Influence of Micronised Biomass Silica on the Workability and Strength of Alkali Activated Slag Concrete

98-101Cement production consumes huge amount of energy, in particular, arising from the calcination of raw materials. The development of new binders by alkaline activation is one of the present research topic. The new binder materials that can replace Portland cement (PC), by alkali activation, consumes less energy and generates less carbon dioxide than PC. This paper presents an experimental study aimed to produce concrete without Portland cement using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and micronized biomass silica (MBS) as binding material activated by sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate as alkaline activator. Mortar and concrete mixes were prepared by various percentage replacements of GGBS by MBS. The percentage of MBS tried for concrete was 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% by volume. The properties of concrete, such as slump, fresh density and compressive strength at various ages were determined. From the study it was found that, 10% replacement of MBS gives higher compressive strength value and up to 20 % replacement of MBS is possible without reduction in strength and workability when compared to control mix (0% MBS).