International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 01 | Jan 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Experimental Study on the Effect of Curing Conditions on the Strength Development of Geo-Polymer Concrete Pradeep Kumar Yadav1, Mr. Ushendra Kumar2 1Master of Technology, Civil Engineering, Lucknow Institute of Technology, Lucknow, U.P, India 2Head of Department, Department of Civil Engineering, Lucknow Institute of Technology, Lucknow, India
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Abstract - The environmental impact associated with the
and the combustion of fossil fuels at very high temperatures, typically around 1450°C. This process releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, both from fuel combustion and from the decomposition of limestone. It is estimated that cement manufacturing alone contributes nearly 7–8% of global CO₂ emissions, making it a major contributor to climate change. In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, cement production consumes large quantities of natural resources and energy, further aggravating environmental degradation.
production of ordinary Portland cement has encouraged the development of geo polymer concrete as a sustainable construction material. This study presents an experimental investigation on the effect of curing conditions on the strength development of geo polymer concrete. Fly ash–based and fly ash–GGBS blended geo polymer concrete mixes were prepared using sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate as alkaline activators. Two curing regimes, namely ambient curing and heat curing at elevated temperatures, were adopted to evaluate their influence on mechanical properties. Fresh properties were assessed in terms of workability, while hardened properties were evaluated through compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength tests at different curing ages. The results indicate that fly ash–based mixes exhibited higher workability, whereas the incorporation of GGBS reduced workability due to rapid reaction kinetics. Heat-cured geo polymer concrete achieved significantly higher early-age and 28-day strength, while ambient-cured fly ash–GGBS mixes attained strength comparable to conventional concrete. The study confirms that curing conditions play a critical role in geo polymerization and strength development.
1.1.2 Need for Sustainable Alternatives in Concrete Technology Growing environmental awareness and stricter regulations on carbon emissions have created an urgent need for sustainable alternatives to OPC-based concrete. The utilization of industrial by-products such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) not only reduces cement consumption but also addresses issues related to waste disposal. Sustainable concrete technologies aim to minimize environmental impact while ensuring adequate strength, durability, and service life. Geo polymer concrete represents one such alternative that aligns with the principles of sustainable development and circular economy.
Key Words: Geo polymer concrete; Curing conditions; Fly ash; Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS); Ambient curing; Heat curing; Strength development; Sustainable construction materials
1.2 GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE AS A SUSTAINABLE BINDER
1. INTRODUCTION
1.2.1 Concept of Geo polymerization
The construction industry is one of the largest consumers of natural resources and energy worldwide. Concrete, being the most widely used construction material, plays a vital role in infrastructure development. However, the extensive use of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as the primary binder in concrete has raised serious environmental and sustainability concerns. This has led researchers to explore alternative binding materials that can reduce environmental impact while maintaining acceptable mechanical performance. In this context, geo polymer concrete has emerged as a promising sustainable alternative to conventional OPC-based concrete.
Geo polymerization is a chemical process in which aluminosilicate materials react with alkaline activators to form a hardened binder. Unlike OPC concrete, which gains strength through hydration reactions, geo polymer concrete develops strength through polymeric reactions involving silica and alumina species. Under alkaline conditions, these species dissolve and reorganize into a three-dimensional aluminosilicate network, resulting in a strong and stable binding matrix. This process eliminates the need for cement and significantly reduces carbon emissions associated with concrete production.
1.1. BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION
1.2.2 Role of Alumino-Silicate Materials and Alkaline Activators
1.1.1. Environmental Impact of OPC Production
Alumino-silicate source materials such as fly ash and GGBS play a critical role in geo polymer concrete. Fly ash, rich in silica and alumina, contributes to long-term strength
The production of ordinary Portland cement is an energyintensive process that involves the calcination of limestone
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