Development of Carbonation-Cured Alkali-Activated Slag Masonry Units

Joud Hwalla, Hilal El-Hassan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of early accelerated carbonation curing on the performance of alkali-activated slag concrete masonry blocks. The study employed crushed dolomitic limestone aggregates, with a binder-to-aggregate ratio of 1:6. A sodium based alkaline solution, prepared with a sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio of 1.5, was incorporated into the concrete batch at a solution-to-binder ratio of 0.6. The influence of carbonation curing parameters on the performance of concrete masonry blocks was evaluated, including initial ambient curing duration (0, 2, and 4 hours), carbonation duration (4 and 24 hours), and carbonation pressure (1 and 5 bars). These parameters were analyzed in relation to carbon uptake, compressive strength at 1, 7, and 28 days, and water absorption of the concrete masonry blocks. Additionally, a comparative assessment of the global warming indices associated with the production of cementitious and carbonation-cured alkali-activated slag masonry units was developed. The results reveal that carbon uptake and water absorption capacity increased with longer initial and carbonation curing durations and higher carbonation pressures. The compressive strength was either maintained or decreased due to the decalcification of calcium-rich gel produced during the activation reaction by carbonation curing. However, all mixes demonstrated suitability as non-load-bearing blocks, achieving strengths higher than 4.1 MPa after 1 day of batching. The environmental impact analysis indicator a reduction of 79.2% in the production of 1 m3 of carbonation-cured alkali-activated slag concrete in comparison to cement-based counterparts.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 9th International Conference On Civil Structural and Transportation Engineering, ICCSTE 2024
EditorsKhaled Sennah
PublisherAvestia Publishing
ISBN (Print)9781990800382
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event9th International Conference on Civil, Structural and Transportation Engineering, ICCSTE 2024 - Toronto, Canada
Duration: Jun 13 2024Jun 15 2024

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on Civil, Structural and Transportation Engineering
ISSN (Electronic)2369-3002

Conference

Conference9th International Conference on Civil, Structural and Transportation Engineering, ICCSTE 2024
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityToronto
Period6/13/246/15/24

Keywords

  • Alkali-activated materials
  • Carbon uptake
  • Compressive strength
  • Economic impact
  • Masonry blocks
  • Slag

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Transportation
  • Materials Chemistry

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