Properties of alkali-activated roller compacted concretes produced from waste aggregates

The energy consumption and the release of carbon dioxide during cement production require the search for alternative building materials. There is an increasing need for more environmentally friendly, more economical, durable and high-strength materials. Studies on recycling of waste materials in construction contribute to meeting this need. In this study, a new material that allows reuse of wastes was produced using known materials and techniques. Alkali-activated roller compacted concrete [AARCC] was produced with recycled coarse aggregates and the mechanical properties of this material were investigated. In this experimental study, the objective was to produce an alternative construction material composed of waste or by-products. Ground granulated blast furnace slag [GGBFS] was activated with a sodium silicate [Na2SiO3] and 10 M sodium hydroxide [NaOH] solution. The Na2SiO3 / NaOH ratio was 2.5 in the activator solution. The coarse aggregates were obtained from roller compacted concrete (RCC) wastes and an environmentally friendly material was produced without using any cement. As a roller compacted concrete is produced with a very dry consistency compared to conventional concrete, the amount of activator used is low, which provides environmental and economic benefits. The compressive strengths of the cube RCC specimens were determined at the ages of 7 and 28 days. Using the mix proportions designed in this study, it was found that the compressive strengths of alkali-activated RCCs were higher than roller compacted Portland cement concrete having high dosage of cement. Unit mass, total water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity [UPV], and modulus of elasticity of alkali-activated RCCs were also determined.