Comparative analysis of chloride and acid resistance in one-part geopolymer and low carbon concrete

A comparative analysis of the chloride and acid resistance of one-part geopolymer and low carbon dioxide concretes is presented, with a focus on their potential to replace traditional systems based on ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in construction. The performance of geopolymer concretes (GPCs) was compared with concretes made with OPC and OPC blended with supplementary cementitious materials (fly ash and slag) under aggressive environmental conditions. The findings revealed that, while GPCs exhibit superior resistance to acid attack, their chloride resistance is highly dependent on the specific precursor materials used. The study also highlights the limitations of using rapid chloride permeability tests at standard voltages for GPCs, suggesting that lower voltage tests at 30 V may offer a more accurate assessment. Overall, the results underscore the need for optimised precursor selection in GPCs to enhance durability and advocate for further research into testing methodologies tailored to these innovative materials.