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Item Performance of Alternate Superplasticizers on Performance of Self-compacting Geopolymer Mortars—An Experimental Study(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2024) Prakash, G.B.; Mahendra, K.; Tanush, L.; Narasimhan, M.C.Geopolymer binders are the best alternatives to Ordinary Portland cement in the view of carbon impact on the environment. The effect of addition of different types of superplasticizers (SPs) on the flow and compressive strengths of a class of self-compacting geopolymeric mortar (SCGM) mixes is investigated in the present study. Three different kinds of SPs, namely modified Polycarboxylate Ether (MPCE), Polycarboxylate Ether (PCE), and Sulfonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde (SNF), were used in the production of SCGM with varying proportions at 1, 1.5, and 2% by weight of the binder. Results revealed that modified PCE-based SP showed better results in flow and compressive strength (CS) in comparison to PCE and SNF-based SPs. However, an increase in the dosage of SP had less/adverse effect on the flow properties. A maximum slump flow of 270 mm was observed for a modified PCE-based SP at 1.5% dosage, while the highest CS of 34 MPa was observed at 1.5% dosage of the same SP. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were carried out on a few selected SCGM mixes. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.Item Shear Strength Characteristics of One-Part Alkali Activated Concrete Mixes—A DOE Approach(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2024) Mahendra, K.; Prakash, G.B.; Shetty, S.; Narasimhan, M.C.Utilization of one-part alkali-activated concrete (OPAAC) mixes is an advantageous option for large-scale construction applications. In the present investigation, the main objective was to investigate the shear strength characteristics of OPAAC mixes that were made using GGBFS and fly ash as precursors and sodium meta-silicate as solid activator. Taguchi’s DOE approach has been used to reduce the experimental effort and to find the optimum parameters. An initial set of nine OPAAC mixes was identified based on an L-9 array, with three representative levels considered for each of three principal mix parameters and experiments were conducted to test their compressive and shear strengths. The test results revealed that the OPAAC mixes exhibited 28-day compressive strength values ranging from 55 to 70 MPa, with shear strengths varying in the range of 8.5–12.67 MPa. Multi-linear regression equations were then developed to predict the 28-day compressive and shear strengths using MINITAB 21 statistical software. The predictions of these were verified by conducting actual strength experiments on a new set of three verification mixes. Further, additionally, a generalized correlation was developed to predict the 28-day shear strength of OPAAC mixes based on the known 28-day compressive strength. Again, an examination of microstructures was carried out through the utilization of FESEM analysis, to get a general appreciation of the microstructure (morphology) and elemental composition using EDX analysis of these mixes. The outcomes of this study are anticipated to promote the extensive adoption of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials within the construction industry. The findings of this study are anticipated to promote the extensive adoption of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials in the construction industry. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.Item Experimental investigation and optimization of one-part alkali-activated self-compacting concrete mixes(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Mahendra, K.; Narasimhan, M.C.; Prakash, G.B.; Das, A.K.Emphasizing the growing importance of sustainability, alkali-activated materials (AAMs) have emerged as a revolutionary alternative for cement in the construction sector. This study delves into the fresh, mechanical, and microstructural properties of One-Part Alkali-activated Self-compacting Concrete (OPASC) mixes. While mixtures of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) and Fly Ash (FA) were utilized as the precursors, powdered sodium metasilicate was employed to function as the activator. To streamline experimental design and reduce the economic demands of extensive testing, the Taguchi-Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) was utilized to identify optimal multi-response parameter levels. This method considered binder content (B) within a range of 700–800 kg/m³, water-to-binder (W/B) ratios between 0.38 and 0.42, and Na2O percentages from 5 % to 7 % as key input variables. Results indicated that the designed mixes recorded workability values satisfying the EFNARC guidelines, compressive strengths greater than 60 MPa, split-tensile strengths in the range of 3.5–4.6 MPa, and flexural strengths varying between 5.5 and 7.2 MPa. The mix parameters for the optimal mix, with the highest mean grey relational grade, were identified from the Taguchi-GRPA approach as B = 750 kg/m3, W/B = 0.4, and N = 6 %. Microstructural analysis revealed the formation of C/N-A-S-H type gels, which are instrumental in developing a compact matrix enhancing the mechanical properties. A good agreement between actual experimental results obtained for a different set of verification mixes with those predicted by regression-equations confirmed the potency of the Taguchi-GRA approach in optimizing the OPASC mix parameters. © 2024 The Authors