Characteristics of Alkali-Activated Controlled Low-Strength Material Derived from Red Mud-Slag Blends

Abstract:

This investigation evaluates the characteristics of alkali-activated controlled low-strength materials (CLSM) that were produced using a mixture of red mud (RM) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) with different RM-to-GGBFS weight ratios (100/0, 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30). A sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution of 5M concentration was used as an activator. Characteristics of raw materials were checked carefully before using. The effects of GGBFS content on both fresh and hardened properties of the CLSM were evaluated through the tests of flowability, setting time, and compressive strength. Additionally, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the microstructural properties of the CLSM. Experimental results show that using more GGBFS in the mixture reduces flowability and increases the compressive strength of the CLSM. Moreover, the setting time of the fresh CLSM is associated positively with GGBFS content. Further, analysis of the optimal mixture was conducted basing on the test results. Thus, the properties of the CLSM sample containing 80% RM and 20% GGBFS conformed well to the requirements of the Public Works Department, Taipei Government, Taiwan. The results of this study further support the potential use of RM-GGBFS blends for the production of alkali-activated CLSM.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 753)
• Pages: 343-348
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.753.343
• Online since: August 2017
• Authors: Chao Lung Hwang, Trong Phuoc Huynh*
• Keywords: Controlled Low-Strength Material (CLSM), Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag, Red Mud

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