Comparisons of alkali-activated binder concrete (ABC) with OPC concrete - A review

Improving the sustainability of concrete industry by adopting durable concrete with low energy intensity has become one of the major research focus in recent years, leading to the remarkable progress on alkali-activated binder concrete (ABC). To reveal the potentialities yet limitations of ABC towards a wider application, the parameters important to the properties of ABC were comprehensively reviewed in this paper. A systematic comparison with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete was provided, intending to assist in the selection of raw materials as well as curing regime for ABC to achieve similar workability, mechanical properties and better durability. However, a broad synthesis of available laboratory and field data highlighted the fact that it is rather complicated to control the performance of ABC which is highly sensitive to both the chemical and physical characteristic of precursors and activators. The lack of standardised procedures for assessing specific performance has further challenged the production of ABC with desirable properties, since some practical and reliable test methods developed for OPC were proved unsuitable for ABC. Nevertheless, given careful mix design with locally available raw materials, ABC is a potential low carbon material, especially for structures in harsh environments like sewage, chemical acid, organic acid and elevated temperature.