Fly Ash Based Geopolymer Concrete: a Comprehensive Review

Manufacturing of ordinary Portland cement is an energy intensive process that emits harmful greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which pollutes the environment. With the surge in infrastructural activities across the world consumption of the concrete is also expected to increase thereby increasing the OPC production. On the other hand, under-utilization of fly ash from thermal power plants compare to its generation has created environmental and disposal problem. Utilization of fly ash based geopolymer concrete in place of Portland cement concrete presents a suitable remedy to the environmental and land disposal problems. Also, geopolymer concrete have less carbon footprint compared to Portland cement concrete. This paper presents a comprehensive review of composition, mix design methods, production process, curing regimes, benefits, limitation, and applications of fly ash based geopolymer concrete. It reports most notable research findings on properties of fresh and hardened state geopolymer concrete over past decade. Lastly, it determines key factors to be considered for selecting appropriate curing regime for achieving required performance of concrete. Compilation of such extensive volume of information may provide a valuable insight for future research.