Research on dynamic mechanical properties of alkali activated slag concrete under temperature-loads coupling effects

- DMA properties of standard cured AASC are higher than natural cured AASC.
- Dissipated energy reaches its maximum value when AASC under stress and at 180 °C.
- Standard cured AASC had a denser internal structure than natural cured AASC.
- Production of AASC produces 20.2% less CO2 emissions compared to same strength OPC.

The 28-day dynamic mechanical properties of alkali-activated slag concrete (AASC) under standard and natural curing conditions were investigated using a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) device. The DMA results showed that the dynamic mechanical properties of the standard cured AASC were higher than the natural cured AASC when concrete heated from −45 °C to 250 °C. The dissipated energy reached its maximum value when AASC under stress were heated to approximately 180 °C. The microstructural analysis revealed that the pores of standard cured AASC were smaller than those under natural conditions in terms of the number of pores, volume and specific surface area. An economic and ecological analysis showed that compared with ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPC) in the same strength grade, the production of AASC consumes 2.4% less energy and produces 20.2% less CO2 emissions.