineered
geopolymer composites subjected to cyclic loading and heating–cooling
cycles. Constr. Build. Mater. 326:126846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.126846.
, 22.
Ren D, Yan C, Duan P, Zhang Z, Li L, Yan Z. (2017). Durability
performances of wollastonite tremolite and basalt fiber reinforced
metakaolin geopolymer composites under sulfate and chloride attack.
Constr. Build. Mater. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.12.103.
).
Although conventional concrete is the most commonly used construction
and building material in the world, it is brittle and prone to cracking
with a low tensile strain ability of only about 0.01% (33.
Wang Y, Wang Y, Zhang M. (2021). Effect of sand content on engineering
properties of fly ash-slag based strain hardening geopolymer composites.
J. Build. Eng. 34:101951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101951.
, 44. Zhong H, Zhang M. (2023). Engineered geopolymer composites: A state-of-the-art review. Cem. Concr. Compos. 135:104850. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2022.104850.
).
Engineered
cementitious composites (ECCs), known as strain-hardening cementitious
composites, are a novel type of ultra-ductile fiber-reinforced concrete
developed in the 1990s to improve especially the ductility and low
tensile strength of concrete (55.
Li VC. (2003). On engineered cementitious composites (ECC)- A review of
the material and its applications. J. Adv. Concr. Tech. 1(3):215–230.
, 66.
Yücel HE, Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Kaya Y. (2021). Rheological properties
strength characteristics and flexural performances of engineered
cementitious composites incorporating synthetic wollastonite microfibers
with two different high aspect ratios. Constr. Build. Mater.
306:124921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124921.
).
One of the most significant properties of ECCs can be defined as the
formation of multiple micro-cracks by retarding the onset and further
propagation of cracking and controlling crack widths (<100 μm) (77.
Sakulich A.R, Li V.C. (2011). Nanoscale characterization of engineered
cementitious composites (ECC). Cem. Concr. Res. 41(2):169–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2010.11.001.
, 88.
Siad H, Lachemi M, Şahmaran M, Mesbah HA, Hossain KMA. (2018). Advanced
engineered cementitious composites with combined self-sensing and
self-healing functionalities. Constr. Build. Mater. 176:313–322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.05.026.
).
Owing to their micro-mechanical design theory, ECCs have been developed
with a moderate PVA fiber volume of 2% to ensure high damage tolerance,
high tensile strength and self-healing ability with multiple
micro-cracking behavior (66.
Yücel HE, Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Kaya Y. (2021). Rheological properties
strength characteristics and flexural performances of engineered
cementitious composites incorporating synthetic wollastonite microfibers
with two different high aspect ratios. Constr. Build. Mater.
306:124921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124921.
).
However, ECC mixes are costly and contain about 2-3 times higher cement
content than conventional concrete due to a lower aggregate content,
which would aggravate the current situation since cement production is
responsible for approximately 8% of CO2 emissions in the world (33.
Wang Y, Wang Y, Zhang M. (2021). Effect of sand content on engineering
properties of fly ash-slag based strain hardening geopolymer composites.
J. Build. Eng. 34:101951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101951.
, 44. Zhong H, Zhang M. (2023). Engineered geopolymer composites: A state-of-the-art review. Cem. Concr. Compos. 135:104850. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2022.104850.
, 99.
Luukkonen T, Abdollahnejad Z, Yliniemi J, Kinnunen P, Illikainen M.
(2018). One-part alkali-activated materials: A review. Cem. Concr. Res.
103:21–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2017.10.001.
, 1010. Wang S, Li VC. (2007). Engineered cementitious composites with high-volume fly ash. ACI Mater. J. 104(3):233–241. http://doi.org/10.1201/b15883-8.
).
Therefore, it is extremely important to make various attempts in order
to discover alternative binders/materials for/instead of ECCs.
Geopolymers, a kind of environmental inorganic cementitious material,
are produced from a chemical reaction between alkaline activators and
aluminosilicate source materials (11-1311.
Hemra K, Kobayashi T, Aungkavattana P, Jiemsirilers S. (2021). Enhanced
mechanical and thermal properties of fly ash-based geopolymer
composites by wollastonite reinforcement. J. Met. Mater. Min.
31(4):13–25. http://doi.org/10.55713/jmmm.v31i4.1230.
12.
Liang GW, Li HX, Zhu HJ, Liu TJ, Chen Q, Guo HH. (2021). Reuse of waste
glass powder in alkali-activated metakaolin/fly ash pastes: Physical
properties reaction kinetics and microstructure. Res. Conser. Recyc.
173:105721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105721.
13.
Xu J, Kang A, Wu Z, Xiao P, Gong Y. (2021). Effect of high-calcium
basalt fiber on the workability mechanical properties and microstructure
of slag-fly ash geopolymer grouting material. Constr. Build. Mater.
302:124089. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124089.
).
Since fly ash (FA) has a low water demand due to its spherical shape
for high workability, it is the main source of aluminosilicates required
for geopolymer production. In the presence of an alkaline solution, FA
forms highly cross-linked N-A-S-H gels by geopolymerization that bonds
the particles via hardening (1414.
Öz HÖ, Yücel HE, Güneş M, Köker TŞ. (2021). Fly-ash-based geopolymer
composites incorporating cold-bonded lightweight fly ash aggregates.
Constr. Build. Mater. 272:121963. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121963.
, 1515.
Zhang J, Fu Y, Wang A, Dong B. (2023). Research on the mechanical
properties and microstructure of fly ash-based geopolymers modified by
molybdenum tailings. Constr. Build. Mater. 385:131530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131530.
).
Although geopolymers have advantages over cement, such as a simple
manufacturing process that requires better mechanical characteristics
and lower energy consumption in different situations (1616.
Hu S, Wang H, Zhang G, Ding Q. (2008). Bonding and abrasion resistance
of geopolymeric repair material made with steel slag. Cem. Concr.
Compos. 30(3):239–244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2007.04.004.
, 1717.
Pacheco-Torgal F, Castro-Gomes JP, Jalali S. (2008). Adhesion
characterization of tungsten mine waste geopolymeric binder influence of
OPC concrete substrate surface treatment. Constr. Build. Mater.
22(3):154–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2006.10.005.
),
they exhibit a brittle behavior. In this case, the mechanism of fiber
reinforcement controls the crack propagation through the bridging effect
of fiber. It changes the post-cracking behavior of the composite from a
brittle format to a ductile mode because of its improved energy
dissipation capacity (1818.
Samal S Phan TN, Petríková I, Marvalová B, Vallons KAM, Lomov SV.
(2015). Correlation of microstructure and mechanical properties of
various fabric reinforced geo-polymer composites after exposure to
elevated temperature. Cer. Int. 41(9 Part B):12115–12129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2015.06.029.
).
Thus, the use of geopolymer binders as a matrix composite by taking
advantage of ECCs leads to new attempts to develop engineered geopolymer
composites (EGCs) as a type of up-and-coming substitute for ECC (1919.
Kan Li-li, Wang W-S, Liu W-D, Wu M. (2020). Development and
characterization of fly ash based PVA fiber reinforced Engineered
Geopolymer Composites incorporating metakaolin. Cem. Concr. Compos.
108:103521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2020.103521.
).
EGCs are developed from geopolymers by incorporating PVA fibers, basalt
fibers, and steel fibers into the geopolymer to control cracking. EGCs
are characterized by multiple simultaneous fractures under tensile
action. Their other advantages include high ultimate tensile strain and
crack resistance and broad application prospects in building engineering
and structural reinforcement and repair (2020.
Li W, An J, Lu Y, Li Shan. (2023). Bond stress–slip constitutive
relationship between engineered geopolymer composites (EGC). and rebar
under cyclic loading. Constr. Build. Mater. 409:133998. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.133998.
).
Moreover, it has been reported that several EGCs exhibit similar
mechanical properties to conventional ECCs with high ductility (18-2218.
Samal S Phan TN, Petríková I, Marvalová B, Vallons KAM, Lomov SV.
(2015). Correlation of microstructure and mechanical properties of
various fabric reinforced geo-polymer composites after exposure to
elevated temperature. Cer. Int. 41(9 Part B):12115–12129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2015.06.029.
19.
Kan Li-li, Wang W-S, Liu W-D, Wu M. (2020). Development and
characterization of fly ash based PVA fiber reinforced Engineered
Geopolymer Composites incorporating metakaolin. Cem. Concr. Compos.
108:103521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2020.103521.
20.
Li W, An J, Lu Y, Li Shan. (2023). Bond stress–slip constitutive
relationship between engineered geopolymer composites (EGC). and rebar
under cyclic loading. Constr. Build. Mater. 409:133998. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.133998.
21. Ohno M, Li VC. (2018). An integrated design method of engineered geopolymer composite. Cem. Concr. Compos. 88:73–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2018.02.001.
22.
Nematollahi B. (2017). Investigation of geopolymer as a sustainable
alternative binder for fiber-reinforced strain hardening composites.
Ph.D. thesis Swinburne University of Technology.
). Similar to ECCs, EGCs contain randomly deployed short fibers at a rate usually not higher than 2.0% (2323.
Vickers L, Rickard WDA, Riessen AV. (2014). Strategies to control the
high temperature shrinkage of fly ash based geopolymers. Thermo. Acta.
580:20–27. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.tca.2014.01.020.
).
It has been concluded that by incorporating a 2% PVA fiber volume into
EGC, its compressive strength, flexural performance, and fracture
toughness, along with abrasion resistance, can be considerably enhanced,
indicating typical strain hardening with multiple micro-cracking
behavior (77.
Sakulich A.R, Li V.C. (2011). Nanoscale characterization of engineered
cementitious composites (ECC). Cem. Concr. Res. 41(2):169–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2010.11.001.
, 88.
Siad H, Lachemi M, Şahmaran M, Mesbah HA, Hossain KMA. (2018). Advanced
engineered cementitious composites with combined self-sensing and
self-healing functionalities. Constr. Build. Mater. 176:313–322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.05.026.
, 1515.
Zhang J, Fu Y, Wang A, Dong B. (2023). Research on the mechanical
properties and microstructure of fly ash-based geopolymers modified by
molybdenum tailings. Constr. Build. Mater. 385:131530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131530.
