Comparison of Concrete Mixtures and Alkaline Activated Material with Regard to Selected Properties for Structural Design

Abstract

In the field of construction, with regard to social and design requirements, it is necessary to look for innovative and advanced solutions for the materials of building and structural elements. The topic of this paper is precisely from this area, where material engineering and the field of concrete belong. The aim of the research task is to compare the properties of three different mixtures. The main goal is the analysis and comparison of samples after exposure of test samples to elevated temperatures of up to 900 °C. The mixtures are based on the same ingredients. The first mixture was a reference one, where the binder was Portland cement. In the second mix, cement was replaced, and an alkali-activated binder was used. And in the third mix, which was a modification of the first mix, part of the aggregate was replaced with light artificial aggregate. The experimental part also focused on testing and comparing the workability in the fresh state and subsequently the basic mechanical characteristics, which include strength in compression, split tension, or static modulus of elasticity. In addition, tests of resistance to frost and defrosting chemicals or determination of the tear strength of the surface layer on the test beams were also carried out.