An Investigation of Key Mechanical and Physical Characteristics of Geopolymer Composites for Sustainable Road Infrastructure Applications
Kmiotek A. Figiela B. Łach M. Aruova L. Korniejenko K.
April 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Buildings
2025#15Issue 8
One of the most important areas of the construction industry is road infrastructure. It plays a crucial role in the economy of various countries. Today’s roads must withstand long-term temperature and load differences, but some of the infrastructure cannot survive these tests, and after one severe winter, there may be asphalt cracks and holes that need to be repaired. This problem requires new applications and more resistant materials. Geopolymers are potential candidates. This class of material as a building material for roads has the potential to withstand frost and salt. The aim of the study herein is to demonstrate the mechanical and physical properties of a composite geopolymer made from fly ash, coal shale, nanosilica, and carbon fiber for potential application in road infrastructure. The research and experiments herein will serve to determine whether geopolymers are suitable for replacing traditional concrete in road construction processes. The following research methods were applied: SEM, XRF, XRD, compressive strength testing, abrasion, and investigation of freeze–thaw resistance in a climatic chamber. The results confirm the potential possibility of applying geopolymer compositions in road infrastructure, including sufficient mechanical properties such as ca. 38 MPa and freeze–thaw resistance, as shown by mass loss of about 1.7%, as well as sufficient abrasion resistance, as shown by mass loss of about 4%.
geopolymer , mechanical properties , sustainable road infrastructure
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Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, 37 Jana Pawła II Street, Cracow, 31-864, Poland
Interdisciplinary Center for Circular Economy, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, Cracow, 31-155, Poland
Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazhymukan Str. 13, r205, Astana, 010008, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics
Interdisciplinary Center for Circular Economy
Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering
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