, 2424.
Said SH, Razak H.A, Othman I. (2015). Flexural behavior of engineered
cementitious composite (ECC). slabs with polyvinyl alcohol fibers.
Constr. Build. Mater. 75:176–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.10.036.
).
However, the use of FA in EGC has limitations due to its low
reactivity, which often leads to slow setting and does not meet the
requirements of different situations. The low reactivity of FA can be
overcome by substituting FA for waste minerals such as ground granulated
blast furnace slag (GGBFS) in EGC mixes. Moreover, the high CaO
content, high reactivity, and cementitious properties of GGBFS result in
the early age strength development and better setting characteristics
of geopolymers in comparison with FA (25-2725.
Kumar S, Kumar R, Mehrotra SP. (2010). Influence of granulated blast
furnace slag on the reaction structure and properties of fly ash based
geopolymer. J. Mater. Sci. 45:607–615. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-009-3934-5.
26.
Buchwald A, Hilbig H, Kaps C. (2007). Alkali-activated metakaolin-slag
blends—performance and structure in dependence of their composition. J.
Mater. Sci. 42:3024–3032. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-006-0525-6.
27.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Yücel HE. (2023). Rheological and microstructural
properties of FA+GGBFS-based engineered geopolymer composites (EGCs).
capable of comparing with M45-ECC as mechanical performance. J. Build.
Eng. 65:105792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.105792.
).
Additionally, the geopolymerization of binders may lead to the
regulation of C-S-H/C-A-S-H gel as well as N-A-S-H gel (FA-based
geopolymer gel) via the addition of GGBFS, thus further improving the
mechanical and microstructural properties (2828.
Kuranlı ÖF, Uysal M, Abbas MT, Coşgun T, Nis A, Aygörmez Y, Canpolat O,
Al-Mashhadani MM. (2022). Evaluation of slag/fly ash based geopolymer
concrete with steel polypropylene and polyamide fibers. Constr. Build.
Mater. 325:126747. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.126747.
, 2929.
Temuujin J, Van Riessen A, Williams R. (2009). Influence of calcium
compounds on the mechanical properties of fly ash geopolymer pastes. J.
Hazar. Mater. 167(1–3):82–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.12.121.
).
However, along with the aforementioned advantages, geopolymers produced
with GGBFS have cracking problems in oven curing and, therefore,
generally gain strength in ambient curing. This results in the inability
to fully utilize the high reactivity of CaO (2727.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Yücel HE. (2023). Rheological and microstructural
properties of FA+GGBFS-based engineered geopolymer composites (EGCs).
capable of comparing with M45-ECC as mechanical performance. J. Build.
Eng. 65:105792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.105792.
). Hence, Coppala et al. (3030.
Coppola L, Coffetti D, Crotti E, Aversano RD, Gazzaniga G. (2019). The
influence of heat and steam curing on the properties of one-part fly
ash/slag alkali activated materials: Preliminary results. AIP Conf.
Proceed. 2196:020038. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5140311.
)
conducted a study to increase the rate at which CaO in GGBFS gains
strength without heat cracking, opposite to ambient curing. The study by
Coppala et al. (3030.
Coppola L, Coffetti D, Crotti E, Aversano RD, Gazzaniga G. (2019). The
influence of heat and steam curing on the properties of one-part fly
ash/slag alkali activated materials: Preliminary results. AIP Conf.
Proceed. 2196:020038. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5140311.
)
also emphasized that the steam curing of FA+GGBFS-based geopolymer at
40 °C/60 °C enhanced the higher early compressive strength compared to
ambient curing at particularly high GGBFS/FA ratios.
Unlike fiber fillers, powder fillers can be added to the geopolymer matrix composite to improve its strength properties (3131.
Nurjaya DM, Astutiningsih S, Zulfia A. (2015). Thermal effect on
flexural strength of geopolymer matrix composite with alumina and
wollastonite as fillers. Int. J. Tech. 3:462–470.
).
Wollastonite (calcium meta silicate) is a naturally occurring white
mineral with needle-like crystals and an acicular particle shape or
fiber morphology, which has a particle size similar to that of cement (3232. Hemalatha P, Ramujee K. (2021). Influence of nano material (TiO2). on self compacting Geo polymer concrete containing fly ash GGBS and wollastonite. Mater. Today: Proceed. 43(2):2438–2442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.02.279.
, 3333.
Wahab MA, Latif IA, Kohail M, Almasry A. (2017). The use of
wollastonite to enhance the mechanical properties of mortar mixes.
Constr. Build. Mater. 152:304–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.07.005.
).
It exhibits inert characteristics in the reaction so that it does not
react with other components. Thus, this material has been used as an
alternative microfiber for cement and geopolymer-based materials due to
its fineness and chemical composition (3333.
Wahab MA, Latif IA, Kohail M, Almasry A. (2017). The use of
wollastonite to enhance the mechanical properties of mortar mixes.
Constr. Build. Mater. 152:304–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.07.005.
). The study by Archez et al. (3434.
Archez J, Texier-Mandoki N, Bourbon X, Caron JF, Rossignol S. (2020).
Influence of the wollastonite and glass fibers on geopolymer composites
workability and mechanical properties. Constr. Build. Mater. 257:119511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119511.
)
reported that wollastonite enhanced the viscosity and mechanical
performance of geopolymer while decreasing its workability by providing a
better solution of metakaolin. Soliman and Nehdi (3535.
Soliman AM, Nehdi ML. (2012). Effect of natural wollastonite
microfibers on early-age behavior of UHPC. J. Mater. Civ. Eng.
24(7):816–824. http://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0000473.
)
observed a 12% decrease in workability with the addition of 17%
wollastonite because of the interlocking effect of wollastonite needles.
Likewise, Vickers et al. (2323.
Vickers L, Rickard WDA, Riessen AV. (2014). Strategies to control the
high temperature shrinkage of fly ash based geopolymers. Thermo. Acta.
580:20–27. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.tca.2014.01.020.
) obtained a 53% decrease in flowability with the addition of 13% wollastonite. Hemalatha and Ramujee (3232. Hemalatha P, Ramujee K. (2021). Influence of nano material (TiO2). on self compacting Geo polymer concrete containing fly ash GGBS and wollastonite. Mater. Today: Proceed. 43(2):2438–2442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.02.279.
) observed an 18-20% increment in compressive strength with the addition of wollastonite. Silva and Thaumaturgo (3636.
Silva FJ, Thaumaturgo C. (2003). Fibre reinforcement and fracture
response in geopolymeric mortars. Fat. Fract. Eng. Mater. Struct.
26:167–172.
) showed that fracture toughness was
successfully improved by adding natural wollastonite microfibers (NWMs)
to the geopolymer matrix. Furthermore, it was noted that NWMs were
compatible with the high pH levels utilized in geopolymer matrix
synthesis with a denser interfacial transition zone (3737.
Silva FJ, Mathias AF, Thaumaturgo C. (1999). Evaluation of the fracture
toughness in poly(sialate-siloxo). composite matrix conference paper.
Geopolymer 99:97–106.
). Nurjaya et al. (3131.
Nurjaya DM, Astutiningsih S, Zulfia A. (2015). Thermal effect on
flexural strength of geopolymer matrix composite with alumina and
wollastonite as fillers. Int. J. Tech. 3:462–470.
)
reported that wollastonite microfibers slightly increased the flexural
strength of the geopolymer matrix since they produced only a very small
bridging effect. In addition to NWMs, synthetic wollastonite microfibers
(SWMs) can be synthesized from calcite and silica sand in a different
way from the literature (66.
Yücel HE, Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Kaya Y. (2021). Rheological properties
strength characteristics and flexural performances of engineered
cementitious composites incorporating synthetic wollastonite microfibers
with two different high aspect ratios. Constr. Build. Mater.
306:124921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124921.
, 3838.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M. (2021). The effects of synthetic wollastonite developed
with calcite and quartz on high performance mortars. Struct. Concr.
22(S1):E257–E272. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201900520.
).
Compared to NWMs, SWMs have an acicular structure that is more
homogeneously distributed in the whole mass, which improves the
mechanical and durability properties of cement composites (3838.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M. (2021). The effects of synthetic wollastonite developed
with calcite and quartz on high performance mortars. Struct. Concr.
22(S1):E257–E272. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201900520.
, 3939.
Yücel HE, Özcan S. (2019). Strength characteristics and microstructural
properties of cement mortars incorporating synthetic wollastonite
produced with a new technique. Constr. Build. Mater. 223:165–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.06.195.
). The effects of SWM on the properties of cement/geopolymer composites have rarely been studied. Öz and Güneş (3838.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M. (2021). The effects of synthetic wollastonite developed
with calcite and quartz on high performance mortars. Struct. Concr.
22(S1):E257–E272. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201900520.
)
reported that the mechanical performance of high-performance cement
mortar improved up to 9 wt% of SWM and decreased beyond this
substitution amount (4040.
Bong SH, Nematollahi B, Xia M, Nazari A, Sanjayan J. (2020). Properties
of one-part geopolymer incorporating wollastonite as partial
replacement of geopolymer precursor or sand. Mater. Letters 263:165-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2019.127236.
). Yücel et al. (66.
Yücel HE, Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Kaya Y. (2021). Rheological properties
strength characteristics and flexural performances of engineered
cementitious composites incorporating synthetic wollastonite microfibers
with two different high aspect ratios. Constr. Build. Mater.
306:124921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124921.
)
developed two types of SWMs and used SWMs instead of cement+FA,
reporting that the bearing capacity and deformation capacity
performances of ECCs improved with the increasing aspect ratio of SWM.
However, in the study by Öz and Ünsal (4141.
Öz HÖ, Ünsal D. (2023). Characteristic properties of fly ash-based
self-compacting geopolymer mortars with synthetic wollastonite
microfiber produced from silica and calcite. Mater. Constr.
73(349):e307. http://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2023.296322.
),
SWM was used as 0, 4, 8, and 12% by weight of binder in the production
of self-compacting geopolymer mortar. 28.9 MPa was determined to be the
highest compressive strength for self-compacting geopolymer mortar
designed with an alkali activator ratio of 1.5 and an 8% replacement
level of SWM cured at 100 °C, while the highest flexural strength value
was obtained as 6.5 MPa for self-compacting geopolymer mortar designed
with a temperature of 80 °C, 12% substitution level of SWM, and an
alkali activator ratio of 2.
