Thesis (MSc) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Civil Engineering

Cement is without argument a harmful construction material that is widely used and
still in consumption in many places around the world. The harmful effects involved
the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) which contributes to about 7% of the global
carbon dioxide and the depletion of mineral resources during its production.
Geopolymers are new construction materials that are free from cement and result in
higher performance compared to cement when it is properly formulated. This study
focused on producing geopolymer mortar (GPM), a repairing material under ambient
and oven curing conditions to determine different mix performances under distinct
conditions. The study employed an experimental approach to address the aim and
objective of the research. Fly ash (FA) is the primary material used in this study,
silica fume (SF) and waste brick powder (WBP) were used in varying proportions to
replace the FA. Keeping all the parameters such as alkaline/binder ratio of 0.33,
SS/SH of 2.5, NaOH Molarity of 12M, sand ratio of 1:0.98, 6% of S.P and 4% extra
water constant throughout the mix, the GPM showed a significant performance in
both conditions. Mix G-02 having 75%FA, 15%SF and 10%BP achieved the best
mechanical and durability performance under both conditions. The mix achieved up
to 44MPa and 33MPa compressive strength under oven and ambient curing at 28
days respectively. Therefore, it is worth mentioning that 15%SF and 10%BP can
significantly improve the performance of fly ash-based geopolymer mortar under
both curing conditions.