Influence of elevated temperature on alkali-activated ground granulated blast furnace slag concrete

Purpose This paper aims to present an experimental investigation on the performances of alkali-activated slag (AAS) concrete and Portland slag cement (PSC) concrete under the influence of elevated temperature. In the present study, the alkali-activated binder contains 85% of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and 15% of powder blended as chemical activators. Design/methodology/approach For the purpose, standard size of cube, cylinder and prism have been cast for a designed mix of concrete. The AAS concrete specimens were kept for water as well as air curing. After attaining the maturity of 28 days, the samples were first exposed to different elevated temperatures, i.e. 100°C, 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C and 800°C. Later on, the tests were conducted on these samples to find the change in weight and the residual strength of the concrete. Findings After 500°C exposure, a considerable amount of the strength loss has been observed for AAS concrete. It has been evaluated that the performance of AAS concrete is better than that of the PSC concrete at elevated temperature. Research limitations/implications The present research work is being applied on the material for which the experimental result has been obtained. Practical implications The author has tried to develop a new type of binder by using steel industry waste material and then tested at elevated temperature to sustain at high temperatures. Social implications This research may give a social impact for developing mass housing project with a lower cost than that of using a conventional binder, i.e. cement. Originality/value A new type of binder material is being developed.