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no study on EGC design incorporating NWM or SWM. The original idea was to take advantage of SWM’s ability to behave like a fiber due to its needle-like particle structure. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible effects of SWM on EGCs. The first section of the study covered the production of SWM with a high aspect ratio from calcite and silica sand in a different way from the literature. Then, EGCs were produced with SWM instead of FA. After observing the fresh properties, the mechanical, durability, and dimensional stability properties of EGCs cured in water at 60 °C until the test age were investigated.
2. EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
⌅2.1. The production process of SWM
⌅Three
different methods are employed to produce synthetic wollastonite. These
methods are the wet method, the solid-state reaction method, and the
liquid-phase reaction method. All of the aforesaid methods are suitable
to achieve a limited aspect ratio. Therefore, special methods should be
developed to achieve the highest aspect ratio (66.
Yücel HE, Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Kaya Y. (2021). Rheological properties
strength characteristics and flexural performances of engineered
cementitious composites incorporating synthetic wollastonite microfibers
with two different high aspect ratios. Constr. Build. Mater.
306:124921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124921.
, 3939.
Yücel HE, Özcan S. (2019). Strength characteristics and microstructural
properties of cement mortars incorporating synthetic wollastonite
produced with a new technique. Constr. Build. Mater. 223:165–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.06.195.
).
The production of SWM with an extremely high maximum aspect ratio
(44:1) developed by utilizing natural materials is described as follows:
At the first step of the three-step production process, 1:1 mol CaO and
SiO2 (56.08 and 60.08 g) and water (116.16 g) equal to the
total weight of these two raw materials were mixed in a ball mill at 250
rpm for 30 minutes. After this step, called the mechanochemical
process, the mixture placed in Teflon was kept in the oven at 200 °C and
a pressure created by the autoclave for two days. At the second step,
defined as the hydrothermal autoclave process, the tobermorite mineral
was obtained. The tobermorite mineral, which was dehumidified at 100 °C
for 24 hours, was subjected to pre-milling. Afterward, this mineral was
kept in the ash oven at 1000 oC for 1 hour. Thus, in the
third and last step, defined as the sintering process, SWM was obtained.
After final milling, this material was used in FA+GGBFS-based EGC
instead of FA.
2.2. XRD, SEM, and XRF analysis of SWMs
⌅ Figure 1 presents the XRD peak changes of NWM and SWM. When the XRD peaks of
these materials were examined, it was determined that the peaks of SWM
were largely similar to natural wollastonite peaks. In particular, it
can be said that the peaks at the 20-30 angular position [°2θ] levels,
where peaks with high intensity occur, matched natural wollastonite
peaks. The SEM images in Figure 2(a-b) show that almost all of the SWM particles had an acicular particle structure. In the SEM image in Figure 2(b),
the SWM particle with the maximum aspect ratio was detected, and the
maximum aspect ratio of SWM was determined as 44:1 using Pa 1/Pa 2 (4153
mm/94.26 nm). In light of the literature’s definition of a high aspect
ratio as 20:1 (66.
Yücel HE, Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Kaya Y. (2021). Rheological properties
strength characteristics and flexural performances of engineered
cementitious composites incorporating synthetic wollastonite microfibers
with two different high aspect ratios. Constr. Build. Mater.
306:124921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124921.
, 3838.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M. (2021). The effects of synthetic wollastonite developed
with calcite and quartz on high performance mortars. Struct. Concr.
22(S1):E257–E272. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201900520.
, 4141.
Öz HÖ, Ünsal D. (2023). Characteristic properties of fly ash-based
self-compacting geopolymer mortars with synthetic wollastonite
microfiber produced from silica and calcite. Mater. Constr.
73(349):e307. http://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2023.296322.
), it is obvious that SWM with an extremely high maximum aspect ratio was developed. Table 1 lists the CaO and SiO2 contents of SWM and NWM in different countries. It is seen that the CaO and SiO2 contents of natural wollastonite vary between 42-50% and 46-55%,
respectively, and these values for SWM are 45.74% and 50.71%,
respectively. Therefore, XRD, SEM and XRF findings proved that this
product, developed with a special technique, was wollastonite.
Chemical Analysis (%) | SWM | Finland | USA | India | Kenya | Mexico | China |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CaO | 45.74 | 45 | 47 | 48 | 42 | 47 | 43-50 |
SiO2 | 50.71 | 52 | 51 | 49 | 55 | 52 | 46-53 |
2.3. Materials
⌅FA, GGBFS, NaOH, Na2SiO3,
extra water, and PVA fiber were used in the design of the
FA+GGBFS-based control EGC mix (SWM0). SWM was utilized at the ratios of
3%, 6%, and 9% instead of FA. Figure 3 shows the particle size distributions of FA, GGBFS, and SWM. Table 2 contains the physical properties and chemical compositions of these materials. Na2SiO3 and 13 mol NaOH were used as alkali activators in the design of EGC mixes. Na2SiO3 (water glass), with a specific gravity of 1.399, was purchased in liquid form from the manufacturer. A liquid Na2SiO3 solution, with a SiO2/Na2O molar ratio (module of Na2SiO3) of 2.5, was produced from 38.5% solids and 61.5% water (H2O). The solid part of the Na2SiO3 alkaline activator contains 27.56% SiO2 and 10.94% Na2O
oxide. For composites’ homogeneity, a fiber content of 2% by volume in
excess of the calculated critical fiber content has been typically used
in the mix design. The surface of the PVA fiber was coated with
hydrophobic oil (1.2% by weight) to reduce the fiber/matrix interface
bond strength. These decisions were made through ECC micromechanics
material design theory and have been experimentally demonstrated to
produce good ECC properties in previous research (4242.
Kong HJ, Bike S, Li VC. (2003). Development of a self-compacting
engineered cementitious composite employing electrosteric
dispersion/stabilization. Cem. Concr. Compos. 25(3):301–309. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0958-9465(02)00057-4.
, 4343.
Li VC, Wang S, Wu C. (2001). Tensile strain-hardening behavior of
polyvinyl alcohol engineered cementitious composite (PVA-ECC). ACI
Mater. J. 98(6):483–492. http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/84671.
). Therefore, PVA fiber was used as 2% by volume in EGCs.
Chemical Analysis (%) | FA | GGBFS | SWM |
---|---|---|---|
CaO | 1.47 | 38.83 | 45.74 |
SiO2 | 61.25 | 36.82 | 50.71 |
Al2O3 | 22.19 | 13.31 | 0.24 |
Fe2O3 | 7.02 | 0.70 | 0.10 |
MgO | 1.70 | 5.65 | 0.87 |
SO3 | 0.06 | 0.50 | 0.34 |
K2O | 2.34 | 0.75 | 0.01 |
Na2O | 0.27 | - | - |
TiO2 | 0.90 | - | 0.03 |
Physical properties | FA | GGBFS | SWM |
Loss of Ignition | 2.60 | 1.92 | 2.00 |
Specific Gravity | 2.31 | 2.89 | 2.87 |
2.4. EGC mixing proportions and production procedure
⌅The pseudo strain-hardening criteria used in the micromechanical model by Li and Leung (4444.
Li VC, Leung CK. (1992). Theory of steady-state and multiple cracking
of short random fiber composites. J. Eng. Mech. 118(11):2246–2264.
) have been adopted for ECC design following a J-integral energy approach suggested by Marshall and Cox (4545.
Marshall D, Cox B. (1988). A J-integral method for calculating
steady-state matrix cracking stresses in composites. Mech. Mater.
7(2):127–133.
). Previous studies on EGCs have used the micromechanical model developed by Li et al. (4444.
Li VC, Leung CK. (1992). Theory of steady-state and multiple cracking
of short random fiber composites. J. Eng. Mech. 118(11):2246–2264.
, 4646. Li V.C. (1993). From micromechanics to structural engineering. Dob. Gakkai Ronbunshu.1993(471):1–12.
), providing a solid theoretical design basis (4747.
Nematollahi B, Sanjayan J, Qiu J, Yang E-H. (2017).
Micromechanics-based investigation of a sustainable ambient temperature
cured one-part strain hardening geopolymer composite. Constr. Build.
Mater. 131:552–563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.11.117.
, 4848.
Nematollahi B, Qiu J, Yang E-H, Sanjayan J. (2017). Micromechanics
constitutive modelling and optimization of strain hardening geopolymer
composite. Ceram. Int. 43(8):5999–6007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2017.01.138.
).
Despite the outstanding performance of EGCs in previous studies,
challenges still exist regarding the mixture design of EGCs, which
includes even more factors to be considered in comparison with the
traditional EGC design (2121. Ohno M, Li VC. (2018). An integrated design method of engineered geopolymer composite. Cem. Concr. Compos. 88:73–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2018.02.001.
).
However, most studies on EGCs used the model in question mainly on
already developed mixes to explain the origin of strain-hardening
behavior and sometimes for optimization purposes (4949.
Zhang S, Li VC, Ye G. (2020). Micromechanics-guided development of a
slag/fly ash-based strain-hardening geopolymer composite. Cem. Concr.
Compos. 109:103510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2020.103510.
).
Thus, in line with the literature, the origin point of the matrix for
EGC design is based on a PVA fiber-reinforced geopolymer composite that
exhibits good deflection strain-hardening behavior (5050.
Zhang S, Nedeljkovic M, Ghiassi B, Ye G. (2017). A comparative study on
deflection-hardening behavior of ductile alkali-activated composite.
International Conference on Strain-Hardening Cement-Based Composites
Springer. 123–130.
). Furthermore, the consistent
rheological properties of ECC and EGC mixes are among the most important
for better fiber distribution and workability. In fact, the
strain-hardening behavior of these composites depends on proper fiber
distribution (5151.
Yücel HE, Jashami H, Şahmaran M, Güler M, Yaman İÖ. (2013). Thin ECC
overlay systems for rehabilitation of rigid concrete pavements. Mag.
Concr. Res. 65(2):108–120.
).
