Analysis and reproduction of geopolymer concrete

Thesis: M. Eng., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, May, 2020Cataloged from the official PDF of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (page 36).Geopolymers are inorganic polymers based on aluminosilicates that are produced from synthesizing pozzolanic compounds or aluminosilicate source materials with highly alkaline solutions. Geopolymer concrete is a stronger, more durable and more environmentally friendly alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete. Based on Joseph Davidovits' recipe for geopolymer concrete, we varied the ratios of the materials in an attempt to produce the ideal formula for the concrete that withstands maximum compressive strength. Through our iterations, we found the optimum texture was produced when the amount of sodium carbonate and lime are proportionally increased relative to the rest of the materials.by Xin Yin Lo.M. Eng.M.Eng. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineerin