Geopolymer: A new sustainable repairing material for concrete cracks

Abstract

Concrete is considered by far the most widely used material in the construction field. As such, the matter of repairing concrete cracks has been a constant focus of researchers over the years since cement-based materials are not an effective solution due to the appearance of fissures again. To search for a better repairing solution, geopolymer paste was seen as an eco-friendly solution that fits the requirements of the EN-1504 standard. Geopolymer also reduces global warming and the usage of natural resources and recycles industrial waste materials resulting in the production of more sustainable and eco-friendly materials in the field of construction from what has been assessed geopolymers, it has been proven to show better characteristics than Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The objective of this paper is to study the mechanical properties of geopolymer paste used to bind fissured concrete. A comparison of results will be made between French Metakaolin-based geopolymer paste and Lebanese Metakaolin-based geopolymer paste. Results showed very promising results on different types of concrete cracks.