Shrinkage Characteristics of Geopolymer Concrete: A Comprehensive Review

Geopolymer concrete (GC) has become apparent as a promising and sustainable alternative to ordinary portland cement (OPC) concrete, presenting notable advantages in both environmental impact and mechanical performance. Despite these benefits, shrinkage remains a critical issue, influencing cracking susceptibility, long-term durability, and structural reliability. While previous investigations have focused on isolated parameters, such as activator concentration or curing techniques, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the shrinkage behaviour of geopolymer concrete by exploring a broader range of influential factors. Key contributors—including precursor composition, alkali activator concentration, sodium silicate-to-sodium hydroxide ratio, liquid-to-solid ratio, pore structure, and curing conditions—are evaluated and mitigation strategies are discussed. Comparative evaluation of experimental studies reveals key patterns and mechanisms: heat curing around 60 °C consistently limits shrinkage, low-calcium binders outperform high-calcium systems, and chemical additives can reduce shrinkage by as much as 80%. The analysis also highlights emerging, bio-based additives that show promise for simultaneously controlling shrinkage and preserving mechanical performance. By integrating these diverse insights into a single framework, this paper provides a comprehensive reference for designing low-shrinkage GC mixtures.