After the samples
were poured into the mold, they were cured under laboratory conditions
for 24 hours. Geopolymers produced with GGBFS have cracking problems in
oven curing and, therefore, generally gain strength in ambient curing.
This results in the inability to fully utilize the high reactivity of
CaO (2727.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Yücel HE. (2023). Rheological and microstructural
properties of FA+GGBFS-based engineered geopolymer composites (EGCs).
capable of comparing with M45-ECC as mechanical performance. J. Build.
Eng. 65:105792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.105792.
).
Therefore, FA+GGBFS-based EGCs, which were kept in the mold under
laboratory conditions for 24 h immediately after production, were kept
in water at 60 °C until the test age due to the improvement of the
higher early compressive strength compared to ambient curing at
particularly high GGBFS/FA ratios (3030.
Coppola L, Coffetti D, Crotti E, Aversano RD, Gazzaniga G. (2019). The
influence of heat and steam curing on the properties of one-part fly
ash/slag alkali activated materials: Preliminary results. AIP Conf.
Proceed. 2196:020038. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5140311.
). In all FA+GGBFS-based EGC mixes, the ratio of Na2SiO3/NaOH
was kept constant at 2.5, and the ratio of total alkali activator to
total binder was 0.33. SWM was used instead of FA at the ratios of 3%,
6%, and 9%. Table 3 presents the mixing ratios of EGCs. The mixture nomenclature is very
simple. Numbers 0, 3, 6, and 9 at the end of SWM indicate the percent by
weight of SWM used instead of FA.
Mix ID | NaOH | Na2SiO3 | FA | GGBFS | SWM | PVA | Extra Water |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SWM0 | 124.6 | 311.6 | 785.2 | 523.5 | 0.0 | 26.0 | 157.1 |
SWM3 | 124.6 | 311.6 | 761.7 | 523.5 | 23.6 | 26.0 | 161.6 |
SWM6 | 124.6 | 311.6 | 738.1 | 523.5 | 47.1 | 26.0 | 168.1 |
SWM9 | 124.6 | 311.6 | 714.6 | 523.5 | 70.7 | 26.0 | 178.1 |
The same EGC mixtures were also produced without PVA.
2.5. Mini-slump
⌅The
workability properties of the fresh EGC matrices were determined with a
mini-slump flow diameter. A truncated mini-slump cone with a height of
60 mm and a diameter of 70 mm at the top side and 100 mm at the bottom
side was put on a smooth plate and then filled with ECC and EGC
(without/with PVA fiber) and finally, lifted upward. When the composite
flow was completed, the diameter of this shape was determined by two
measurements. The deformations in the slump flow of EGCs were defined as
the flow diameter when the mortar stopped flowing (66.
Yücel HE, Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Kaya Y. (2021). Rheological properties
strength characteristics and flexural performances of engineered
cementitious composites incorporating synthetic wollastonite microfibers
with two different high aspect ratios. Constr. Build. Mater.
306:124921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124921.
, 2727.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Yücel HE. (2023). Rheological and microstructural
properties of FA+GGBFS-based engineered geopolymer composites (EGCs).
capable of comparing with M45-ECC as mechanical performance. J. Build.
Eng. 65:105792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.105792.
).
2.6. Compressive strength
⌅To
define the compressive strength of EGCs, 50-mm cube samples were
produced. A minimum of three compression cubes were utilized to
determine the average strength with respect to ASTM C109 (5252.
ASTM C109. (2016). Standard test method for compressive strength of
hydraulic cement mortars (using 2-in. or (50-mm): cube specimens). ASTM
International West Conshohocken PA USA.
). The
compressive test was carried out on a test device (Brand: Utest
Materials Testing Equipment and Model: UTC-4731) with a loading speed of
0.9 kN/s and a capacity of 3000 kN.
2.7. Durability properties
⌅Cylindrical
samples with a length of 200 mm and a diameter of 100 mm were produced
for the water sorptivity test. The pieces with a length of 50 mm and a
diameter of 100 mm cut from these samples were utilized to obtain three
samples for each test age. Figure 4(a) shows the application of this test. The samples that arrived on the
test day were kept in an oven at 50±5 °C. One of the two surfaces of the
samples was chosen to allow water absorption, and the side of the
selected surface was covered with silicone to prevent water
permeability. After being weighed as dry weight, the samples were put in
a tiny ball pool with a thin water layer of 5 mm according to ASTM
C1585 standard (5353.
ASTM C1585-20 (2020). Standard test method for measurement of rate of
absorption of water by hydraulic-cement concretes. ASTM International
West Conshohocken PA USA.
). The samples’ weights were
measured at certain minutes after drying the wet surfaces with a dry
cloth. Therefore, the water sorptivity coefficient of the samples was
calculated by the amount of water absorbed over time per unit
cross-sectional area. According to the test procedure, results were
calculated with the determined average of the three samples’ data using
the equation below:
where
SI: sorptivity (mm/min0.5)
I: cumulative infiltration (mm)
t: time (min)
The rapid chloride permeability test was performed in accordance with ASTM C1202 (5454.
ASTM C1202. (2012). Standard test method for electrical indication of
concrete’s ability to resist chloride ion penetration. Annual book of
ASTM standards.
) on three discs with a height of 50 mm
and a diameter of 100 mm, cut from a Ø150 300 mm cylinder. After
curing, the samples were kept in a vacuum for 2 hours. The samples,
whose vacuum process was completed, were placed in the test device with
3% NaCl on one side and 0.3 M NaOH solution on the other side, as seen
in Figure 4(b).
The resistance to chlorine ion penetration of EGCs was determined by
the charge passing through the composite according to ASTM C1202 (5454.
ASTM C1202. (2012). Standard test method for electrical indication of
concrete’s ability to resist chloride ion penetration. Annual book of
ASTM standards.
). Thus, during the 6-hour experiment,
the amount of electric current passing through the disk was recorded by
applying a constant potential difference of 60 V. The test results were
evaluated by taking the average of the three EGC samples at 7 and 28
days.
The Cembureau method suggested by RILEM (5555. RILEM TC 116-PCD. (1999). Permeability of concrete as a criterion of its durability. Mater. Struct. 32:174–179.
) was applied to measure the apparent gas permeability of EGCs at 7 and 28 days. Figure 4(c) displays the test setup. The test sample belonging to gas permeability
was produced as a disc with a thickness of 50 mm and a diameter of 150
mm, cut from 300 mm thick and 150 mm diameter cylinder samples. On the
test days, the samples were dried at 50±5 °C. Then, they were allowed to
cool until ambient temperature was reached in a sealed container. Inlet
gas pressures were applied as 150, 250, and 300 kPa. Oxygen gas was
used to provide the permeating medium. Gas permeability coefficients
were determined for each level of these gas pressures. As given by RILEM
(5555. RILEM TC 116-PCD. (1999). Permeability of concrete as a criterion of its durability. Mater. Struct. 32:174–179.
),
the apparent gas permeability coefficient was determined by the average
of coefficients. The coefficient can be determined by modified Darcy’s
equation (Equation [2]) as follows:
where
Ka: apparent gas permeability coefficient (m2)
P1: inlet gas pressure (N/m2)
P2: outlet gas pressure (N/m2)
A: cross-sectional area of the sample (m2)
Q: volume flow rate (m3/s)
L: height of the sample (m)
µ: viscosity of oxygen (2.02 x 10-5 N s/m2)
Three samples for each EGC mixture were tested, and the average of them was determined as Ka.
Freeze-thaw tests of EGC mixes were performed according to procedure A specified in ASTM C666 (5656.
ASTM C666. (2015). Standard test method for resistance of concrete to
rapid freezing and thawing. Annual book of ASTM standards.
).
Six 400x100x100 mm prisms for the freeze-thaw test were produced from
each EGC mix. All samples were demolded at the age of 24 hours and in
water at 60 °C for 13 days. After 14 days, three beams for each mix were
placed in the freeze-thaw cabinet. Accordingly, the samples placed in
the cabinet were left completely in water and exposed to 3-4 freeze-thaw
cycles within 24 hours. As seen in Figure 5,
freeze-thaw cycles were carried out in 6.5 hours, with the temperature
decreasing from 4 °C to -18 °C and increasing from -18 °C back to 4 °C.
On the other hand, 14 days after manufacturing, three samples with a
span length of 344.8 were tested under the four-point bending test up to
failure, and the average mid-span beam deflection capacity and ultimate
flexural strength were calculated. These results were used as control
to base the pre-cycle flexural performance of the samples.
At the end of every of 50 freeze-thaw cycles, the samples were taken out of the cabinet. After being kept for 1 day, they were photographed and weighed, and the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) values were measured. UPV measures the time of the first arrival of an ultrasonic wave from one side of the sample to another. The test result of UPV assesses the relative quality of concrete or geopolymer in the presence of imperfections (i.e., voids, cracks, and the effectiveness of its repairs). Then, the samples were put back into the freeze-thaw cabinet. Each time, the chambers were cleaned and filled with fresh water. All of the EGCs completed 300 cycles and were subjected to the four-point bending test, their residual bending performances were found, and flexural strength-mid-span beam deflection graphs were obtained. Furthermore, after the samples’ flexural performance was measured, the crack numbers and widths were determined with the help of a handheld microscope.
After 300 freeze-thaw cycles, the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME) of EGCs was determined with the formulae below. The first formula proposed to find Pc is given in Equation [3].
Pc: relative dynamic modulus of elasticity after freeze-thaw cycles
n: 0 is the fundamental transverse frequency in the freeze-thaw cycle
n1: c is the fundamental transverse frequency in the freeze-thaw cycle
Although
not explained in ASTM C666 (2015), RDME, which uses UPV measurements
instead of basic transverse frequency values, can also be calculated
using Equation [4] (5757.
Molero M, Aparicio S, Al-Assadi G, Casati MJ, Hernandez MG, Anaya JJ.
(2012). Evaluation of freeze–thaw damage in concrete by ultrasonic
imaging. NDT & E Int. 52:86–94. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ndteint.2012.05.004.
).
where
Pc: c is the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity after freeze-thaw cycles
v0: 0 is the UPV value in the freeze-thaw cycle
vc: c is the UPV value in the freeze-thaw cycle
Equation [4] was used to determine the RDME in the present study.
