Performance Evaluation of Alkaline Activated Geopolymer Binders Using RCA and Industrial By-Products as Cement Alternatives

Mostafa Shaaban; Walid Fouad Edris; Abd Al-Kader A. Al Sayed; Raid S. Alrashidi; Tarek Ibrahim Selouma

doi:10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-02-018

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Mostafa Shaaban Department of Civil Engineering, Giza Engineering Institute, Giza 3387722,, Egypt https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4983-4554
Walid Fouad Edris 1) Department of Civil Engineering, Giza Engineering Institute, Giza 3387722, Egypt. 2) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering & Design, Kingdom University, Bahrain 40434, Bahrain.
Abd Al-Kader A. Al Sayed
ahmed.kader@gei.edu.eg
Department of Civil Engineering, Giza Engineering Institute, Giza 3387722,, Egypt
Raid S. Alrashidi Civil Engineering Department, Jubail Industrial College, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, Jubail Industrial City 31961,, Saudi Arabia
Tarek Ibrahim Selouma Department of Civil Engineering, Giza Engineering Institute, Giza 3387722,, Egypt

Vol. 11 No. 2 (2025): February

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This study explores the performance of alkaline-activated geopolymer binders using industrial by-products and recycled concrete fine aggregate (RCFA) as sustainable alternatives to traditional cement. Materials such as granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), silica fume (SF), red brick powder (RBP), quick lime (QL), and RCA were utilized to develop eco-friendly binders with enhanced mechanical and durability properties. Experimental tests evaluated physical, mechanical, and microstructural characteristics, including setting times, dry density, flexural strength, and compressive strength. Advanced analysis with SEM and EDAX examined aggregate-binder bonding. Results highlighted the critical role of binder composition in determining performance. Balanced mixtures of GBFS, SF, and RBP achieved superior strength, durability, and compact microstructures, while excessive QL increased porosity, reducing effectiveness. Optimal flexural strength (4.24 MPa at 56 days) was observed for the G30/S40-L20 formulation, underscoring the importance of precise proportions. Composition influenced setting times, with SF delaying gelation and high QL content accelerating it. The findings demonstrate the viability of using RCFA and industrial by-products in sustainable construction, offering a pathway to reduce reliance on traditional cement. The study emphasizes optimizing binder formulations for strength and durability while addressing environmental impacts, encouraging further research into long-term performance under diverse conditions. This innovative approach highlights the potential for integrating recycled and industrial by-products into construction practices to achieve eco-friendly solutions and promote sustainable urban development.

Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-02-018

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Shaaban, M., Edris, W. F., Al Sayed, A. A.-K. A., Alrashidi, R. S., & Selouma, T. I. (2025). Performance Evaluation of Alkaline Activated Geopolymer Binders Using RCA and Industrial By-Products as Cement Alternatives. Civil Engineering Journal, 11(2), 704–725. https://doi.org/10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-02-018

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Performance Evaluation of Alkaline Activated Geopolymer Binders Using RCA and Industrial By-Products as Cement Alternatives

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