Evaluation of Compression and Flexure Properties of Different Geopolymer Mixes

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Recent studies of heat-cured fly-ash-based geopolymer concrete (GPC) have shown its suitability for the fabrication of new precast structural members and improved structural health of existing infrastructure components using spot repair. However, GPC curing requires continuous moderate heating (145°F) for 5 to 18 hours, and thus, an oven or a heat source is essential for curing. Curing large structures requires large amounts of energy, which can offset the environmental benefits of using GPC. The frontal polymerization (FP) technique has the potential to remove this heat source from the equation and can enhance the curing of ultra-high strength fly-ash-based inorganic GPC that is embedded with organic polymer composites. Initiation of the curing process requires a one-time short-period localized heating. However, conducting FP on geopolymer concrete materials requires full evaluation of mechanical properties of different geopolymer mixes. The present study will focus on the evaluation of compression and flexure properties of different geopolymer mixes with a goal to lay the foundation for achieving frontally polymerized geopolymer concrete (FPGPC) materials.