2.8. Drying shrinkage
⌅For
each EGC mix, three 285x25x25 mm bar samples were cast to monitor the
drying shrinkage and the mass loss (180 days after the initial curing of
1 day in the mold and 27 days in own cure (in water at 60 °C) according
to ASTM C157) (5858.
ASTM C157. (2014). Standard test method for length change of hardened
hydraulic-cement mortar and concrete. Annual book of ASTM standards.
). As seen in Figure 6(a),
the samples were then kept at 50±5% RH and 23±2 °C in an environmental
chamber. During this period, the weights and length changes (Figure 6(b)) of the samples were determined on certain days.
2.9. Microstructural analysis
⌅The microstructural properties of EGCs were determined with the help of samples obtained from matrices. TGA/DTA analysis was applied to SWM0, SWM6, and SWM9 mixes. TGA analysis was carried out on 15 mg powder samples in the temperature range of 25-1000 °C, under nitrogen atmosphere conditions with a scanning speed of 10 °C/min. DTA curves were drawn with the obtained data after this analysis.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
⌅3.1. Mini-slump flow diameter
⌅ Table 4 shows the average slump diameters of each mix. It is known that PVA
fiber can significantly reduce the slump flow of EGC depending on the
increased friction value between fibers and between the matrix and
fibers, in addition to the decreased packing density (5959.
Khayat KH, Meng W, Vallurupalli K, Teng L. (2019). Rheological
properties of ultrahigh-performance concrete - An overview. Cem. Concr.
Res. 124:105828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2019.105828.
, 6060. Ranjbar N, Zhang M. (2020). Fiber-reinforced geopolymer composites: A review. Cem. Concr. Compos. 107:103498. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.103498.
).
As a result of a lot of trial and error, EGCs, with/without PVA fiber,
were produced with slump flow diameters very close to each other. In
other words, the slump flow diameters of EGCs with/without PVA fiber
ranged from 16.4±0.2 cm to 32.4±0.2 cm, respectively. To this end, as
seen in Table 3,
SWM9, SWM6, and SWM3 mixes could be produced with 34%, 7%, and 3%
higher water content than SWM0 mix, respectively. Therefore, it can be
said that for both EGCs with/without PVA fiber, workability decreased
with the increasing SWM content. It is known that FA has a smooth
surface and spherical particle structure. Thus, FA increases the
workability of EGCs (66.
Yücel HE, Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Kaya Y. (2021). Rheological properties
strength characteristics and flexural performances of engineered
cementitious composites incorporating synthetic wollastonite microfibers
with two different high aspect ratios. Constr. Build. Mater.
306:124921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124921.
).
Unlike FA, the acicularity of SWM can form network structures by
overlapping between each other, which results in the decreased
workability of mixes (4040.
Bong SH, Nematollahi B, Xia M, Nazari A, Sanjayan J. (2020). Properties
of one-part geopolymer incorporating wollastonite as partial
replacement of geopolymer precursor or sand. Mater. Letters 263:165-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2019.127236.
, 6161. Cao M, Xu L, Zhang C. (2016). Rheology fiber distribution and mechanical properties of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). whisker reinforced cement mortar. Compos. Part A: App. Sci. Manufact. 90:662–669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2016.08.033.
).
Thus, the probability of such network structures increases with the
increasing amount of SWM due to the interlocking of SWM needles (2323.
Vickers L, Rickard WDA, Riessen AV. (2014). Strategies to control the
high temperature shrinkage of fly ash based geopolymers. Thermo. Acta.
580:20–27. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.tca.2014.01.020.
, 3535.
Soliman AM, Nehdi ML. (2012). Effect of natural wollastonite
microfibers on early-age behavior of UHPC. J. Mater. Civ. Eng.
24(7):816–824. http://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0000473.
, 6262.
Archez J, Texier-Mandoki N, Bourbon X, Caron JF, Rossignol S. (2020).
Adaptation of the geopolymer composite formulation binder to the shaping
process. Mater. Today Commun. 25:101501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.101501.
). Moreover, this can be identified as a result of the interlocking of SWMs due to the acicular particle structure (66.
Yücel HE, Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Kaya Y. (2021). Rheological properties
strength characteristics and flexural performances of engineered
cementitious composites incorporating synthetic wollastonite microfibers
with two different high aspect ratios. Constr. Build. Mater.
306:124921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124921.
, 3838.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M. (2021). The effects of synthetic wollastonite developed
with calcite and quartz on high performance mortars. Struct. Concr.
22(S1):E257–E272. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201900520.
).
Nevertheless, it should be noted that water only improves the
workability of EGCs and does not take part in the geopolymerization
reactions different from the chemical reaction of cementitious
composites (6363.
Zhang P, Gao Z, Wang J, Guo J, Hu S, Ling Y. (2020). Properties of
fresh and hardened fly ash/slag based geopolymer concrete: A review. J.
Clean. Product. 270:122389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122389.
).
In other words, the role and existence form of water in the geopolymer
are related to the way of geopolymerization. Qualitative analysis
indicates that water is released during the reaction (6464. Hardjito D, Wallah SE, Sumajouw DM, Rangan BV. (2005). Fly ash-based geopolymer concrete. Aust. J. Struct. Eng. 6:77–86.
).
The evaporated water leaves discontinuous nanopores, improving the
performance of the geopolymer. Thus, water plays no role in chemical
reaction processes but simply enhances the mixture’s workability during
production. This differs from the hydration of cementitious composites,
where water is involved in a chemical reaction (6363.
Zhang P, Gao Z, Wang J, Guo J, Hu S, Ling Y. (2020). Properties of
fresh and hardened fly ash/slag based geopolymer concrete: A review. J.
Clean. Product. 270:122389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122389.
).
Fresh Properties | SWM0 | SWM3 | SWM6 | SWM9 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Flow Diameter without PVA (cm) | 32.6 | 32.1 | 32.4 | 32.5 |
Flow Diameter with PVA (cm) | 16.6 | 16.1 | 16.5 | 16.5 |
3.2. Compressive strength
⌅ Figure 7 represents the compressive strength values of cubes for EGCs
with/without PVA fiber at 7 and 28 days. Low-calcium systems, such as
FA-based ones, tend to generate an alkali aluminosilicate (N-A-S-H) gel
with a highly crosslinked (mainly Q4), disordered
pseudo-zeolitic structure. When GGBFS (high calcium precursor) is
additionally used, C-A-S-H gel with a tobermorite-like structure is
another reaction product (6565.
Provis J.L, Palomo A, Shi C. (2015). Advances in understanding
alkali-activated materials. Cem. Concr. Res. 78(Part A):110–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2015.04.013.
, 6666.
Yip CK, Lukey GC, Van Deventer JSJ, (2005). The coexistence of
geopolymeric gel and calcium silicate hydrate at the early stage of
alkaline activation. Cem. Concr. Res. 35(9):1688–1697. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2004.10.042.
). These gels can coexist in binders based on blends of high-calcium and low-calcium precursors (6565.
Provis J.L, Palomo A, Shi C. (2015). Advances in understanding
alkali-activated materials. Cem. Concr. Res. 78(Part A):110–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2015.04.013.
), although the stability of the gel coexistence at high alkalinity is still the subject of discussion (6565.
Provis J.L, Palomo A, Shi C. (2015). Advances in understanding
alkali-activated materials. Cem. Concr. Res. 78(Part A):110–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2015.04.013.
). Garcia-Lodeiro et al. (6767.
García-Lodeiro I, Palomo A, Fernández-Jiménez A, Macphee DE. (2011).
Compatibility studies between N–A–S–H and C–A–S–H gels. Study in the
ternary diagram Na2O–CaO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O. Cem. Concr. Res. 41:923–931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2011.05.006.
)
found a tendency toward C-A-S-H gel as the final stable product when pH
remained > 12 in mixtures of synthetic C-S-H and N-A-S-H gels. In
other words, GGBFS used together with FA in the geopolymerization
process indicated that the increase in strength performance was mostly
provided by GGBFS with higher reactivity, the development of the
microstructure, and the gel phase of geopolymers. GGBFS is the basic
precursor of alkaline activation for FA+GGBFS-based geopolymers at
ambient curing (6868.
Ling Y, Wang K, Li W, Shi G, Lu P. (2019). Effect of slag on the
mechanical properties and bond strength of fly ash-based engineered
geopolymer composites. Compos. Part B: Eng. 164:747–757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.01.092.
).
Additionally, geopolymers with GGBFS can reach considerably higher
strength with oven curing. However, the material has a cracking problem (2727.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Yücel HE. (2023). Rheological and microstructural
properties of FA+GGBFS-based engineered geopolymer composites (EGCs).
capable of comparing with M45-ECC as mechanical performance. J. Build.
Eng. 65:105792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.105792.
).
The geopolymer containing GGBFS, which is heated under the effect of
temperature, expands just like concrete. While composites such as
concrete or geopolymer containing GGBFS, which start to dry from the
surface, dry normally, since the inner part does not interact with air,
it starts to dry later and expand from the inside due to the effect of
temperature. This causes such composites to exert outward pressure.
However, since the surface of the concrete or geopolymer containing
GGBFS has already dried, it is subjected to pressure from the inside.
The concrete or GGBFS containing geopolymer shell, which is dry on the
outside, starts to crack, and these cracks cannot be reversed. To
prevent this, the concrete is frequently irrigated, especially in hot
weather. This is the main reason for the hot water curing of the
FA+GGBFS-based geopolymer developed in the present study. Therefore, the
researchers (2727.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Yücel HE. (2023). Rheological and microstructural
properties of FA+GGBFS-based engineered geopolymer composites (EGCs).
capable of comparing with M45-ECC as mechanical performance. J. Build.
Eng. 65:105792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.105792.
