Influence of silica fume and alccofine on the mechanical performance of GGBS-based geopolymer concrete under varying curing temperatures

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is increasingly seen as a sustainable alternative to Portland cement due to its lower carbon footprint and improved durability. This study examines the effects of incorporating silica fume (SF) and alccofine (AF) as partial replacements (5%, 10%, and 15%) for ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) on the mechanical properties of GPC. It also assesses the influence of curing temperatures (27°C, 50°C, 80°C, and 120°C) on strength development. Results indicate that SF enhances compressive strength (CS), split tensile strength (STS), and flexural strength (FS) at a 5% replacement level, with maximum improvements at 80°C. However, higher SF levels reduce strength. AF consistently boosts strength, with the highest gains at 15% replacement and 80°C. Response surface methodology (RSM) shows optimal SF content at 5.606% and 72.35°C, while AF achieves peak performance at 15% and 80°C. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing GPC mix designs and improving performance under varying curing conditions.