Qualitative and quantitative analysis of agro-industrial based waste incorporated ternary alkali-activated concrete

An innovative research project on utilization of agro-industrial based wastes, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), coffee husk ash (CHA), and rice husk ash (RHA) as binder materials in alkali-activated ternary concrete is assessed for its performance in this paper. Sophisticated microstructural investigation methods were employed to characterize the components used in the binder. Based on the studies conducted using agro-industrial based wastes, an optimum mix of 30% CHA, 60% GGBS, and 10% RHA with 8M NaOH was considered for preparation of alkali-activated concrete. The performance of ideal alkali-activated concrete (IAAC) was compared with conventional M30 grade OPC concrete mix. The compressive strength of IAAC mix under ambient curing conditions was found to be 37.8 MPa and 38.4 MPa after 14 and 28 days respectively. Flexure and split tensile strength of IAAC mix after 28 days of ambient curing was found to be 5.4 MPa and 3.11 MPa respectively. The ultrasonic pulse velocity, and water absorption tests conducted on the alkali activated concrete specimen provided a direct relation to the mechanical property, indicting it to be a stable mix. Overall, the assessment concludes that the developed zero-cement alkali activated concrete is suitable for application in sustainable infrastructure development.