In the quest for sustainable construction materials, a recent study published in the journal *Applications in Engineering Science* (translated from the original title in another language) has shed light on the performance of self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) under elevated temperatures, offering promising insights for the energy sector and precast construction.
Led by Balamurali Kanagaraj from the Department of Civil Engineering at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences in Coimbatore, India, the research compared the bond and shear behavior of SCGC with conventional cement concrete and cement-based self-compacting concrete (SCC) before and after exposure to high temperatures. The findings could have significant implications for the durability and safety of structures, particularly those in high-temperature environments.
The study prepared three types of concrete: reference concrete, SCC, and SCGC, with the latter two meeting the European Federation of National Associations Representing for Concrete (EFNARC) guidelines for self-compacting behavior. Specimens were subjected to elevated temperatures for one and two hours, and their performance was evaluated based on mass loss, compressive strength, bond stress (BS), and interfacial shear stress (ISS).
One of the key findings was that after one hour of heating, SCGC exhibited the highest bond stress, followed by SCC and reference concrete. “This initial superior performance of SCGC is a positive indicator of its potential in applications where thermal resistance is crucial,” Kanagaraj noted.
However, the study also revealed that prolonged exposure to high temperatures led to severe degradation in all concrete types. After two hours, strength losses were significant, with reference concrete losing 65%, SCC 69%, and SCGC 67% of their strength. Bond stress and ISS losses exceeded 90%, indicating substantial performance loss.
Despite the severe degradation after prolonged exposure, SCGC demonstrated better thermal resistance initially, which could be beneficial in scenarios where structures are exposed to short-term high temperatures. “While all concrete types experienced substantial performance loss after prolonged high-temperature exposure, the initial better performance of SCGC suggests its potential in specific applications,” Kanagaraj explained.
The research highlights the need for further investigation into the thermal resistance of SCGC and the development of strategies to mitigate the effects of prolonged high-temperature exposure. The findings could shape future developments in the field, particularly in the energy sector, where structures often face high-temperature conditions.
As the construction industry continues to seek sustainable and durable materials, the insights from this study offer a valuable contribution to the ongoing efforts to enhance the performance of concrete under extreme conditions. The research not only advances our understanding of SCGC but also paves the way for innovative solutions in precast construction and energy infrastructure.