)
suggested hot water curing to take advantage of the high strength
performance of GGBFS. Thus, high cubes of EGCs with/without PVA fiber
varied between 88.1-111.1 and 95.1-122.6 MPa at 7 and 28 days,
respectively. The compressive strength of EGCs without PVA fiber, named
SWM3, SWM6, and SWM9 mixes, was 6.3%, 12.1%, and 1.9% higher than that
of SWM0, respectively, whereas SWM3, SWM6, and SWM9 mixes incorporating
PVA fiber had 4.6%, 11.5%, and 1.2% higher compressive strength than
that of SWM0 at 7 days, respectively. In comparison with SWM0 at 28
days, the increment ratio of compressive strength was determined as
6.5%, 11.2%, 2.6%, 6.7%, 11.0%, 4.0% for SWM3, SWM6, and SWM9
with/without PVA fiber, respectively. As seen in Figure 7,
the addition of PVA fiber reduced bulk density by increasing flaws and
interfaces in the geopolymer paste, thus decreasing the compressive
strength of EGCs (6969.
Cai J, Pan J, Han J, Lin Y, Sheng Z. (2022). Low-energy impact behavior
of ambient cured engineered geopolymer composites. Ceram. Int.
48(7):9378–9389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.12.133.
, 7070.
Zhou J, Pan J, Leung CK. (2015). Mechanical behavior of
fiber-reinforced engineered cementitious composites in uniaxial
compression. J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 27(1):04014111. http://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0001034.
).
The replacement ratio of SWM has more impact on the compressive
strength of EGCs. In other words, the highest compressive strength was
observed in SWM6. This may be explained by the improving effects of SWM,
which is used instead of FA in the geopolymer matrix, explained by the
fibrous structure due to the acicular particle morphology of SWM (7171.
Kumar JB, Ramujee K. (2017). Mechanical & durability
characteristics of wollastonite based cement concrete. J. Civ. Eng.
7(1):1-7. http://doi.org/10.26634/jce.7.1.10363.
).
It can also be said that SWM, with the feature of bridging microcracks
due to its fibrous structure, enhanced bond strength between the
matrix/microfiber at the interface of EGCs (7272.
Patankar SV, Jamkar SS, Ghugal YM. (2012). Effect of sodium hydroxide
on flow and strength of fly ash based geopolymer mortar. J. Struct. Eng.
39(1):7–12.
). As seen in Figure 3 the grain size distribution of SWM was higher than that of FA, and,
therefore, SWM may have increased the pore volume of EGCs. However, it
is known that the pore discontinuity in the matrix provided by
wollastonite occurs due to its needle-like particle structure. The main
reason for this discontinuity is that wollastonite forms a pore
structure where liquids cannot reach normal pressure. Furthermore, the
presence of SWM in the pore system, which has no chemical effect on the
pore solution due to its inert nature, is thought to affect the
formality of the pore network folds of ECC with its needle-like particle
structure (3838.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M. (2021). The effects of synthetic wollastonite developed
with calcite and quartz on high performance mortars. Struct. Concr.
22(S1):E257–E272. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201900520.
, 4141.
Öz HÖ, Ünsal D. (2023). Characteristic properties of fly ash-based
self-compacting geopolymer mortars with synthetic wollastonite
microfiber produced from silica and calcite. Mater. Constr.
73(349):e307. http://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2023.296322.
). This agrees with the studies by Öz and Güneş (3838.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M. (2021). The effects of synthetic wollastonite developed
with calcite and quartz on high performance mortars. Struct. Concr.
22(S1):E257–E272. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201900520.
) and Yücel et al. (66.
Yücel HE, Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Kaya Y. (2021). Rheological properties
strength characteristics and flexural performances of engineered
cementitious composites incorporating synthetic wollastonite microfibers
with two different high aspect ratios. Constr. Build. Mater.
306:124921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124921.
),
showing that the mechanical performance of the cementitious composite
developed with 9% SWM decreased beyond this substitution level.
Likewise, there was a decreasing trend with the usage of 9% SWM in EGCs,
although SWM9 with/without PVA fiber has a higher strength than that of
SWM0. The excessive amount of SWM in the geopolymer matrix was the
reason for the decreased compressive strength since workability loss
originated from the high surface area of SWM for the desired slump flow
diameter of FA+GGBFS-based EGCs (4141.
Öz HÖ, Ünsal D. (2023). Characteristic properties of fly ash-based
self-compacting geopolymer mortars with synthetic wollastonite
microfiber produced from silica and calcite. Mater. Constr.
73(349):e307. http://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2023.296322.
). This information was accepted by Patankar et al. (7272.
Patankar SV, Jamkar SS, Ghugal YM. (2012). Effect of sodium hydroxide
on flow and strength of fly ash based geopolymer mortar. J. Struct. Eng.
39(1):7–12.
), indicating that the excessive amount of
water for geopolymerization did not have any positive effect on the
strength properties of geopolymers. It was also noted that the
parameters defined as fiber dispersion in the paste and the type and
amount of fiber had a significant effect on the interaction between the
matrix and fiber. Hence, the large amount of SWM with inert
characteristics no longer contributed to the improvement of the
compressive strength for FA+GGBFS-based EGCs (1111.
Hemra K, Kobayashi T, Aungkavattana P, Jiemsirilers S. (2021). Enhanced
mechanical and thermal properties of fly ash-based geopolymer
composites by wollastonite reinforcement. J. Met. Mater. Min.
31(4):13–25. http://doi.org/10.55713/jmmm.v31i4.1230.
).
3.3. Water Sorptivity Coefficient
⌅ Figure 8 presents the water sorptivity coefficient of FA+GGBFS-based EGCs with
PVA and SWM. The 7-day and 28-day water sorptivity coefficients were in
the range of 0.1706-0.2071 and 0.1089-0.1251 mm/min0.5 for
FA+GGBFS-based EGCs, respectively. The water sorptivity coefficients of
SWM3, SWM6, and SWM9 mixes were 7.8%, 17.6%, and 12.3% lower than that
of SWM0 at 7 days, respectively. On the other hand, the improvement
ratio of the water sorptivity coefficient in comparison with SWM0 was
determined as 5.9%, 13%, and 7% for SWM3, SWM6, and SWM9 at 28 days,
respectively. Similar to the current study, Mathur et al. (7373.
Mathur R, Misra AK, Goel P. (2007). Influence of wollastonite on
mechanical properties of concrete. J. Scient. Indust. Res. 66:1029–1034.
)
stated that wollastonite microfibers reduced the water absorption
amount of cementitious composites. Thus, it can be concluded that the
lowest water sorptivity coefficient among FA+GGBFS-based EGC mixes was
obtained from SWM6 mix, while SWM0 had the highest water sorptivity
coefficient. As a result, it can be thought that SWM enhanced the
compactness of the microstructure in the EGC matrix (73-7573.
Mathur R, Misra AK, Goel P. (2007). Influence of wollastonite on
mechanical properties of concrete. J. Scient. Indust. Res. 66:1029–1034.
74.
Kalla P, Rana A, Chad YB, Misra A, Csetenyi L. (2015). Durability
studies on concrete containing wollastonite. J. Clean. Product.
87:726–734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.10.038.
75.
Ransinchung GD, Kumar B, Kumar V. (2009). Assessment of water
absorption and chloride ion penetration of pavement quality concrete
admixed with wollastonite and microsilica. Constr. Build. Mater.
23(2):1168–1177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2008.06.011.
).
Hence, a pore discontinuity could be ensured with the pore structure
formation of SWM in the matrix, which liquids cannot reach at normal
pressures (4141.
Öz HÖ, Ünsal D. (2023). Characteristic properties of fly ash-based
self-compacting geopolymer mortars with synthetic wollastonite
microfiber produced from silica and calcite. Mater. Constr.
73(349):e307. http://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2023.296322.
, 7373.
Mathur R, Misra AK, Goel P. (2007). Influence of wollastonite on
mechanical properties of concrete. J. Scient. Indust. Res. 66:1029–1034.
).
Moreover, using SWM at a 9% replacement level deteriorated the
permeability performance of SWM9 with respect to SWM6. The high amount
of SWM in EGCs was the reason for the weakened matrix bond in the
interfacial transition zone (3333.
Wahab MA, Latif IA, Kohail M, Almasry A. (2017). The use of
wollastonite to enhance the mechanical properties of mortar mixes.
Constr. Build. Mater. 152:304–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.07.005.
). As a result, the pores created by the high amount of SWM resulted in the increased water sorptivity coefficients of EGCs.
3.4. Rapid Chloride Permeability
⌅The chloride permeability values of EGCs at 7 and 28 days are graphically shown in Figure 9.
The rapid chloride permeability coefficients of FA+GGBFS-based EGCs
changed between 4412-5011 and 3055-3483 at 7 and 28 days, respectively.
The total charge passing through FA+GGBFS-based EGCs, including SWM, was
in the range of 2000-4000 C at 28 days, thus leading to the moderate
classification of rapid chloride permeability in accordance with ASTM C
1202 (5454.
ASTM C1202. (2012). Standard test method for electrical indication of
concrete’s ability to resist chloride ion penetration. Annual book of
ASTM standards.
). In the development of EGCs, the
substitution percentage of SWM had a significant effect during the
activation process, in addition to the constant parameters such as the
alkali activator ratio and curing temperature. Thus, the highest rapid
chloride permeability coefficient was obtained from SWM0, while SWM6 had
the lowest one. The studies by Ransinchung et al. (7575.
Ransinchung GD, Kumar B, Kumar V. (2009). Assessment of water
absorption and chloride ion penetration of pavement quality concrete
admixed with wollastonite and microsilica. Constr. Build. Mater.
23(2):1168–1177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2008.06.011.
), Kalla et al. (7474.
Kalla P, Rana A, Chad YB, Misra A, Csetenyi L. (2015). Durability
studies on concrete containing wollastonite. J. Clean. Product.
87:726–734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.10.038.
), and Kumar and Ramujee (7171.
Kumar JB, Ramujee K. (2017). Mechanical & durability
characteristics of wollastonite based cement concrete. J. Civ. Eng.
7(1):1-7. http://doi.org/10.26634/jce.7.1.10363.
)
also supported this result. The pore discontinuity provided by SWM,
with its needle-like particle morphology, can be considered the main
reason for this improvement (7373.
Mathur R, Misra AK, Goel P. (2007). Influence of wollastonite on
mechanical properties of concrete. J. Scient. Indust. Res. 66:1029–1034.
).
