Current State of Geopolymer Research
By K. Ichimliya
Concrete Journal, Vol.55, No.2, Feb. 2017
- Synopsis
- Geopolymers are a solidified product produced by the polycondensation reaction of an alkali silica solution such as water glass and an alumina silica powder such as fly ash. Geopolymers have attracted interest in recent years as a material having performance equal to or higher than that of Portland cement. The characteristics of geopolymers are wide-ranging, from the large reduction of CO2 emissions and mass consumption of industrial byproducts such as fly ash, to fixation of heavy metals and radioactive waste. On the other hand, elucidation of the solidification mechanism of geopolymers, and if they are to be used as a substitute for cement concrete, improvement of workability and the accumulation of data on durability, are required. This paper first explains the materials used for geopolymers and their solidification mechanism, their expected effects and current challenges, and then introduces the basic physical properties of geopolymers such as strength and durability, the current state of geopolymer research in Japan and overseas, and examples of the practical application of geopolymers.
- Keywords:
- reinforced concrete structure, building, structural design, calculation standards, lateral load-bearing capacity calculation
