Title:
Non-Traditional Alumino-silicate Based Alkali-activated Mortars - Statistical Optimization of Solution Parameters and Processing Condition for Optimal Strength and Setting Time
Author(s):
Arachchige
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/23/2022
Abstract:
Fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag are the most widely researched precursors for producing alkali-activated binders. The recent shortage of good-quality fly ashes as supplementary cementitious material (SCM) prompted a rigorous search for alternative materials to replace the traditionally used SCM precursors for producing alkali-activated mortars. Three each calcined clays, ground bottom ashes, volcanic ashes, and two fluidzed combustion bed ashes, a total eleven materials, are evaluated as precursors for alkali-activated mortar. We identified several predictors of the properties like strength and flow, then adopted statistical tools like Design of Experiments (DoE), correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression analyses to build contour plots and regression models to predict the properties of the mortar. All the dominant variables that affect the properties of the alkaliactivated mortar are incorporated into statistical models so that the construction industry can efficiently utilize the knowledge about these new cementitious materials. Using the contour plots, the user can choose the solution parameters such as silica modulus, Na20 content, workability, the processing conditions such as heat cured vs. ambient cured, etc., for required strengths. The study also found that ten of eleven materials can be used as potential precursors for producing alkaliactivated binders that can produce a compressive strength of 4000 psi.