Effect of Silicate Fume -Based Activating Solution on Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash/Silica Fume Geopolymer Concrete

This study introduces a novel approach by entirely substituting commercial Soduim Silicate (Na₂SiO₃) with silica fume (SF), an industrial by-product, to create economical and eco-friendly GC. Fly ash (FA) was partially substituted with SF at proportions of 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% of the total binder...

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Main Authors: Yasmin Abdel Aziz, Abeer El Malky
Format: Article
Language:Arabic
Published: Assiut University, Faculty of Engineering 2025-11-01
Series:JES: Journal of Engineering Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://jesaun.journals.ekb.eg/article_442310_eb4499143c07af975ba47ab98ba18e8b.pdf
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author Yasmin Abdel Aziz
Abeer El Malky
author_facet Yasmin Abdel Aziz
Abeer El Malky
author_sort Yasmin Abdel Aziz
collection DOAJ
description This study introduces a novel approach by entirely substituting commercial Soduim Silicate (Na₂SiO₃) with silica fume (SF), an industrial by-product, to create economical and eco-friendly GC. Fly ash (FA) was partially substituted with SF at proportions of 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% of the total binder weight to assess its impact on mechanical performance. The alkaline activator solution was employed at 30%, 35%, and 40% of binder weight, with different SF/NaOH ratios (0.75, 1.5, and 2.0) to enhance the activation process. Treated rubber fibers (0.3% by binder weight) were included to improve ductility. The workability and mechanical properties were assessed using slump, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity tests. Test results indicated that higher SF replacements diminished workability and strength, with a 25% substitution yielding optimal results. The SF-based activator demonstrated comparable strength to traditional methods, attaining optimal performance at an SF/NaOH ratio of 1.5. The inclusion of rubber fibers enhanced the elastic modulus by 10.8%. Microstructural analysis using SEM and EDX confirmed the formation of a denser matrix with fewer cracks and improved bonding. This research presents a viable alternative to commercial activators and proposes a sustainable GC mix design utilizing industrial by-products, contributing to more eco-friendly construction materials.
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institution Kabale University
issn 1687-0530
2356-8550
language Arabic
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publisher Assiut University, Faculty of Engineering
record_format Article
series JES: Journal of Engineering Sciences
spelling doaj-art-d5a8c7f27eba4d25bcffb2e5d78c4bf22025-08-20T03:46:46ZaraAssiut University, Faculty of EngineeringJES: Journal of Engineering Sciences1687-05302356-85502025-11-0153624827310.21608/jesaun.2025.383265.1506442310Effect of Silicate Fume -Based Activating Solution on Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash/Silica Fume Geopolymer ConcreteYasmin Abdel Aziz0Abeer El Malky1Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Modern University for Technology & Information, Cairo, EgyptCivil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Modern University for Technology & Information, Cairo, EgyptThis study introduces a novel approach by entirely substituting commercial Soduim Silicate (Na₂SiO₃) with silica fume (SF), an industrial by-product, to create economical and eco-friendly GC. Fly ash (FA) was partially substituted with SF at proportions of 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% of the total binder weight to assess its impact on mechanical performance. The alkaline activator solution was employed at 30%, 35%, and 40% of binder weight, with different SF/NaOH ratios (0.75, 1.5, and 2.0) to enhance the activation process. Treated rubber fibers (0.3% by binder weight) were included to improve ductility. The workability and mechanical properties were assessed using slump, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity tests. Test results indicated that higher SF replacements diminished workability and strength, with a 25% substitution yielding optimal results. The SF-based activator demonstrated comparable strength to traditional methods, attaining optimal performance at an SF/NaOH ratio of 1.5. The inclusion of rubber fibers enhanced the elastic modulus by 10.8%. Microstructural analysis using SEM and EDX confirmed the formation of a denser matrix with fewer cracks and improved bonding. This research presents a viable alternative to commercial activators and proposes a sustainable GC mix design utilizing industrial by-products, contributing to more eco-friendly construction materials.https://jesaun.journals.ekb.eg/article_442310_eb4499143c07af975ba47ab98ba18e8b.pdfgeopolymergeopolymerizationaluminosilicatefly ashsilica fume
spellingShingle Yasmin Abdel Aziz
Abeer El Malky
Effect of Silicate Fume -Based Activating Solution on Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash/Silica Fume Geopolymer Concrete
JES: Journal of Engineering Sciences
geopolymer
geopolymerization
aluminosilicate
fly ash
silica fume
title Effect of Silicate Fume -Based Activating Solution on Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash/Silica Fume Geopolymer Concrete
title_full Effect of Silicate Fume -Based Activating Solution on Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash/Silica Fume Geopolymer Concrete
title_fullStr Effect of Silicate Fume -Based Activating Solution on Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash/Silica Fume Geopolymer Concrete
title_full_unstemmed Effect of Silicate Fume -Based Activating Solution on Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash/Silica Fume Geopolymer Concrete
title_short Effect of Silicate Fume -Based Activating Solution on Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash/Silica Fume Geopolymer Concrete
title_sort effect of silicate fume based activating solution on mechanical properties of fly ash silica fume geopolymer concrete
topic geopolymer
geopolymerization
aluminosilicate
fly ash
silica fume
url https://jesaun.journals.ekb.eg/article_442310_eb4499143c07af975ba47ab98ba18e8b.pdf
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