Owing to its inert structure, SWM does not enter any chemical reaction
with the pore solution, which preserves its physical structure during
geopolymerization. Therefore, the unique structure of SWM may affect the
formality of the pore network folds of EGCs. It can also be said that
the bridging capacity in the pore structure provided by SWM positively
affects the pore network folds against the rapid chlorine permeability (3838.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M. (2021). The effects of synthetic wollastonite developed
with calcite and quartz on high performance mortars. Struct. Concr.
22(S1):E257–E272. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201900520.
).
However, the high replacement ratio of SWM9 caused the poor compaction
of fresh EGCs. Then, the porous structure formation occurred due to the
heterogeneous interaction between SWM and the matrix, which caused the
deficiencies of the poor system to result in the increased rapid
chloride permeability coefficient.
3.5. Gas Permeability
⌅ Figure 10 presents the details of the apparent gas permeability coefficient of
EGCs at 7 and 28 days. The lowest gas permeability coefficients among
EGCs were obtained for SWM6 as 5.71 x10-16 and 4.79 x10-16 m2 at 7 and 28 days, respectively. As expected, the highest gas
permeability coefficients at 7 and 28 days were obtained from SWM0 as
6.55 x10-16 and 5.75 x10-16 m2,
respectively. It is known that the durability properties of geopolymer
depend on the microstructural performance of the matrix and the pore
structure of the surface (3939.
Yücel HE, Özcan S. (2019). Strength characteristics and microstructural
properties of cement mortars incorporating synthetic wollastonite
produced with a new technique. Constr. Build. Mater. 223:165–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.06.195.
).
From a physicochemical perspective, this may be explained by SWM having
good adsorptive properties with the rough surface reducing the water
absorption of EGCs by its reinforcing effect (3939.
Yücel HE, Özcan S. (2019). Strength characteristics and microstructural
properties of cement mortars incorporating synthetic wollastonite
produced with a new technique. Constr. Build. Mater. 223:165–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.06.195.
, 7474.
Kalla P, Rana A, Chad YB, Misra A, Csetenyi L. (2015). Durability
studies on concrete containing wollastonite. J. Clean. Product.
87:726–734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.10.038.
, 7575.
Ransinchung GD, Kumar B, Kumar V. (2009). Assessment of water
absorption and chloride ion penetration of pavement quality concrete
admixed with wollastonite and microsilica. Constr. Build. Mater.
23(2):1168–1177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2008.06.011.
).
Additionally, SWM can become a center of the formation relationship
with FA and GGBFS particles of composites, and thus, the “constraint”
mobility can continue (7676.
Ibragim U, Erkin E, Aziza K. (2021). Physical properties of high
performance concrete on base wollastonite. Europ. J. Life Saf. Stab.
11:101–105. Retrieved from http://ejlss.indexedresearch.org/index.php/ejlss/article/view/203.
).
On the other hand, SWM with acicular particles, bridging ability, and
inert structure, which does not have any chemical effect on the pore
solution, enhanced the pore network of the material and resulted in pore
discontinuity in the geopolymer matrix (7474.
Kalla P, Rana A, Chad YB, Misra A, Csetenyi L. (2015). Durability
studies on concrete containing wollastonite. J. Clean. Product.
87:726–734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.10.038.
, 7575.
Ransinchung GD, Kumar B, Kumar V. (2009). Assessment of water
absorption and chloride ion penetration of pavement quality concrete
admixed with wollastonite and microsilica. Constr. Build. Mater.
23(2):1168–1177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2008.06.011.
).
Despite this result, the poor gas permeability performance of SWM9 in
comparison with SWM3 and SWM6 can be attributed to the decreasing paste
strength of EGCs in the interfacial transition zone of SWM (3333.
Wahab MA, Latif IA, Kohail M, Almasry A. (2017). The use of
wollastonite to enhance the mechanical properties of mortar mixes.
Constr. Build. Mater. 152:304–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.07.005.
).
Consequently, the gaps created by the weakness of the matrix resulted
in the deterioration of the gas permeability coefficients for EGCs.
3.6. Freeze-Thaw Resistance
⌅EGCs
can deteriorate under various environmental loads (e.g., freeze-thaw
cycles). However, it is expected that the permeability of EGCs can be
much less in comparison with similarly strained concrete due to its
tight crack width, which would be useful for the durability of
cementitious composites (44. Zhong H, Zhang M. (2023). Engineered geopolymer composites: A state-of-the-art review. Cem. Concr. Compos. 135:104850. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2022.104850.
).
The effects of SWM amount on the mass change (mass loss) and UPV
measurement of FA+GGBFS-based EGCs samples subjected to 50, 100, 150,
200, 250, and 300 freeze-thaw cycles are shown in Figures 11-12, respectively. Moreover, Figure 13 displays the appearance of SWM6 sample at the end of 0, 50, 150, and
300 freeze-thaw cycles. As a result of freeze-thaw cycles, it was
determined that the presence of SWM in the mixtures of FA+GGBFS-based
EGCs reduced the mass loss and UPV values. For example, after 300
freeze-thaw cycles, the mass losses of SWM0, SWM3, SWM6, and SWM9 mixes
were obtained as 2.27%, 1.94%, 1.58%, and 2.15%, respectively. Likewise,
the UPV measurement at the end of 300 freeze-thaw cycles of these mixes
decreased by 55.19%, 54.04%, 52.23%, and 54.41%, respectively. SWM used
instead of FA partially increased the void ratio of EGCs due to its
larger grain size than that of FA. However, the increase in UPV
measurement for SWM3, SWM6, and SWM9 with respect to SWM0 was considered
evidence that SWM provided pore discontinuity in the matrix (3333.
Wahab MA, Latif IA, Kohail M, Almasry A. (2017). The use of
wollastonite to enhance the mechanical properties of mortar mixes.
Constr. Build. Mater. 152:304–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.07.005.
, 7272.
Patankar SV, Jamkar SS, Ghugal YM. (2012). Effect of sodium hydroxide
on flow and strength of fly ash based geopolymer mortar. J. Struct. Eng.
39(1):7–12.
, 7373.
Mathur R, Misra AK, Goel P. (2007). Influence of wollastonite on
mechanical properties of concrete. J. Scient. Indust. Res. 66:1029–1034.
).
On the other hand, an increase in the durability of EGCs can be related
to the reduced permeability of the matrix system due to the formation
of discontinuous pores. Furthermore, the increased porosity of the
matrix with the use of SWM up to a 6% replacement level with FA is
likely to accommodate frozen water (ice) without stress formation in
EGC. Therefore, the array of interactions within the composite matrix,
including SWM, led to the unique pore size distribution, resulting in a
composite capable of resisting freeze-thaw (7373.
Mathur R, Misra AK, Goel P. (2007). Influence of wollastonite on
mechanical properties of concrete. J. Scient. Indust. Res. 66:1029–1034.
).
Moreover, the downward durability trend for UPV measurement and mass
loss of SWM9 may be explained by the limited geopolymerization with
excess SWM.
Figure 14 shows the variations of the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity
(RDME) values depending on the number of freeze-thaw cycles. For all
freeze-thaw cycles in every 50 cycles, the lowest RDME values were
obtained from SWM0. It was determined that SWM6 performed the best in
terms of RDME. Unfortunately, the durability factor (DF) value of all
FA+GGBFS-based EGCs at the end of the 50th cycle was obtained as “60” smaller than the value specified in the ASTM C666 standard (5656.
ASTM C666. (2015). Standard test method for resistance of concrete to
rapid freezing and thawing. Annual book of ASTM standards.
). Therefore, the DF values of EGCs were determined as 0.
Mid-span
beam deflection and flexural strength values and curves of EGCs at the
end of 14 days and 300 freeze-thaw cycles are presented in Figures 15-17,
respectively. According to the results, it is not difficult to state
that the flexural strength of geopolymer samples is related to
compressive strength. As seen in Figures 15-17,
the mid-span beam deflection and flexural strength values of EGCs
increased up to a 6% SWM replacement level, while SWM9 had lower
mid-span beam deflection and flexural strength values than those of SWM6
but higher than those of SWM0. The mid-span deflections of SWM3, SWM6,
and SWM9 increased by approximately 18.3%, 39.6%, and 28.8%,
respectively, compared to SWM0 for 14 days. The flexural strength values
were determined as 4.3%, 8.9%, and 2.0%, respectively. As predicted,
the flexural strength of all EGCs decreased due to the damage at the end
of 300 freeze-thaw cycles. This trend reached quite high values for
EGCs. However, the ductility capacity of FA+GGBFS-based EGCs
incorporating SWM increased significantly, contrary to expectations.
Thus, SWM improved the flexural performance of EGCs up to a 6% content,
just as before freeze-thaw cycles. The mid-span deflections of SWM3,
SWM6, and SWM9 mixes increased by approximately 12.7%, 25.6%, and 20.5%,
respectively, with respect to SWM0 after 300 freeze-thaw cycles. The
flexural strength values were determined as 6.9%, 12.6%, and 3.2%,
respectively. The bridging ability of SWM improved the resistance of
EGCs during freeze-thaw cycles, resulting in higher flexural performance
of FA+GGBFS-based EGCs. It is also evident from Figures 16 and 17 that the acicular structure of SWM ensures bridging the micro-cracks of FA+GGBFS-based EGCs (3939.
Yücel HE, Özcan S. (2019). Strength characteristics and microstructural
properties of cement mortars incorporating synthetic wollastonite
produced with a new technique. Constr. Build. Mater. 223:165–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.06.195.
).
However, a higher content of SWM in SWM9 ensures no further improvement
in flexural strength. Hence, the lacking interfacial adhesion of SWM
and EGC paste reduced the flexural strength at the end of 300
freeze-thaw cycles (7474.
Kalla P, Rana A, Chad YB, Misra A, Csetenyi L. (2015). Durability
studies on concrete containing wollastonite. J. Clean. Product.
87:726–734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.10.038.
, 7575.
Ransinchung GD, Kumar B, Kumar V. (2009). Assessment of water
absorption and chloride ion penetration of pavement quality concrete
admixed with wollastonite and microsilica. Constr. Build. Mater.
23(2):1168–1177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2008.06.011.
).
The average crack width and crack number values at the end of the 14th day and 300 freeze-thaw cycles of EGCs are given in Figure 18. It was revealed that the number of cracks changed as the ductility of composites was enhanced by SWM. Likewise, the crack width of EGCs decreased with the increasing ductility.
