Influence of various parameters on strength and absorption properties of fly ash based geopolymer concrete designed by Taguchi method

Results show that maximum 7 days compressive strength of 64.39 MPa and minimum water absorption of 3.04% was obtained for fly ash based geopolymer concrete with the considered parameters. The inclusion of additional calcium (in form of OPC as fly ash replacement) was found to influence the compressive strength and water absorption properties most significantly. The best parametric combinations for both the properties were also obtained using Signal-to-Noise ratio graphs. Microstructure properties were also examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction analysis which confirmed more compact and less permeable matrix for the optimized mixture.