Development of Low Carbon and Energy-Efficient Geopolymer-Based Paving Blocks

Authors

  • Ivana V. Jelić University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12 - 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Aleksandar R. Savić University of Belgrade, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Tatjana A. Miljojčić University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12 - 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
  • Marija Z. Šljivić-Ivanović University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12 - 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
  • Slavko D. Dimović University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12 - 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
  • Marija M. Janković University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12 - 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
  • Ivana M. Perović University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12 - 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
  • Dimitrije M. Zakić University of Belgrade, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
  • Dragi Lj. Antonijević 3University of Belgrade, Innovation Center of Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Kraljice Marije 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.

Abstract

The development of energy-efficient and low-carbon geopolymer-based paving blocks made from waste, as an environmental-friendly material, was evaluated. Ground concrete (GC) and solid brick (SB) powder, as the representatives of construction and demolition waste (C&DW), with the addition of fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF), were used. Waste samples were characterized in terms of surface functional groups and radioactivity. The FT-IR spectra showed the required amorphous or semi-crystalline alumino-silicate structure. The gamma spectrometry confirmed waste samples' radiological safety. Hardened geopolymer samples were subjected to physical-mechanical investigation comprising of density, water content, compressive and flexural strengths determination. Based on strength characteristics, the three best prototype mixtures were selected and subjected to further compressive strength determination and durability assessment. Prototype sample SBFASFp1, with a compressive strength of 18.7 MPa, was shown the highest value of all samples, almost the same as the corresponding SBFASF1 sample. Freeze-thaw and the subsequent carbonation tests, as durability indicators, showed that the SBFASF1 sample had the slightest strength decrease, making it most durable in these conditions. These satisfactory test results showed the favorable effects of alternatives to cementitious materials, encouraging their utilization and contributing to the sustainability of the construction sector.

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Published

2025-10-05

Issue

Vol. 57 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Articles