GeopolymerConcrete
Zero Portland cement concrete. Uses alkaline activation of industrial by-products (slag and fly ash) to create a three-dimensional polymeric matrix with very high chemical and mechanical resistance and near-zero carbon footprint.
Geopolymerisation does not create the calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) typical of Portland, but a three-dimensional network of aluminosilicates, chemically similar to natural rock.
Geopolymer concrete represents the radical alternative to the traditional cement industry. By replacing Portland clinker with a cold alkaline reaction, it transforms the waste of heavy industry into a synthetic rock of unrivalled performance.
The binder does not derive from the calcination of limestone, but from geopolymerisation. Two ingredients are required: precursors (powders rich in aluminium and silicon, such as fly ash or blast-furnace slag) and a liquid alkaline activator. Mixed together, they trigger an exothermic polycondensation that creates an amorphous, ultra-compact three-dimensional network. Producing 1 tonne of Portland cement generates about 850 kg of CO2; the geopolymer uses already-calcined materials as by-products of other industries.
The geopolymer matrix contains no free calcium hydroxide (portlandite). This absence solves the two great Achilles' heels of classic concrete: sulphate/acid attack and thermal vulnerability. Geopolymers withstand temperatures above 1000 degrees C without surface spalling, matching refractory ceramic materials.
Standards
European and international references applicable.
Physical properties
Usage environment
Flash setting risk: the alkaline reaction is fast — specific retarders are mandatory for ready-mix use. Preferred in prefabrication or 3D printing where the rapid setting is an advantage.
Documented applications
TAV. DHeavy prefabrication
Tunnel segments (TBM), railway sleepers and high-turnover formwork products.
Sewers and chemical conduits
Pipes and manholes exposed to biogenic sulphuric acid (H2S), where Portland would be corroded.
Marine infrastructure
Jetties and seawalls in permanent contact with saltwater, thanks to near-zero chloride penetration.
3D printing (3DCP)
Instant alkaline activation makes it the perfect material for robotic extrusion without sagging.
Binder Carbon Footprint (GWP kgCO2 per kg) — shorter bar = less impact
TAV. ERelative carbon footprint (GWP A1-A3). The geopolymer uses materials already calcined as by-products of other industries. Caution: with the closure of coal plants, Fly Ash supply is declining. Research is shifting to calcined clays (metakaolin) and volcanic ash (pozzolan).
Reference regulations
1 normInformational links to the regulatory framework. Always verify the current text on the official source.
Operational documents from this sheet
Specification clauses, site checklists and compliance dossiers generated from the graph — and kept in sync when a cited norm changes. Join the waiting list.
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