3.7. Drying Shrinkage
⌅The drying shrinkage and mass loss variations of FA+GGBFS-based EGCs up to 180 days of drying are graphically depicted in Figures 19 and 20,
respectively. The drying shrinkage of SWM0 was determined as 2140.44 με
at the end of the 180-day drying period. According to these findings on
SWM9, SWM3, and SWM6, the drying shrinkage of FA+GGBFS-based EGCs
decreased in the aforesaid order, but all of the EGCs incorporating SWM
exhibited lower shrinkage than SWM0. Hence, the lowest drying shrinkage
among FA+GGBFS-based EGCs was obtained as 2000.18 με from SWM6 after the
180-day drying period. Moreover, similar test results to the present
study were reported by other studies, indicating that the bridging
ability of micro-cracks and contribution to pore discontinuity, as well
as the inert characteristics of SWM, were accompanied by lower shrinkage
strain in SWM3, SWM6, and SWM9 in comparison with SWM0, as confirmed by
the decrease in drying shrinkage with the increasing SWM content in
EGCs (3535.
Soliman AM, Nehdi ML. (2012). Effect of natural wollastonite
microfibers on early-age behavior of UHPC. J. Mater. Civ. Eng.
24(7):816–824. http://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0000473.
, 7272.
Patankar SV, Jamkar SS, Ghugal YM. (2012). Effect of sodium hydroxide
on flow and strength of fly ash based geopolymer mortar. J. Struct. Eng.
39(1):7–12.
, 7777.
He Z, Shen A, Lyu Z, Li Y, Wu H, Wang W. (2020). Effect of wollastonite
microfibers as cement replacement on the properties of cementitious
composites: A review. Constr. Build. Mater. 261:119920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119920.
).
It can be stated that SWM, with crystal or needle grain forms, has
certain roughness forms around itself, associated with surrounding
materials, and forms the matrix of the main composites as
micro-reinforcing. This reduces the degree of their mobility
independently of one another. Therefore, the drying shrinkage of SWM6
was noticeably decreased by SWM with high adhesion (7676.
Ibragim U, Erkin E, Aziza K. (2021). Physical properties of high
performance concrete on base wollastonite. Europ. J. Life Saf. Stab.
11:101–105. Retrieved from http://ejlss.indexedresearch.org/index.php/ejlss/article/view/203.
). As seen in Figure 20,
the % mass loss changes of EGCs exhibited similar trends with the
drying shrinkage results, especially until the 15th day. While the
highest mass loss was obtained from SWM0 as 17.07%, SWM6 had the lowest
mass loss of 15.33%. However, after day 15, the drying shrinkage
increased steadily despite the fact that the % mass loss remained almost
constant for all EGCs. This may be explained by the fact that drying
shrinkage deformation is associated with factors other than mass loss (7878.
Gesoğlu M, Özturan T, Güneyisi E. (2004). Shrinkage cracking of
lightweight concrete made with cold-bonded fly ash aggregates. Cem.
Concr. Res. 34(7):1121–1130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2003.11.024.
). Hence, mass loss alone cannot represent sufficient data on the variations of drying shrinkage for FA+GGBFS-based EGCs (7979.
Güneyisi E, Gesoğlu M, Azez OA, Öz HÖ. (2015). Physico-mechanical
properties of self-compacting concrete containing treated cold-bonded
fly ash lightweight aggregates and SiO2 nano-particles. Constr. Build. Mater. 101(1):1142–1153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.10.117.
).
3.8. TGA/DTA
⌅The TGA/DTA curves of FA+GGBFS-based EGCs are shown in Figures 21-22, respectively. According to previous studies (3838.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M. (2021). The effects of synthetic wollastonite developed
with calcite and quartz on high performance mortars. Struct. Concr.
22(S1):E257–E272. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201900520.
, 8080.
Sivasakthi M, Jeyalakshmi R, Rajamane NP, Jose R. (2018). Thermal and
structural micro analysis of micro silica blended fly ash based
geopolymer composites. J. Non-Cryst. Solids. 499:117–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2018.07.027.
),
the decrease in water in the N-A-S-H gel for FA-based geopolymers can
be attributed to the peak occurring in the 50-150 °C range due to the
reduction in mass. Moreover, for alkali-activated GGBFS-based
composites, the initial mass loss at 50-200 °C indicates the presence of
a C-S-H-like solid phase and dehydration in the geopolymer paste (8181.
Ben Haha M, Lothenbach B, Le Saout G, Winnefeld F. (2011). Influence of
slag chemistry on the hydration of alkali-activated blast-furnace slag —
Part I: effect of MgO. Cem. Concr. Res. 41(9):955–963. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2011.05.002.
, 8282. Lothenbach B, Gruskovnjak A. (2007). Hydration of alkali-activated slag: thermodynamic modelling. Adv. Cem. Res. 19:81–92.
).
The N-A-S-H and C-S-H gel contents of EGCs were determined by the mass
losses determined by the peak temperatures of the TGA curves in the
range of 20(initial)-200(final) °C in the DTA graphs. The gel contents
of SWM0, SWM6, and SWM9 were calculated as 9.27%, 8.77%, and 7.97%,
respectively. The analysis results indicated that the gel contents of
EGCs with SWM did not change in parallel with compressive strength. The
compressive strength of SWM6 and SWM9 was higher than that of SWM0. The
gel content of EGCs gradually decreased with the increasing SWM content.
These results showed that SWM was not involved in the reactions between
the alkali activator and GGBFS/FA in the chemical reaction zones due to
its inert structure (3838.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M. (2021). The effects of synthetic wollastonite developed
with calcite and quartz on high performance mortars. Struct. Concr.
22(S1):E257–E272. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201900520.
, 3939.
Yücel HE, Özcan S. (2019). Strength characteristics and microstructural
properties of cement mortars incorporating synthetic wollastonite
produced with a new technique. Constr. Build. Mater. 223:165–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.06.195.
).
It can be stated that its presence in the regions prevented chemical
reactions. Moreover, the decrease in FA can be thought to be another
reason for the decreased total gel content. Based on the gel contents
calculated with the TGA/DTA results and compressive strength values,
although the gel contents decreased with SWM, its improving effects on
compressive strength can be attributed to its superior physical shapes
in the microstructure. Due to its acicular particle structure, SWM can
bridge micro-cracks, leading to a higher load-carrying capacity (3535.
Soliman AM, Nehdi ML. (2012). Effect of natural wollastonite
microfibers on early-age behavior of UHPC. J. Mater. Civ. Eng.
24(7):816–824. http://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0000473.
, 3838.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M. (2021). The effects of synthetic wollastonite developed
with calcite and quartz on high performance mortars. Struct. Concr.
22(S1):E257–E272. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201900520.
, 3939.
Yücel HE, Özcan S. (2019). Strength characteristics and microstructural
properties of cement mortars incorporating synthetic wollastonite
produced with a new technique. Constr. Build. Mater. 223:165–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.06.195.
).
Additionally, the improvement in the durability and dimensional
stability performance of EGCs can be explained by the inert
characteristics of SWM. In fact, although it is predicted to increase
the pore volume, SWM preserves its acicularity by not participating in
the chemical reaction, thus providing pore discontinuity with this
physical structure (66.
Yücel HE, Öz HÖ, Güneş M, Kaya Y. (2021). Rheological properties
strength characteristics and flexural performances of engineered
cementitious composites incorporating synthetic wollastonite microfibers
with two different high aspect ratios. Constr. Build. Mater.
306:124921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124921.
, 3838.
Öz HÖ, Güneş M. (2021). The effects of synthetic wollastonite developed
with calcite and quartz on high performance mortars. Struct. Concr.
22(S1):E257–E272. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201900520.
, 3939.
Yücel HE, Özcan S. (2019). Strength characteristics and microstructural
properties of cement mortars incorporating synthetic wollastonite
produced with a new technique. Constr. Build. Mater. 223:165–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.06.195.
).
4. CONCLUSIONS
⌅This paper investigated the effects of SWM on the characteristics of FA+GGBFS-based EGCs by experimental methods, including mini slump-flow diameter, compressive strength, water sorptivity coefficient, rapid chloride permeability, apparent gas permeability, freeze-thaw resistance, and drying shrinkage. In this way, the following results can be drawn:
-
The mini slump-flow diameters of EGCs with/without PVA fiber ranged from 16.4±0.2 cm to 32.4±0.2 cm, respectively. It is expected that SWM will reduce the workability characteristics of EGCs due to its needle-shaped structure. However, this problem can be compensated by adding water to the geopolymer mixture as the mini slump-flow diameters of EGCs are fixed.
-
The highest compressive strength among EGCs with/without PVA fiber was observed as 122.6 MPa in SWM6 at 28 days. This may be explained by the improving effects of SWM, which is used instead of FA in the geopolymer matrix due to its fibrous texture owing to the needle-like structure and bridging ability of SWM displaying inert characteristics at the optimum curing condition, binder content, and alkali activator ratio for EGCs. Likewise, there was an incline trend with the usage of 6 wt% SWM in FA+GGBFS-based EGCs in terms of water sorptivity coefficient, rapid chloride permeability, apparent gas permeability, freeze-thaw resistance, and drying shrinkage test results. Indeed, the ability of SWM to bridge micro-cracks contributed to pore discontinuity, which resulted in the better durability and dimensional stability characteristics of EGCs. However, the poor strength, durability, and dimensional stability performance of SWM9 can be attributed to the weakening of the matrix bond in the interfacial transition zone of SWM in FA+GGBFS-based EGCs.
-
The TGA/DTA analysis showed that the gel content decreased with the increasing SWM content. This was interpreted as evidence that SWMs are inert substances and do not participate in chemical reactions. Furthermore, the decrease in gel content led to the thought that SWMs prevented the reaction between the alkali activator and GGBFS and FA as a filler material in the chemical reaction zone. Thus, it preserved the needle-like particle structure, provided pore discontinuity, and positively affected the formality of the pore network folds. Therefore, it improved the durability and dimensional stability performance of EGCs. Moreover, its ability to behave like a fiber increased both its bearing capacity and deformation capacity.