Classification of Alkali Activated GGBS Mortar According to the Most Suitable Usage at the Construction Site

Abstract

The usage of OPC-free alkali activated ground granulated blast furnace slag(GGBS) mortar has been widely studied on the previous years, due to its advantages on sustainability, durability and workability. This paper brings a new view, aiming to classify the best application in situ for each mortar, according to the type and activator content. By this practical implication, more efficiency is achieved on the construction site and consequently less waste of materials. In order to compare the different activators, the following experiments were performed: analysis of compressive strength at 28 days, setting time measured by needles penetration resistance, analysis of total pore volume performed by MIP and permeability assessment by RCPT test. In general, activated GGBS had acceptable performance in all cases compared to OPC, and remarkable improved durability. Following the experimental results, it was confirmed that each activator and different concentrations impose distinct outcome performance to the mortar which allows the classification. It was observed that the activator Ca(OH)2 is the most versatile among the others, even though it has limited compressive strength, being suitable for laying mortar, coating/plaster, adhesive and grouting mortar. Samples activated with NaOH, in turn, presented in general the most similar results compared to OPC.