PERFORMANCE OF GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE WITH NANO MATERIALS AS ADDITIVES

This study evaluates the performance of geopolymer concrete (GPC) using Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as a partial replacement for fly ash, along with GGBS and alkaline activators. The experimental work examined both fresh and hardened properties as per IS code guidelines. Workability was measured using the slump test. Standard specimens- cubes (150 × 150 × 150 mm) and cylinders (150 × 300 mm)—were prepared and cured under ambient conditions for 7 and 28 days. After curing, compressive strength and split tensile strength were tested to assess mechanical performance. Important conclusions drawn from the present study are as follows: 1.                     The mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete improve with the inclusion of RHA up to an optimum level of 10%. Beyond this percentage, both compressive and split tensile strengths decrease significantly. 2.                     At 10% RHA replacement, the maximum strengths were achieved Compressive strength = 30.35 MPa (28 days) and Split tensile strength = 2.55 MPa (28 days) 3.                     The early-age (7-day) and later-age (28-day) strengths show similar trends, confirming the consistency of performance. The strength improvement is due to the high amorphous silica content of RHA, which enhances geopolymerization and forms a denser alumino-silicate gel structure, improving load-bearing capacity and tensile resistance.

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